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The outdoor kitchen continues as a prime space for homeowners with many opting to customize and remodel their patio and deck .  As an interior designer in Seattle, WA, my clients can use this space nearly year round due to the climate (rain cooperating). This part of the home is a magnet for entertaining resulting in customization.  Gather your friends and family for grilling, wine tasting and special events.

As homeowners increase the use of outdoor spaces, I see a workstation that combines essential elements for cooking and entertaining ease. There are many more options and I encourage readers to explore them at Better Homes and Gardens and BHG.com.

Here are my six essentials for an outdoor kitchen.

1. A roomy countertop for preparation and cooking.
2. A solid material such as durable granite for the counter and backsplash (easy to clean and maintain).
3. Storage such as stainless steel drawers for tools and items used frequently.
4. Task lighting for evening grilling.
5. Refrigeration for beverages, condiments, food. (Locate one suitable for outdoor use).
6. A mobile cart for serving, trays, napkins, flatware,  condiments and all the rest.

Are you craving your personal outdoor kitchen? Looking for a friend in the design business? We’re here to help you customize and design your outdoor space. Call us 206.437.8000 or send your request to design@faithsheridan.com.

Tags: essentials for an outdoor kitchen, Faith Sheridan Design Group, interior designer Seattle WA, outdoor entertaining
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In an online interior design update from ASID, I saw the news that “interest in home improvements such as finished basements and attics and outdoor living features remain popular.  As the housing boom has passed, there seems to be a renewed interest in investing in properties to make homes more livable, as opposed to real estate that can be resold quickly for a profit.” In my Seattle practice I know this to be true.

Topping the list of outdoor living and landscaping trends are low-maintenance landscaping (67 percent), outdoor living space (60 percent), and blended indoor/outdoor living (51 percent).

Outdoor dining and entertaining from Wolf

Reasons an outdoor living space is a popular addition:

• A covered patio allows people to enjoy relaxing or entertaining outdoors and while  protected from the weather, whether that is rain, or sun!
• A covered patio in Seattle means the backyard barbecue won’t end because of rain.
• A covered patio creates an outdoor “room” and adds to the space in your home. With a cover, a patio can become an extension of a house, a garden, or a poolside area. Plus it adds resale value for the homeowner.
• Covered patios add an element of design to your home and the space can be decorated to coordinate with your home interior using  plants, patio furniture, rugs.
• A covered patio is a perfect place and excuse for a party. Expect to socialize and entertain often once you complete an covered outdoor patio.

Tags: covered patio, home improvements, outdoor entertaining, Seattle
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