How to Set Up a Dream Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Space

Ready for some great tips, courtesy of Guest Blogger, Shirley Martin, from Tidy Life Today?  I know I am!  This week's blog post is great, especially since most of us are stuck at home.  Let's focus on how we can still enjoy the smaller things in life- this post Shirley shows you how.  

Just because you’re still stuck at home due to COVID-19 doesn’t mean your summer has to be boring. Especially since one of the perks of having more free time is that you can take on fun summer projects that will improve your home, including creating the ultimate backyard kitchen and dining space! Then, you and your family can take your summer meals outside for some fresh air and sunshine. You can get started by following these tips.

First, Let’s Talk About Your Home Value

If you’re still on the fence about sprucing up your outdoor spaces, and you plan on selling your home, you may want to read through these tips. Because as you read through tips for boosting your home’s value, you will see that updating outdoor spaces tops the list. To get the most return out of your improvement project, be sure to snag some killer before and after photos and keep up with receipts. That way an appraiser will be able to calculate just how much value your new outdoor kitchen and dining area adds to your home. Adding curb appeal by updating the landscaping around these spaces can also increase your home value and help it attract more potential buyers. So, this is one summer project that home sellers will not want to skip!


Next, It’s Time to Think About Your Space
Now that you understand how outdoor spaces can help your home value, it’s time to get to work on updating yours! If you are starting from scratch that may mean starting with your yard and gardens. If you’re looking for low-maintenance landscaping to surround your dining and kitchen space, then using planters and containers may be your best option. Then, you won’t have to worry about spending hours watering and caring for a lawn. However, it can also be pretty wonderful to have your own vegetable garden out back so you can create authentic farm-to-table recipes without leaving your yard. Planting colorful vegetables and flowers together in your garden can really add some style but adding an archway or beautiful containers can also work. Also, think about whether a deck or patio is best for your entertainment needs.


Now, You Can Pick Out Appliances and Furniture
Since a backyard kitchen is such an extensive project, you should think about what sort of appliances and setups you would like to include in this area. Having at least a grill is a must but you may also want to add a cooktop, a smoker, or even a pizza oven. Typically, these appliances can be built into your space, which means you’ll need to hire a contractor to help out with this project. While inviting a professional into your home during a pandemic may feel stressful, practicing social distancing and asking about safety precautions can ease your mind. While your contractor is working on building your dream outdoor kitchen and dining area, you can pick out some outdoor furniture. You can shop online for furniture that will fit any budget.


Finally, Add Some Finishing Touches to Your Space
Okay so now that you’ve put all that effort into planning and building your new outdoor spaces, it’s time to have some fun with decor. Creating the perfect summer party space comes down to picking the right decor, so look for fun throw pillows, boldly colored outdoor rugs, and sophisticated table accessories to complete your outdoor oasis. Since you plan on hosting lots of outdoor dinners and parties this summer, be sure to top your new dining space off with some quality outdoor dinnerware and look for options that are as cute as they are durable. Pick a pattern that complements the rest of your decor to really help pull your space together.


Nothing says summer quite like dining al fresco with your family. So get to work planning and creating your ultimate backyard kitchen and entertainment space! Who knows, you may even begin to prefer your own backyard to dining out on restaurant patios. Which could make time go by a lot faster when you are stuck at home.


Photo Credit: Unsplash