Plan on Entertaining Outdoors This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Do It Right

Warmer weather entices people outside, and let’s face it, wide open spaces can provide more room to move around and reduce the potential for damage to your home’s interior.

However, to truly provide an outstanding outdoor entertaining experience, you’ll need to create a fun and inviting environment, Here’s what you need to create the type of outdoor space that neighbors won’t want to leave.

More than a grill

You’ll gain a lot of friends with this Artisan Fire Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

You’ll gain a lot of friends with this Artisan Fire Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Image courtesy of La Cuisine Appliances.

A grill is an obvious starting place. “You’ve got to have a good looking and functional grill,” says Daniel Germani, founder and creative director of Daniel Germani Designs.  “My favorite is the one has a lid that folds all the way back and goes flush with the countertop.”

However, Josu Gaubeka, president of La Cuisine Appliances, a kitchen appliances distributor, says he’s also seeing an increasing number of other appliances and accessories in summer kitchens.  “They’re going beyond the BBQ, and building out full kitchens. In fact, many families are adding pizza ovens to keep the kids and their friends close by.”

Specialized cookers

Increase your cooking options with the Goucho Grill by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

Increase your cooking options with the Goucho Grill by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Image courtesy of La Cuisine Appliances.

In addition to grills and pizza ovens, homeowners are also adding other types of cookers. “We’re seeing specialized cookers, such as side burners for boiling seafood or wok cooking, and smokers,” according to Mitch Slater, CEO and Founder, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens.

However, if you want to put a specialty appliance, like an Argentinian grill, in cabinetry, Slater warns that you’ll need to use non-combustible materials, like stainless steel, “Also, it’s best to line your cabinets with firebrick so they won’t become discolored due to extreme heat exposure,” he says.

Another point to keep in mind is that your exterior kitchen layout is as important as your indoor kitchen layout.

Water and refrigeration

Sinks and refrigerators add convenience.

Sinks and refrigerators add convenience. Image: Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock

“I’m being called on by developers of luxury condominiums to add summer kitchens on each unit – including an electric grill, ice maker, and sink,” says Gaubeka. That comes as no surprise to Germani.  “A sink and a refrigerator are must-have items, and I like to include 2 fridges in my outdoor kitchens — one for food and one for beverages,’ he says.

In fact, if you want to maximize time with guests by avoiding trips indoors, Slater recommends duplicating your indoor kitchen. “In addition to a sink and refrigerator, you could also include trash cabinets, and even dishwashers manufactured for outdoor use.”

However, in lieu of an actual refrigerator, Gaubeka says some homeowners are installing refrigerated drawers.

Shade

Be sure to provide shelter from the heat.

Be sure to provide shelter from the heat. Image courtesy of Belgard

When the sun is beaming down, you’ll need to protect your friends and family members from those damaging rays. “Cantilevered overhangs provide lots of shade while cooking/lounging outdoors,” according to Miami-based architect Choeff Levy Fischman. But that’s not your only option. Slater recommends using fans, misters, and light-colored furniture as additional cooling sources.

Lighting

Lighting provides safety and highlights design features.

Lighting provides safety and highlights design features. Image courtesy of Belgard

“Having good lighting allows you to create a mood, grill and entertain far after the sun goes down and the martinis start to flow,” says Germani. In addition to being an entertainment element, lights also create a safe environment, so you won’t get sued because someone tripped and fell in the dark. HGTV/DIY host Matt Blashaw’s outdoor lighting tips are a good guide for using light strips, spotlights, etc. Also, Duane Draughon, owner and lead designer at VizX Design Studios in Lisle, IL, recommends an overhead structure trellis pergola with lighting. 

Entertainment

Cheer for your favorite team with an outdoor TV.

Cheer for your favorite team with an outdoor TV. Image courtesy of Belgard

“As we navigate from the inside to the outdoor kitchen, entertainment will also transform these spaces with additions like outdoor speakers and big screen TVs,” says Wendy Hammerman, Founder & Lead Designer at WLH Interiors, a full-service interior design studio in New City, NY.

But as popular as TVs are, Patti Wynkoop, VP of Product Development and Purchasing for Miller & Smith, which builds new homes and develops real estate in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, believes that music is even more popular as an outdoor entertainment feature. “Outdoor ceiling speakers make it easy to enjoy your favorite music while you cook or entertain guests,” she says.

However, when incorporating technology, consider the needs of your guests. “Be sure to include several usable power outlets for cell phone charging,” advises Draughon.

Seating/Furniture

Multiple seating options.

Provide multiple seating options. Image courtesy of Miller & Smith

Seating is an important choice as it will determine your entertaining options. “While outdoor wicker furniture has been popular in the past, we see a lot more built-in bench seating styled with throw pillows and cushions for a casual, comfortable feel that’s able to accommodate more people,” according to Hammerman.

You’ll probably prefer to have guests sitting upright at tables to reduce spills when they’re eating. However, consider mixing this type of seating with more relaxing options. “Sunken seating areas provide depth and additional space for entertaining,” according to Fischman.

And there’s something else you should keep in mind when choosing furniture. “Composite furniture such as sofas, lounge chairs and end tables are maintenance free, fade resistant and easy on the eyes,” says Wynkoop.

Flooring and ceiling considerations

Your flooring should be durable. I

Your flooring should be durable. Image courtesy of Dekton Nilium Flooring

Flooring should be durable, yet stylish. “Beadboard is a solid choice in flooring materials for an entertainment space and it is often used to seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living areas,” Wynkoop says. For decks, she recommends Duadek outdoor waterproof flooring. “The suede color is often the best neutral choice for entertainment spaces as it provides flexibility with decor and rugs.”

Maintain the flow between your interior and exterior places.

Maintain the flow between your interior and exterior areas. Image courtesy of Miller & Smith

Just as the connection in flooring is important for flow, Wynkoop says consistency in ceiling height and material will also marry indoor and outdoor entertainment spaces. “If you have a ceiling in your outdoor entertainment space, adding tongue & groove planks or panels gives the appearance of a plank installation – painted or stained – and is perceived as a more refined level of detail.”

Planning for colder weather

You can entertain outdoors at least 3 seasons of the year.

With the right setup, you can entertain outdoors at least 3 seasons of the year. Image: TimAbramowitz/Getty Images

Summer will be over before you know it, but by planning wisely, you can continue to entertain outdoors well into the fall months. “Just like indoor furniture, you can add cushions, throw blankets and pillows to your outdoor furniture for comfort and enjoyability throughout the year,” Wynkoop says.  Firepits and outdoor fireplaces can also keep you warm and toasty when the weather turns colder.

The post Plan on Entertaining Outdoors This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Do It Right appeared first on Freshome.com.

Exclusive! HGTV/DIY Host Matt Blashaw’s Outdoor Lighting Tips and Tricks

You’re probably ready to start relaxing and entertaining outdoors during the day and at night. For the latter, you’ll need strategically placed lighting for safety reasons. But there’s no reason why your lighting can’t be both functional and stylish.

Matt Blashaw. Photo credit Chaz Curr

TV host, landscape expert and realtor Matt Blashaw. Photo: Chaz Curr

Matt Blashaw, the popular HGTV and DIY host of Yard Crashers, Money Hunters and Vacation House For Free, has teamed up with the makers of Philips Hue smart lighting. Freshome asked Blashaw (who is also a landscaping expert and realtor) for some tips to help transform your outdoor spaces with the latest lighting available today.

Lights can help to create the perfect ambiance. Image: Travis Wolfe/Shutterstock

Lights can help to create the perfect ambiance. Image: Travis Wolfe/Shutterstock

Choose the right lighting

“Make sure you use lighting that’s specifically designed to withstand the elements. It should be outdoor-rated,” Blashaw tells Freshome. There are a lot of different types of outdoor lighting, so how do you know which should be used in which applications? Blashaw offers a quick guide.

Pathway lights serve a variety of functions.

Pathway lights like the Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Bollard serve a variety of functions. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

“Install pathway lighting to create an inviting path up to your front door, spotlights to enhance structures and create subtle moods and lightstrips under your shade structures to transform the area into the perfect entertaining space,” Blashaw says. He also recommends swapping out your exterior wall lights to add color and drama.

“No matter what kind of light your home requires, from the driveway to the front door to the patio in your backyard, lighting is a great way to transform your space.”

Use a variety of lights to achieve the perfect result. I

Use a variety of lights to achieve the perfect result, like the Philips Hue Calla Outdoor Bollard. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

Pathway lighting

“Pathway lighting is perfect to define walkways, add safety and connect your outdoor spaces visually,” Blashaw says. “Space out your pathway lighting to get the proper amount of coverage. I like to leave about 6 feet between lights.”

Philips Hue Lily.

Use Philips Hue Lily Spotlights on a wall or in your flowerbed. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

Spotlights

“One of my favorite lighting elements to install in a yard are spotlights, but you should be thoughtful about placement,” Blashaw says. He recommends that you pick a few of the most visually interesting plants or trees to illuminate. Then, use other types of lighting in planters to balance the effect. “This will provide visual definition to your space and not wash out all of the detail your yard has to offer.”

You can also create focal points with the Philips Hue Lily Spotlight. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

He says that spotlights can be placed either in front of or behind the trees in the landscape. “Each position creates a completely different effect,” Blashaw says. “Lighting from the front will enhance the plants’ natural texture and cast a silhouette on any structure behind them for even more visual interest.”

Philips Hue Lily Spotlight‘s integrated color bulbs allow you to change the ambiance. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

“Lighting a tree from the front with two spotlights on either side will enhance the texture of the bark and leaves,” Blashaw says. “I will sometimes install the spotlight on the ground at the rear of the tree in order to separate it from the rest of the landscape and set a dramatic mood.”

If you want to make a large yard seem cozier, Blashaw says you should only light the elements that are closer to the living space. “Don’t light trees and shrubs that are too far in the distance without adding any lights in between them and the living space,” he recommends. “I like to use spotlights in the planter beds and bollards on the pathway that closely interact with my main living space.” To achieve the best effect, make sure that you’re also properly maintaining your lawn.

Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrips are bendable and durable. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

Lightstrips

“Lightstrips are the perfect way to create a one-of-a-kind event in your yard 365 days a year,” Blashaw says. One advantage of lightstrips is that Blashaw says they can be shaped to fit the contour of any garden bed or defined space in your yard.

Use Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrips to create diffused light. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

“I love to install them right against my planters to add a one-of-a-kind look and make them sparkle,” he says. “Add them to the planter beds in front of your house, too, to turn up the curb appeal and define your landscape.”

Make your home a welcoming sight.

Make your home a welcoming sight. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

Wall lights

“You can’t forget about finding the right light to highlight the facade of your home,” Blashaw says.

Traditional wall lanterns can also add interest to your home's exterior.

Traditional wall lanterns like the Philips Hue Inara Outdoor Wall Light can also add interest to your home’s exterior. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

“Add lights to each side of any front door entryway to give your guests a welcoming entrance,” Blashaw advises. In addition to providing safety, wall lights can also be used to create the desired ambiance. Here, your color choices are important.

Floor your backyard with soft colors.

Floor your backyard with soft colors using the Philips Hue Discover Outdoor Floodlight. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

These lighting tips can help you bring your outdoor spaces to life. But if your home isn’t ready for summer, check out this list of interior and exterior maintenance tasks that you need to tackle ASAP.

The post Exclusive! HGTV/DIY Host Matt Blashaw’s Outdoor Lighting Tips and Tricks appeared first on Freshome.com.