Dan's Papers - June 5, 2009 - A Backyard Oasis

Today's outdoor kitchen looks very different from the grilling space you might recall from childhood. Outdoor kitchens can range in price from $2,000 for a small counter with a simple grill to $30,000 or more for appliance-laden, high-end versions. Consider your lifestyle, budget and how you like to entertain before selecting appliances. The hybrid-grill is a good option, combining the flavor of a charcoal grill with the ease of a gas grill. Refrigerated beverage centers with built-in wine coolers and gas-fired pizza ovens make entertaining fun. Utility lines - electric, gas and water - are typically brought from the main house to your patio area. Consult with your contractor to see how this affects your budget.

When planning any outdoor cooking area, make sure you provide some relief from the sun. It's best to locate the kitchen in a shaded area or provide shade with a pergola or awning over the barbeque unit. Avoid placing the grill in a direct line with the eating area to prevent smoke from clouding the dining table and guests. The more comfortable everyone feels, the more enjoyable the experience, and the more often you'll want to cook or entertain outside.

Don't overlook the importance of lighting your outdoor oasis - consider various types of lights to create a soft, natural effect. Showcasing trees with spotlights is an inexpensive way to light your garden. Solar garden lights are great to illuminate pathways. When I'm lighting a pond or a pool, I like to give it a glowing look rather than a spotlight. Submersible lights give a soft rippling effect in water and LED (light emission diode) bulbs are brighter, come in more colors, and consume less energy than ever before.

I've designed many outdoor living rooms, complete with color schemes and outdoor carpets. A weather resistant carpet gives the space an elegant look. Plan your outside furnishings so that they complement your interior décor. The creation of an outdoor space is easy with the many coordinated cushions, umbrellas and outdoor carpet options offered by retailers. Move outdoors and have fun - it's summer!