Outdoor entertaining has taken a new turn. No longer content with firing up the old gas grill and putting out some folding chairs around a picnic table, designers have turned outdoor entertaining into a seamless transition from inside kitchen to outdoor patio. Outdoor kitchen designs are the new trend for all your entertainment needs.

These designs not only include huge gas grills with extra burners. An entire floor plan is laid out similar to what you already have inside. Weather proof refrigerators, freezers, counter tops, wine coolers, and even appropriate lighting is added to these designs. Walkways made of bricks, tiles, and stones are popular, and most are very affordable.

If gas grills aren’t your style, then choose from hundreds of styles of gas or electric ranges specifically designed to work outside. Although some restrictions apply as far as how much weather they can be subjected to, putting them under a roof extension and covering with a normal grill cover when not in use, are usually adequate when it comes to keeping them safe from the elements.

Having an outdoor kitchen certainly means you will need to dig up some lawn to lay pipes or electrical wires. Take all this into consideration when you plan your budget. Unless you are installing only a large gas grill and a brick counter, you will definitely need to consider some type of water and electrical lines being brought from the house.

As your new outdoor kitchen plans come to fruition, don’t forget sitting and lounging areas. Chances are you have an open floor plan in your home, with the kitchen overlooking a family or TV room. Your outdoor kitchen shouldn’t be any different. Have your cooking area and then off to the side add outdoor furniture that might include sofas and easy chairs, a coffee table, lamps, etc.

Don’t forget a wet bar! This area could be as simple as a counter top with chairs that fit underneath, or as elaborate as a standalone bar with its own ice maker, sink, wine cooler, and marble counter. Although the sink should have its own running water, you probably won’t need to add running hot water.

For an added designer touch, try a matching electric fire pit and a weather proof, washable area rug.

For the finishing touch, consider one of the new weather proof flat screen plasma TVs. These can be mounted on an external wall permanently.

For more information on your outdoor living space or hardscape project, see Independence Antique Brick’s website.

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4. Tips To Enhance The Ambient And Decor Of Your Kitchen
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