Cincinnati Leisure Time Outdoors Has Taken On A Whole New Meaning
According to a survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings
Association, people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising,
dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining outdoors.
Residents of Cincinnati and Northern Cincinnati, in tune with the majority
of Americans, do not just want their
decks,
patios and
porches to be aesthetically pleasing showpieces, they want to get real use out of them.
53% want to create enjoyable and functional space. Other top reasons include
the ability to entertain (36%) and to create a private retreat (34%).
When it comes to adding value, financial and emotional considerations are
now taken into effect. While building financial equity is great, most
homeowners are more interested in building spaces that work for them now.
74% of homeowners use their patios for relaxation, while nearly three in
five use them for socializing with family and friends. 51% of them use
their outdoor spaces for cooking.
In the recent past, as far back as the beginning of 2020, we were focused
on creating outdoor spaces that complement our homes and lifestyles –
today we are creating outdoor spaces that supplement our sense of wellbeing
and transform an outdoor area into an outdoor room.
Cincinnati Outdoor Living Spaces That Our Clients Are Asking For
At Archadeck, one of our mantras is, “If you can dream it, we can design and build it” – to perfection.
Case in point is
the increasing demand for outdoor kitchen. Of all the exterior home details now available to Archadeck customers,
outdoor kitchens reign supreme. The Fixr Trends for Outdoor Living Spaces
states 61% of respondents rank outdoor kitchens as the most popular feature.
The NKBA reports similar popularity with its respondents (60%), and the
Brown Jordan Outdoor Living Report says 65% of American homeowners aged
35 to 44 cite a full outdoor kitchen as very important if they were designing
an outdoor space.
What Makes Archadeck Outdoor Kitchens The New “Must Have” Feature
Of Decks And Patios Here In Northern Cincinnati?
Sought-after advancements in outdoor kitchen technology and design trends
may have emerged in recent years, so it's a good idea to consult with
your Archadeck outdoor kitchen designer for the latest trends and recommendations
when planning your outdoor kitchen.
Here is what we are noticing of late:
- Grill: A high-quality grill is the centerpiece of most Cincinnati outdoor
kitchens. Homeowners often opt for built-in gas grills, which come in
various sizes and styles, including infrared and charcoal grills for added
versatility.
- Countertops: Durable and easy-to-clean countertops are essential for food
preparation and serving. Popular choices include granite, concrete, tile,
and natural stone. Countertops should provide ample workspace for cooking
and serving.
- Storage: Adequate storage is crucial for keeping cooking utensils, grill
accessories, and cooking ingredients close at hand. Cabinets, drawers,
and shelves designed to withstand outdoor conditions are commonly included.
- Sink and Faucet: An outdoor sink with a faucet makes food prep and cleanup
more convenient. It allows you to wash dishes, vegetables, and hands without
having to go inside.
- Refrigerator: Did you ever think that you would see a refrigerator in your
backyard? Today outdoor refrigerators keep beverages and perishable items
cold, reducing the need to go back and forth between the indoor and outdoor
kitchen. It's particularly useful for outdoor entertaining.
- Cooking Surfaces: In addition to the grill, outdoor kitchens may include
other cooking surfaces such as side burners, griddles, smokers, and pizza
ovens to expand cooking options.
- Bar Seating: A bar or counter with seating is a popular feature, allowing
guests to sit and chat with the cook while enjoying a meal or drink. Bar
stools or outdoor seating options are often incorporated.
- Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial for nighttime cooking and entertaining.
Task lighting over the grill and prep areas, as well as ambient and decorative
lighting, can enhance the overall ambiance.
- Fire Features: Some outdoor kitchens incorporate fire features such as
fire pits or outdoor fireplaces. These provide warmth, a focal point,
and an inviting atmosphere.
10. Ventilation: Proper ventilation, often in the form of a range hood
or exhaust fan, helps dissipate smoke and cooking odors, keeping the outdoor
kitchen more comfortable for the chef of the house and your alfresco dinner guests.
11. Outdoor Dining Area: Adjacent to the outdoor kitchen, homeowners often
include a dining area with a table and chairs or an outdoor dining set
for comfortable meals. Archadeck will custom design your outdoor dining
areas to deliver the kind of aesthetic and functionality you crave.
12. Shade and Cover: To protect against sun and rain, many of our Northern
Cincinnati area outdoor kitchens have pergolas, retractable awnings, or
built-in roofs to provide shade and shelter.
13. Outdoor Sound System: Integrated outdoor sound systems can enhance
the entertainment experience, providing music or audio for gatherings.
14. Outdoor TVs: Some homeowners install weatherproof Smart outdoor televisions
to watch sporting events or movies while cooking or entertaining –
especially on golf and football weekends.
The Must-Have Porch And Patio Features
Having a serene place to sit outside is the greatest – there is nothing
better than catching some fresh air and enjoying a change of scenery.
If you spent all spring creating a beautiful garden or landscape design,
porches and patios are the perfect places to admire your hard work.
Though they’re both relaxing areas of your home to kick back with
a nice beverage for some time alone, they’re not the same. A porch
is attached to an exterior wall of the house and features an overhang
or covering, while a patio is a paved surface usually located at the side
or back of a home that usually isn’t covered.
The best thing about decorating your porch or patio is the flexibility
you have with design. This means you get to play around with how you set
up your space and tailor it entirely to you. The traditional staple for
most front porches is a pair of rocking chairs to relax in with a nice
beverage by your side. A nice set of comfortable outdoor furniture is
a must for your back patio to enjoy the scenery and time outside.
Decorating a porch or
a patio depends on whether you plan on hosting or relaxing more in the space.
Other than hanging festive bistro string lights from the ceiling that
sway when there is a gentle breeze, something else to consider is entertainment.
Be sure to mention this to your Archadeck design consultant when meeting.
When the porch is being built, one of the cool things you have an opportunity
to do is put some blocking in the walls if it's attached to the house
so you can mount a Smart TV on the back porch.
The Popularity Of Outdoor Rooms Increases Every Day
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in creating
outdoor rooms with comfortable seating, rugs, and lighting to make the outdoor space
an extension of the indoors.
Also interesting is that sustainability is a consideration for some homeowners,
with features like native plants, and eco-friendly building materials.
Smart technology is increasingly integrated into many of our outdoor living
spaces, including smart lighting and sound systems.
Explore How Archadeck Can Take Your Leisure Living To The Next Level
Call us at 937-563-4847; or
click right here to schedule your free outdoor living design consultation.
Roger Miller, owner Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio.
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