Outdoor Kitchens

Relaxing in your backyard, gazing at the stars, grilling, enjoying the company of family and friends – summer is the time to enjoy your home and invigorate your senses. As summer moves into fall, why move indoors? Adding an outdoor kitchen and lighting is a great way to expand your home’s living space and can be a sound investment in your home. Picture yourself watching the football game while grilling up burgers with family and friends!

If you’re thinking about adding a few outdoor living elements, you’re not alone. A recent annual project poll revealed by Angie’s List showed that 35 percent of respondents plan on investing in the exterior of their home instead of moving. According to the international media group HULIQ, “Over 85 percent of Americans are renovating their homes to find ways to spend more time outdoors. Research shows they are investing in outdoor living spaces and dining areas where they can go to relax and entertain guests. From patios to outdoor dining rooms, Americans are extending their living spaces to eat and kick back outdoors.”

If you’re wondering about the potential to recoup your investment when it comes time to sell, real estate experts at MSN suggest that building an outdoor kitchen can get you about the same if not more return on investment as renovating an indoor kitchen (70-80%). Other experts claim you can get more for your money; CNN Money suggests some outdoor kitchens can fetch a 100–200% ROI.

So, where do you begin? As with any major home project, here are key things to consider:

Functionality – If entertaining is your goal, consider an outdoor kitchen with cooking, refrigeration and seating. Lighting creates mood and provides safety. Sports fans will want to add an outdoor TV. What about a pizza oven with a great countertop for serving? Seating walls and pathways welcome guests and showcase your garden. Trees and shrubs provide a cozy and colorful backdrop. The design elements are limitless!

Maintenance – Hardscape designs are durable and long-lasting, and require little maintenance. Solid, natural composition makes them a real extension of the home.

Budget – Many homeowners are investing in their homes rather than moving residences. To achieve their project goals, some homeowners install major projects in phases. An experienced landscape designer can work with you to plan out the best way to proceed.

Professional Supplier – Experience is the top priority. A landscape designer and installer with experience in choosing and installing trees, shrubs, hardscapes, lighting and more will make your outdoor space work for you.

O’Donovan Landscaping has over 45 years of experience in the Naperville area, creating residential landscapes for new or existing homes. Call us at 630-355-3370 for more information and ideas on designing an outdoor living space for your home.

Here’s a way to get that “on vacation” feeling without ever leaving the driveway – create an outdoor kitchen in your own backyard. An outdoor kitchen, custom-designed for the way your family lives, will become your oasis any day of the week. As Father’s Day approaches, an outdoor kitchen is a both a great addition AND a great Father’s Day gift. With a little design help, the right materials, seating and storage, Dad will have his own outdoor “man space” to share with the family or claim only for himself!

You don’t need a huge amount of space to create a beautiful and usable outdoor kitchen, but an efficient layout is key. Your choice of grill can be standalone or incorporated into a counter area with built-in storage. Consider adding electrical for appliances, such as a small refrigerator. Lighting placement will extend the kitchen’s use, as will the addition of a circulating fan for those warm August nights. A fire pit and inviting seating area will keep the party going during chilly nights, and provide a cozy gathering place for friends and family.

Living in the Midwest, we need to be mindful of harsh temperature swings throughout the year. As experienced professionals, we will help you choose materials designed to last during our hot summers and cold winters. Natural stone is beautiful around the grill or fire pit. Paving stones come in a wide choice of color, size and texture. Retaining or seating walls direct family and friends to an inviting entertaining space. Smooth bar tops and countertops rival those used in the indoor kitchen, and storage adds convenience. We will listen to your goals; whether it’s entertaining large parties or mastering the grilling of a perfect a steak just for you. We can design around your current landscaping or create an entirely new, integrated outdoor living area.

Invest in your own home and see how an outdoor kitchen will extend your living space year-round. Call us to get started at 630.355.3370 or email [email protected].

Happy Father’s Day!

Outdoor Living Spaces Extend the Season

Outdoor Kitchens: Great for Father’s Day and All Year