Decorating
Homeowners Are Taking It Outside Remodeling the Outdoors with Kitchens and Living Rooms
By
Sep 1, 2005, 00:19

(ARA) – Ringing phones and Blackberrys, refrigerators that tell you when you’re out of milk, mobile offices – we’re relentlessly bombarded with technology and work! Not just our own, but it seems we are unwittingly included in the guy-next-door’s conversation too. It’s no wonder we’re constantly looking for an escape with family and friends. Americans are rediscovering their homes and finding they have an escape right in their own backyard. After all, they already have the property, they’ve spent hours making their garden a show place and all of their friends know the address.
Homeowners are taking their passion for remodeling outside and turning patios into retreats, virtual mini resorts right at home. Though enjoying the backyard isn’t a new idea, we’re taking it to a higher level. Just about five years ago the average backyard entertainment area consisted of a simple grill and picnic table, now we’re looking at the outside with a more discriminating eye.

Manufacturers are taking notice. Viking, Weber and GE, are meeting the demand by offering commercial grade appliances for outdoor kitchens. Backyardstuff.com offers an all weather TV. Outdoor upholstery is much more sophisticated with fabric houses such as Kravet, Inc. of New York weighing in with new weather resistant fabrics. There are even floating lights that look like table lamps for your pool designed by Hector Serrano for Spanish lighting manufacturer Metalarte. With all of these options, an outdoor remodel can range between $2,000 and $60,000!

Outdoor living design isn’t all that different than interior design. When you are entertaining outdoors, an outdoor kitchen will help eliminate numerous trips into the house and you won’t have to heat up the house with the range. While considering an outdoor kitchen, think about how you use your indoor kitchen. Have appliances in close proximity for ease of preparation and clean up. Consider having a gas line professionally run to the grill to alleviate filling propane tanks. Refrigerators, ice makers and warming drawers are other options for your outdoor kitchen. Countertops should be made of a material that can withstand any weather condition, is easy to clean and is mold and mildew resistant, such as ceramic tile. Don’t forget the kitchen sink! Choose a faucet with a high gooseneck and sprayer.

An outdoor living room is the perfect complement to the outdoor kitchen. Again, apply the same principles to arranging the furniture as you would in your indoor living room. Chairs and sofas should be comfortable and placed in such a way as to promote conversation. Make sure you have plenty of occasional tables for your guests to place a drink or book. Define and unify the space with a sisal mat or inset a tile “rug” that is different than the surrounding surface. When choosing a dining table for the area, consider two square tables instead of one large one. The two tables can be pushed together for large parties or separated for a friendly game of cards. Consider a table top of ceramic tile as a unique departure from the typical glass tops. If space permits, an outdoor fireplace provides a great place to roast marshmallows and offers comfort in early spring and well into the fall.

When choosing materials, appliances and furnishings, you must factor in exposure to elements. The products should be durable and weather resistant as well as easy to clean and maintain. For backyard bliss that will last long after the days of summer have gone, ceramic solutions by Tile of Spain branded manufacturers offer styles to enhance any décor. Because of its inherent properties, ceramic tiles are resistant to fading from ultraviolet rays; inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and fungus; and when installed correctly, can last up to 40 years. Tile will not rot, attract termites or require painting. An eco-friendly covering made from 100 percent plentiful raw materials, ceramic tiles do not require toxic detergents and waxes for maintenance. Manufacturers from Tile of Spain are constantly researching and developing processes and products to enhance the safety and design of ceramic tile. Technologies, such as new glazes, enable companies to produce slip resistant, weatherproof and frost resistant surfaces for patios, pools and more.

Combining different styles in tile will create a custom outdoor retreat. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of formats from accent pieces and mosaics to the familiar squares and large rectangles. Add interest to a plain patio by using different sizes of ceramic tiles to define areas. Enhance the space with planters, benches or vary levels using steps, all covered with ceramic tile.

Thinking of stone for your new outdoor space? Tile of Spain branded manufacturers, Halcon and Garogres offer the stone look in tile. The Urbe Collection by Halcon Ceramicas offers a more cost efficient alternative to stone with a rugged rustic appearance. The collection is available in four colors and is available in 16” x 16” tiles and 4” x 16” bricks, perfect for walls, bars and fireplaces. The Roncal Series by Garogres is porcelain stoneware in 16” x 17” that also captures the characteristics of natural stone with texture and relief. Each tile is produced with fingerlike protrusions that interlock when laid to eliminate the grid effect. These tiles are suitable for outdoor applications that may experience seasonal temperature fluctuations as they are frost resistant and designed to be used in areas where slip resistance is needed.

Add some color and character to your outdoor living area. Onix Ceramica specializes in mosaic tiles perfect for adding a personal touch to pools or outdoor areas. Stylish colors and endless combinations are available for building custom mosaics or the Roseton Collection features mosaics on mesh ready to install. Onix mosaics absorb no water and add pizzazz to pools. They are also frost resistant.

Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen complete with a state-of-the-art grill, refrigerator, and fireplace or a simple backyard living room, customize the space as an extension of your home and a reflection of your style.
Courtesy of ARA Content

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