Moving the indoors out (particularly outdoor kitchens) is a current-and has been a continuing trend-in home décor; many want to extend home comfort to their surrounding outer ideas.
This was once only practical in warmer climates, but the "interior outdoor" trend is becoming popular not only in the Midwest, but elsewhere throughout the country.
The growing "leisure lifestyle" industry is a $6.2 billion industry in the U.S., according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association. Outdoor appliance manufacturers, distributors and home builders have also benefited from this trend. For example, Trevarrow, a distributor of Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances (indoors and outdoors) has experienced double-digit growth with its outdoor equipment. "We are seeing them become more popular,", stated Don Cooper, Trevarrow's corporate sales manager. "What was once thought of done only in warmer climates, ideally you can get eight to nine months out of it here. It's easy to deal with the winter cold with outdoor heaters."
Outdoor kitchens can include features like: Refrigerators and ice makers designed and built for outdoor use, stainless-steel kitchen sinks and even dishwashers. They're also designed to be weather-resistant.
What you spend depends on what you need or want (builders and designers peg pricing from $15,000 to upwards of $50,000, depending on size, materials and appliances.
Inside Out Decor Tips
Allow the outdoor space to be a natural extension of your home's interior design.
Determine the size and how you will use the outdoor space before you buy anything.
If possible, choose furniture frames made of cast aluminum, brushed aluminum, solid wrought iron or wicker.
Consider canvas awnings and umbrellas or shades to control the sunlight.
For those who have several kids, you may want to consider bench seating; one can seat several.
Go for rugs made from acrylic or olefin; they're easy to care for and resist fading.
On a budget? You can create an 'outdoor' room over a few months or even a few years, if need be. During the first year, you may want to just install the hearth products and set up the grilling and eating areas.
Inside Out Decor Trends
An outdoor kitchen instantly provides a natural gathering spot and makes a great focus point for an outdoor area.
Sconces, chandeliers, lamps and other lighting can help create atmosphere and allow for more time outdoors.
Decorative low-wattage lighting along the porch, patio or deck steps, pathways and walkways adds an extra element of safety.
Consider draperies made from indoor-outdoor fabrics; you'll be able to use them all year round!
Sources "Cool Spaces"-McClatchy Newspapers-The (Sunday) Vindicator, June 2, 2013, "Bring Inside Out"-McClatchy Newspapers-The (Sunday) Vindicator, July 15, 2013 and HPBA, Allegro Interiors, Kolo Collection and AuthenTeak.
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