An outdoor bar and grill area is just what you need to take outdoor enjoyment and entertainment to the next level. Here are eight ideas to keep in mind as you start planning and designing your new entertainment space.
Create the Ultimate Cooking Station
To create the perfect outdoor bar and grill area, you will need the ultimate cooking station. You might want to install your own outdoor kitchen complete with all the right amenities including a built-in grill, side burners, sink, counterspace, storage and access doors, a mini fridge, and a pull-out trash can.
According to Keystone Custom Decks , it’s key to have a carefully placed cooking space that’s close to the door, house and seating area to make cooking as convenient as possible. That way, when you are needing to run back inside for cooking utensils or ingredients, you won’t have to trip over half your yard to do so—all the while your burger patties start burning. Having a quality cooking station will make your outdoor cooking and grilling days a breeze!
Add a Bar Station
According to The BBQ Guys , a great addition to an outdoor kitchen is a bar station. That way, you can have your dream outdoor grill and bar area—perfect for entertainment or a few romantic, late-night drinks under the stars. Depending on the feel you are looking for, you may opt for a DIY mini bar or a luxurious, built-in backyard bar.
There are plenty of different styles to choose from when it comes to adding a bar station. If you want a relaxed, fun ‘tiki’ bar, consider adding a gabled roof with the potential to be modified into a genuine ‘tiki’ thatch roof. If you are going for a little less elaborate or a classier look, the next best thing is to install a minimalist L-shaped or U-shaped mini bar. There are portable options as well if you choose not to have a bar built into your outdoor kitchen.
Include an Entertainment Center
Want to spice up your outdoor entertainment abilities? Then add an entertainment center! This is truly a backyard essential. While there are portable options at many local furniture stores, you may want to get your entertainment center custom built. That way, the materials will be more ground and durable and the style will work perfectly with the rest of the patio.
Furnish your entertainment center with an outdoor-rated TV. According to AudioVideo Innovations, not all TVs that you might put indoors are great for being outdoors because of things like brightness. You’ll also probably want cabinet enclosures, and a quality surround-sound system. Finish it off with some comfy seating. Only then will you be ready for that outdoor movie night or big sports game.
Decorate with Vintage Decorations
Every outdoor bar and grill needs personality. What better way to add personality than some unique vintage décor? Impress your neighbors with a flower display using an old-fashioned ladder. Add some character with antique lanterns or refurbished milk pails. Throw in some vintage prints or add a pop of color by putting some hydrangeas in a retired wheelbarrow. To add a more masculine touch to the grill area, showcase some old finds such as old-fashioned beer glasses or vintage wood shaft golf clubs.
Seating Arrangements
Before choosing the right seating arrangements for your outdoor bar and grill area, ask yourself what you want the goal or purpose of the area to be. Depending on how you plan to use your outdoor entertainment center and kitchen, you will want different seating arrangements.
For example, if you want to use the space for getting together with your buddies to watch a sporting event, you may want a swivel chair and ample couch space for a large group of people. Are you a person who likes to sit outside and read or drink tea while you watch the sun rising? If this is the case, a couple of cozy armchairs will suit your needs better. If you’re a person who likes to invite the whole neighborhood over for a party, you’ll need different things to suit your needs. If you’re a person who likes to entertain outdoors a lot, you might want to make sure you have lots of different seating arrangement options for people. Consider different options such as couches, lawn chairs, and bar stools.
Roof or No?
While planning your dream outdoor bar and grill, you may be wondering whether you should add in a roof or not. While they tend to be pricey to install, adding a roof over your entertainment space may be a good investment to your backyard. Especially if you live in a hot and sunny area, roofs provide ample shade and keep you and your guests cool all summer long. If you live in an area that frequently receives precipitation or extreme weather, a roof will be key to protecting your outdoor furniture.
Lighting
Lighting is one of those things that can take your backyard from drab to fab at the flick of a switch. If you entertain outdoors a lot, think about how you want your guests to perceive your backyard. According to Shades of Light , outdoor lighting is one of the first things guests will notice when they visit your home, so you’ll want to make a good first impression. There are many ways to utilize lighting in a bar and grill area. Get crafty and string some lights across your area’s beams or nearby trees. Add some tiki torches if you want a more playful option. Highlight your landscape or best outdoor features with flood lights or spotlights.
Good lighting will ensure that you can take the party from inside to outside with ease. Nothing is more disappointing than having a greater outdoor space to entertain without enough light to actually enjoy it once the sun sets.
Fireplace
Another great addition to your bar and grill that you should definitely consider is a fireplace. Custom create your own outdoor fireplace with either stone, concrete, or brick. For a less pricy option, get a portable outdoor fireplace or chiminea. If you want something a bit more rustic or better for s’mores, build your own raised, brick fire pit into your entertainment space. Just make sure to always burn things responsibly, as any fire pit or fireplace can pose a hazard if caution isn’t taken seriously.
Building and decorating your dream outdoor bar and grill area can be an exciting adventure. There are so many different amenities and accessories you can include to make your entertainment space one of a kind. However, before you start planning out your outdoor space, make sure you prioritize the outdoor elements that align closest with how you and your family plan to use this space.
If you’re ready to build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, contact us for a quote today!