Posts

5 Benefits of An Outdoor Kitchen

/0 Comments/in , , /by

More and more clients these days are considering adding an outdoor kitchen in the construction or renovation of their villa. And most of the time their motivation to do so comes from the desire to spend more time in the open air and enjoy their outdoor area as much as possible.

So, if you are having questions about that vacant space in your backyard or garden and considering using it to build an outdoor kitchen, here are some points to meditate upon that will surely convince you.

1. A new room

It may be construed that remodeling the existing internal kitchen could be a more viable option than constructing a brand new kitchen outdoors. But having an entirely separate kitchen is actually a more functional option. In fact, one of the many reasons why outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular is because their creation expands the size of the house and essentially duplicates the size of the kitchen. It gives the family an additional room to cook, eat, relax and entertain in.

2. More livable space

The fact that an outdoor kitchen represents a real new room means expanding the livable space of your home. Building a space organised around a cooking area means giving one’s family an extra area to spend time together. Moreover, if an outdoor kitchen is created under an already existing veranda and there is the possibility of having sliding windows that define the space, it will be possible to use it even when the weather is less pleasant.

3. A meeting place

Among the advantages of having an outdoor kitchen, no doubt having a real meeting area is one of them. Modern technologies make many accessories available such as heating or cooling systems, fans, lighting and even outdoor TV’s to create a real paradise outdoors with all the comforts. The outdoor kitchen turns into an excellent accomplice for creating memories and emotional bonds. Birthdays, holidays and family gatherings can be even more memorable if it is possible to bring together family and friends in a particular setting different from the usual living room.

4. An investment that you can see

The construction of an outdoor kitchen has a high rate of return on investment compared to other home renovation projects. Regardless of dimensions and accessories, it is necessary to use materials of high quality that satisfy various requirements, among which the most important regards resistance to extreme weather conditions. Among the most used materials stainless steel undoubtedly stands out, which, together with the design of various other elements made for outdoor use, ensures maximum resistance and durability.

5. A custom-made design

It is well known that one of the peculiarities of outdoor kitchens is the ability to customise almost every single component. In addition to size and layout, you can choose from a variety of appliances that can also be adapted to specific spaces.

In the same way, it is possible to customise the structure by enriching it with a wood-burning oven, a barbeque or a fireplace which may not be adaptable to an indoor kitchen.

One can choose from countless materials for outdoor kitchens also in terms of surface finish. Customisation embraces not only the space intended for the kitchen but the whole living area created outdoors. The development made in terms of research today allows us to use various materials far from the classic idea of the built-in kitchen, making the space luxurious and consistent with the surrounding property.

All in all, one of the best reasons to embrace the idea of building an outdoor kitchen is that ultimately it is an investment in your own well-being and family. There are several scientific studies that show how staying outdoors improves memory and concentration, facilitates mental rest, reduces stress levels and stimulates creativity. Building an outdoor kitchen in your home means creating an opportunity to spend time outdoors.

5 Questions To Ask About Lighting Your Home

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Before you upgrade your furniture, replace floors or remodel a kitchen or bathroom, consider whether your lighting works. Lighting is a significant sign of design quality and one of the most affordable ways to refresh the look of your home. It sets a mood and helps define a style. Without it, important architectural details, artwork and focal points fall flat and go unnoticed. When done right, lighting functions as a carefully tuned orchestra, creating a pitch-perfect composition of light, layers, direction and flow.

If your lighting choreography consists of a single flip of the switch, then perhaps it’s time to illuminate your mind.
Lighting placement, fixtures and functions are the three main ingredients to think about when giving your living space a light makeover. So if you’re wondering if it’s time for an update, ask yourself these questions.

  1. Am I Lighting Unexpected Areas?

    As you evaluate the status of your lighting style, keep in mind that lighting also functions as art that helps define your style, set the mood and perform practical tasks. Think of adding light in unexpected places, such as a chandelier in the master bathroom. And consider using light in unconventional ways — such as using hanging pendant lights as reading lamps.

Painting with light is another way to add surprise. Colored LED lighting underneath the kitchen island and cabinets creates dramatic appeal. Highlight the silhouette of a cabinet with under cabinet and in-cabinet lighting.
One can also use tape lighting to achieve a subtle illuminated line of sight.

 

  1. Does My Lighting Have Layers?

    A perfectly lit room has three basic layers: overhead lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. In the bedroom one can pull all these options together; with a chandelier overhead, bedside reading lamps as task lighting, and accent lights above the headboard. Think of the functional and decorative purpose of each light source.

 

  1. Do My Lights Dim?

    Good lighting should multitask and set the mood. A dimmer is an inexpensive and essential tool that puts you in control of the quality and quantity of light. With a home automation system you can install dimming controls for a single room or the entire house and control lighting though one smart device.

 

Think of lighting like a radio. You don’t want to have just one volume. Lighting should have the opportunity to be task lighting and ambient lighting. Dimmers give the light multitasking capabilities.

To make the most of your lighting, install the highest wattage light bulb possible, then dim it down to accommodate the mood and lighting needs. Consider putting dimmers on both overhead lighting and lamp lighting.

As another bonus, dimming your lights 50 percent can save approximately 40 percent in electricity and increase the life of your bulb.

 

  1. Are My Fixtures In Line With Current Style Trends?

    One of the quickest ways to update the look of a living space is to swap decorative lighting fixtures for more up-to-date styles.

Use an attractive aye catching chandelier for the center of the ceiling. Keep the overhead light at 150 to 300 watts for optimum illumination. Mix and match your lighting fixtures. They don’t have to be from the same lighting family or design.

Crystal remains a popular choice for lighting fixtures and is used across the style spectrum.

Lighting choices can also take cues from transitional style, defined by clean lines and lighter finishes. A trend in light fixtures right now is mixed metal, dulled gold, and foiled silver over gold. The finish is popular with the transitional style because it has an antique yet contemporary look.

 

  1. Is My Lighting Focused?

    Lighting design is all about the strategic placement of light and matching the perfect light source to its intended function. Indirect lighting pulls focus, adds texture and layers the sight line.

Pick focal points that you want to highlight, then direct a light source toward them. Wall lamps are great accent lighting fixtures to highlight artwork and bring light to a space at eye level.

A chandelier in the dining room should hang 30 to 36 inches above the dining table. The width of the chandelier should be at least one half the width of the table.

Recessed lights and track lights are ideal for low-voltage direct lighting.

Translucent glass shades on pendant fixtures will reduce glare in the kitchen. Hanging overhead lighting fixtures such as pendants should sit 30 to 36 inches above the island work surface.

So finally, when was the last time you upgraded the lighting of your home? Is it time perhaps?