​Have you been dreaming of an outdoor kitchen? Don’t wait! As the weather warms up, a backyard cooking space is the perfect place to escape the heat. 
 
Barbequing has been America’s pastime since the 1950s – but summer entertaining has come a long way since then. The charcoal grills and backyard hibachis of the post-war era have been replaced by sophisticated design elements and high-tech appliances. Many outdoor kitchens have the same conveniences available inside, if not more.
 
Whether you’re building a new house, or only making better use of the space you have, now is the time to make your dream kitchen a reality. 
 
Here are five things to keep in mind during the planning phase so you can have a well-designed and long-lasting outdoor kitchen: 
 
Function. As with any design project, it is essential to consider the purpose of your space. Will you be using your outdoor kitchen for entertaining and gathering? Will it be a space for you and your family to relax during the long summer days? Or would you like to use your outdoor kitchen throughout the year? Once you have answered these (and other) questions, you can begin to decide which elements you’d like and need. 

Courtesy of DeckRemodelers.com.
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Surroundings. Today’s outdoor kitchen is an extension of the indoor living space – however, it also needs to fit into your yard and landscape. As you imagine your dream kitchen, think about your home’s exterior and the surrounding environment. Any design elements should mesh well with both. 

Courtesy of K&C Land Design and Construction
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Location. Most outdoor kitchens are situated close to the house – often an extension of the central (indoor) kitchen. This placement allows for easy access to utilities such as gas and water lines and electrical wiring. If this isn’t of concern for you, still keep in mind:  

1. Sun and shade.
2. Natural space. Do you have a beautiful garden? A pool or hot tub?
3. The view. You might have a gorgeous outdoor kitchen, but if guests are facing a brick wall when they sit down, it’s all for naught. 
4. Space. Don’t have a lot of yard to work with? Building your outdoor kitchen on the roof or deck is a very viable option!

Courtesy of Coastal Home Cabinetry
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Layout. The layout is just as crucial for an outdoor kitchen as it is for an indoor one – and it might be MORE important! When it comes to an outdoor kitchen, there are a lot of things to consider:  

1. Dining area. If you plan on entertaining in your outdoor space, consider the gatherings you’d like to have. Will you want a full dining table? A bar? Perhaps a television or a fireplace? 
2. Lounge space. When you’re planning a dining area for outdoors, it’s important to consider the weather and environment. Not only should you and your guests be protected from direct sunlight, but also rain, wind, and other elements. Likewise, lighting, ventilation, and pathways/walking areas are all critical. 
3. Cooking area. Like your indoor kitchen, the appliances and cabinetry you choose for your outdoor space are a significant investment. Splurge on the items that you’ll often use – like a quality grill and refrigerator – and remember to make counter space a priority! Everything, from work surfaces to storage spaces, needs to be durable and waterproof. 

Courtesy of Far Hills Design Build
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Who to hire. At Lyons-Archer, I can assist you with planning, specifying your outdoor kitchen and partnering with the right specialists, including architects and landscape architects. 
I will guide you every step of the way, from budgeting, to design, to installation.
 
The right kitchen starts with the right plan. Whether you’re a homeowner with a dream or a contractor on a mission, I will help you create a beautiful, peaceful haven, right at home.
 
Reach out today to schedule your free telephone consultation: 215-860-5059.  Lyons-Archer serves Bucks County, PA, and the greater Princeton, NJ, area. We are a Prodigy Cabinet dealer: ​https://prodigycabinetry.com/

With COVID-19 forcing people to stay at home and refrain from “non-essential” activities, you may be wondering if moving forward with your planned kitchen renovation is a good idea.

The answer? YES! The time has never been better.

Finding the time to tackle home improvements can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Being homebound, however, does have its advantages: This is the perfect opportunity to spruce up your living space.

Virtual Kitchen Design Consultations

Despite the challenging circumstances, you can use this time to design the kitchen you’ve always wanted. Even though we can’t meet face-to-face during social distancing, I can help you create the kitchen of your dreams through a virtual consultation.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, in-person meetings were the norm. But it’s become clear that online or telephone consultations are just as good (and often much more convenient for time-crunched professionals and multi-tasking families).

In fact, online design and problem solving are something that I will continue to offer to clients in the future as they ultimately provide more flexibility!

What to Expect

Before our online meeting, I’ll ask you to send me photos of the space you want to work on, as well as measurements. Don’t worry if you don’t know how or what to look for – I’ll walk you through the entire process!

After we set up a time to ‘meet’, whether it’s online or over the phone, we will discuss ideas, budget, and the entire design-and-development process.

We’ll exchange dynamic, 3D renderings for your review. And once a plan is agreed upon, I can also provide a rough estimate of your installation costs for your budgeting needs. We can begin the purchase and scheduling as time and circumstances allow.

Why Use Lyons-Archer?

You don’t want a cookie-cutter kitchen in your home – and now is the time to dream big! This is a great time to think about how we can design your space to work better for you and your family.

Cabinets form the backbone of any kitchen, and as an independent kitchen designer, I take pride in the brands that I offer. For example, my Woodland, Prairie and Artizen lines provide classic or contemporary American looks. These lines are all family-owned businesses and made in South Dakota.

My newest cabinet product line, Prodigy, offers sleek European styling, is designed in Spain, and manufactured in the South Carolina. 
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