The Outdoor Lifestyle Blog

Who doesn't love getting on a good swing every now and again? For many, swings takes us back to our childhoods when we'd play in the backyard or go to the park just to get on a swing and imagine that we were flying. 

While you've probably given up the fantasy of flying at this point in your life, there's still something magically relaxing and even fulfilling about being on a swing. If you agree, then why don't you have a swing in your backyard living space?

Ensuring that you have comfortable seating in your outdoor kitchen is one thing, but a swing — that's another entirely.

When you're ready to install a swing in your backyard living area, the first thing you'll need to decide is what type of swing you want. Let's look at your options.

The rapid approach of a new year always seems to inspire us and spur us toward new endeavors — perhaps an endeavor like designing an outdoor kitchen or breathing new life into the one you already have. Either way, 2019 is opening the door to new trends that could influence a whole new backyard paradise for your home.

Keep reading to find out what design trends are on the cusp of the coming year and discover how you can incorporate them into your lifestyle.

From Fitbits to Garmins, it's obvious that being more active is a lifestyle trend that's catching on. But "getting your steps in" isn't the only way to move as often as you should. There are many unique ways to incorporate movement into your lifestyle, and if you're creative enough, one of them could happen in your very own outdoor kitchen.

No, we're not suggesting that you need to wash twice as many dishes or scrub your grill twice as hard. We have a better idea — one that's a lot more fun! 

What if you designed your outdoor kitchen for movement? Designing rooms and other spaces for movement may not yet be considered mainstream, but for those who love fitness and food, it's a match made in heaven! 

While California is blessed with mostly sunshine throughout the year, the Golden State still has its days of intense weather. That's why, if you've built an outdoor kitchen in San Jose or Santa Clara or anywhere else in California's Bay Area, it's still important to weatherproof it.

Weatherproofing is most effective when you do it during your kitchen installation rather than after your outdoor kitchen has already suffered the effects of severe weather. Here are 4 ways to weatherproof your outdoor living space:

Outdoor kitchens should be as sturdy as they are beautiful. Unfortunately, many people designing their dream outdoor kitchen sacrifice one of these elements in order to achieve the other. Don't make this mistake. A beautiful outdoor kitchen is a waste of time and money if it's not built to last. You can have both strength and beauty in your outdoor kitchen — and you should!

Let's look at 4 ways to check your boxes in the durability department while also creating an attractive design.

Outdoor living spaces are mostly for you and your family, but if you have a pet, there's no doubt your furry friend is included in that family category.

So why not design your backyard paradise in a way that benefits your dog or cat as well? With a backyard living space that pleases your pets, you'll be able to enjoy the space that much more!

Here are some ideas for pet-friendly design elements worth incorporating in your outdoor living area.

Unless you're a bachelor, chances are, you're not planning to (or — ahem — not allowed to) design your outdoor kitchen as a man cave. However, you still want to be able to turn the heads of your guy friends and impress them with your outdoor paradise.

Let's look at the things your outdoor kitchen will need in order to do just that — and the best part is, the ladies (or maybe just the one lady that matters) will like it, too!

Your outdoor kitchen’s countertop is one of the first things people will notice about your new outdoor living setup. But unlike measuring for a new grill or outdoor sink, determining exactly how much counter space you’ll need isn’t always straightforward.

When you’re in the design stages of your outdoor kitchen, there are a few factors to consider when planning the amount of counter space you’ll need:

How much prep do I want to do outside?

Ask yourself honestly—do you plan to chop vegetables, prepare marinades, trim fat from meat, and arrange items on plates outside during sunny or chilly days? Or are you more likely to do the prep work inside, and just bring things out and set them down when they’re ready to grill?