Depending on where you live, patio season comes once a year after a long winter. Having a dedicated space to hang out and smell the fresh air is essential. Whether is it an outdoor patio space or an outdoor enclosed patio that feels more like an extension of the home, we have you covered. Inspired to create an outdoor space that allows us to enjoy the perks of outside yet offering the kind of cozy and inviting vibe found in the most welcoming interiors.
Mixing the right way. Mixing patterns, textiles, and textures will keep the space interesting and appealing. Try furnishing your outdoor spaces with a mix of furniture in different styles rather than furnishing with a "set." Doing this will add layers to the space and resemble the feel of an indoor space. With many excellent indoor/outdoor materials and fabrics on the market, you won't have to worry so much about the weather taking a toll on it.
Add a bold statement piece. It doesn't matter so much what it is exactly, but pulling bold details from the interior outside is a great way to make an outdoor area feel like a living space. In any space a big fireplace, a vintage mirror, maybe even an antique center table can go a long way in it feeling warm and inviting.
Flooring takes the cake. To create the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience, choose a flooring material that may be continued from inside your home to the outside. Better yet, to make this work for your space, choose something that is slip resistant. If you aren't sure, you can pull this off stick with the colors that compliment the outside color scheme. Make sure though, you aren't choosing outdoor flooring based on the color of the inside of the home this will make it feel less unified.
Don't forget the details. Bringing common interior touches like trim work, hardware, and lighting outside will echo the attention to detail generally found in the interior of the home. Adding living room staples like patterned throw pillows, coffee table centerpieces, throw blankets, etc. will also help the outdoor space feel more comfortable and cozy. All those details are great to add to your outdoor space, just don't overdo it. With too many elements you can end up with a cluttered environment. While there is no right or wrong way to design your perfect outdoor space, it's important to consider just the bas
Entertaining over everything. This one goes without saying. Adding a barbecue space, dedicated to all things cooking. We are talking about grilling space, bar space, and eating area. Adding a dedicated space to host barbecue and dinner parties is always a must. Speaking of barbecue and sweet summertime - check out a couple recipes from our featured employees this month.
Makes 4 servings
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup raw honey
4 fresh cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to your taste
4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs.)
4 slices mozzarella, or Swiss cheese (optional)
1 large ripe avocado, diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
Small handful of fresh chopped basil, or cilantro
In a medium glass bowl whisk the honey, lemon juice, garlic, oil, sea salt and pepper. Add the chicken, combine and coat well.
Marinate, refrigerated for about 30 minutes.
In a small bowl make the avocado salsa. Add in the diced avocado, tomato, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Heat the grill to medium high heat. Grill the chicken on each side for about 5-6 minutes or until cooked throughout and tender.
Immediately top with mozzarella cheese and salsa. Enjoy!
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup Jack Daniels honey whisky
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup ketchup
½ cup honey
1 tbsp liquid smoke
3 tbsp sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp ground espresso beans
4 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder, and paprika
1 tsp chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper
Add all ingredients to a large saucepan, bring to a boil then reduce to slow simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes stirring frequently and tasting a few shots of the whisky while you cook the sauce down. As you cook it, it will slowly thicken up. Once it gets to a good consistency, jar it up in 2 ounce mason jars quickly and throw it in the fridge to vacuum seal. You can pull them out and store at room temperature after they cool. Enjoy!
