Amid the pandemic, people are spending more time at home. Much dining, date nights, family nights, and entertainment takes place without leaving the house for safety’s sake. With that in mind, now is a great time to modify the backyard to include a “dining destination” just by stepping outside! Aquaman Pools LLC offers some ideas for a creating a poolside dining destination for every budget!
Outdoor Kitchen — Cooking outside is no longer just about a grill. Homeowners are going all out with complete outdoor kitchens that include grills/smokers, refrigerators and/or wine fridges, bars, pizza ovens and more. For those that are remodeling during stay-at-home orders, consider extending the kitchen outdoors with appliances and more that make cooking outdoors a breeze.
Mist — Speaking of a “breeze,” that’s not one of the things that an Arizona summer is typically characterized by. Yep, it’s hot out there! So when considering ways to make outdoor dining comfortable in 110+ F degree temperatures, cooling techniques are a mist, ahem a must! That said, misting systems are definitely recommended as a way to cool patios, gazebos, and any covered areas where dining and entertainment will take place, especially during the summer months. In addition to misting systems, there are a variety of portable outdoor cooling apparatuses, such as an evaporative cooler, that can provide reprieve from the heat while dining al fresco.
Lighting — For a covered dining area, consider a cool chandelier versus string lights (which can certainly be added to other areas of the backyard oasis to add additional lighting and ambiance), to really give the area a “dining room” feel. From modern and contemporary styles to a wicker style, for example, that lends itself to a Havana-style outdoor dining room when complemented with similar furnishings and décor, there is no end to the ways lighting can truly transform an outdoor space into a dedicated dining destination.
Deck Redo — While cool decking is most common around the pool area, consider a different type of decking for a dedicated outdoor dining area. There are so many interesting flooring options that can transform the space whether it’s a classic wood deck, stained concrete, eye-popping floor tiles or even an outdoor rug that can give the space a more comfortable “living room” feel.
Table Talk — Naturally, when dining outdoors, the right table is essential. Gone are the days of a “one size fits all” patio table. Today’s outdoor dining tables are as unique and customized as an indoor dining table. Choose a table that is ideally sized for the space as well as the typical number of diners in the house plus a few extra seats for guests! Then get creative with the style to match the theme of the outdoor dining room. For example, a bar-height table could be ideal in an “adults-only” dining space while cushy seating with a lower table or a colorful picnic table would be great for a family-friendly dining area.
There is certainly no limit to the options available to help homeowners create their own outdoor dining patios. And as the season (eventually) creeps into fall weather, an outdoor dining area will be even more desirable. So, start now and by the time fall weather takes over, homeowners will have completed a new dining destination in their very own backyard. Naturally, when dining poolside, homeowners will want their pool to be clean and sparkling — and as always, the pool technicians at Aquaman Pools LLC would be happy to help with that!