The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Outdoor Living

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Outdoor Living

Need to get the perfect Christmas gift for the outdoor lover in your life? Completely stumped on ideas? Don't worry – we got you. We've scoured all the corners of the internet to bring you the ultimate Christmas gift guide for the outdoor cook. We’ll even let them believe it was your idea.

PARA’KITO Mosquito Bands

What ruins a family BBQ faster than burnt sausages? Mosquitos. But put away that smelly bug spray – PARA'KITO has created a natural alternative to keep those mozzies at bay. Available in several fun prints, PARA'KITO has designed a wrist band that uses pleasant-smelling essential oils to keep you bug-free. The bands last up to fifteen days, and the repellent pellets inside them can be easily replaced.

BBQ Wood Chip Smoker Box

Does the BBQ enthusiast in your life need help taking their cooking to the next level? Get them a BBQ Woodchip Smoker Box. Simply fill it up with wood chips and place on the BBQ to give the meat a rich, smoky favour. And being made from stainless steel, your loved one can pop it in the dishwasher when they’re done.

Casamigos and William-Sonoma Cocktail Collection

Maybe you're looking for something a little fancier for your gift? Well, no one is classier than George Clooney! His cocktail company, Casamigos, has teamed up with American label, William-Sonoma, to create the ultimate cocktail collection. Not only is it very fancy indeed, but it comes at a surprisingly affordable price.

Giant Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘sure, this outdoor party is great, but it needs more unicorns?’ We hear you. Get your outdoor entertainer a Giant Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler to spice up their next BBQ. Even at 2 meters tall, the unicorn is easy to inflate and deflate. It’s also made from strong vinyl so it’s tough enough to handle the kids. Unicorns not your thing? Opt for the dinosaur option instead.

Custom BBQ Branding Iron

Let your outdoor fanatic get in touch with their inner cowboy with their very own Custom BBQ Branding Iron. With 52 interchangeable letters, your loved one can brand their own steaks with their very own customised message. Never get the medium-rare steak confused with a well-done one again! And being made from stainless steel means that the Iron is durable and easy to clean.

Lodge Cookware’s Blacklock Skillet Pan

An oldie but a goodie, a skillet is in every home cook's wish list. Why not consider one for the chef in your life? Lodge Cookware has been selling skillets since 1877, and have released the Blacklock Skillet Pan just in time for Christmas. Made from triple seasoned iron, this skillet is naturally nonstick and designed to last for years. And don't forget that it's oven safe too!

2 In 1 Electric BBQ and Indoor Grill

Does your significant other love a classic cookout, but doesn't have space for a BBQ? A 2 in 1 Electric BBQ and Indoor Grill could be the perfect Christmas gift. Small in size, the 2 in 1 Grill cooks your meal without the smoke – making it ideal for small spaces like balconies or courtyards. Take your party inside or outside! And its non-stick surface makes it easy to clean. 

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Kitchen – Tips for Designing the Ultimate Space

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Kitchen – Tips for Designing the Ultimate Space

Summer is here, a time to dust of the old BBQ and have your mates ‘round for a couple of snags. But why just stop there? An outdoor kitchen can turn a mediocre meal into an entertainer’s dream. So consider these easy tips when planning your outdoor kitchen, and impress your friends with your new space.

Where Should You Put It?

So you’ve finally decided to build your own outdoor kitchen – but where to put it? Maybe you want to look over your amazing view while you cook, but the wind blows smoke from your BBQ into your home. Or maybe you plan to have your kitchen away from the house, but your plates and platters are too heavy to carry all that way. Some research into factors such as wind conditions, distance and use of space can help you decide where your new kitchen will go.

Build from the Ground Up

When we think about outdoor kitchens, we think of BBQs, outdoor furniture and time spent with friends. But does anyone consider the flooring? The material used for your floors is just as important. What will the weather conditions be? How much will your appliances weigh? And what is the durability of the material chosen? Marble may be slippery during the winter, but timber can fade and crack in the summer. A little planning into what happens under your feet can change the way you use your outdoor kitchen.

Think About Your Appliances

Does your dream outdoor kitchen have a six grill BBQ? A refrigerator for all your beers? A pizza oven? Those appliances have to go somewhere, and that will take up space. When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider the size of your appliances and how they will work together. Don’t forget to allow room for platters and utensils next to your BBQ, or a place to keep your pizzas while waiting to be cooked. A well thought out plan for your appliances can create flow in your new kitchen.

Don’t Forget About Storage!

So you’ve got your appliances, your outdoor furniture and even your colour scheme. Could there be anything else? Of course – a place for storage! Just like an indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen is going to need room for your utensils and plates. So how much storage will you need? Will you be entertaining larges groups of people or just family? Will you use your kitchen just in the summer, or all year round? And of course, this storage is going to need to be water and weatherproof. As simple as it may seem, having the right storage can lift your new outdoor kitchen to the next level.

A Christmas Ready Kitchen – Getting Your Kitchen Prepared for the Holidays

A Christmas Ready Kitchen – Getting Your Kitchen Prepared for the Holidays

 The silly season is here, meaning that many of us will be slaving away in the kitchen while our families crowd around. And while it may be a delight to have family so close, no one wants a human traffic jam while you’re trying to cook Christmas lunch. The kitchen is often the busiest place in the home during Christmas. So how can you get it ready for the big day?

Take It Outside

Why spend all day inside? Take advantage of the Australian weather and incorporate your outdoor space with your indoor kitchen. Not only will this allow more room for guests, but could halve your cooking time as well. Have an outdoor kitchen or a BBQ? Perfect! Dad can man the grill outside while Grandma keeps her eye on the potatoes inside. And if you can’t combine the two areas, consider installing a bi-folding window in the kitchen, or creating a simple pathway.

Keep Those Benches Clear

It may sound simple enough, but keeping your kitchen benches clear from clutter is a vital step in Christmas preparation. Not only will you need enough space to prepare food, but to serve it as well. Of course, your family are going to want to join in – so consider creating a space where they can help without having to enter the kitchen. Don’t have long enough benches? A multi-purpose movable unit can help. Look for one on wheels and the same height as your benches, so it can act as an extension.

Go With The Flow

Your kitchen is busy at the best of times, but Christmas can make it feel chaotic. Maintain calm in the kitchen and think about the traffic flow – where will people come in and out? Can you create different points of entry and exit so family can come and go without feeling crowded? And place things that will be used often away from the busiest part of the kitchen. That way, your guests can grab what they need without getting under your feet.

Act Posh and Get a Butler (Pantry, That Is)

As nice as it would be, not everyone can have their very own butler for Christmas. So why not have the next best thing – a butler’s pantry! A butler’s pantry is a great way to store the things you won’t need for the day, as well as to hide any mess from your Christmas lunch. Don’t have one? No problem! Even a small walk-in pantry can be converted into a butler’s pantry. Or you can section off a small part of your kitchen. This way, you can keep your kitchen clean and clear for the day’s festivities.

Outdoor Kitchen Design - Mistakes to Avoid

Imagine a warm summer’s evening, family and friends chatting and laughing around a beautifully set table in the garden. There are few things more homely and inviting than a gathering in an outdoor entertainment area. That is, unless your outdoor kitchen is poorly designed.

A costly disappointment like this can be averted by avoiding these 4 major mistakes when designing your outdoor kitchen.

Not considering kitchen functionality

An outdoor kitchen creates images of carefree relaxation; however, it is still a functioning kitchen. When designing an outdoor kitchen, the same attention must be paid to the layout of the space as you would to a kitchen inside your home.

You want to have enough countertop space to prepare your meals without obstruction. Then, of course, there is always the clean-up to consider. Make sure that there are sinks for rinsing and washing up, with efficient plumbing installed.

That said, you must consider that indoor materials and surfaces are not necessarily suitable or practical for outdoor use. Think about factors such as slippery surfaces, heat-absorbing surfaces and similar hazards that could turn out to be unwanted party guests.

Installing the wrong appliances

The first step in choosing your equipment is deciding whether you will cook with a good old wood fire, with gas or other cooking methods. For anyone you choose, you will need to ensure that the appliance is large enough to provide enough capacity.

If your outdoor kitchen design includes additional appliances such as pizza ovens, for example, be sure to leave enough space for moving around freely, working and placing items. Remember that appliances should be specified for outdoor use.

Ventilation is essential to a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Heat, smoke and gas must be allowed to escape through vents, preventing build-up in the entertainment area and also potential fire hazards.

Forgetting to include storage

You can’t entertain your guests very well when you’re constantly running into the house to collect dishes and items that you couldn’t store outside. Storage for utensils should be easily within reach and kept safe from rain. Include airtight storage for spices and sauces and consider space for cold storage of your meat, drinks etc.

Lighting

An easily forgotten element of outdoor kitchen design is the lighting. Very often, outdoor lighting is insufficient for cooking and working at night. As much as the right lighting affects the atmosphere, it also affects the cooking and eating experience!

There are a variety of options available that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and energy-efficient. Speak to your experienced builder or designer to make your dream outdoor kitchen an idyllic reality.

Green Kitchens - 50 Shades of Green

The colour green first and foremost means life, nature and harmony. Green is a refreshing colour that represents growth, safety and fertility. It's no wonder people are choosing green as a colour to paint their kitchens. Did we mention that green paint names are AWESOME?!

Here are 5 green colours you need to consider for your kitchen's next facelift!

Forest Green

This colour lends itself to a modern and traditional style kitchen. When paired with white and stainless steel, forest green will turn any kitchen from drab and outdated to fab and on-trend!

Cape Verde

Did you know that Verde means 'green' in Spanish? Cape Verde mixes a forest green with a deep teal making for a surprisingly fresh colour for kitchen cabinets. Light timber furniture and gold taps or appliances are the perfect pals for this colour.

Green Verditer

A fresh, modern and trendy green. Green Verditer is totally timeless too. Compliment the green with white or pops of yellow or salmon pink.

Mint Green

This pale tint of green was a popular choice in the 1990s and is slowly making its way back into the trends. The soothing colour tends to remind me of dusty love heart candies or the 'Black Mirror' episode 'Nose Dive'. Mint green is one of the few colours that works incredibly well against loud patterns. Take the below, for example, a black and mint green kitchen with a chessboard floor - modern, fresh with an artsy, vintage feel!

Sage Green

We're big fans of Sage Green! It got a shout out in our last post - 4 on-trend paint colours right now. Sage green is another calming colour great for a feng shui kitchen.READ: How to feng shui your kitchen

Looking to revamp, renovate or rebuild your kitchen? Get in touch with Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens! We're a local business who love creating timeless, stylish and longlasting kitchens for South Australian homes. Contact us here.

4 on-trend paint colours right now

Choosing a colour to paint your walls is a pretty big decision, and not just because there are SO many colours to choose from. Colours can influence and impact your mood. Certain colours can make us feel calm, excited, happy or sad. It's for this reason that you'll want to make sure you pick a colour that will create the right vibes in your home. Read: the colours you choose to paint your wall can impact your mood. Here are 4 on-trend paint colours to conider for your home's repaint.

Sage green

Sage green is the perfect colour to bring peace and calm into a room. Despite what you might think green is a really versatile colour that not only works in any room but has plenty of colours that compliment it. Sage green also lends itself to many different styles from French vintage to modern bachelor pad. Ultimately sage green is the perfect colour for any room in your home and creates a calming and Zen effect. Colours that compliment sage green include dark grey, white, Venetian red and terra cotta.

Sunbaked pink

You can expect to see a lot of 'spicy' colours in 2020. One of them being sunbaked pink that is just gorgeous against warm colours like plum, gold and brick. This fresh and inspiring colour works well in bedrooms and can work well in the front room as well. Accent colours include moss green, brown, orange and a pop of yellow.

Smokey grey-blue

This storm inspired colour will make any room feel warm and cosy! Although darker, the grey-blue colour is calming and warming. Try different shades of the colour to suit your space and style. Accent colours include white, gold, aqua, golden yellow, chocolate brown and moody purple.

Teal and turquoise

This colour really seems to have stood the test of time. This fresh and fun colour makes you feel grounded and creative, bringing feelings of love, patience and tranquillity. The accent colours will depend on your room's theme or style. For a Mediterranean look, accent colours include yellow, red and pink. For a more modern and neutral look with teal, try white, creme, green and gold yellow.

5 Ways to Make Your Apartment Look Bigger

I personally like the challenge of finding ways to make a space bigger, better, greener and after decorating spaces for the past five years I've found these 7 ways to make your apartment look bigger an absolute Godsend!

Natural light

My first and most effective tip is natural light! It's the best (and cheapest) way to make a room look bigger. Dark rooms with minimal to no light will always look dingey, stuffy and smaller.

Dark and light colours

Use dark colours on the bottom and light colours up top. In your kitchen for example, you can paint your lower cabinets in a dark colour and your upper cabinets and walls in a lighter colour. This contrast helps create depth which creates the illusion of depth.

Mirrors

Pop some mirrors on the wall! Putting mirrors up on your wall is the cheapest way to make a room loom bigger. Read: Kitchen Mirrors

Declutter

Minimalist homes always look like they have more space. Marie Kondo your home, tossing away all the things that no longer 'bring you joy' and watch your space transform into a spacious space! Read: Minimalist Kitchens

Furniture with legs

Find furniture with exposed legs. This is our favourite hack for making a space look bigger. Because the space around the legs of the furniture is exposed, it naturally creates the illusion of a bit more space.

Long curtains

Raise your curtain rail close to the ceiling and purchase long curtains that make your walls look longer.

Hidden storage

Use wall shelves and hidden storage to store your books, decor or every other day items. Find furniture ( couches or tables, that have storage built into them)READ: 5 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look AND Feel Bigger

DIY Outdoor Shower Ideas

Outdoor showers remind me of holidays. This got me thinking. Could having an outdoor shower at home make me feel like I'm having a mini-holiday every morning? If there's any truth in this madness, it's worth trying it out! If you've been thinking of creating a magical outdoor shower in your garden or home, here are some DIY outdoor shower ideas to inspire you.

Simple DIY outdoor shower

The quickest and easiest way to whip up an outdoor shower = one tree + one hose + one shower head. Attach your garden hose to a showerhead. Here's a video on how to connect a garden hose to a showerhead. For privacy, create a makeshift encloser using two hula hoops and some waterproof fabric. This trick also makes a fun tent for the kids.

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Creative DIY outdoor shower

Create an outdoor shower using a can or bucket. A resourceful and creative alternative to a 5-star outdoor shower.

DIY outdoor shower with pallets and/or tin

Create an enclosure for your shower using old wooden pallets. These are easy to find and are usually given away for free! You'll just need a handyman or woman with the tools to cut, nail and sand them for your encloser.Nothing beats the water drops on tin! Calming and romantic.  A little more handy work, but another cool DIY shower to consider is a corrugated iron and timber shower.

Freestanding outdoor shower

This couldn't be easier to put up. Freestanding outdoor showers come in a range of sizes and styles. Most freestanding showers can be connected to a garden hose.

Can't get enough of these outdoor shower ideas? Keep an eye out for our next blog. There's plenty more outdoor shower inspiration to come!