Celebrate National Grilling Month in a SMOKIN’ Outdoor Living Space

While most Americans associate July with the picnics, parades and fireworks of Independence Day, did you know it also marks the spark and sizzle of National Grilling Month? If you have a grill master in your household, you’ll want to create an outdoor living space where the grill is at center stage – so you, he or she can show off those culinary skills while your guests reap the rewards. Here are a few tips from the Green River Builders team that will help you design an al fresco atmosphere where your outdoor chef can shine that just might make your outdoor living space your favorite “room” of the home!

1)    Apply an Open Concept Mindset

Whether your home features a deck or patio, you’re going to want to eye the space the same way you view your interior living spaces. Many of today’s homes showcase entertainment-friendly open concepts that feature a seamless flow between your kitchen, family and dining rooms. Create that same feel in your outdoor living space – where your cook space, seating space and dining space are all united.This will ensure an inviting sense of togetherness.

2)    Tie the Space Together Through Décor

‍Even though the sky is your ceiling, you’ll want to treat your outdoor living space like a room. Incorporate cozy seating for your guests to relax while the meal is prepared and a beautifully set dining table for everyone to gather once dinner is ready. Throw pillows, area rugs, table linens and potted plants will go a long way in enhancing the environment and adding cheerful pops of color.If your outdoor living space is visible through your windows, you may want to make sure the outdoor color story complements or even matches the décor of your interior.

3)    Light the Night

‍While you may plan most of your backyard barbecues during the day, there will be those occasions when you’re grilling and dining under a starry night sky. Make sure you have plenty of good lighting to guarantee your burgers are cooked to medium-well and that you can see the smiling faces of your guests as they enjoy their meal. You can add permanent outdoor lighting throughout your landscape, incorporate outdoor table and floor lamps to enhance the sense of a room, string festive lights above the living space and/or add an outdoor fire pit for a little fireside glow.

4)    Party Pest-free

‍ Mosquito bites can ruin your plans for an outdoor gathering, particularly after dusk. Have kid-friendly insect repellent on hand and be proactive by hiring an environmentally minded company that specializes in pet-safe bug treatments to spray your outdoor living space before your guests arrive.

5)    The Star of the Show

‍During NationalGrilling Month, the star of the show – besides the chef him or herself – will be the grill you select on which they will work their magic. Their signature dishes or recipes they hope to tackle may dictate the type of grill that might serve your family best…

Ceramic Smoker

‍This highly popular option provides a dome-shaped tool that can grill or smoke meats to perfection.It uses less charcoal than a traditional grill, and most ceramic smoker manufacturers recommend using 100% natural charcoal, made from hardwood.

Propane Grill/Smoker Combo

‍The ideal grill for the multi-tasker, this hybrid tool will allow you to grill your burgers and hot dogs on one side, while a couple slabs of baby back ribs smoke on the other side.

Pellet Grill

‍Perhaps your most eco-friendly option, a pellet grill uses pellets made from the compressed sawdust of different types of hardwoods as a heating element that cooks and flavors your meat at the same time.

Outdoor Griddle

‍Another hot new trend in outdoor grilling, this tool is not so different from the cooktops used inside hibachi restaurants. Having overnight guests? Grill steaks and veggies the night before, and then eggs and bacon the morning after!

Of course, the best way to create a stellar outdoor living space is to start with a good foundation. Green River Builders places a major emphasis on our decks and patios – particularly in our luxury lakeside homes at Lake Oconee. If you’re building with us from the ground up, we can design an outdoor living space to fit your lifestyle – from a screened in porch with an outdoor hearth for four season enjoyment to an outdoor kitchen for the celebration of manyNational Grilling Months to come. To learn more about our communities and capabilities, we encourage you to visit us at www.GreenRiverBuilder.com. We’d love to help you build the home – and outdoor living space – of your dreams!

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