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When your outdoor space is strategically outfitted, you can treat yourself to a mini getaway without ever leaving your home! Whether you have a small balcony or an expansive patio, with a little design inspiration, you can craft an inviting and relaxing space for whenever you need an instant escape.

Implement some of the following design elements to boost your outside ambience:

Create privacy. To truly feel like youre escaping to your own oasis, focus on adding privacy to your outdoor space. A simple screen or trellis can make a small space feel more secluded, or surround your larger patio with a row of hedges, tall grasses or arborvitae trees.

Build a bar. You dont have to invest in an expensive construction project to add an inviting bar to your outdoor space. Wooden boards atop cement blocks serve as a simple DIY solution. Add some barstools, plants and candles and youve got instant ambience.

Go minimal. In order for your patio to feel truly peaceful, dont overcrowd it. Neutral colors and just a few essential, weatherproof furniture pieces will make for a relaxing, low-maintenance area. A table for resting books and drinks between two chairs, plus a couple of colorfully planted containers is all you need to set the scene.

Use a soft touch. Build in some cushy comfort to your patio with the addition of waterproof seat cushions or throw pillows. An outdoor rug and a throw for chilly nights adds even more warmth.

Add interest. Finally, add a few fun details to your patio to reflect your personality. Consider a small fountain, a bird feeder, string lights or a chiminea if allowed. These finishing touches will help complete the picture and emphasize your individual style.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre planning to step up your barbecue game, a new grill can make all the difference and turn your backyard into the best place for family and friends to hang out under the sun.

Here are five favorite grills to please everyone, from charcoal loyalists to high-tech grill masters.

Kalamazoo Gaucho Wood-Fired Grill with Side Burner

If you appreciate the flavors of Argentinian-style grilling, the Gaucho from Kalamazoo is going to be your new best friend. The wood-burning grill and rotisserie is designed with a spoked-wheel that regulates cooking temperature by raising or lowering the grate over a live flame. For added convenience, a gas starter system helps to fire things up and get the meat sizzling.

Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg enjoys legendary status among barbecue enthusiasts, and for good reason. These kamado-style grills can pretty much cook it all, from burgers and steaks to smoked salmon and brisket. Fueled by wood or charcoal, the Big Green Egg brings versatility to grill, sear, smoke, or bake in your backyard.

Lynx SmartGrill

For a state-of-the-art grilling machine, the Lynx SmartGrill can be controlled using your smartphone or voice commands and will let you know exactly when the meat is ready to be flipped. Equipped with all the bells and whistles, like a rotisserie system, smoker box, and infrared burners, this gas-powered grill is ideal for bringing high-tech precision to your BBQ area.

Weber Summit Charcoal Grilling Center

Weber Charcoal grills are tried and tested. While the Kettle model is a simple and enduring classic, the Summit Grilling Center is a cut above. Its gas ignition makes it easy to light up the charcoals and fill the air with that distinct barbecue smell, and the smoker allows for low-and-slow cooked meats.

Traeger Timberline WiFi Pellet Grill

The high-tech capabalities of Traegers Timberline Pellet Grill are enough to get excited about, with an app that lets you control the temperature, set timers, and access a whole bunch of recipes. However, its the good, old fashioned quality that makes it a standout. Fueled by wood pellets that infuse flavors like mesquite, pecan, and hickory BBQ, its the perfect choice for the at-home pitmaster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Owning a historic home provides old-world charm, but it can also pose challenges.

Historic homes often need more maintenance, and outdated technology, such as heating units, could mean higher bills.

If decorative fixtures need repair or replacement, the materials may be costly or no longer available.

Painting the exterior and other renovations could require approval from officials.

If the home is on the National Register of Historic Places, the insurance premium will likely be high.

Nonetheless, these extra costs and potential hassles might be a small price to pay for owning a piece of history.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Cooking and eating outside, especially when the weather is just right, is the perfect way to connect with your own backyard. Whether you have a deck, patio or a simple grassy yard, you can design your own outdoor kitchen to make the outdoor dining experience that much more enjoyable. Plus, creating this exterior space can be a feature many homebuyers look for. Heres how to design a stylish and functional outdoor kitchen.

Built-In Grill, Stovetop and Bar
Since you cant just carry your kitchen stove outside for a day, a built-in kitchen is the perfect solution when designing this space. Prefab outdoor kitchen kits are a simple and easy way to bring the inside out while saving money on a custom space. Many of these kits include a grill, stovetop, counter space, mini fridge and sometimes even an oven, and are usually installed by professionals. If you are looking to create a more customized kitchen, be sure to include all the essentials, including a bar area where you can sit and enjoy your freshly cooked food.

Designated Seating Areas
When designing your outdoor kitchen, its easy to get lost in the appliances. But you dont want to forget about seating. Of course, you should include a table with enough seats for your whole family. If you added a bar to your kitchen, include bar stools or chairs for a separate area where the adults can enjoy a good cocktail or glass of wine. If you have the space, adding a sofa or larger cushioned seats can add a cozy spot to enjoy appetizers, drinks or even lounge around the fire.

Storage for Supplies
Dont forget to add storage, like cabinets and drawers, for all of your essential kitchen supplies. This will limit the trips you need to make inside for plates, cups, napkins, silverware and other essential cooking utensils to make and serve a meal. Wherever you choose to place your bar, whether built-in or rollaway cart, be sure there is space to store your cocktail ingredients and glassware. Keep everything in reach of where it is most needed, such as plates and cooking utensils near the grill and stove top.

Add Some Shade
If you plan to dine outside on a sunny day, you may want to add some shade. Whether you use a simple umbrella for coverage or build and awning or pergola for shade, its important to protect you and your family from harmful UV rays. In addition to adding shade to your outdoor dining space, having a covering above can allow you to enjoy the outdoors on a rainy day. A covering can also help your appliances and seating last longer and keep you cool on hotter days.

Personalize to Your Home Style
Of course, all of the pieces you choose should be weather-resistant and durable. But the space should also compliment the style of your home as well as your personal style. Choose from wood, stone and metal options and accent with tiles and different paint colors for a cohesive and stylish look. Add accents, like patterned pillows on chairs and colorful potted plants on countertops to add in a touch of your own personal aesthetic.

Published with permission from RISMedia.