Jackson Design & Remodeling Celebrates Arrival of Spring with Five Tips for Creating the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

(March 31, 2010 –San Diego, Calif.) --- With spring now officially underway, many homeowners begin daydreaming about backyard barbecues and garden parties. An outdoor kitchen is one of the best ways to appreciate and share the pleasures of outdoor living. To celebrate spring's arrival and the start of BBQ season, Jackson Design & Remodeling's team of award-wining designers reveals five tips for creating the perfect outdoor kitchen:

The Hot Zone: A grill, gas, charcoal, wood, electric or a hybrid of these cooking methods - often remains central to an outdoor kitchen design. The current deluxe built-in or free-standing grills are remarkably versatile, with options for custom griddles, side burners, roasting spits and more, transforming the traditional concept of backyard barbecuing. Looking for something to separate your backyard from everyone else on the block? Install a wood-fired pizza oven, a food-lover's choice for baking bread or roasting meat in addition to making authentic gourmet pizzas. It's an unexpected and exciting addition that is sure to make your backyard the envy of the block.

"The term outdoor kitchen used to mean dad making hamburgers on the grill," said JDR President Todd Jackson. "But today, and especially in Southern California where the weather allows for year-round outdoor living, we're seeing outdoor spaces become just as multi-functional and attractive as their indoor counterparts. People are going back to the days of backyard dinner parties and having friends over, but their doing it with pizzazz. We've seen an increase in people investing in the outdoor living spaces of their homes and I think it's a wonderful trend that's going to continue."

Location, location, location: Think about how your indoor kitchen and outdoor kitchen will work together when you plan your space. Do you want to keep some tasks indoors? If so, the placement of your outdoor kitchen in proximity to your home will make a big difference in how much you enjoy using it. If you plan for an outdoor kitchen that is completely self-sufficient, then placement matters less and the appliances you choose matter more. The materials for an outdoor kitchen are essential. They must be durable and safe and should be compatible with their surroundings. Natural stone is a popular choice right now because of its durability and aesthetics. Also, keep in mind that outdoor kitchens are subject to specific city planning codes. Be sure your contractor researches and follows the codes for your area.

A Natural Fit: Your outdoor kitchen should seem like a natural extension of your home, with compatible scale, elements and design. When you plan an outdoor kitchen in harmony with your home's natural surroundings - considering landscaping, views and privacy - the result will be considerably more appealing.

Details Matter: Despite the longer days of spring and summer, it will eventually get dark outside - remember to plan lighting to accommodate both tasks and mood. Consider a water feature, such as a fountain or waterfall, to add an element of cool serenity to your backyard space. A thoughtfully placed stone walkway or wall in the landscaping brings additional texture and harmony to your environment. And of course, heat in the outdoor kitchen isn't just for cooking. Fireplaces or fire pits keep the elements from sending you and guests indoors after the sun goes down.

The Big Game: Adding video and audio components to your outdoor living area can make the space more welcoming, flexible and livable. Watch the big game or a classic movie, or listen to your favorite songs from an iPod docking station - just remember that the design should be carefully planned so that cables and wires don't detract from the natural aesthetics of your space. When deciding where to place a television, study where the sun hits during the day to make sure your screen will be visible.

However you choose to customize your space, adding an outdoor kitchen to your home expands your living space and inspires new ideas for entertaining and outdoor living. For more ideas and tips on creating your perfect outdoor living space, go to www.jacksondesignandremodeling.com.

About Jackson Design and Remodeling
Jackson Design and Remodeling has been serving the San Diego community for 20 years. Todd Jackson, President and CEO, has established an enduring tradition of quality and service in the remodeling industry. Jackson and his team have won numerous awards for their work, including 23 COTY awards, several Chrysalis awards and the 2007 and 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The company has been named one of Inc Magazine's fastest growing companies for two years in a row, is one of the San Diego Business Journal's "100 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies" for a third consecutive year and has also received Remodeling MagazineÕs coveted "Big50 Award." JDR offers design-build services giving clients peace of mind that the entire remodeling process, from start to finish, will be seamless. This approach allows for creative thinking, detailed planning and exceptional project management, and is the reason why JDR has built a trusted reputation in the industry for its quality work and commitment to client service. For more information, visit www.jacksondesignandremodeling.com, call (619) 442-6125 or follow us on facebook: Jackson Design & Remodeling and twitter @jacksondesign.