Eating Al Fresco in the Okanagan

Al Fresco dining is eating outside (from the Italian words "al fresco" = outside, at a fresh temperature).

If you enjoy eating al fresco, you can add another valuable dimension to your home by installing an Outdoor Kitchen.  An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate feature for any chef or person that loves to entertain. Whether its a wood-fired pizza or a cold glass of wine served from your outdoor fridge, an outdoor kitchen can transform the way your family eats and lives.

MODE CONCRETE is flexible, creative and experienced in designing outdoor kitchens to suit your needs. Whatever your vision, we are your one stop shop for outdoor kitchens and all the complimentary elements to go with it: decks and pergolas, outdoor rooms, and landscaping ideas. Before commencing any work, we will provide easy to understand plans and pricing so you know exactly what you will get from your outdoor kitchen.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in creating and designing luxury outdoor kitchens, for both the residential or commercial outdoor living space.  We are getting really busy this time of year, lots of people are planning and designing their outdoor kitchens.  Make sure you plan ahead, use a reputable contractor, and start planning now to make sure you can use you start eating and cooking al fresco as soon as the sun starts to shine.

Stunning Outdoor Fireplaces, Firepits, Firetables

Our newest obsession, fire features -- fire features -- fire features. Spring has sprung, lets get outside and enjoy our yards!!!  These outdoor fireplaces and firetables take the bite out of the cooler weather right now, but still let you enjoy our gorgeous lake views that we love so much in the Okanagan.  Below are some inspiring videos and pictures, of some great design options when incorporating an outdoor gas fire feature into your outdoor living space, all available for order through MODE CONCRETE.

Complete customization is available for your project - whether you simply want a fire feature, or a complete outdoor living oasis, MODE CONCRETE are the outdoor and custom concrete experts in the Okanagan.  MODE has modern ideas to optimize your outdoor space and only carries the best products on the market.  Trust us - we've done our research; we only carry the most beautiful, design worthy, enviable products available.  

One of our favorites, is the Regency Outdoor Fire Feature line (all can be ordered through MODE CONCRETE).  All products come with warranties, of course, delivered to your home, and we can take care of arranging everything for the installation if needed.  Please inquire for more information on ordering and product availability.  Everything we supply and create can be 100% customized to your project.

The Regency Outdoor Gas Fireplace collection offers a sleek, artistic styling to complement today’s modern outdoor living spaces. Whether you are looking for a tranquil retreat or a lively background to entertain, the versatility of the Regency outdoor collection creates an endless number of possibilities for your outdoor oasis. Designed to amaze, built to last, the Regency outdoor fireplace collection is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and leave you toasty roasty.

Cool and Modern Concrete Floors

If you want ultra-modern style and major design impact, consider concrete floors - the flooring for the stylish at heart.  Concrete floors give a super-modern look, industrial look - and like freckles, concrete floors help to camouflage wear as it gets older.  With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, irregularities, and the patina that develops with wear over time.

There are good reasons why interior designers often choose concrete for their most cutting edge spaces. Stained, colored, textured or smooth, concrete boasts limitless design options. It provides a blank canvas upon which homeowners can leave their mark.  But beyond the design advantages, these surfaces are low maintenance and they blend seamlessly with the architectural aesthetics of various design styles.

Above is a picture of a concrete floor that MODE CONCRETE created

Concrete Flooring Benefits:

• STYLISH - Undeniably gorgeous, original, one of kind and a piece of art. Homeowners love their concrete floors for their personality. Some owners opt for aesthetic simplicity, while others take advantage of the broad choice of colors and textures available.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Concrete floors can help you save energy. They feel cooler in the summer, so there is less of a need to use air conditioning. During the winter, concrete floors absorb the heat from the sun, helping to keep your home warm. For those with radiant-heated floors, concrete is the best flooring surface to maximize heat conduction and minimize energy usage.  Some worry that a concrete floor will be cold and hard on their feet. The truth is that finished concrete floors are no colder or hard-feeling as other common flooring types like ceramic tiles, stone and marble.
• SUSTAINABILITY - Using concrete floors helps to minimize waste, unlike other types of flooring, such as carpet, which creates waste from padding and carpet scraps. Also, concrete does not contain the harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that many synthetic carpets do.
• NON SLIP SURFACE - Especially with an added glossy finish, you would think concrete floors would be slippery. But the truth is that as long as your floor is installed by a professional, it should not be slippery. Standard practice and appropriate top coats, ensure that a non-slip additive is applied to the final finish of the floor.
• DURABILITY - If they are properly installed and maintained, concrete floors rarely need replacement and there is virtually no maintenance with concrete floors.
• LOW MAINTENANCE - Maintenance is simple. Just vacuum or sweep and follow up with a damp mop. The amount of traffic your floors receive will determine the amount of maintenance it will need. A concrete floor with normal traffic will probably need a reapplication of the finish every 2-3 years. Keep in mind that concrete is the most abrasive-resistant and durable floor. Proper installation also means that you won't have to worry about moisture vapors. Vapor barriers should be installed under the concrete slab to block moisture and dampness. Keep in mind that hiring a professional concrete floor installer is the best way to ensure that you won't have problems later.
• COST - Some considerations; size of job, detail (is it a basic application of stain or dye or more detailed design), preparation requirements, time frame, products and materials used (hardware store brand or professional grade) and finally, the experience level of the installer (a more experienced professional concrete artist/craftsman will charge more).

And another picture of a concrete floor that MODE CONCRETE created.

Modern Outdoor Firetables

Fire creates warmth, comfort and ambiance, making the fire pit or fireplace a great addition to the landscape. Take the chill out of a cool evening, or enjoy the crackle of the fire while roasting s'mores. Fire is an important element to many homeowners, and we offer features that accommodate all sorts of outdoor living spaces - whether residential or commercial. We love modern firetables and concrete fire bowls, many options are available through MODE CONCRETE. For a more permanent solution, we can design and construct a fireplace or fire pit. We always ensure that features comply with local fire ordinances.

Let MODE CONCRETE help you decide which outdoor fire feature is best for you.  Here is a picture of one of our favorites, you can order this gorgeous REGENCY firetable through us.  Contact us today for more information.

Everyday is a Staycation in Your Backyard Resort

Summer is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to start planning your outdoor kitchen. Like clockwork, every May long weekend seems to be when all homeowners frantically push their contractors to get their outdoor kitchens done before all of our summer visitors start arriving (you get an abundance of summer time visitors when you live in the Okanagan).

Adding amenities to your outdoor space requires planning. It is ideal to lump together projects and complete several goals at once. Call us for information on creating an outdoor oasis, and we can discuss ways to maximize the value and comfort of your outdoor environment. Installation doesn't need to disrupt your life. We can work around your busy schedule.

From basic counters with cook tops to granite and upscale appliances, the outdoor kitchen has evolved into a luxury amenity that's just as equipped as the kitchen under your roof. Patios, retaining walls and plantings create a unique space for cooking, entertaining and dining.

It can take a few weeks to decide on a design that you like. Then once everything is decided and a 3D design is approved, getting the specific parts and accessories that you choose may take a few more weeks. And keep in mind that if you start planning your outdoor kitchen when everyone else does, your contractor may have to book you in after previous projects are completed.

In today's homes, the backyard has truly become an extension of your living space and MODE CONCRETE is at the forefront of helping clients create unique outdoor living spaces in the Okanagan. We are your complete source for custom designed outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, custom outdoor furniture, and pergola's.

The result: a customized setting that expands your living space and makes home feel like a vacation.

Ultra Chic and Modern Concrete Kitchen Countertops - made in the Okanagan

Here is our standard grey concrete countertops in a modern kitchen we completed last year.  We love the finished look!

Picking the Best Grill for your Outdoor Kitchen

There are many great options available.  Here are some things to consider when deciding.

• Performance - This is the most important thing. Do your research and make sure you are buying an outdoor grill that stands up to years of grilling.
• Appearance - The best built-in grill should enhance the look of your outdoor kitchen or BBQ Island. It should be the focal point of your outdoor kitchen and you should be proud to show it off.
• Durability - When making an investment in an outdoor kitchen you want the grill to be the centerpiece of your overall design.  For the money spent, the best built-in grill should hold up well to the elements as well as to frequent use. A strong warranty says the manufacturer is confident that you won't have any problems and offers you peace of mind for years to come.
• Value - You should expect to pay more for quality, but that doesn't mean you should expect to throw money away.  What is your budget?
• Price - You can spend a lot of money for a grill, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.  Are you wanting a low end, a mid end, or high end grill?  And how many years do you want to trust your grill will fire up summer after summer?  This is the biggest investment of your outdoor kitchen, but it comes down to space, budget, and preference.
• Specifications - The grade and quality of the stainless steel, size of cooking surface, how many BTU's, brand preference?  Are the burners and cooking grids made of stainless steel?  Research the brands available and compare their features and benefits.
• Cool Extras - Does anything get your fancy?  Check out the product lines you have available and see if anything stands out or appeals to you. 
• The Warranty - You can tell a lot about the quality of a product by the warranty that the manufacturer puts behind it.  

You can trust MODE CONCRETE to walk you through the entire outdoor kitchen process and walk you through all the decisions.  We have many different packages available, from design, to installation, to selling the outdoor grills - we help select between the many options available.  


Please call today MODE CONCRETE for a consultation or more information.