Despite the fact that we had to wait a bit for workers to be available, the outside patio is now well under way. For the past several months, our picturesque infinity pool was flanked by two dirt expanses speckled with whatever desert plant was hearty enough to grow. Now, we have concrete!

I feel a little dumb because we didn’t register at the beginning of this project that you could make concrete any color. Going back, I’m not sure I would change anything, but I did recently see a house with a black concrete kitchen – sexy as hell. Anyway, we learned this in time for the outside patio which we’ve opted for a creamy white to match the pebbletec. This color will reflect heat and provide a cool walking surface in the summer, and I think it looks fantastic.

At the same time as patio construction, we’re putting in the outdoor kitchen. While it is located in the same place as we originally planned, the design has been simplified. No more bar or sink, but we are still adding a bread/pizza oven, built-in BBQ grill, under counter storage for wood and a bit of prep counter space. I was always hesitant about a huge outdoor kitchen when I have a big one a few steps away, so I think this is the right way to go. We may still put in a little fridge for cold drinks, but that’s about it. Simple. I also love that Switch had them use the leftover bricks from the house.

The construction should be finished by early next week and we can start making it into a hangout space. Pizza oven will happen when our builder is available again later this year. Woo!