Outdoor Kitchen & Patio

Elevate Your Outdoor Living!

By Janette Calabro

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Nearly a foot of snow blanketed Amish Country, Ohio, when Kelly Walters joined about 250 fellow furniture insiders for a winter conference dedicated to what’s next in outdoor living. For most people, it might sound like an unlikely destination in February. For Kelly, the owner of Outdoor Kitchen & Patio, it was simply part of the job.

 

That kind of dedication is exactly what fuels his 10,000-square-foot showroom in Bel Air Plaza, where inspiration comes standard and outdoor living takes center stage. As the third owner of the locally owned and operated business, Kelly takes pride in staying ahead of trends while keeping quality, durability, and lifestyle firmly in focus. 

 

“With so many options, it’s difficult to predict what a buyer’s taste is going to be,” Kelly points out, “but we show items in a display so they can see it.” That hands-on, see-it-to-believe-it approach defines the Outdoor Kitchen & Patio experience. Whether you’re dreaming of a fully equipped outdoor kitchen or simply refreshing your patio furniture, the showroom feels more like a curated backyard tour than a traditional retail space.

 

Outdoor kitchens have evolved far beyond a single grill tucked next to the house. Today, they rival indoor kitchens in both function and design, and Kelly has seen how transformative they can be for everyday life. “We can sell a grill island and put the grill in it,” Kelly explains. “It’s all modular, so we can order it to fit the customer’s configuration.”

 

Pergolas are also growing in popularity. Customers can order pergola kits built to their specifications. “We will seek a contractor so we can offer that product,” Kelly says, noting that while pergola displays aren’t in the showroom yet, the option is very much part of the future.

When asked what truly elevates an outdoor living space today, Kelly doesn’t pretend there’s a one-size-fits-all answer. “That’s a hard question to respond to because taste varies so much,” he says. “Berlin Gardens is really the leader in poly furniture. There’s a whole catalog of styles. There are probably 45 different fabrics, and a dozen or more frame colors you can choose from.”

 

With access to 16 or 17 furniture brands, Outdoor Kitchen & Patio makes it easy for customers to find pieces that reflect their personal style, whether that means modern and sleek or relaxed and traditional. 

 

One standout feature that continues to shape outdoor spaces is the fire table. “Fire tables were introduced to the world during the pandemic, when everyone had to stay home,” Kelly says. “Today, they’re generally part of the furniture group—dining sets that feature a fire table in it. There are so many options.” Fire tables don’t just look great; they extend the outdoor living season and bring people together. Pair them with umbrellas that include built-in lights or heaters, and suddenly the patio becomes a year-round gathering place.

 

Many of the products sold at Outdoor Kitchen & Patio are manufactured in the United States, including smokers built for durability and performance. Though the showroom is the best place to get a feel for the pieces you want, Kelly knows that some people prefer shopping from home. “We just launched a website that allows you to buy online,” he notes.

 

Outdoor living is really about lifestyle, Kelly continues. “We’re seeing more and more demand for elaborate outdoor kitchens. There’s a lot of new construction going on.” Those spaces often feature both convenience and craftsmanship: gas grills for ease, alongside Kamado-style ceramic charcoal grills for slow-cooked flavor. “Gas grills are convenient,” Kelly says, “but you can’t beat the taste of something cooked over charcoal.” 

 

Then there are the pizza ovens, imported from Rome and capable of reaching 1,000 degrees and cooking a pizza in just 90 seconds. “You can use gas for heat and wood for seasoning,” Kelly says. “They’re great for families with lots of kids or people who entertain a lot. And because of how they’re constructed, the pizza ovens we sell will last a lifetime. You’ll want an outdoor refrigerator. Griddles have also become very popular. We sell smokers, too, and the furniture is kind of all over the map.”

 

And that’s exactly how Kelly likes it. Outdoor Kitchen & Patio isn’t about prescribing one perfect look—it’s about helping each customer create a space that fits their life. From snowy conferences to sun-soaked patios, Kelly Walters continues to chase what’s next so that families can enjoy what matters most, right outside their door.

 

Outdoor Kitchen & Patio is located in Bel Air Plaza, at 12100 West Center Road. The showroom is open six days a week, and you can always browse online at outdoorkitchen.com. 

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