As outdoor patios and kitchens continue to evolve into fully outfitted living spaces, the right lighting and ceiling fans are becoming essential, not just for style, but for comfort and functionality.
For homeowners in Ohio and Michigan, where the outdoor entertaining season is shorter, investing in durable, stylish, and energy-efficient products that extend usage into cooler evenings is more important than ever.
Here’s what’s trending in 2025—and how Gross Electric can help you light the way.
- Warm, Ambient Lighting Is In
Gone are the days of harsh floodlights. Today’s outdoor kitchens call for lighting that creates mood, enhances architecture, and supports after-dark cooking and dining. In the Midwest, ambient lighting is especially important for maximizing enjoyment during the shorter summer and early fall seasons.
Trend Highlights:
- Integrated LED fixtures that offer energy savings and long life—no bulb changes needed.
- Dimmable sconces and pendants to set the right tone from grill time to wine time.
- Smart lighting systems that can be scheduled or controlled remotely to extend patio season.
Example Brands for Outdoor Lighting:
- Hinkley Lighting – Ohio-based and engineered for all-season durability with Midwestern weather in mind.
- Kichler – A Cleveland-rooted favorite offering stylish, high-performance lighting for outdoor kitchens and dining spaces.
- WAC Lighting – Known for architectural-quality LEDs and contemporary flair, great for modern patios and built-in kitchen zones.
- Visual Comfort – Offers distinctive, outdoor collections with timeless charm—perfect for lakeside homes and suburban patios alike.
- Ceiling Fans That Cool & Complete the Space
In 2025, ceiling fans are doing double duty: enhancing airflow and serving as a design focal point. In areas like Ohio and Michigan, where humidity can spike in the summer and mosquitoes are a nuisance, ceiling fans make outdoor kitchens more usable—and more enjoyable.
Trend Highlights:
- Wet-rated fans built to withstand rain, humidity, and lake-effect weather.
- DC motor fans that run ultra-quiet and energy-efficiently—ideal for evening dining and early-morning coffee hours.
- Smart-enabled fans that pair with Alexa or Google for hands-free control and automated comfort.
Gross Electric's Fan Favorites:
- Minka Aire – Sleek styles and smart controls meet performance; ideal for both rustic and modern outdoor kitchens.
- Maxim – A trusted name with weather-tough builds and timeless designs that suit classic Midwest aesthetics.
- Modern Forms – Minimalist, contemporary fans with smart capabilities—great for upscale patios and design-forward homes.
- Weather-Specific Design Ideas & Seasonal Know-How for the Great Lakes Region
Designing for Ohio and Michigan means embracing the beauty—and unpredictability—of all four seasons. From lake-effect storms to brisk spring mornings and chilly autumn nights, your outdoor kitchen setup needs to be resilient and ready for change.
Smart Design Considerations for the Region:
- Go wet-rated: Choose lighting and fans rated for wet or damp environments to stand up to Great Lakes humidity, storms, and sudden temperature swings.
- Shield with structure: Use covered pergolas, roof extensions, or retractable awnings to protect fixtures and furniture from spring rain and fall winds.
- Install timers and sensors: Automate lighting to account for shorter daylight hours in the spring and fall, so your space is always welcoming at dusk.
- Use rugged, rust-resistant materials: Prioritize finishes like powder-coated aluminum, marine-grade stainless steel, and composite wood that can handle seasonal changes.
- Plan for easy winterization: Select fixtures and fans that are easy to disconnect, cover, or store—and install electrical systems with off-season shutoff options.
With the right plan, your outdoor kitchen can remain a cozy hub even as temperatures drop—and be ready to go the moment the thaw begins.
- Design for Extended Season Use
The key to maximizing your outdoor kitchen investment in Ohio and Michigan? Design choices that help extend the season and adapt to fluctuating temps.
Design Tips:
- Layered lighting: Mix task lighting over cooking areas with ambient lighting over seating and pathways to balance function and comfort.
- Incorporate heat lamps or gas fire features: Add style and warmth to stretch your patio season into September and October.
- Use light to define zones: Create separate experiences for prep, cooking, dining, and relaxing with lighting that draws the eye and sets the mood.
- Bringing It All Together: Fixtures, Features & Brands That Complete the Space
Great lighting and fans are just the beginning. The most memorable outdoor kitchens are those that feel fully integrated—where every element works together to create a comfortable, functional, and stylish gathering space for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer birthday party, cheering on the Buckeyes or Wolverines with neighbors, or just grilling burgers with the kids on a Tuesday night, these finishing touches make all the difference.
Entertaining Must-Haves for 2025 Outdoor Kitchens:
- Under-counter and task lighting: Illuminate prep zones, coolers, or built-in bars for seamless functionality after dark.
- Outdoor-rated audio systems: Brands like Sonance and JBL offer weatherproof sound with discreet designs that blend into your landscape.
- Built-in heaters and fire features: Add comfort and ambiance while extending the usability of your space well into late fall.
- Outdoor-rated dimmers and controls: From Legrand to Lutron Caséta, smart controls allow you to personalize your atmosphere with just a touch or voice command.
Top Brands That Tie It All Together:
- Kichler Landscape Lighting – Illuminate walkways, gardens, and patios with reliable elegance.
- Visual Comfort Outdoor Lighting – A smart pairing for composite decking or railing systems, offering cohesive design across outdoor zones.
- Seura Outdoor TVs – Waterproof, weather-resistant TVs made for year-round use in northern climates—ideal for game day or family movie night.
- Generation Lighting – Stylish and affordable options for transitional designs that match a variety of architectural styles.
Pro Tip: Incorporate finishes and materials that echo the inside of your home—like matte black, bronze, or brushed nickel—to make the transition from indoor to outdoor feel intentional and fluid.
Light Up Your 2025 Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces with Gross Electric
Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your existing outdoor space, Gross Electric’s lighting experts can help you find the perfect fixtures and fans to elevate your outdoor kitchen—and make every minute outside count.
Visit our showrooms in Toledo and Ann Arbor to explore our extensive selection of outdoor lighting, fans, and accessories—or schedule a one-on-one consultation with a lighting designer who understands Midwest weather, lifestyle, and taste.
Your dream outdoor kitchen starts here—short season or not!
