The best outdoor kitchens need to be not only aesthetically pleasing but functional as well. Even if all you want is a beautiful grilling area, your kitchen needs the kind of design that will give the same indoor space and functionality. Here are eight tips to help you with everything you want when you design your outdoor kitchen.
1. Blend With Your Living Space
The design of your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor living area. To ensure that you enjoy your new kitchen, make sure there is enough shade to protect you from direct exposure to the sun’s rays whenever possible. This can be done by planting trees in strategic points or installing a pergola or an awning.
2. Kitchen Style
Decide on how your new kitchen space will function. The most basic style should have separate areas for a grill, sink, and dining. You can put anything you have in your indoor kitchen into the design for the extravagant styles. Before you begin, decide if you want something fully functional or just the basics. Then choose what essentials you want to add.
3. The Flooring
Your flooring should be able to withstand the rigors of your cooking habits and the climate. Some regions may be more suitable for tile or marble. While, in other areas where there is a lot of moisture, these flooring would not be appropriate. They may not stand up to the inevitable food or grease stains that will build up over time.
4. It Should Blend With Your Surroundings
Your new kitchen should also blend in with your outdoor surroundings. It should appear to be a seamless extension of your home’s exterior. Your color choices and textures should complement your home, not clash with it. Also, think carefully about the landscape. Desert areas blend better with orange or turquoise, while more tropical regions have softer colors mixed with lush foliage.
5. Make The Most Of Your Space
You can include many features in your new design if you have lots of space for your new kitchen. However, the challenge is working with a limited amount of space. In such cases, it will be necessary to choose only those features that you can utilize to the full. Position the cooking area so that the smoke doesn’t flow back to your house, and the kitchen near the entrance to the house so you don’t have to walk too far when you need something.
6. Plan For Appliances
The best outdoor kitchens come fully equipped with electrical appliances. These prevent you from having to keep going back into the house for essentials when you need them. Besides an outdoor grilling area and perhaps a stovetop, you should also plan for a refrigerator to store foods. You might also need a place for smaller appliances like blenders and mixers.
7. Budget
Before you start with your new kitchen design, it is a good idea to evaluate your budget. This will make it easy to know precisely what you can afford to do. You should always factor in things like the cost of materials, appliances, and labor. This type of information will help you to determine what professional services you can get.
8. Storage
No kitchen is complete without adequate storage. You will need to designate a space to keep things at your fingertips for when you need them. However, unlike in an indoor kitchen, your storage areas must keep things safe from critters that may be out looking for a free meal when you’re not around.
Many factors need careful consideration when designing your new outdoor kitchen. No matter what style you decide on, always keep in mind that you want your new space to work well with your household’s lifestyle. As long as you’re realistic, the design you choose should work well for your goals.
