Many homeowners are opting for outdoor kitchens. Not only does this add an element of fun and relaxation when socializing over meals with friends and family, it can also reduce smells from traveling into the house and cut costs by relieving your air conditioner from having to work as hard.
Outdoor kitchens range from contemporary designs to rustic cottage kitchens, and timeless traditional landscape designs - each prioritizing functionality and symmetry for maximum enjoyment.
Aesthetics
Cooking outside can be one of the greatest pleasures, letting in fresh air and taking in stunning surroundings while creating delicious meals for family and friends. And those who like entertaining often need an outdoor kitchen fully equipped with a bar, grill, and all necessary accessories; then creating delicious grilled dishes while their guests relax close by is effortless!
No matter your style of outdoor kitchen design, there are endless ways to make it truly outstanding. A waterfall countertop not only looks stunning; it serves as an elegant counter for food prep as well. Create your own faux waterfall with inexpensive concrete mix and river rocks; for an added flourish surround these water features with stunning flowers or greenery for an "outdoor garden" effect.
Add sophistication to your outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances combined with wooden elements. Stainless steel's clean, modern aesthetic makes it easy to coordinate it with different materials and color palettes; Jessica Alba designed her outdoor kitchen by pairing wood-toned cabinetry with waterfall backsplash and stainless steel barstools, creating an exquisite space worthy of any gastropub.
Though functionality should always be the top priority when designing an outdoor kitchen, that doesn't mean style should be neglected. Heather Hilliard Design's modern outdoor kitchen serves as a prime example of prioritizing function while still creating a gorgeous space - featuring built-in grills, multiple refrigerators, custom tile backsplashes, plaster hoods, and built-in appliances to make a space that is equally stylish as practical.
An L-shaped outdoor kitchen is an ideal solution for smaller spaces, as its shape enables it to easily fit into corners and tuck beneath porches or decks. Furthermore, urban outdoor kitchens that typically exist on balconies or rooftops often employ this layout; here it features built-in grills, wine fridges, and green living walls to create a vibrant modern aesthetic sure to wow guests.
Though there are endless design choices for outdoor kitchens, it is essential that you select one that will match both your lifestyle and home perfectly. By doing so, your outdoor kitchen will become an extension of indoor living areas while remaining stunningly attractive.
Appliances
Choose appliances for your outdoor kitchen that best meet your culinary needs and lifestyle, including a grill, side burners, built-in smoker, pizza oven, mini refrigerator or sink.
Stainless steel appliances are ideal for outdoor kitchens, as they're easy to keep clean and can stand up against harsh elements. But you may also be interested in finding options made from stone, wood, or concrete for a truly customized look.
Add seating areas around your kitchen to make it more welcoming and cozy, making the area ideal for relaxing and entertaining guests. Include a dining table for accommodating them while serving delicious homemade meals you have created!
To make sure your kitchen and entertaining space work perfectly all day long, investing in ambient, task, and accent lights is essential. Achieve this by creating an area with appropriate illumination that remains both welcoming and functional throughout the day and night.
If you enjoy hosting, an outdoor kitchen is the ideal place for you. Create the ideal setting with the help of a bar and comfortable stools - not to mention adding a drop-in cooler refrigeration drawer so your beverages remain cool and accessible during all of your events!
To create an inviting cooking and dining area in your backyard, consider installing an awning or gazebo to protect you and your appliances from the elements while giving your kitchen an integrated look that blends in seamlessly with its surrounding space.
Functionality
Those who enjoy entertaining often will find that an outdoor kitchen provides an effective solution to one of the biggest pain points when hosting parties: hauling food and drinks back and forth from home. By having appliances such as grilling utensils, pizza-making supplies, glassware plates, and serving items on hand - such as an outdoor kitchen - they'll spend more time enjoying themselves while entertaining their guests rather than doing mundane prep work beforehand.
Even small patios can accommodate an outdoor cooking space with the aid of clever design techniques. An L-shaped layout with cabinets along the longer side makes for efficient use and accessibility; and a countertop on either shorter side is suitable for food prep as well as hosting barstools for casual dining and socializing, like this modern outdoor kitchen designed by Heather Hilliard.
Your outdoor kitchen should reflect the overall aesthetic of both your home and garden. If your backyard is filled with lush vegetation, opt for natural finishes that blend in seamlessly. If your garden area is more distinct and delineated, try opting for elegant materials like natural stone and rich wood for an elegant appearance.
Every climate experiences some form of weather extremes, making it important to select materials that can withstand them. Marble, limestone, travertine, and soapstone all stand up well to moisture; woods like teak can weather beautifully over time when exposed to sunlight and other natural elements.
Insulated outdoor kitchens provide valuable protection from the cold. You can find affordable models that keep temperatures steady, making them an economical addition to any outdoor kitchen design.
If you plan on cooking often in your outdoor kitchen, adding a wine fridge could come in handy. Not only can it store bottles for guests' consumption but it can also reduce running back into the kitchen frequently for glasses or ice refills. Alternatively, consider creating a beverage station complete with a sink and icemaker to provide guests with easy access to chilled beverages without needing to go back inside for refills or other necessities.
Entertainment
An outdoor kitchen provides the ideal place for family and friends to gather around a delicious meal, while creating lasting memories through interactive cooking experiences together. Your dining area will surely become the focal point of the gathering whether hosting weekend BBQs or holiday festivities!
With all the right tools in the backyard kitchen, guests can help with food prep or simply relax and take in the atmosphere. For added luxury, consider installing a wine cooler, bar refrigerator or full kegerator to store beverages conveniently while adding visual interest and sophistication.
While your guests relax and appreciate your culinary creations, take advantage of an outdoor kitchen's spacious layout to keep them entertained in other ways. A fireplace such as that in this outdoor kitchen provides the ideal spot for roasting marshmallows for an easy campfire - and its cozy seating arrangements provide the perfect spot for spending quality time with those you care for - the fire pit can easily be moved for larger groups!
Those considering an outdoor kitchen may also benefit from adding pergolas or covered patios to their backyards for added privacy and security when entertaining large groups, and to protect their kitchen from inclement weather to extend your entertaining season.
Are you ready to turn your backyard into an inviting culinary retreat? Reach out to Creative Outdoor Living's experienced professionals. Our outdoor landscaping services include designing and building custom outdoor kitchens to meet the individual needs of each of our customers, helping select appliances, finishes and accessories that make their dream kitchen come to life! Contact us now and arrange a consultation session so we can begin creating the space of your dreams!