Outdoor kitchens have grown in popularity during the Covid19 pandemic. There are several reasons for this: first, people are staying home more and want to take advantage of their yards and outdoor spaces; second, many people are now working from home and need a place to cook lunch or dinner; third, with schools closed, families are looking for ways to entertain their kids at home.
Even though in most countries around the world the restrictive norms are starting to weaken, people have already gotten used to the alternate lifestyle and are considering making their homes as comfortable as possible. Outdoor kitchens bring together the best of both worlds, the means to prepare delicious meals, and spend quality time with friends and family outside in the fresh air.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, there are a few key design elements you should keep in mind. We will discuss these elements in detail below.
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Work surfaces
A well-designed kitchen is a beautiful sight, but it can be difficult to know where to start when you have so many different options. One of the most important things to consider are your countertops: what type are they and what material are they made from? Countertops come in all sorts of materials and styles these days, with new options appearing on the market all the time. Granite is a very popular choice for indoor and outdoor kitchens alike. It is heat resistant, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Another great contender is concrete as an outdoor kitchen counter because it is also heat resistant and can be made to look like almost any other type of material.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try soapstone or glass. Soapstone has a smooth, matte finish that is perfect for food preparation. Glass is durable and has a high-end look, but it can be difficult to keep clean.
Storage
Outdoor kitchens need to have enough space to store all of your pots, pans, utensils, and food. If you don’t have enough storage, your kitchen will look cluttered and unorganized. One great way to add storage to your outdoor kitchen is with an island. Islands come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be customized to fit your specific needs. Another option is to build cabinets into the walls of your kitchen. This will give you plenty of storage space without taking up too much room.
Appliances
It is important to think about what type of cooking you will be doing in your outdoor kitchen. Will you be cooking simple meals like burgers and hot dogs or more complicated fare? This will help determine the type of appliances you need as well as how much counter space you need. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking, you may want to invest in a built-in grill or an oven. These can be expensive, but they will make your outdoor kitchen much more functional.
No kitchen is complete without appliances. When choosing appliances for your outdoor kitchen, keep in mind that they need to be able to withstand the elements. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor appliances because it doesn’t rust and it’s easy to clean. Another option is to choose appliances that are specifically designed for outdoor use. These appliances are made from materials that can withstand heat, cold, and rain.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for any kitchen, but it’s especially important in an outdoor kitchen. You need to be able to see what you’re cooking, and you don’t want your guests to be blinded by the sun. There are a few different options for lighting your outdoor kitchen. Ambient lightings, such as string lights or lanterns, is a great way to add atmosphere to your kitchen. Task lightings, such as pendants or recessed lights, is perfect for cooking and prep areas. And finally, accent lighting can be used to highlight certain features of your kitchen, like artwork or cabinets.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important in any kitchen, but it’s especially important in an outdoor kitchen. You need to be able to remove the smoke and odors from your cooking area, and you don’t want your guests to be uncomfortable. There are a few different options for ventilation in an outdoor kitchen. The most common is a range hood that is vented to the outdoors. Other options include a downdraft ventilation system or an island vent.
Plumbing
If you’re planning on doing any cooking in your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to have plumbing installed. This includes a water line for your sink and a gas line for your stove. If you’re not planning on doing any cooking, you can still have a sink installed for washing dishes or prep work.
Layout
The layout of your outdoor kitchen is just as important as the layout of your indoor kitchen. You need to make sure that everything is easily accessible and that there is enough space for everyone to move around. One way to do this is to create a floor plan before you start building. This will help you visualize the finished product and make sure that everything is where it needs to be.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, it is important to take into account the size of the space you have to work with, as well as the type of cooking you plan on doing. If you are limited in space, consider building a small kitchen that includes a grill and a few storage cabinets. If you have more room, you can add a sink, refrigerator, and oven. For best measure consider how much room the people who will be using the kitchen require while prepping food. If someone is petite you don’t have to worry too much about leaving enough space in the cooking and prepping area. On the other hand, if there is someone very tall or large they may need the extra room. So take into account the people who will be using your outdoor kitchen when designing it.
Endnote
When designing your outdoor kitchen, keep these 7 things in mind to create the perfect space for cooking and entertaining. With a little planning and forethought, you can create an outdoor kitchen that will be the envy of your friends and family.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen. But if you keep these design elements in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect space for cooking and entertaining.
