When it comes to outdoor kitchens, there are infinite design options. The question is which outdoor kitchen ideas will work best for you! The difficult part is to find ways to match aesthetics and function. Make a note of that combo! When the outdoor kitchen design is functional and elegant, it will improve your life in the backyard. And that’s the whole point of building an outdoor kitchen anyway. So, here are some great outdoor kitchen ideas to transform the backyard into an amazing livable space.
Make the outdoor kitchen as comfy as the indoors
If your indoor kitchen is to your standards, find an outdoor kitchen contractor and tell him to copy the design and build you something similar in the backyard. The word “similar” is key when it comes to your outdoor kitchen installation since it highly depends on the space available in the backyard. Or the shape of your landscape. But it’s very important that your outdoor kitchen is equipped with everything you need to prep and cook meals. Or even make desserts. What’s best than making brownies outdoors?
A functional outdoor kitchen will have a big countertop and sink. It will also integrate sufficient storage space so that you can keep all the necessary supplies and kitchen accessories around you. Remember that you need space so you may also consider an outdoor kitchen island, if there’s enough room. The island may have cabinets or shelves, where you can also keep supplies and all kinds of items in baskets and coffins.
Integrate both a grill & an oven
An outdoor kitchen is not complete without the cooking appliances. A grill alone is not always sufficient. Include an outdoor oven as well. This way you will have a choice on how and what to cook.
Don’t forget to get an outdoor refrigerator
One way to make the outdoor kitchen functional is to buy an outdoor refrigerator. Think about it. If you are planning to cook outdoors, you will need supplies that must be refrigerated. And then, you cook outdoors when it’s warm. Some cold drinks will be needed all the time. It’s not convenient to go in the indoor kitchen every time you want something from the fridge.
Outdoor kitchens & pergolas are best friends
If you are planning to build an outdoor kitchen, you are also planning to spend many months outdoors. People don’t spend money on outdoor kitchens if they only use it once or twice through the year. But the weather is not always smiling. It might also rain. Or get windy. A pergola can protect you from the elements. Even the sun. It will also protect the outdoor kitchen materials from getting weathered. Of course, the traditional pergola designs do not have a full roof but you can cover the wooden beams with a cloth, making the backyard even cozier. If the outdoor kitchen is rather small, an umbrella may also do. But it won’t be convenient (or safe) if it’s windy.
Choose the ideal outdoor lighting
An outdoor kitchen without good lighting is practically useless. Candle lights are great to create a nice ambience, not to prep and cook meals. In fact, you need bright outdoor lighting over the countertop or island and perhaps some mood lighting over the table and the seating area.
Create a comfortable backyard environment
Since it might get chilly at times but you will still love to cook outdoors, place a firepit. You can also build an outdoor fireplace and store wood in one of the under the counter outdoor kitchen cabinets/shelves. Also, make sure you pick comfortable garden furniture (chairs, dining table, seats, etc.). You can also create a bar & hang a TV. Want to bet you’ll never leave the backyard again?
Select colors that make you happy
There are countless outdoor kitchen styles, designs, and colors. Pick your favorite ones. Try to keep the colors neutral and give the tone you want with accessories so that you will not be bored. After all, changing the accessories is easy. Building an outdoor kitchen needs good planning, but you can create a great livable space making your backyard the place where you will love to spend most time of the day (and night).
