When we talk about an outdoor kitchen design, we may refer to its style but also function. There’s a double meaning behind the word ‘design’ but all in all, the crucial thing is to create a backyard kitchen that will be exactly what you need and want. And that surely includes both function and form.
When it’s time to talk with outdoor kitchen contractors, you will notice that the discussion goes beyond outdoor ovens, grills, and countertops. There are quite a few features one must consider before building an outdoor kitchen. Should we see the main ones?
Outdoor kitchen layout
The outdoor kitchen layout must be in perfect proportion with the landscape – that’s in terms of size. Since the layout has mainly to do with function – hence, your convenience, it should meet your personal needs. So, it’s best to consider which and how many cooking appliances you want. Also, if you want additional outdoor appliances, like a dishwasher and fridge. Then, the layout of the kitchen will also define the size of the counter and storage. To avoid mistakes you’ll regret later, consider what you want to include in the kitchen to be sure the layout is perfect.
The style of the outdoor kitchen
It’s best to keep the style of the outdoor kitchen aligned with the home style. If this is a Craftsman home, build a Craftsman outdoor kitchen. From mid-century to traditional and contemporary, the architectural styles apply to outdoor kitchens too. Now, when it comes to these and other styles, there’s a list of elements that make a difference. A few examples?
• Minimalistic outdoor kitchens have strict lines with no apparent excess
• Pay attention to the materials. Traditionally, outdoor kitchen builders use stone and brick. To make it trendier and more minimal, go for concrete. Wood and aluminum are often combined to give a modern look.
• The color makes a difference too. While dark wood is imposing and dramatic, lighter colors make the outdoor environment more subtle and inviting.
Cooking area
The cooking area must be functional. We already established that but now we need to emphasize that function goes beyond the appliances.
• The countertop is always the focal point of every kitchen. And sometimes, outdoor kitchens need more counter space than interior kitchens – that’s if you entertain a lot outside. The countertop is the main feature of all kitchens since it provides the space needed to prep food and helps you keep accessories all around.
• Speaking of accessories, you will need nearly as many as you use in the kitchen indoors and some utensils are big in size. You may not need as many dishes and glassware as inside, but you will still need some storage room. It’s best if the storage space is around the counter and the cooking area – for convenience alone.
• The cooking area must be well lit and so one more main feature is the lighting fixtures. Always make sure you get outdoor lights bright enough to help you prep and cook food.
Dining area
Since the whole point of having a backyard kitchen in the first place is to enjoy meals outdoor, you will also need a dining area. This should be found close to the cooking area. After all, the whole fun of entertaining outdoors is to cook and prep while having your friends around. With this in mind, if you create a seating area too, make sure it’s close by too.
What you also need over the table and around the dining area is ambient lighting. Something that will help you eat in a pleasant environment while it will also create a warm ambiance.
Outdoor kitchen cover
You might think that considering the cover of the outdoor kitchen right from the start is not really worth it. But if you give it a second, you will realize that the cooking area – the dining area too, will be completely exposed to the mood of the weather and so not protected at all. This could ruin a very nice gathering of friends. Instead of dealing with a sudden rain, think of the ways you can cover the outdoor kitchen from the start.
