5 Tips for Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen this Autumn
Nothing beats the joy of alfresco dining and entertaining, and more Australians are choosing to follow the landscaping trend of adding outdoor kitchens where they can cook, relax, and entertain year-round. If you’re looking to put your outdoor space to good use this autumn, here are five tips to help extend your living space by designing the ultimate outdoor kitchen.
Have a clear vision of what you want in your outdoor space
Before you start looking for contractors for your project, you want to make sure that you have a clear vision of outdoor kitchen. Think about how you plan to use the space. Do you imagine yourself cooking up some delicious, gourmet meals while enjoying the view of your garden? Will you only use the area for cooking and eating or do you also play to entertain, lounge, and relax there? Your primary use of space will largely determine the features of your outdoor kitchen as well as the complexity of the project.
Incorporate the right appliances into your kitchen design
Once you’re certain about the kitchen type you’re after and have selected the right area for it, it’s time to move on to the appliances. Your personal preferences, cooking style, and climate will be deciding factors here. You can keep things simple and practical with a gas burner and a grill but you can also add extras such as a pizza oven, built-in kegerator, or an ice maker. Keep in mind the elements maintenance and portability as well as the lifestyle of your household. If you’ll be using your outdoor kitchen often, it makes sense to invest in it. Remember, you can always start on the more modest side and include additional appliances and extras over time.
Plan for storage
Regardless of its size or complexity, your outdoor kitchen also has to include a dedicated space for keeping the clutter away. The elements that you intend to use as storage space need to be durable and able to withstand temperature changes. Counters and cabinets are perfect for keeping away all the tools, utensils, and accessories, but you should also consider including wine racks and utensil drawers in your outdoor kitchen design. Again, it’s important to consider how the space is going to be used and plan accordingly.
Use durable, long-lasting materials
As with all outdoor elements, durability is key. They endure a lot of wear and tear, not to mention the factors such as weather, debris, and moisture. By selecting weather-resistant, hard-wearing materials such as stainless steel or tiles, you can keep your outdoor kitchen low-maintenance and make sure your outdoor elements last longer. Safety is another factor you’ll need to keep in mind, especially when it comes to flooring. Poured concrete and sealed stone are your safest bet because of their durability and strength. Tiles can be a great choice if you want to merge your indoor and outdoor spaces and make sure that everything links perfectly. In that case, you’ll need to look for tiles that are non-slip and durable.
Create the perfect ambiance
Whether you plan on using your outdoor kitchen solely for cooking or envision it as a perfect spot for lounging and entertaining, creating the right ambiance is essential. Pay special attention to the furniture and decorative objects as they can help you enhance the look of your outdoor kitchen. The same goes for lighting, plants, and small water features such as fountains and ponds. They can boost your home exterior’s curb appeal while also creating a relaxing atmosphere. When it comes to privacy, landscaping professionals can provide some creative and cost-effective solutions to help transform your backyard into a private oasis, from trellis-like enclosures to high-rise greenery and trees. Combined with effective garden edging, they’ll help create a sense of privacy while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
Wrapping up
Whether you’re a BBQ expert or a pizza aficionado, building an outdoor kitchen can be a great way to make the cooking process even more pleasant and enjoyable. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to demonstrate your culinary skills in an environment that is functional, long-lasting, and aesthetically-pleasing.