Imagine preparing a meal in your own little, outdoor slice of paradise. Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to take advantage of our short summers, whether it’s for preparing meals for yourself, family, or friends!
Essential features
Two essential features of all outdoor kitchens are a grill and counterspace. Available space and personal preferences will dictate what other features to include such as cabinets, a sink, a fridge, a smoker, the list goes on.
Endless options
Cabinets are practical if you see yourself doing a lot of cooking outdoors and have sufficient space, while rolling storage is a smart choice for small spaces that need to take on multiple purposes.
Sinks and a dedicated gas line are worth the splurge. Sinks make it easy to wash hands and veggies without having to schlep indoors, and a dedicated gas line eliminates the hassle of refillable propane tanks or the risk of running out of fuel while barbecuing.
Thinking of splurging? How about installing a ceramic smoker, television, and outdoor heating? The options are endless options.
The layout
Outdoor kitchens may be configured in any number of layouts. Consider a configuration along one wall if your have a small backyard. This type of layout will comfortably meet your culinary needs, while offering an adjacent dining area.
If you have a large backyard, you can opt for an L- or U-shape configuration to accommodate additional appliances such as a refrigerator and sink. Both layouts provide ample room for more than one cook, making things easier when hosting big events such as birthdays, other significant celebrations, or more formal catered gatherings.
A liveable space to enjoy
Now that you’ve addressed your functional needs, it’s time to kick it up a notch! A new set of patio furniture that might include a chaise lounge or sectional might do the trick. Or, if you love listening to music, you might consider installing an outdoor surround sound system. You can install speakers near your outdoor kitchen, or you place them at a distance into the trees, so that you can listen to music wherever you are.
Get a head start
Spring will be here before you know it, so even though winter’s just begun, now is the time to start planning your outdoor kitchen!
We are here to Help
Skip the stress of designing your outdoor kitchen all on your own. Contact Saree Parry today for a free in-person or over the phone consultation to discuss your plans for outdoor cooking and dining this summer.
