An outdoor kitchen is one of the best additions to any home. It is perfect for leisure with family and friends. It also improves the overall outlook of the home. For real estate agents, installing such a kitchen is a wonderful way to increase the market value of houses.
Do you want to cook? Entertain guests?
Before we begin discussing the various custom outdoor kitchen designs available in California and London, or another place, we must first understand what it is.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
There is no universally accepted definition for this. It can consist of a grill, a table, and a couple of chairs to sit on. An outdoor kitchen can also be a well-equipped region of space with refrigerators, sinks, cabinets, storage, etc.
The aim of any outdoor kitchen design is functionality. The size and style are often based on the owner’s preference. If the space available allows you to build an enormous kitchen, fine. If not, you can also work with a limited budget.
Importance of an Outdoor Kitchen
Many people make use of such kitchens for different reasons. For some, the convenience it offers is unparalleled, for others, it’s the bourgeoisie feel. Some of the advantages are highlighted below.
Comfort
Have you ever tried making some meals during the summer? The thought of the heat, the smell, and the stress are disconcerting. Many people just enjoy cooking in the comfort of the cool outdoor breeze.
Makes You a Great Host
Having a lot of people around can be difficult to manage. If you have a large family or circle of friends, an outdoor kitchen might be what you need to retain your sanity. When your kitchen is well designed, you can have people over without entertaining any fears.
Designing a Functional Outdoor Kitchen
After being acquainted with the benefits, many people still discard the notion of an outdoor kitchen because they have no clue about how to go about it. To solve this problem, a couple of architectural experts came together to give professional advice on how to design an outdoor kitchen. It should be noted that there are various plans for making an outdoor kitchen and below describes the most important aspects.
Build From the Ground Upward
Every architect knows that the foundation of any building is the most important aspect. The flooring should be appropriate; meeting safety and aesthetics requirements. For example, floors that are too slippery are hazardous. If the floor is too delicate, it won’t withstand heavy equipment and appliances. Many experts recommend stony floors as they are very sturdy. Stone also gives your outdoor kitchen a scenic feel.
Measurement
As earlier stated, outdoor kitchen ideas should be suited to your taste. The available space in your yard is one major point to consider. The size of the appliances you plan to install should also be factored in. In planning with your architect, you should ensure there is enough space left.
According to professionals, the sink, storage, and grill/stove should be installed in a triangle setting. The range of distance between the bases of this triangle should be 4 to 9 feet. The key is to take accurate measurements and consider the equipment you’ll be using in the future.
Storage is Important
One major feature of a great kitchen is the storage space. Traditional indoor kitchens have walls where utensils and other equipment can be hung. A typical outdoor kitchen design lacks this. Architects often suggest rolling storage or hanging storage as this is more suitable for outdoor usage.
With a proper storage system, your arrangement is made easier and your outdoor kitchen is more alluring to visitors. You should endeavor to get waterproof appliances since there will be a lot of washing and boiling in the kitchen. You should also avoid temperature-sensitive equipment in your kitchen.
As earlier mentioned, measurement is key. You should have an idea of the storage space your outdoor kitchen will require. The cabinets, refrigerator, shelves, etc. which you use in the indoor kitchen should give you a rough estimate.
Keep a Consistent Outlook
Apart from the functionality, it is a surefire way of touting your elegance and style. Sometimes, friends and colleagues will come visiting just to enjoy a meal and the beautiful outdoor weather. This is why you should employ professional architects who have a wealth of experience in bringing outdoor kitchen ideas to life.
Your furniture should be elegantly selected. You can incorporate beautiful garden backdrops too. The floor, storage, and countertops should be in sync with the style you so much cherish. You do not have to go overboard with this, just avoid tackiness.
Most importantly, you should be tidy. It should be easy to clean and you should put effort into ensuring its cleanliness. Nobody wants to eat in a pig’s sty, even pigs.
Go for Quality
Any equipment you get for your outdoor kitchen should be able to withstand adverse weather conditions. Many people see their kitchen as a luxury, hence, they don’t visit it often. Your appliances should be ready for use even after months of abandonment. Your utensils should also be durable and easy to maintain. Many professionals recommend stainless steel to this end.
Be Wise with Expenses
This is your outdoor kitchen, not your primary kitchen. Especially for those who are financially constrained, you can implement wonderful outdoor kitchen ideas on a limited budget. You do not need to break the bank on incur debts just to get the kitchen of your dreams. All you require is a team of expert architects who understand your needs.
Proximity to Your House
No matter how spacious your backyard is, your outdoor kitchen should be very close to your apartment. The obvious reason is to save you the stress of transporting food and supplies over long distances. Also, when installing utilities, the shorter the distance, the less costly it is.
Even though your outdoor kitchen should be close to your house, it shouldn’t be too close. Architects will factor in the smoke from the grill and the direction of the wind in order to come up with an appropriate distance to maintain.
