There’s no denying that outdoor kitchens are fast becoming the hottest trend in residential construction. Once a niche market, this space is now a cornerstone of any luxury home. Rather than just a summer trend, more and more homeowners are discovering just how useful an outdoor kitchen can be all year round.
Indeed, with the right design and layout, an outdoor kitchen can become an incredibly useful space for entertaining guests or simply enjoying time outside during those long summer evenings. However, with such demand for outdoor kitchens it’s not always easy to know exactly what you’re looking for. But fear not; we have everything you need to know about outdoor kitchens right here!
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is a specialized area, typically built into your outdoor living space, that includes a stove, sink, and often even a fridge, for cooking. Outdoor kitchens are often described as being the “new fireplaces,” as they’re a fantastic addition to any home and can be used all year round.
The key difference between an outdoor kitchen and a regular gas grill is that the former includes a dedicated space for prepping and cooking food. Outdoor kitchens range in size from small portable units that fit neatly on your patio or deck, to larger, more built-in units that are custom designed into your outdoor living space. When building an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to choose the right appliances for your needs and make sure they’re suitable for outdoor use. That’s because outdoor kitchens are exposed to the elements and can therefore encounter extreme weather conditions. You’ll need to ensure your kitchen is designed to withstand these conditions.
Why Install an Outdoor Kitchen?
While an outdoor kitchen offers plenty of benefits during the warmer months, it’s also a space that can be enjoyed right through the cold winter months, too. After all, what better way to warm up on a chilly autumn evening than with a steaming bowl of chili?
– Cooking alfresco: One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor kitchen is the ability to enjoy your cooking alfresco. Rather than always being stuck inside battling the heat of the stovetop, you can take advantage of those long summer evenings and whip up a delicious dinner while enjoying the fresh air.
– Wider space: Outdoor kitchens can be designed to suit a range of outdoor living spaces. Whether you have a small balcony or patio or a large backyard, there’s a kitchen design to suit all spaces. This means you can design your outdoor kitchen to suit your home and outdoor space.
– Easier cleaning: With an outdoor kitchen, you can put the dishes away after dinner and then mop the floor. You don’t have the worry of greasy walls, backsplash or steam/smoke in your windows or dampening your furniture. You also negate the worry of food smells clinging to your indoor soft furnishings. This makes for a tidier kitchen and is also a benefit for those with small children or pets.
– Entertaining: An outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition to any home that’s designed to entertain. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just a couple of friends, an outdoor kitchen can be used to make the evening that little bit easier.
How to Lay Out an Outdoor Kitchen
Before you install an outdoor kitchen, you first need to lay out the area. This is important because it will help you to determine the right size and appliances to install.
In most cases, you’ll want to design your outdoor kitchen so that it’s the same width as your indoor kitchen. This will allow you to maximize the space and make the most of what you have.
– Space: When laying out your outdoor kitchen, the first thing you need to take into account is the space. The size of your outdoor kitchen will vary, depending on the size of your outdoor living space.
– Drainage: One important thing to remember when designing your outdoor kitchen is drainage. You need to make sure the area is raised so that water can easily drain away and not flood the surrounding area.
– Appliances: After you’ve determined the size of your outdoor kitchen, you need to think about the appliances you want to install. For example, if you want a sink, you’ll need to add a bit more space.
– Lighting: Last but not least, when designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to remember that you’ll be using the space during the evening hours. As such, you need to make sure you add some lighting to the area so it’s still usable once the sun goes down.
With Garden Club London’s landscape contracting service, our experts can take away any stress of planning logistics by partnering their expertise and skills, with your goals and visions, to create a truly functional and beautiful outdoor feature.
The Basics of an Outdoor Kitchen
To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to work with professionals who consider every detail of the project. Garden Club London have experience in all elements of outdoor living, and will leave no stone unturned in creating your dream outdoor kitchen.
Our team will consider:
– Layout: As we’ve discussed, the layout of your outdoor kitchen is important. While every kitchen will vary slightly, there are some general rules to follow when laying out your outdoor kitchen.
– Materials: When installing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to use the right materials. While you can use cedar for the flooring, for example, you don’t want to use it for the countertops.
– Design: While the layout of your outdoor kitchen is important, so is the design. This is because it will help you to maximize space and ensure everything is ergonomically designed.
Conclusion
One of the biggest trends in interior design right now is the addition of outdoor kitchens. These spaces offer homeowners the chance to enjoy cooking and entertaining alfresco while still remaining warm and cosy indoors. The good news is that installing an outdoor kitchen isn’t a difficult or expensive task, particularly when you are working with experts in the field.