Outdoor kitchens bring together the best of dining, entertainment, and relaxation. Just as indoor kitchens have become a social hub, outdoor living areas are becoming more exciting and functional with fully equipped kitchens and versatile seating options.
When planning your ultimate outdoor kitchen — be it a grilling station or cocktail lounge — here is how to pull together the best outdoor kitchen ideas.
Form Follows Function — What Vision Do You Have In Mind?
Think about how you intend to use the outdoor space. Do you want the kitchen equipment separate from seating and entertainment, or will the cook be the center of the party? Imagine where you want to be while preparing food and while enjoying it — then build an idea of what shape that would take.
Create kitchen Ideas Based Around Cooking Equipment
Instead of only using a barbecue and fire pit, the trendiest kitchen ideas call for specialty cooking equipment like smokers and pizza ovens. The best part is that these trends are actually highly functional so you can use them year-round and never grow tired of the appeal. The more you can cook without shuffling in and out of the house, the more enjoyment you can get out of the outdoor kitchen.
Icemakers and wine refrigerators are other great appliances to add. Explore the options and decide which ones will see the most use and make it easy to entertain.
Consider The Elements — Add Shade And Shelter
It’s tempting to envision perfect summer weather when developing your outdoor kitchen ideas. But structural elements like covered pergolas and wind-blocking walls can help turn the space into a true dining area that’s comfortable to use in most weather conditions.
Built-in concrete or stone seating, retaining walls, and overhead structures are just some of the features to consider to make your outdoor kitchen highly resilient and easy to maintain.
Prep Work And Clean Up
The best kitchen ideas offer lots of counter space for convenience and versatility. You need space not only for prep work but also to serve drinks and appetizers. Go heavy on prep space so you can relax while cooking outdoors without feeling cramped.
When looking at outdoor kitchen ideas for the island, remember to include space for trash and compost so you and your guests aren’t stuck holding refuse.
Outdoor Kitchen Style — Complement or Contrast?
This is a chance to create an extension of your home or something completely different. You can customize an outdoor kitchen to complement the design of your home, or you can create something that feels exotic and separated from the interior.
Contact us at McNeil Construction if you want to create a place to escape. You can take inspiration for kitchen ideas from the flair of your favorite beach resort or outdoor wine bar.