Outdoor kitchens are quite popular these days; it is a place where you can entertain, cook and prepare meals while also enjoying the open air. When it comes to designing an outdoor kitchen, requires a lot of research, planning, creativity, and knowledge. Thus, It is always recommended to hire a designer for the project. Without a doubt, an outdoor kitchen will significantly expand your house’s value; they act as a great place to entertain, provide more storage, and an opportunity to be more adventurous when it comes to cooking. So, if you have decided to get an outdoor kitchen of your own, here are a few things that you should keep in mind.
- Budget
It is one of the most crucial elements; it is essential to decide on an affordable budget; otherwise, you might spend a lot more than you need. When you are preparing about it, make sure to be specific about each element of the kitchen, including cabinets, countertops, seating, lighting, utilities, appliances, etc. Keep in mind that higher quality always costs more, but they tend to last much longer. Always plan for an extra expense; you never know what might be missing. If you need Internet in the new space, make sure to include Wi-Fi and network installation charges.
- consider the location
Consider the climate and environment where your home is located, as both will have a significant impact on your design, materials, and the length of an open season for your outdoor kitchen. Each climate will bring along its unique challenges.
- Keep in mind the functionality of your kitchen.
Any professional kitchen will have four distinct functional zones. Therefore an outdoor kitchen should, too. Each zone, including cold, hot, wet, and dry, should be assessable to one another. It’s a cold zone for refrigeration, while a hot area is for cooking appliances. Also, make sure that there is access to gas, electricity, and water system.
- consider the design options
As outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular, there are plenty of designs available in the market. Some people prefer to duplicate their indoor kitchen color, style, and design, while others want to create a separate living space and make it unique to the outdoors. Either way, you will find plenty of options, and you can get as creative as you want. Many people prefer fully functional and stainless steel cabinets that can house appliances and provide additional storage. You can choose from various styles of outdoor cabinet pulls to match your stainless steel cabinet. Apart from this, outdoor kitchen countertops come in a lot of varieties. The kind of stone tile you will choose would depend on the climate and specific materials that work better in an outdoor setting.
- Layout
To consider a layout, it is essential to examine the available space. If there is a lack of space, a simple runoff cabinet and grill will work nicely. If you have a little more space, you can have an island with a sink, a few cabinets, and a built-in grill. If the area is not an issue, you can build a full-size kitchen that offers various cooking options, preparation, bartending, etc.