If cooking and entertaining outdoors means more to you than tossing some burgers and hot dogs on a Hibachi, you might be ready to create one of these amazing outdoor kitchens. And if that’s the case, you’ve got plenty of company.
Outdoor kitchens are one of the hottest design trends right now, with good reason. They increase your living space, of course, but there’s more to the appeal than that.
Today's outdoor kitchens have solid, built-in fixtures that rival those indoors. There are no rickety folding chairs, either. In fact, the modern outdoor kitchen feels more like a room, and less like a cobbled-together spot for entertaining in the backyard.
Take a look at these examples, and see if they ignite your creative vision!
Outdoor Kitchens for the Back Porch or Deck
A beautiful outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be over the top. Smaller versions built on a back porch or deck can be just as functional as their larger counterparts, and with a much smaller investment.
If you can claim just one out-facing wall for a grill, sink, and refrigerator, you’ve got the beginnings of a great little spot to entertain outside. Add a table and chairs, a rug, and maybe even a gas-powered fire pit, and you may never want to cook indoors again.
Outdoor Kitchens Where Weather is an Issue
You don’t need a climate that’s beautiful year-round to justify an outdoor kitchen. With clever design, you can enjoy this space when the weather is nice, and protect it when it’s not.
This clever kitchen has an exposed fireplace and grill, both of which can withstand weather extremes. The seating area is under a roof, but the best part is the kitchen itself.
In a small building that resembles a little shed are the more delicate components, such as the plumbing and refrigerator. When the weather isn’t favorable, just close the barn-style doors and everything stays safe and sound.
Consider a Pizza Oven For Outdoor Kitchens
Who doesn’t love pizza? Add a brick or stone pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen, and you can enjoy the best you’ve ever had right in your own backyard.
Stone cupboards with stainless steel doors make this fully exposed kitchen safe for nearly any environment. And the oven can serve dual duties, adding warmth on a chilly evening, even when you decide on grilled steaks instead of pizza.
The weight of the stone makes this a very heavy kitchen that needs a solid foundation. It’s best suited for a patio, and not a deck.
Outdoor Kitchens Where Money is No Object
If you’re among the lucky ones, then money and perhaps even space are of little concern when planning the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. If the sky’s the limit, there’s not much you can’t have.
Stucco-faced cabinets and granite countertops are weather resistant, so your investment will stay looking beautiful. Concrete is a component of stucco, and isn’t harmed by water. Stone was born outside, so your countertops are also protected. Add stainless steel fixtures, like an apron sink with goose-neck faucet and all-stainless appliances, and your outdoor kitchen will be a stunner.
This kitchen is more expansive than many found indoors. The components are large and heavy, so you’ll need a sturdy patio to make it work.
Regardless of your budget, you can likely create a beautiful outdoor kitchen that everyone will love. Use the same design principles that you would for any room in the house, and it will function as great as it looks.
Don’t be shy about hiring an interior designer for the planning stage. They’re experts and they're familiar with all the new products that might fit your requirements. Although the hourly rate can see overwhelming, you don’t have to hire one for the whole project. Just get some advice on the materials and floor plan, and that’s money well spent. Pretty soon, you’ll be entertaining outdoors in style.
Are you dreaming of an outdoor kitchen? We’d love to hear your ideas!
Leave a Reply