Outdoor Kitchens and Summer Living

Today, one of the most popular trends in home design is to extend daily living and entertainment spaces to the outside. Homeowners and homebuyers alike are intrigued by the enjoyment outdoor living spaces can bring to their everyday lives—not to mention the exciting entertainment possibilities.

Outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens are now viewed as additional rooms where you can relax, have family time, dine, and entertain.

Outdoor Spaces Add More Room for Summer Living and Entertaining

A large living room may seem adequate for entertaining until the guests arrive! That’s when you notice that your indoor space can’t comfortably accommodate all your guests. Outdoor living spaces can be your key to easy, relaxing, and even elegant entertaining.

For many, it all starts with having a great outdoor kitchen for carefree summer living and entertainment.

Here are tips for planning your outdoor living space.

Essentials of Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as involved as you want. For some, it may mean a grill and bar area for dining and drinks. Others may want an outdoor kitchen complete with all the bells and whistles that technology and modern design offers.

To plan your outdoor kitchen, define your budget and take the following design elements into consideration.

More tips for designing your outdoor space.

Basic Design Considerations

A mix of serenity and sophistication is a look many homeowners aim for when planning an outdoor kitchen. Will your space be used for family and entertainment? This can affect the amenities you want.

Amenities can include a:

Fireplace
Firepit
Seating wall
Television/movie screen
Bar area

Design your kitchen to accommodate:

Easy meal prepping
Cooking
Dining
Socializing

Location

You also need to decide where the kitchen will be located. Do you want it to be a design focal point so everyone can easily visit/view the chef at work? Or do you want your kitchen and prep spaces to be out of sight—behind a wall?

Do you want your outdoor kitchen connected to your indoor kitchen, or near the pool?

It’s all up to you.

Also decide where your dining area(s) should be.

Other general things to think about are:

Do you want cabinet space outdoors?
Do you want designer or more economical furniture?
Do you want a kitchen island or multi-level patio?
Where will your trash area be?
How will your homeowner’s insurance be affected?
Do you want outdoor heating?

Appliances

In the initial planning stage, decide which appliances you want in your kitchen.

Some popular outdoor appliances are:

Grills
Ovens
Refrigerators
Pizza Ovens
Refrigerators
Sinks

Think about which appliances you want right there at your fingertips, so you won’t need to run indoors when preparing meals.

Today, they make almost every appliance in a weatherproof model. These items are a substantial investment, as they are often more expensive. But even if your outdoor kitchen will be in a covered space, weatherproof appliances will wear better and last longer.

And don’t forget to include in your budget and plan any accommodations you will need to run:

Gas lines
Water lines
Electricity

Materials

Your outdoor living space should complement your home. Many outdoor materials come in a variety of designs and colors to make this possible.

Use a variety of materials, textures and colors for visual appeal.

Common hardscaping materials include:

Tiles
Concrete pavers
Brick
Concrete
Stainless steel
Wood
Granite
Marble

Fabrics selected for bar stools and dining areas should be able to stand up to the weather and coordinate with your home design.

Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor appliances. It’s extremely durable for outdoor use, resists rust, and is easy to clean and maintain.

Granite is a good economical choice for countertops. It’s durable and sealed. Granite resists moisture and staining, not to mention it looks right at home in your backyard’s natural setting.

Incorporate Greenery

Many designers recommend incorporating greenery near your outdoor kitchen. It will make your kitchen area seem more natural in your backyard and help relax diners and cooks as well!

Lighting for Outdoor Lounging and Kitchen Spaces

Landscape lighting is an important but often overlooked element when planning an outdoor space. In a kitchen, it’s even more important because it’s needed for safe food preparation.

Outdoor lighting also:

Defines spaces
Sets the mood
Offers safety
Makes spaces easy to navigate

Today, outdoor electric lighting is often simple and minimalistic in design; it complements most architectural styles.

Lanterns and other lights can provide additional lighting. Battery operated candles have a realistic look and are perfectly safe to use. Many can be set to turn on and off daily at designated times.

Many people enjoy the ambiance provided by lights you string up and drape over areas of your outdoor space. They add a fun and festive look.

Walls and Coverings

The area you live in will influence your decision regarding walls and coverings. If you live in a state like New Jersey, where there’s a wide fluctuation of temperatures and weather, you will want to take these considerations into your design. But you can still plan comfortable outdoor kitchens to enjoy in three out of four seasons.

Some people choose to build a covered outdoor kitchen, or construct a pavilion, so they can use it during rainy or unpleasant weather. Covering a kitchen that will be exposed to winds, ice, and snow will help it last longer and stretch out your investment.

If you plan to use your outdoor dining spaces during times of varying temperatures and sun exposure, you may want to incorporate: