Design Trend – Outdoor Kitchens
0 MinOutdoor kitchens are fast becoming a ‘must have’ for modern homes and backyards. Embracing the connected nature of indoor-outdoor living, cooking spaces are being pushed out amongst our gardens for a more wholesome dining experience.
Things to consider when designing outdoor kitchens
From sleek BBQ areas to luxe cooking corners, complete with pizza ovens and granite cutting-board bench tops; we’ve compiled some knock-out outdoor kitchen designs to drool over! If your designing your own outdoor kitchen, here are some things to keep in mind during your planning.
Proximity to the kitchen
Make your life easier by positioning your outdoor kitchen close to your actual kitchen, like this handy design.
This way, your preparation won’t be burdened with long walks through your house to retrieve extra utensils or spur-of-the-moment ingredient additions; a successful indoor outdoor layout is one that flows easily!
Weatherproof it
Try to keep your outdoor kitchen under cover, when possible, as seen above. As a result, your al fresco cooking plans are less likely to be ditched due to a persistent autumn drizzle or the scorching summer sun. Plus, it’ll be easier to maintain your appliances and furniture if they aren’t completely open to the elements.
For more detailed weatherproofing guides, check out our posts on summer-proofing your backyard or winter-proofing your outdoor area!
Outdoor seating
Chairs, benches, stools, outdoor sofas and daybeds…the options for outdoor seating seems never-ending. Find which option best suits your space, keeping in mind how you want the area to be used.
Perhaps you prefer formal seating for dining, like this kitchen's layout. Or you may want to look at sunken seating around a fireplace, to create a casual campfire experience. Don’t be afraid to play around with your seating design and remember to scatter some cushions to make it a comfortable space.
Outdoor entertainment
Is your outdoor kitchen strictly for dining purposes, or do you want to create a complete entertaining area? In your designs, decide if and where you’d like audio speakers, lights, TV screens, lounging areas, water features or wall art, bars or fire pits.
Think about how the space will be used. This design leaves enough room to cook without being cramped, with the dining table separate to the lounging area; and the beers in easy reach from both sides!
Green space
Your outdoor kitchen is in the garden for a reason!Just like an other outdoor room, surround your space with natural elements and embrace the power of foliage; this lush outdoor space has the right idea!
Small outdoor kitchen ideas
You don't need a huge backyard to reap the benefits of an outdoor kitchen.This creative design has used the common dead space below stairs to create a stunning pizza bar!
Electric, gas or wood-fire?
Ask yourself; what does outside cooking mean to you?Do you like the look of this rustic outdoor cookery, that utilises flame and steam? Or would you rather a totally hooked-up kitchenette, with electric ovens and touch screen stove tops?
Each option will offer a drastically different design, budget and cooking experience.
Edible gardens
If ever there was a perfect reason to grow an edible garden, it’s this outdoor kitchen design.
It's the ultimate foodie's delight: pluck fresh basil and plump tomatoes for pastas and pizzas; add sprigs of rosemary to Sunday spit roasts; wrap bunches of dill and chives with your fish in foil parcels for an aromatic seafood dish. The world is your herb-buttered oyster!
Frame your new outdoor kitchen with a sleek boundary wall to create a private, secure entertaining space — without the worry of being too noisy for your neighbours!
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Written by Evelyn Kandris