Outdoor kitchens are the ultimate feature for modern homes and backyards, and it’s easy to understand why. Who wouldn’t want to embrace indoor-outdoor living and spend more time outdoors? An outdoor kitchen is a surefire way to create an easy al fresco entertaining option, year-round! We’ve compiled several inspiring outdoor kitchens, from sleek BBQ areas to luxe cooking corners and pizza ovens to help you plan and design your ideal space.
Outdoor kitchens: an entertainer’s delight
A sleek boundary wall or screen will help create private entertaining spaces. There’s no need to worry about being too noisy for the neighbours!
“Designing an entertainers’ delight was a high priority for our backyard. Having ModularWalls as a solid wall makes us feel comfortable when we’re entertaining that we’re not annoying the neighbours.”
Consider bench space (and materials!) wisely
Seasoned entertainers know there’s nothing worse than running out of bench space. When designing your outdoor kitchen area, ensure you allow adequate space for prep and serving, particularly if you prefer family-style or buffet meals! However, be sure to choose your materials wisely: engineered stone has now been prohibited due to silica dust during manufacture. Don’t be alarmed; installed stone is perfectly safe, and plenty of new, safer alternatives have entered the market.
Proximity to the kitchen
Make life easier by positioning your outdoor kitchen close to your actual kitchen.
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 flows easily.
Design outdoor kitchens for all weather conditions
Outdoor kitchens are best positioned undercover. This way, your al fresco cooking plans are less likely to be cancelled due to a persistent drizzle or the scorching sun. An all-weather solution makes it easier to maintain your appliances and furniture if they aren’t constantly exposed to the elements.
Outdoor kitchens and seating go hand in hand
The options for outdoor seating seem never-ending. Choose between chairs, benches, stools, outdoor sofas and daybeds. Remember how you want to use the area to make the decision-making process easy.
Perhaps you prefer formal seating, or you may want sunken seating around a fireplace to create a casual campfire experience. Don’t be afraid to play around with your seating design; remember to use cushions to make it comfortable.
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 to include features like speakers, lights, TV screens, lounging areas, water features or wall art, bars or fire pits. Hot tip: if you’re creating an entire entertaining area, leave space to prep and cook without feeling cramped!
Small outdoor kitchens
You don’t need a huge backyard to reap the benefits of an outdoor kitchen. A BBQ, table and chairs may be all you need to set the scene for convivial moments with family and friends.
Electric, gas or wood-fire?
Ask yourself, what does outside cooking mean to you?
Would you like a rustic outdoor kitchen that utilises flame? Or would you rather have a modern kitchenette with gas or induction stove tops? Each option will offer a drastically different design, budget and cooking experience.
Three Birds Renovations House 13 — Read the Case Study
Edible gardens
Farm-to-table is a serious trend – take it one step further with farm-to-fork in your very own backyard! An edible or veggie garden is the ultimate foodie’s delight.
Pluck fresh basil and plump tomatoes for pasta and pizza. Add rosemary sprigs to Sunday spit roasts; wrap bunches of dill and chives with your fish parcels for an aromatic seafood dish.
Outdoor kitchen considerations
With careful consideration and decisive planning, the outdoor kitchen of your dreams is well within reach. No matter the space available, there are endless options to create an outdoor kitchen area that works for your home. We hope these outdoor kitchens inspire you to create your outdoor masterpiece!
