It sounds pretty incredible, right? Getting to have your own outdoor kitchen? Creating one of these is probably the best way to keep yourself busy around the house. But it also really adds that “wow factor” to any home. Really, let’s face it, hardly any homes actually get to have the luxury of this. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t actually need to be all that elaborate.
Sure, if you go on Pinterest, there are more than enough dreamy images of an outdoor alfresco kitchen, but the thing is, they can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen that’s as inviting as it is functional so you can make the most of those sunny days and starry nights in your backyard haven.
You’ll Need to Choose the Perfect Location
First things first – find the ideal spot in your garden for your outdoor kitchen. So, you’ll want to consider factors like sunlight, shade, and proximity to your indoor kitchen and dining area. You want a space that’s convenient to access yet feels like a secluded retreat where you can cook, dine, and entertain in style. Again, this doesn’t need to be big and elaborate; it can be tiny and still work out nicely.
Design with Style and Function in Mind
Now comes the fun part – designing your outdoor kitchen! So, what type of style are you after? For the most part, it doesn’t matter what you’re into because it’s all pretty achievable. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or rustic and cosy, you’ll choose materials and fixtures that complement your garden’s aesthetic while standing up to the elements.
Just keep in mind that some styles and designs are a little more expensive than others. But with that said, you’ll want to be super selective with the materials. For example, you’ll need to look into durable countertops, weather-resistant cabinets, and, yes, appliances. But overall, just be sure to prioritise both style and functionality to create a space that’s as beautiful as it is practical.
What’s Your Cooking Preferences?
Now, this is the most obvious one, but the outdoor kitchen is complete without the essentials – a grill, a sink, a prep area, and maybe even a pizza oven or a smoker for those incredible BBQs. Basically, you have plenty of options, and they all come in different price points, too. But you need to choose high-quality appliances that can withstand outdoor conditions and make cooking a breeze so you can spend less time indoors and more time enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
It’s All About Al-Fresco Dining
The concept is the same, just as it is for indoors. So this is more than just getting a random outdoor dining table, there needs to be ambiance, romance, and it needs to look dreamy! So, it’s all about comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and maybe even a cosy fire pit or outdoor heater for those cooler evenings (which are far more common than you think).
Again, it’s not hard to decorate, and you can always go to Pinterest. But you can add personal touches like colourful cushions, fragrant herbs, and twinkling fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere. It’s absolutely worth it!
