Having an outdoor kitchen represents the ideal opportunity for creating more space in your home for entertainment. With the right layout and an ambitious design, you can maximize your living space and provide your guest the perfect al fresco dining experience. When deciding how you want your outdoor kitchen to look, it’s a good idea to look into different options until you find the one that reflects your style and budget. Here are 6 ways to make your outdoor kitchen awesome and ready to receive your friends and family anytime.
1. Install Stylish Cabinets
If you want to build an outdoor kitchen that truly reflects your personal style, you have to start by acquiring a couple of stylish cabinets. After the appliances, this will probably be the most expensive addition to your space, so it’s worth exploring all your options. You will need something durable, functional, easy to maintain, yet inviting. If you are buying new cabinets, make sure you buy ones with a durable finish. Otherwise, you may have to reseal them again once or twice a year to avoid weather damages. Another way to protect your cabinets from the elements is to purchase the appropriate covers for them.
2. Add a Bar
If you plan to add a grill and host parties in your outdoor kitchen, you might as well add a bar to it too. It makes serving drinks much more convenient, and you can customize the elements to your liking. For example, installing a beer tap could be a great idea – you will get tons of uses out during a barbeque party. If your bar also incorporates a mini-fridge, you won’t have to use portable coolers anymore for your soft drinks and ice either.
3. Invest in Quality Appliances
The functionality of any kitchen depends on the quality and the layout of the appliances. For an outdoor area, this means investing in equipment that offers simple solutions for maximizing space – and at the same time allowing you to provide an authentic outdoor dining experience. Outdoor kitchen appliances come in a wide variety of layout and design options, designed to fit everyone’s needs, space, and budget. From a range of quality barbeques to stainless steel workspaces and water taps, your customization options are virtually limitless. That said, it’s recommended to invest in appliances made of durable materials that can withstand regular use and environmental effects, as well.
4. Build a Fireplace or Fire Pit
If you want your outdoor space to feel cozier, all you need to do is add a fireplace or a fire pit to it. The good thing about these essential features is that they can be customized to fit any space and use. Having a fire pit is also the best way to ensure your friends and family can enjoy spending time outside even when the temperatures get lower. If you enjoy making pizza, you may want to consider installing a fireplace – pizza oven combination. Nothing beats the rustic feel of a crust that’s just been taken out of the wood-burning oven.
5. Provide a Dining Area
While a bar and a couple of bar carts can be great ways to serve drinks and food, nothing can replace the comfort of sitting at a dining room table. If you have enough space, installing seating and dining areas would make your outdoor kitchen even more inviting. With a dining table just a few steps away from the grill or other appliances, serving food could be just as convenient as it is for your guests. You won’t have to worry about their food getting cold, and they get to enjoy eating under fresh air.
6. Install a Covering
Nothing can ruin a garden party sooner like an unexpected rain shower. Unless you are having a pool party on a hot summer night, your guests probably don’t expect to get wet, and they shouldn’t have to. If you plan to be outside during a summer day, you will have to count on the scorching sun as well. Installing a covering over your outdoor kitchen can help avoid all this. Plus, it can be a great way to protect your cabinets and appliances from the elements and prolong their lifespan.
Whether you are building a new outdoor kitchen or remodeling an existing one, you are making an investment. To make it worth the money and effort, it’s a good idea to opt for quality materials and appliances that will serve your guests and raise the value of your home as well. Make sure to keep everything in good shape as well by cleaning up after each of you, so you can enjoy the use of your kitchen elements longer. Protection covers or winterizing your outdoor space can also help protect the appliances from weather exposure.