Imagine preparing dinner while surrounded by the beauty of nature. A person might assume they must go camping to enjoy this luxury, but that isn’t the case. With the help of a custom outdoor kitchen, every meal can be fixed outside.
There will be no walls or doors to interfere with the cook’s view, and there will be a fluid transition from the interior of the home to the exterior. However, the design and decor of the outdoor kitchen play roles in the owner’s enjoyment. Here is what to know about custom outdoor kitchens before embarking on this project.
Look Beyond the Grill
Many people make the grill the focal point of the outdoor kitchen. While the appliances come with smart technology today, the owner should think bigger. Consider incorporating a sink and faucet into the outdoor kitchen design or add a pizza oven. Some homeowners create a completely functional kitchen outdoors by including a dishwasher, refrigerator, and ice machine in the plan.
When choosing items for the kitchen, look for those that blend into the landscape. Grill manufacturers, for example, now offer appliances in a range of colors beyond stainless steel and black. Consider sunny yellow, hunter green, and other shades when choosing this essential outdoor kitchen feature.
Know the Purpose
Some people choose to install an outdoor kitchen because they love to cook outdoors and wish to be able to do so more often. However, other people see the kitchen as a way to bring people together for an afternoon or evening of fun. By knowing the purpose of the kitchen before the planning process begins, ensuring the finished project meets the owner’s needs in every way is easier.
If entertaining is the goal, provide room for seating. When dining with the family is the objective, consider installing a table solely for this purpose. However, some people choose to incorporate a kitchen island into the plan. The island may be used for food prep and as a place for the family to gather for a meal. Dual-purpose items make the most of the available space, so include them in the plan whenever possible.
Provide Ample Lighting
An outdoor kitchen needs to be well lit to reduce the risk of accidents. A cook needs plenty of light when dicing and chopping foods. Furthermore, the grill master needs to be able to see when foods are done. Visitors also need to have plenty of light when assisting the cook, as they aren’t familiar with the layout of the kitchen. This makes it easier for them to help prepare an outstanding meal.
The choice of lighting also impacts how the outdoor feature will look at different times of the day. When choosing the lights, look for fixtures that hold up to the elements and provide ample light if the sun is hiding behind a cloud. Options offered today include large lanterns and fairy lights and everything in between.
Anyone who loves the great outdoors should consider investing in a custom outdoor kitchen. Doing so allows them to enjoy nature more often and ensures they have a comfortable space when doing so. Manufacturers recognize this today and are providing new items and more enhancements to ensure each person can find exactly what they want and need for their outdoor living space. Learn more today to see if a custom outdoor kitchen is right for you.