Ultimate Outdoor Kitchens

(Source: Mortgage Capital Associates) written by Linda Ivanov

Outdoor kitchens are exploding in popularity throughout America. Paired with outdoor living rooms, these trendy open-air living spaces are an elegant upgrade for your home. Take the fun outside!

Expand the usable area of your home by incorporating built-in features that blur the line between indoor and outdoor space. No longer just for luxury properties, outdoor kitchens are becoming a standard expectation. A well-designed and outfitted outdoor kitchen can seal the deal in a real estate transaction. It will add value to your home and be an important selling feature down the road.

An outdoor kitchen creates the perfect setting for parties or family meals. Toss aside the old-fashioned grill, picnic table and patio concept. These modern living spaces are elegant, comfortable, and practical. More than just a place to cook, today’s outdoor kitchens are fully equipped for entertaining. 

When planning your ideal open-air space there are many options. Go for the best design and quality of equipment you can afford while focusing on year-round use. Sheltered kitchens and seating areas can be used rain or shine and extend the season for enjoying nature. Even if you live in a region with relatively short summers, an outdoor kitchen let’s you enjoy the season to its fullest.

The centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen is a built-in grill. Consider where you will bring in gas, power and water lines when planning the layout. Incorporate a refrigerator, wine cooler and a sink. No need to run back and forth to your indoor kitchen. Adequate counter space for preparation and serving will add to your outdoor cooking experience. Work with your vendor to select the best options for rust-free and low maintenance equipment.

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Your outdoor space can be more than a kitchen. Expand the concept by creating an outdoor living room filled with comfortable seating and accent tables. Select furniture, fabrics and rugs that will resist weather-related damage while adding decorative pizazz.

Create privacy and define the space with columns, half-walls and a fireplace. Use landscaping, fountains, or decorative items to customize your space. Plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs all around your outdoor kitchen. They are not only decorative, but your guests will love the fresh ingredients.

Just like the center island in your indoor kitchen, create one outdoors.  Tie the kitchen and living areas together with a raised table with high chairs for casual dining. Add a separate large table for traditional seating.

There are many options for your hardscape ranging from stone, brick, granite, tile, and stucco. Use stressed lumber for decorative shelving or a fireplace mantel. Bamboo and redwood are great options for weather-resistant woods.

Lighting is important for using your new space after dark. Incorporate traditional wired fixtures for basic lighting. Supplement with solar-power accent lights, candles or lamps. Your fireplace, or fire pit, will create natural lighting and a romantic atmosphere, not to mention warmth after the sun sets. You can also create warmth by adding propane-fired heaters at night, and a cooling breeze during the day with outdoor-rated ceiling fans.

Orient your new space to factor in heavy shade, overwhelming sun or windy conditions. Your goal is to spend time outdoors in your new living area, not be driven back inside by the elements. Durability and function of all items in your living space are important considerations.

Keep in mind that your local officials will require a building permit for your project, so be prepared. If you are making this a DIY project, find out what is necessary to streamline the permit and inspection process to avoid delays. Bring in the pros for electrical, plumbing and other critical utilities.

The most exciting trend in outdoor kitchen construction is the wood-fired pizza oven. Nothing compares to the taste of a pizza baked the time-honored way. 

Creative design can transform your outdoors into a comfortable and fun area for open-air entertaining. You may never want to go back to cooking inside!

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