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It’s that time of year again—finally!  It’s time for warm weather and outdoor gatherings that bring together friends and family to enjoy good food and better company.  The perfect season for an outdoor kitchen is in the summertime months. When the weather is nice, the last thing you want to do is waste time indoors. Grilling out is fun, but sometimes the occasion demands a little bit more.  When you consider installing an outdoor kitchen, you are guaranteeing yourself all of the benefits of the great outdoors.

Let’s face it; nobody really wants to cook inside during the summer. It’s already hot, and whoever is inside slaving over a hot stove is missing out on all of the action outside. Not only is it nice to be able to socialize and cook outside at the same time, but it makes the entire cooking experience a little more personal for your friends, family, and other guests. No matter what your home aesthetic is, your new outdoor kitchen can be designed to complement your property’s style and landscaping so that it blends in and becomes a functioning part of your home—not just an adjunct. Outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more commonplace, as it is an excellent way to spend more time outdoors this summer!

Outdoor Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes.

Outdoor kitchens come with many options, including grills, refrigerators, cabinets, and a variety of cooking surfaces and countertops.  There are unlimited ways that you can customize your space, too.  While a barbecue grill is arguably the most important aspect of any outdoor kitchen setup, it is good to note that grills come in many shapes and sizes—everything from a classic charcoal burner to gas grills, to six-burner drop-in stoves.  The possibilities are endless, which is why it’s usually a good idea to consult with a designer when planning your outdoor kitchen. 

They say that the devil is in the details, and nobody can help your outdoor kitchen turn out just the way you wanted like a professional designer.  An outdoor kitchen can be so much more than just a place to cook food.  When done correctly, it can be the centerpiece of your entire yard—providing spaces to eat, drink, and entertain.  Designers can not only help you with layout and planning but also with practical aspects and finding just the right touches to make your outdoor kitchen the talk of the neighborhood!

Grilling Ideas, Firepits & Fireplaces add Ambiance

While we’re on the subject of grills and customization, it’s also good to note that there are a lot of outdoor cooking options that you can add to your kitchen beyond the regular grill. A fireplace is always welcome after dark and can serve as an eye-catching focal point for your entire outdoor experience.  Not only can they be used for cooking (or toasting marshmallows), but as a source of warmth and light as the evening progresses.  If a fireplace seems like too much effort, there’s always the firepit option. 

Everyone enjoys that primal feeling you get sitting around a fire pit with your friends. Firepits can also be used for cooking, of course.  Another slightly less traditional option is an outdoor oven. Outdoor ovens can be made of traditional brick or stone, or even sculpted from concrete or cob.  Outdoor ovens can add a whole new dimension when cooking outside, and bonus—pizza!  No matter what cooking option you choose, you’ll be happy to have an outdoor kitchen.

Special Finishes To Consider

Just like an indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen is not just about cooking.  An outdoor kitchen may also include countertops, eating surfaces, cabinets, and even other outdoor appliances.  Brick or stone surfaces are often the easiest to maintain without losing track of the style that sets your outdoor kitchen apart.

Creating spaces that are multi-use—like an eat-on counter, or storage space that doubles as a table, can be critical to the harmony of our outdoor kitchen.  It is also important to consider what kind of flooring you want. Tile, brick, and stone can add flair to your design but even poured concrete can become magical when properly applied. Adding shelter to your outdoor kitchen can also increase its practicality.  Mother nature doesn’t always agree with your outdoor plans, but that doesn’t quite matter as much when you’ve got a roof over your head. 

When designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s not always necessary to give up style for practicality—with so many wonderful design options out there, you can have your cake—and bake it, too!