How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Design

Over the years, outdoor living spaces have become more popular among homeowners. More than a wooden porch with a few outdoor sofas or a pool and some table-and-chair sets, these spaces are a true extension of the home, allowing people to seamlessly bring much of their indoor life outdoors. And outdoor kitchens are no exception. Alongside adding another element of functionality to your space, outdoor kitchen designs provide much the same benefit as connected indoor dining rooms and kitchens. That is, allowing people to socialize even while in separate spaces.

At Blue Lizard Services, we specialize in creating luxurious, high-quality outdoor spaces of all kinds, including functional living areas such as outdoor kitchens. But before we can get to work on your outdoor kitchen design, you first need to know what you’re looking for. 

What is an Outdoor Kitchen?

Outdoor kitchens are precisely what they sound like—a fully functional cooking and prep space located outside of your property. Here, you can interact with friends, family or guests; breathe in the fresh outdoor air; and enjoy your beautiful landscaping all while whipping up a meal. These kitchens can be as simple as a grill, some storage and a few countertops, or they may be as complex as an indoor kitchen—sink, burners and bar included. What you decide to incorporate depends on factors such as the size of your space, your budget, and what you plan to use your outdoor kitchen for. 

Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Some of the first things to consider when developing your outdoor kitchen design are:

1. Budget

How much can you spend on your project without breaking the bank? Determine your budget for each element of the kitchen, including materials and appliances, and stick to it. 

2. Location

Outdoor kitchens may be placed virtually anywhere in your outdoor space, including by a side wall or on an existing patio. Keep in mind, however, that the further your outdoor kitchen is from your property—and the more expansive your new addition is—the more difficult and expensive it may be to connect utilities to the included appliances. Additionally, it will be easier to ferry things between the indoors and outdoors, and you may have an awning already in place to cover your cooking area, if your kitchen is located by your property.

3. Layout

Your outdoor kitchen layout can take a number of forms, including a one-wall kitchen, an l- or u-shaped kitchen, and a galley kitchen. That is, a walkway between two parallel rows of cabinets, countertops and appliances. Which layout you choose depends on what you want from your outdoor kitchen, as well as the space available to you. 

4. Materials

Choosing materials is about more than just considering aesthetics, though that is an undeniably important aspect. You must also consider what will last the longest and what will work the best in your area’s climate. Materials such as stainless steel, stone, brick, teak and concrete, for example, may be some of the most durable options for counters, cabinets and appliances.

5. When you plan to use it

If you only plan to cook outside during the day, you may want to include an awning and some form of air conditioning in your kitchen design. An outdoor kitchen which will be used in the evenings, on the other hand, may benefit from the addition of heating and lighting elements. Lights may be installed overhead, against a wall or underneath cabinets, among other locations, and you may even choose to purchase a clip-on light for your grill. 

6. How you plan to use it

If you don’t plan to do much cooking outdoors, consider keeping the space small in order to save money and room—perhaps a grill and a prep space, as well as some cooking utensils. The larger your goals and budget for your outdoor kitchen, however, the more you may choose to include. 

What to Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Once you have determined the shape of your outdoor kitchen design, it’s time to decide how you want to populate your new space. Some elements to consider include:

1. Appliances

In other words, what you will use to cook and clean, store food and drinks, and keep your space comfortable, among other things. Outdoor kitchen appliance options include:

• Grills
• Stoves
• Vent hoods, which may be particularly useful if your outdoor kitchen is close to a lounge or dining area
• Sinks
• Ice makers
• Wine coolers
• Refrigerators
• Portable heaters or air conditioners

2. Lighting

Outside of lighting for the kitchen itself, consider how you want to illuminate the surrounding area. Standing lamps, fairy lights and fire pits, for example, may help to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for those spending time outdoors.

3. Counters and cabinets

How many counters and cabinets you have depends on how much prep and storage space you need. If your outdoor area is relatively small, consider using counters with multiple drawers or shelves as well as multifunctional furniture, such as seating which doubles as storage, in order to fit more into your space. 

4. Seating

Including a countertop seating area within your outdoor kitchen, or placing a lounge or dining area nearby, will make it easier to interact with family, friends and guests while you cook. Additionally, it gives you the chance to sit down and relax when the food doesn’t need your immediate attention while still allowing you to be close enough to keep an eye on it. 

5. Landscaping

To better incorporate your outdoor kitchen into the surrounding landscaping Service, consider including similar elements in your design. Using natural materials such as stone and wood in your kitchen and adding greenery around and throughout your cooking area—such as hanging plants, trellises, shrubs and potted herbs—may help to tie the two spaces together. Additionally, use hardscaping like pathways to connect your kitchen to the rest of your outdoor space. 

Contact Blue Lizard Services to Start Designing a Sophisticated and Functional Outdoor Kitchen Today

Designing an outdoor kitchen for your property is about more than what looks good or what will increase your property’s value at some point in the future. It is the process of creating a functional and durable space that will allow you to bring your life outdoors and be an active participant in gatherings even while cooking. And when you work with Blue Lizard Services, we can help you achieve this. Our outdoor kitchen design services include more than just constructing your new space and installing appliances. With over 20 years of experience under our belt, our knowledgeable contractors are ready to answer your questions and balance your preferences with the needs and constraints of your space. So if you are ready to get started on building the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, Click Here a call or send us a message today.