Preparing and eating meals outside is a summertime activity. For most people, cooking indoors during summer is daunting because the heat stays trapped in the house. The best solution to that is to build an outdoor kitchen.
Another reason to invest in an outdoor kitchen is that you will be able to throw dinner parties in your backyard without rushing in and out of your indoor kitchen. Entertaining your guests in the yard and running to the kitchen every five minutes to check your meal can be tiring. Instead of being nervous during all your gatherings, invest in an outdoor kitchen that will be of great use during barbecue parties. You will spend time with your friends and always have a cozy outdoor kitchen where you can prepare delicious meals all summer.
Extend your living space
One of the great benefits of an outdoor kitchen is that it provides more space for living and entertainment. Although outdoor kitchens are suitable for dinner parties with your friends during the summer, you might want to plan for the cold weather too. If you insulate your outdoor kitchen or build a fire pit, you’ll be able to spend time in this additional living space all year long.
Extending your living space will bring more value to your home. If you ever decide to resell the house, a cozy outdoor kitchen will attract more buyers. The renovation doesn’t have to cost a lot if you give your patio a makeover. Install a roof for the starters, and add additional elements when it suits you the most.
Consider all the elements
You can’t build a cozy outdoor kitchen out of nowhere. Before you start with the layout, you need to find a design that fits into the yard and the area that surrounds it. As your outdoor kitchen will be a part of your living space, consider your home’s interior when choosing a design. That way, your new living space will blend well with the rest of your property.
If you’re considering renovating your home soon and giving your house a full makeover, design your kitchen according to your new taste. You won’t have to make changes in the kitchen again, and spend more money to blend it with the new interior design.
Plan the layout
Planning the layout for your outdoor kitchen is as vital as it was for the indoor one. The layout in your main kitchen is defined by walls. You’ll have to make extra considerations if you want your outdoor kitchen to be cozy all year long.
Now is the time to decide whether to build a surrounding wall around your kitchen. You don’t have to turn it into a room, but investing in an l-shaped shield will protect it from the bad weather.
Choose appliances and furniture
After you plan the layout, it’s advisable to consider what appliances you’re going to use in your new kitchen. Think about what appliances are you going to use the most, and invest in more energy-efficient models. The gas grill should be a focal point.
Add more appliances around it. You’ll also need a fridge, a stove and a large kitchen counter. Complete the look by creating a small storage room and a large area where people can gather and spend quality time together.
Personalize the space
Decorate your outdoor kitchen to make it look cozy and inviting. Give your kitchen counter a makeover by displaying a variety of herbs and spices. If you’re a nature lover, plant a garden hedge around the area as a decoration.
Natural plantings provide more privacy and protection against wind and beautify the landscape. To keep your living screen trimmed and in good shape, equip yourself with garden tools for outdoor plants. Your hedge will provide shade, which will be a refreshing change for your family members who like to spend a lot of time outside.
Add some lighting
Investing in a good lighting system is vital for a variety of reasons. First, you will provide light, which is necessary for performing tasks once the sun goes down. Second, you will be able to create a cozy atmosphere if you rely on different lighting sources. Your main source of light should be above the kitchen counter. You won’t have to invest in an expensive light source because a single LED light bulb will suffice. Use candles or lamps to illuminate other areas.
Conclusion
Once you build your outdoor kitchen, you will have more space for entertainment. Spending time with the people you love is refreshing, and the outdoor kitchen is the best environment for parties and celebrations. If you maintain your new corner properly, you’ll always have a place to host a party during summertime. And if you build a fire pit to warm you up during colder days or chilly summer nights, this will be the coziest area on your property.
Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.