Create The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen. Here’s How To Get Started.
Raise your hand if you’re ready to head outside. After weeks of staying at home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, we can all relate to the need for some fresh air and time spent outside. Planning outdoor home projects is also a nice pick-me-up as we look forward to warmer weather days ahead. This blog repost is a great resource for planning the ultimate outdoor kitchen—so we thought there’s no time like the present to offer you some outdoor home renovation inspiration. Enjoy!
One of the biggest trends in home remodeling is building outdoor living spaces, from family rooms/gathering spaces to fully functioning outdoor kitchens. These outdoor “rooms” add extra living space to your home and boost resale value.
Whether your outdoor kitchen project is as simple as fixing up your patio or porch, or as major as creating an indoor/outdoor structure as an extension of your home, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you get the most out of your investment. Here’s how to get your project off to the right start:
Start with your project vision: How do you imagine your new space? And most importantly, how will you use your space? Think about functionality, i.e. the main elements of your kitchen. Are you incorporating a grill? A pizza oven? Fireplace? TV? Bar? Identify your must-have features and appliances and then move on to space and design.
Next, consider size: How many people do you regularly entertain? Think about how you and your family will use the space to help determine ample area for your new kitchen and living space. Answering these questions before you start will help you frame your project and eventually arrive at a new space that meets your needs and expectations. Here’s an example of how that planning can pay off:
Our team at Dover completed an outdoor kitchen for homeowners who wanted an additional option for home entertaining. Instead of a costly home addition, they opted for an outdoor room that felt like a natural extension of their home. Their wish list included a kitchen with a built-in grill, TV and bar area, with an overhead structure to guard against the weather.
We took cues from their personal design style to make the new kitchen area flow with their indoor décor. Opening the windows and patio doors at the back of the home to create seamless flow, we created an engaging outdoor kitchen/dining space that offers plenty of options for seating as well as a designated cook/workspace and an expansive bar for entertaining.
Consider the location. It sounds like a no brainer, but it’s something that’s often overlooked: Give careful thought to where you place your new outdoor space, because like adding a room to your home, it cannot be easily moved later. If you plan a fully-functioning outside kitchen space with a sink and electrical hookup, you’ll need to locate existing utilities and water lines.
Also consider what area of your backyard would work best for an outdoor kitchen…which direction does the prevailing wind come from? What are the sun and shade angles in the yard? Spend some time in your yard to identify the best location.
Planning makes perfect. Houzz and Pinterest are great places to collect images for your project inspiration boards. And consider working with a home remodeling contractor or outdoor project manager to create a space that not only delivers on your design expectations, but that also meets all required building codes.
Done right, an outdoor kitchen is a smart investment that will provide you with a new living space to enjoy with your friends and family. As with any home remodeling project, planning makes it perfect. If you need help, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Good luck!
The Best Is Yet To Come,
Beth Orr
