Beautiful Outdoor Kitchen Designs for Summertime
Outdoor kitchen designs - about a third of what money is spent on remodeling homes, is spent on exterior kitchen / living areas. There is a growing
trend to maximize the space outside our homes to provide more living areas and places to
enjoy the outdoors in both summer and winter. You can easily create an outdoor area by earmarking a little space and
using your creativity and then - getting on with it!
What is an outdoor kitchen?
Most home designers agree that an exterior kitchen is a space that must include at least one good quality
cooking appliance such as a grill or wood fired oven, some counter space and a sink.
Creating one means that you will combine the best principles of interior design
with the principles of landscape. If you do this, you'll have a wonderful outdoor area that flows seamlessly
from the interior of your home and is also linked with your pool, patio, or simply your garden. The best living
spaces are those that flow...you can do this by remembering some helpful tips.
How to create this space:
Consider what your needs are as far as this outdoor kitchen is concerned.
Work out your budget!
Decide on the best location.
Will you do this yourself, or hire a designer and contractors?
Apply good kitchen plans and design principles for outdoors too.
Consider food and utensil storage, traffic between the indoor and outdoor space, and other
ways that the outdoor and indoor kitchens will combine.
Think about the type of materials you'll use for appliances and countertops etc. ...weather and maintenance
need to be considered.
If you have a pool, eating area and any other outside playing or living areas, try to make an overall plan that will
connect all areas through clever design and use of materials. For example, pathways and decks that are made of similar
materials and so 'links' the whole outdoor 'setup'.
Think about the location of gas and power supplies as well as the sort of equipment you'll be installing.
For example, if you have a sink, you'll need a water supply.
If using this area through different types of weather, you must think about heaters, shade and rain shelter.
Perhaps your outdoor kitchen will be very well used and you could include furniture, a television and sound
system that will enhance its functionality. Think about weather protection and sunlight issues.
Lighting needs to be incorporated into the design...you'll need task lighting as well as ambient or mood lighting.
Security may be an issue if your outdoor kitchen isn't protected or hidden away.
Consider how to enhance the aesthetics with decorative features and color.
Your gorgeous outdoor space will cost anywhere from about USD $3,000 to well over $15,000. It is up to you to plan
and spend according to your budget. You should get an idea of prices from showrooms and then go ahead with your planing.
Certainly, with these great outdoor kitchen designs and tips, you'll be able to create a wonderful space that is an entertainment area,
an eating area and a cooking area. Remember to plan so that the chef isn't isolated from the chatter and general happenings,
and you'll have an outdoor kitchen design that everyone will enjoy and use as they wish!
Go to Designing for lots of ideas about designing an exterior kitchen
More free ideas about accessories for your exterior kitchen
Tips on choosing and growing herbs on your patio
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