Design Considerations for Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are a desirable and highly functional feature that can make entertaining and spending time outside easier than ever. If you are considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your property, it can be difficult to know where to begin when creating your design. As a leading provider of quality landscape services, the team at Jovak Landscape & Design knows how difficult it can be to create a functional and appealing outdoor kitchen design. That is why we have compiled a list of important design considerations for outdoor kitchens to help you create the space of your dreams.
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4 Crucial Design Considerations for Your Outdoor Kitchen
When designing an outdoor kitchen, you will need to consider the following:
1. How it Will Work with Your Indoor Kitchen
When using your outdoor kitchen, you will likely need to travel between it and your indoor kitchen to retrieve utensils, dishes, ingredients, and other items. That is why it is worth thinking about the distance between your indoor kitchen and the location you would like to install your outdoor kitchen. This allows you to confirm that there is a clear path between both kitchens, ensuring a smooth transition between each space.
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2. Materials, Appliances, and Furniture
Certain materials, appliances, and furniture are a better choice for outdoor environments than others. When selecting materials and items for your outdoor kitchen, be sure to consider their resistance to water, grease, corrosion, and insect damage. Choosing materials with high resistance to these elements will minimize the amount of maintenance your kitchen requires, allowing you to spend more time enjoying it.
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3. The Size and Layout
While you will need to ensure that you have enough space to comfortably cook and entertain guests in your outdoor kitchen, you will also need to confirm that you are not disrupting the flow of your yard or blocking access to areas of your property. This can be difficult to achieve, so it is best to let a professional create a design that balances size with accessibility. In addition to size, it is important to consider the layout of your kitchen. Most kitchens benefit from a “triangle” arrangement between their fridge, grill, and sink as it maximizes efficiency, so it is typically worth following this rule in your design.
4. Lighting
Proper lighting enhances safety while providing ambiance for gatherings after dark. To ensure that your kitchen is fully usable at any time of the day, be sure to install lighting around prep/cooking spaces, steps, pathways, and seating areas. To maintain a balance between safety and ambiance, consider installing a dimmer switch to transition to softer lights after the meal has been served.
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To learn more about our landscape design and construction services or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at Jovak Landscape & Design. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services.