Adding a Kitchen for Outdoor Entertainment

As summer approaches, the urge to move the party outside when entertaining friends and family may get stronger. With a smart addition to your deck or patio, you can take advantage of the beautiful weather without having to run back and forth into the house for more food and drink. There are several steps to adding an outdoor kitchen that serves your specific needs.

Define Your Vision

First, it’s important to decide exactly what you want. You may need no more than a grill and some extra counter space to throw the kind of parties you like. On the other hand, you may decide you want the full kitchen experience, complete with a refrigerator, wine cooler, sink, disposal and range. Your designer can help you make the choices that fit both your entertainment vision and your budget and can either work with electricians and plumbers that you have chosen or make recommendations from their own contacts.

Choose Your Look

Your outdoor kitchen can have its own look, and the style should be informed by the function of its components. For example, you may decide that you want to incorporate brick that matches or complements your home to enclose your grill, or you may want to build a charcoal or wood grill as part of the kitchen itself. If you opt for countertops and cabinets, the materials you choose not only need to flow well with the aesthetic of the kitchen but also be practical for outdoor use.

Add Finishing Touches

Making your guests comfortable helps ensure that they will have a good time. A pergola or awning can provide welcome shade or a shield from elements such as rain. Bar stools or extra seating may be a nice touch, particularly if you want to be able to mingle with the guests while you are cooking. Don’t underestimate the power of simple final touches to really bring the space together.

If you have a great space outside, it just makes sense to get the most out of it. With a custom-designed outdoor kitchen, you can entertain in style.