Tips for Designing a Functional and Beautiful Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as more and more homeowners seek ways to expand their living spaces to the great outdoors. If you are thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, keep the following tips in mind to ensure that the finished product is beautiful, functional and most of all, that it increases the value of your home.
Pick a Style and Stick to It
The fun thing about outdoor living spaces is that you can be as funky and creative as you want to be. Your home may be neo-classical in style, but if you want to create a space that is lighthearted and colorful, you can, and you can do so without interrupting the style of your interior. That said, don’t try to mesh five different styles in a single space. Pick a style that you like and then hire a designer who can help you seamlessly blend your outdoor kitchen with your indoor spaces.
Pick Your Finishes
Next, it’s time to pick finishes that are in line with your chosen style. Finishes include everything from your countertops to your cabinets and from your faucets to your backsplash. These are all design elements that your contractor should be able to help you pick, but it’s helpful to have an idea of what you want that way you don’t waste days selecting a countertop finish—days for which you still have to pay your contractor.
Choose Your Appliances
Your appliances are probably the most important feature of your outdoor living area, as they not only make the space what it is, but also, the layout of your kitchen is wholly dependent on them. Start with the grill, as you can’t have a kitchen outside without a grill. Then, if there is room in the budget, select an oven, sink, refrigerator and dishwasher—all appliances that are convenient but not necessary.
A lot goes into designing a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen. While the above tips will help you get started, the wisest investment of your time and money would be to hire a professional contractor to help. Happy cooking!