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Designing an outdoor kitchen that merges beautifully with your home’s exterior and landscape doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated.

With careful planning, your outdoor kitchen will become a luxurious and sophisticated outdoor living space — giving you years of carefree cooking while making it easy to relax and socialize with family and friends.

To make it easier, here are a few things to consider when designing your dream kitchen.

Choose Appliances That Suit Your Culinary and Hosting Style

Understanding your personal culinary style and hosting preferences will help take the guesswork out when it comes to choosing your appliances.

Are you a self-professed foodie looking to create elaborate, multi-course meals? Or do you prefer the classic simplicity of a well-charred porterhouse?

Will you entertain guests in a separate area or will they be encouraged to linger with a glass of wine and chat with you while you cook? 

Knowing how you intend to use your space will help you make thoughtful decisions.

Here’s where we suggest you start when planning your design:

The Essentials...

• Grills & barbecues — In the heart of every well-appointed outdoor kitchen you’ll find a barbecue. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choosing the one that’s right for you can be overwhelming. Knowing your cooking style and needs can help make your decision easier.

• Kamado grills — If you’re not sure what a Kamado grill is, think “big green egg.” It’s a ceramic powerhouse that can cook bread, meats and vegetables all in one place. It uses lump charcoal to give you that traditional barbecue taste we all crave.

• Fridges — An outdoor fridge makes everything easier. Prepped food is right at your fingertips, and no more fishing through slushy coolers for a cold drink. 

The Finishing Touches... 

• Pizza ovens — Imagine having delicious, stonebaked pizza ready in minutes...that’s what you get when you add a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen. Turn your backyard into a pizzeria and never eat cold pizza again!

• Warming stations — Warming stations help keep food at optimal temperatures, keeping your guests safe and happy by serving hot foods at their proper serving temperature. They come in either drawer or drop-in buffet style.

• Ice makers — if you entertain frequently, adding an under-counter ice maker can save you from having to rush to the store to buy bags of ice or run inside to refill your ice bucket from your indoor freezer.  

• Wine coolers & kegerators — Nothing says “party” like an outdoor bar! With a kegerator, you can get ice-cold beer from a tap right on the counter. And a wine cooler ensures your wine is always served at the correct temperature — even under a hot summer sun.

Don’t Forget the Details...

The appliances and features are the stars of the show… but don’t forget the details. When designing your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to consider:

• Storage & cupboards — Keep your outdoor kitchen neat and tidy by selecting good, critter-proof storage. 

• Electrical units — Not too many people think about electrical sockets, but having a few extra can make it easier when you’re looking to plug in your blender or other small appliance. Frozen margarita, anyone?

• Materials — When it comes to materials, there’s much to consider. Many homeowners choose brick, concrete or stone for their durability. Concrete is more affordable, but stone is more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing. 

• Roofing  — You won’t have to worry about a little rain ruining your party when you add a pergola or a roofed structure over your kitchen. It’ll also provide some shade on those blistering summer days.

Planning an outdoor kitchen is fun and exciting… and hiring a design team to help can make it easy, too! 

Our design professionals will work with you to help you create your dream kitchen —one that reflects your style and taste and is the ultimate in sophistication.

To get started, reach out to our team by phone or email or fill out our online form.