Outdoor kitchens offer a unique, highly versatile way to elevate your outdoor living experience. They can be as simple as a grill and countertop or incorporate more complex features like a full bar and sink. The wide range of options can make the process feel overwhelming, but Spear’s is here to help. Here are five tips for planning an outdoor kitchen.
Plan for Your Lifestyle and Intended Use
Start with a realistic idea of how you plan to use the space. Do you love to entertain? If so, a fully functional kitchen with more counter space and seating might be for you. If you’re a grill master looking to have everything you need in one spot, a simpler space featuring a grill and spacious countertop for prepping, cooking, dishing, and serving meals may be the perfect match. The sky may be the limit for outdoor kitchens, but there’s no need to include elements that will go unused.
Keep Your Project Budget in Mind
Similarly, remember that extra expenses can take away from the joy you’ll find in the final product – especially if certain aspects aren’t used regularly. Working to stay within your budget helps narrow down your options and optimize overall value. When you partner with Spear’s Landscape, our knowledgeable designers work closely with you to find the ideal options for your lifestyle.
Consider the Location and Available Space
The location and usable space play crucial roles in the safety, functionality, and convenience of your kitchen design. You want it to flow easily without being crammed. If you prioritize seating and gathering space in your outdoor living area, there may not be enough room to safely include numerous additional elements. Consider how much room you have to work with and what’s most important.
Remember Nature’s Elements
Speaking of the location of your outdoor kitchen, remember exactly that: You’ll be outdoors and exposed to the elements. When creating your design, we’ll look at how the sun will affect the space to ensure it can be used comfortably at any time of day. You may also consider a structure such as a pergola or gazebo for additional shade and moisture protection. For grills and cooking, incorporating walls or fences can help prevent wind from blowing smoke in inconvenient directions.
Look at the Surrounding Landscape Design
As with any aspect of your custom landscape design, you don’t want your kitchen to stick out like a sore thumb. The entire outdoor living space should be part of one functional plan with convenient flow, complementary materials and colors, and subtle details to create the ultimate experience. A fireplace is a beautiful way to anchor the space, and custom masonry and stonework add elegant, appealing accents. And don’t forget about lighting for those late nights.
Incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your landscape design is the perfect way to create a personalized, elevated experience. While their versatility makes it easy to develop truly customized designs, it also leaves a lot of factors to consider and decisions to make. Use these tips for planning an outdoor kitchen to help craft your ideal space and ensure optimal functionality, style, and longevity.
Partner With Spear’s and Discover Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Design
At Spear’s Landscape, we use our experience and expertise to guide you through the entire process. Our professional designers will discuss your options, make recommendations, and answer any questions to ensure your project matches your vision and lifestyle.
Want to see what we’re capable of with our unparalleled landscaping services? Check out recent projects on our website and contact us today to begin your project.