An Outdoor Kitchen In Seattle
Creating an outdoor kitchen, whether its as simple as a grill island or as elaborate as a fully functional kitchen, is a wonderful way to extend your home’s living space. With an outdoor kitchen you can prepare hors d’oeuvres, cook meals and entertain your guests with minimal time wasted running back inside for ingredients, plates, beverages, or cooking utensils. Nothing beats open-air cooking and al fresco dining, and with the right outdoor kitchen design, you and your family will enjoy your exterior kitchen for many years to come.
Your Outdoor Kitchen Style
The style of your outdoor kitchen should complement the aesthetic inside your home. If your home is modern, your outdoor living space should also have a clean and modern style. Whereas if you have a traditional home, your outdoor living space should reflect that decor. Also, keep in mind that you should integrate your exterior kitchen with the natural outdoor surroundings.
Kitchen Materials
When choosing materials for your outdoor kitchen, choose materials that can withstand the elements. For example, granite countertops and cabinetry of marine-grade teak are ideal in areas with harsh winters. Stone works very well for exterior living spaces because of its high durability. Make sure that any flammable materials are placed well enough away from your gas grills and fireplace. Flooring, which can enhance the particular style of your space, is typically brick, concrete, stone or gravel.
Patio Kitchen Layout
Working with an experienced designer can help you create the perfect layout for your space. You will want to arrange your patio kitchen, like your interior kitchen, so that it is convenient to use, with ample space for the number of cooks you will likely have. If you plan to do a lot of food prep, be sure you have a counter space dedicated to food prep close by your grill. Designing an outdoor kitchen has specific design challenges - for example, if you live in an area that gets its fair share of rain, having your grilling station undercover rather than fully exposed might make the most sense. Also, if you have a view of the beach or an unobstructed view of the countryside, consider placing your patio seating so that it takes full advantage of the view.
Outdoor Living Amenities
What amenities you choose for your outdoor kitchen will largely depend on your budget and how much you plan to use your space. Things like a large gas grill and an outdoor fireplace or firepit are among the most popular, but undercounter refrigerators, freezers, a sink, wine storage, cabinets and griddles can make your outdoor kitchen fully functional. Unique and specific items, like an outdoor pizza oven, for those family pizza nights, can make your outdoor kitchen a special space for your guests. Also, having patio heaters or recessed outdoor heaters in the ceiling of your undercover kitchen can extend the use of your patio kitchen in cooler weather.
