The modern outdoor kitchen has revolutionized entertaining in the home. No longer the exclusive domain of the propane grille and hot dog today’s backyard kitchens rival anything you’ll find indoors from the standpoint of functionality while also providing comfort, space and evenings under the stars. Anyone considering adding a backyard kitchen to their home will want to have a good idea going in what’s necessary to create one that will both wow and work.
Creating the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
Here are 7 things that should be part of any first-rate outdoor kitchen design.
- Cooking area – This is where the hard work is done and where you’ll have your stove/grille along with the sink, cabinets, drawers, refrigerator and plenty of counter space. The cooking area will be one of the focal points of the new backyard kitchen but at the same time traffic should be largely directed around this area for both convenience and safety sake.
- Seating area – The main seating area will feature the most comfortable chairs, plenty of tables to hold drinks and plates and have a cozy convivial air about it. If you have space for a large dining table you can place that in the center of the backyard kitchen with cooking on one side, seating on the other and a bar at the end of the space.
- Bar area – A wet bar is crucial to promote mingling, conversation and a casual atmosphere. A bar can be anything from a dual purpose countertop connected to and accessible from the cooking area, to a stand alone feature that acts more as a traditional bar.
Once you have the layout down you’ll want to add some essential bells and whistles, including:
- A roof – You will likely want to employ overhead protection from the elements in some parts of your backyard kitchen. You can cover the main seating area and cooking area and leave the space between and around open to the sky. Or you may want to cover the entire area with a retractable roof, though that will certainly ramp up the cost.
- A fireplace – Once a luxury a fireplace is now considered something of a necessity if you really want your outdoor kitchen to generate the omg’s. In most cases the fireplace will be the main focal point of the entire outdoor space.
- Custom lighting – Few things will bring your kitchen to life after dark like a comprehensive lighting scheme. The full range of lighting options should be on the table (except maybe the tiki torches!) and all consideration should be directed toward creating space and mood.
- Outdoor space heaters – It can get chilly in Toronto, even in the summer but there’s no reason your guests need to head indoors. Gas powered outdoor space heaters can be strategically placed to be put into service if needed to take the edge off the chill and keep things cozy.
Don’t forget to sprinkle plenty of electrical outlets around the space, include a wide screen TV if you have the room and tie everything deftly into the pool area. If you don’t have an inground pool now might be the perfect time to consider installing one to complete the outdoor entertainment picture.
Toronto Decks and Fence Company has created outdoor kitchens great and small for clients from one end of the GTA to the other. Perhaps no other type of project we do creates the same level of satisfaction for our designers and our clients. Give us a call today on 416-238-2589 and talk to one of our award-winning designers about outdoor kitchen possibilities for your home.