Enjoying a meal outdoors can be a wonderfully luxurious and relaxing feeling. If you’ve got a back garden, then this is the kind of indulgence you could enjoy any time the weather cooperates. But with that said, you’ll want to put in a little work to ensure you’ve got the perfect outdoor kitchen that allows you to cook and eat in it. Here are some useful tips you can apply when creating an outdoor elegant outdoor kitchen in your back garden.
Think About the Location
First things first, you’ll need to decide on a location for your outdoor kitchen. While many people like the idea of locating their outdoor kitchen away from the main house, this isn’t always the most practical idea.
Locating your outdoor kitchen near your home can have many benefits. As well as being close to power points, it also means you are closer to shelter should the weather take a turn for the worse. And that’s not all, locating it near your home means that you don’t have to transport any food, drinks, cutlery, plates, etc. very far when cooking outside.
Carefully Plan the Layout of Your Outdoor Kitchen
Once you’ve decided where in your garden you want your outdoor kitchen to be, the next thing you need to consider is the layout, as this can significantly impact its success.
When designing the layout of your outdoor kitchen, the first thing you need to think about is how the kitchen is orientated in comparison to your dining space. As well as this, you also need to consider the functionality of the space regarding where you store, prepare, clean, and cook. Creating a working triangle between the oven, fridge, and sink is a good idea.
Give Yourself Enough Space
One mistake homeowners can make is underestimating how much space the outdoor kitchen and dining area will require. You don’t want to feel cramped and have too little space to entertain guests. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and earmark more space than you think you’ll need. For those who don’t have a lot of extra space in the garden, use the U-shape kitchen where you can fit everything along one wall.
Choose a Sophisticated Outdoor Table
While there is nothing wrong with natural wood, rattan, and plastic material for dining table furniture, these don’t exactly ooze elegance. If you want to create an elegant vibe, metal furniture is the way to go. One example of this is Lazy Susan’s metal garden furniture. This furniture has a sense of sophistication and intricate details that make it feel more like artwork. It sets the tone for the entire outdoor kitchen, and it will match any colour palette when it comes to outdoor dishes, placemats, and seat cushions. You can complete the look with matching metal garden benches, tying the entire outdoor space together.
Choose Suitable Materials
Another excellent tip for people wanting to create an elegant outdoor kitchen is to choose suitable materials. The materials you choose to build your outdoor kitchen need to be able to endure any type of weather conditions. Some of the best options include ceramic, quartz, stone, brick, and concrete. These are all exceptionally durable options.
Think About the Appliances
Before building an outdoor kitchen, it’s essential to think about what appliances you want to include. The good news is that you no longer have to stick to traditional outdoor appliances like pizza ovens and barbecues; there are now many different options available to you.
As well as outdoor ovens and stovetops, it is now possible to purchase outdoor fridges. These are a great addition to an outdoor kitchen as they can store drinks and keep fresh food cool.
Make Sure You Are Connected
Once you know what type of appliances you want in your outdoor kitchen, you must consider how to power them. While many outdoor kitchen appliances can be operated with propane cylinders, these can be expensive to purchase. Connecting your outdoor kitchen to the main gas and electricity supply will be much cheaper in the long run.
Don’t Overlook Storage
Another essential consideration when designing an outdoor kitchen is storage. Just like with an indoor kitchen, there can never be enough storage in an outdoor kitchen. You will need storage space for plates, pots, pans, and other cooking essentials. It’s also a good idea to have a space to store any rubbish while cooking in your outdoor kitchen. Storing your rubbish out of sight can help keep your outdoor kitchen looking elegant.
Add Some Accessories
Like with an indoor kitchen, well-chosen accessories can create a strong focal point in an outdoor kitchen. Think towels, rugs, glasses, and cups. Bring together pretty accessories and use them to make your space feel more refined.
Shade Will Sometimes Be Wanted
A big draw in having an outdoor kitchen is that you get to enjoy the sun and fresh air, but let’s face it, sometimes the sun can be a bit much. This is why you need to build shade into the design. Having the option means your outdoor kitchen will be more versatile. A large garden umbrella/parasol will do the trick perfectly and you can put it up or take it down as needed and wanted. Be sure that you choose one that is large enough to cover the entire table and the chairs surrounding it. If you want something more permanent and acts as a design feature, you can install an awning or even a pergola.
Install Eye-Catching Garden Lighting
If you’re the type that likes to enjoy dinner at a later hour, or even entertain guests into the evening after your dinner party, then garden lighting will be necessary. The sheer volume of choices nowadays is rather surprising, and there’s no reason you need to be picking standard fixtures and options that are void of personality or design appeal. Experts tend to suggest you mix different styles and types of lighting for the ultimate customised look.
Once you’ve completed your outdoor kitchen, just be prepared for how much time you want to spend in your back garden oasis.
