If you’ve always dreamed of using your backyard living spaces for dining, entertaining and socializing, you’ll be happy to know that creating the perfect outdoor kitchen is a lot easier than you may have thought.
Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to cover some of the strategies you’ll want to consider when planning and building your outdoor kitchen.
Start with the space
Determine how much space you’ll need for cooking equipment and seating. Will you have to level some ground or remove some shrubbery? Figure out your space requirements before getting to work on the amenities.
Outdoor kitchen appliances
The problem with outfitting an outdoor kitchen with appliances isn’t finding the right ones; rather, it’s keeping from going overboard. Any cooking, prepping and storage feature you can find in an indoor kitchen can be added to an outdoor kitchen in versions that are durable and weather-resistant (a very good thing here in Florida!).
Consider:
- Stovetops and grills
- Standard ovens and pizza ovens
- Smokers
- Refrigerators
- Prep tables
- Sinks
- Storage cabinets and drawers
- Dishwasher
This is just a partial list, but as you can see, there’s a lot to choose from when designing the ideal cooking environment for your backyard gatherings.
Lighting
Every outdoor living space needs attractive lighting, and it’s even more important in the kitchen work areas. Task-specific lighting can be installed in the outdoor kitchen, while track lighting, hanging lanterns, sconce lighting and other lighting system designs can set the stage and create the mood for your seating/lounging areas.
Where are people going to sit?
This is another important consideration in planning an outdoor kitchen and living area. Will the seating be primarily for your family to enjoy? Do you have parties with moderate guest lists? Is your social calendar full of major events with loads of friends and work associates?
When planning for seating, look at two elements:
- Seating for dining
- Seating for just hanging out
For dining seating, you can add some handsome table-and-chair sets in your choice of materials, finishes and colors. If you’ll have a bar, you can set it up with a row of attractive bar stools.
For after the meal, consider weatherized couches and comfy arm chairs. Plan the seating arrangements ahead of time, so you’ll know exactly what to get when it’s time to start putting everything in place.
A few other possibilities for your outdoor kitchen
- Entertainment center with a big-screen TV
- Music system with speakers
- Outdoor fireplace that runs on gas or wood
- A beautiful fire pit for intimate gatherings
- Canopies, awnings and shading
- Walking paths lit by solar lanterns
Now’s the time to make your outdoor living spaces come alive
As you can see, the options for an outdoor kitchen and living area are plentiful. With some thoughtful planning and then working with an experienced outdoor kitchen designer, you’ll end up with something marvelous.
Doodlebuggers specializes in outdoor kitchen design and installation projects throughout the Pensacola, Florida, and Destin, Florida, regions. If you’re ready to create, we’re ready to help.
Reach an outdoor living space expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.