Create an Elegant Outdoor Kitchen and Avoid Two Common Mistakes

When you are ready to design your outdoor kitchen area, think about how you entertain and want to use the space. Many of our clients are entertaining outdoors more, and two mistakes we are finding that people made (and now want us to change) are:

1) They “hide” the BBQ area behind a shrub or in a remote location on the property so that the cook becomes isolated and lonely and serving becomes quite inconvenient.

2) They undersize the BBQ and/or outdoor kitchen space.

If you plan to entertain outdoors, there is nothing better than a large enough outdoor kitchen area that includes room for quality outdoor appliances (Think beyond the BBQ) as well as a place for family and friends to congregate and keep the chef company–preferably with a seating area. Let’s face it, your guests always hang out by the food and drinks. We see this indoors as well as outdoors. Aren’t guests always in your kitchen?

You want the space to be able to accommodate at least two people working at the same time and perhaps include a bartender. We always encourage our clients to add a fire element to their outdoor living space. This could be a fireplace, firepit, or even a tabletop or walkway element that serves as a portable centerpiece . This combination creates a beautiful ambiance and provides warmth and elegance. Be sure to see our 16 outdoor kitchen ideas that are perfect for entertaining in this post here.

Below is a great ideabook from Houzz that showcases 10 spectacular outdoor kitchens and other interesting finds for you to consider adding to your outdoor living area. Be sure to visit us our new second location on the east end of Long Island (11 Bridge Street, Sag Harbor, NY) to see  incredible outdoor and indoor kitchen designs and the outdoor appliances we carry from SubZero Wolf and Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

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Posted by GKelly in Design, Outdoor Kitchens, Kalamazoo, How To’s, Products, Outdoor Living