Millions of people dream of having the perfect outdoor kitchen where they can cook outside, relax with family and friends, and throw amazing parties. But with so many options to choose from, many outdoor kitchen planners end up with analysis paralysis.
So how do you design an outdoor kitchen from scratch that you’re going to be happy with?
Start With Preliminary Research
There’s a lot to learn about outdoor kitchens. Before you start speculating too much about what kind of outdoor kitchen you’d like, it’s important to do some preliminary research. Get a feel for what types of construction methods, layout options, appliances, and aesthetics are available to you. You don’t need to make any final decisions at this point, nor do you need to become a veritable expert. Instead, you just need a bit of awareness about what your main options are and how those might appeal to you.
This is also a great opportunity to evaluate your own goals. Why do you want an outdoor kitchen? What kind of outdoor kitchen, generally, would best serve your needs?
Assess Your Needs
Next, start outlining your core needs. This is going to play a heavy role in dictating the design of your outdoor kitchen, as it’s going to limit some of your options and guide you to a number of valuable options.
Physical Space
First, take a look at the physical space you have to work with, as this is going to impose some physical constraints on your outdoor kitchen project. If you plan on installing your outdoor kitchen in your backyard, how big is your yard? Are there any impediments currently in the way, such as an existing patio, a fence, or landscaping that you don’t want to remove? Could there be an outdoor kitchen so big that it robs you of the space you need? Try to visualize several different types of outdoor kitchens fitting into this space.
Budget
As with any home upgrade, you’ll need to think carefully about your budget. Outdoor kitchens aren’t cheap, but they also aren’t unreasonable. And because outdoor kitchens have so much room for customization and alteration, it’s possible to find something that fits almost any budget. Because of this, it’s important for homeowners to postulate about budget before they begin the design process. If you know how much money you’re willing to spend on this project, you’ll have a much easier time choosing the right types of installations – and certain options may be rendered totally inaccessible to you.
Key Appliances
Your outdoor kitchen is going to be largely grounded by the foundation of your core appliances. Which appliances are going to be most important for your outdoor kitchen, and how much money are they going to cost? Mini outdoor kitchen planners want at least a grill, a stovetop, and a refrigerator, but these aren’t strict necessities, and there are far more options to consider. Once you nail down which appliances you want, you can design the entire kitchen around them.
Counter Space
Next, think about how much counter space you want. Most people want as much counter space as their budgets and physical space will allow, but there is such a thing as too much counter space. Think carefully about what types of cooking you’re going to do outdoors, how many people will be involved, and whether you want to use this counter space for anything other than cooking.
Overall Fit
Finally, consider the shape, spacing, and overall fit of your outdoor kitchen. How can you adjust your outdoor kitchen plan to better complement the outdoor space you have?
Get Inspiration
There are many ways to build an outdoor kitchen, and you’ll become acquainted with them if you start looking around. See what people have done with limited amounts of space, and look at all the different types of aesthetics that homeowners have pursued. Chances are, this exploration will help you refine your tastes and interests, so your outdoor kitchen design decisions become much easier.
Start Narrowing Down Your Options
If you find yourself getting stuck, consider narrowing down your options by eliminating things you know you don’t want. Are there any layout shapes, appliances, or aesthetic choices that are out of the question?
Consider Working With the Pros
Finally, consider working with professionals in the outdoor kitchen space. Outdoor kitchen designers and contractors have had significant experience in this area, and they can help you find the right choices and fit for your needs.
Designing an outdoor kitchen from scratch isn’t easy, especially if you’ve never done it before. But if you’re thoughtful and methodical in your approach, you’ll have a much easier time finding something that fits your space, your budget, and even your aesthetic preferences.
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