Just picture it this summer: you, your family, maybe some of your closest friends and the perfect backyard party centered around your dream outdoor kitchen with delicious food and refreshing drinks. Sounds great right? All you need to make it happen this year is a beautiful outdoor kitchen, and this article gives some great tips on how to create it.
• Consider your budget. While it might not be our favorite thing to talk about, money is important when designing any part of our home, outdoor kitchens included. You want to ensure you know what you’re willing to spend before you get your heart set on certain appliances or features that can easily send you over that number. Plumbing for a sink, which is an essential for most people’s outdoor kitchen, can be expensive, and if you’re looking to add a lot of brick or masonry, that can add up to. Talk to your significant other and determine what you’re willing to spend first.
• Identify your must haves. Once you’ve determined how much you want to spend, the next step is identifying the things that are a must have in your outdoor cooking space. A sink is a must have for many outdoor kitchens, but maybe you’ve had your heart set on a beautiful pizza oven or a fully stocked bar. Maybe any old grill or smoker just won’t do, and you want the best. Prep space is nice, but maybe you’re willing to have a rolling cart, rather than lots of extra counter space in order to make the pizza oven you’ve had your eye on work. Determine this early on, so you know your non-negotiables, and by default, the things you are not as concerned about.
• Work on the layout. Once you know exactly what you want to have in your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to think about where everything is going to go. You might already have a good idea of where the kitchen itself is going to go (by the pool anyone?) but know that having the kitchen along the wall of your house or patio can make things like plumbing and electric hookups a little easier, cheaper, and more convenient. Shading over the kitchen can also be a big deal, especially with the heat of South Georgia summers. Additionally, the setup of the appliances and features within the kitchen can make or break it. If you or your significant other is handy, this may be something you can handle on your own, but this is often when it’s a good time to call in a professional. You can work with a contractor who specializes in outdoor kitchens and spaces for designing and building the kitchen.
• Add the ambiance. Once all the big pieces are in place, it’s time to make your outdoor entertaining space a little more cozy. String lights can add in a lot of ambiance as well as needing lighting for gatherings that go on after dark. A simple dining table (if not already planned for) is a great addition, and you can add in pillows and rugs to make things feel a little more cozy. Plants can also help cozy up a space and make it feel more inviting. Now that you have your outdoor cooking and entertaining space, you want to make sure it feels welcoming to your guests.
• Time to host. Once you’ve added in all those last minute touches, it’s time to plan your gathering! Decide whether you want a small intimate gathering or a big blowout. Pick your menu and delicious, refreshing drinks and enjoy!