Having an outdoor kitchen can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you will ever have in your home, allowing you to create a multi-functional space that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family. To ensure your outdoor kitchen is as stylish and functional as possible, here are 10 must-have features you should consider:
- Quality Outdoor Furniture: Invest in pieces that are designed to withstand the elements and will last for many years. Choose materials like teak or cedar which are naturally weather-resistant and maintenance-free. Make sure to opt for comfortable furniture since you’ll be spending time here with family and friends.
- Low-Maintenance Finishes: For countertops, backsplashes, or other surfaces, use low-maintenance finishes such as stone, tile, stainless steel or granite which are easy to clean and highly durable in all weather conditions. Use high quality sealers so the surfaces won’t be damaged by water or ultraviolet rays from the sun.
- Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements into your design to create an inviting atmosphere while seamlessly blending your indoor/outdoor spaces together. Consider adding plants such as shrubs or trees around seating areas, mulch beds around pathways or gravel pathways throughout your outdoor kitchen area to enhance its appearance.
- Lighting Features: Ambient lighting can help set the mood while providing illumination from different angles and perspectives making it safer when people move around at night too! Consider using string lights overhead along with recessed lighting under cabinets for a truly magical environment outdoors during after dark events!
- Storage Solutions: Utilize storage solutions that keep items like food items, cooking utensils & dining supplies organized but out of sight when not being used right away – reducing stress when prepping meals outside so you can focus on entertainment instead! This includes drawers & cabinets equipped with specialized inserts including spice racks & cutting boards as well as adjustable dividers which are ideal for keeping smaller items tidy & manageable!
- Appliances: Add appliances that fit perfectly into your design scheme such as refrigerators, ice makers & dishwashers hidden behind panels made from matching finishes & materials so they blend seamlessly into the existing style of your outdoor kitchen area! Some even offer portable options suitable for short term projects or permanent installations just be sure to select ones with sealed compartments which keep moisture out ensuring food stays fresh longer!
- Built-In Barbeque Grill: This is a definite must have feature for any successful outdoor kitchen since grilling is one of the favorite activities outdoors – choose from charcoal or gas grills depending upon your preference then add accessories such as side burners & warming racks making it easier than ever before to cook up a mean meal no matter what type of get together you host!!
- Vent Hoods / Range Hoods : Proper ventilation is necessary if you plan on doing larger scale cooking plus it eliminates smoke stagnation which can cause lingering odors in between uses…so make sure whatever brand you choose comes equipped with baffle filters capable of containing grease buildup plus look at other optional features such as temperature sensors & delayed shut off settings just in case..you know how things go sometimes!!
- Counter Space : Increased counter space can make all the difference when preparing meals outside — consider customizing counters built with same material (think solid surface countertops) easy enough to cut down on prep time leaving more time for leisurely conversation !! Also looks great visually speaking too !!
- Seating Areas : Last but certainly not least – provide plenty of seating options so guests feel comfortable whether gathering around an island or sitting at table – have several seating areas nearby complete with cushions & throws so everyone feels welcome!! Best part – check out Shrubhub outdoor kitchen ideas when planning out next backyard project!!
