Many people enjoy preparing and eating a meal outdoors with friends and loved ones. Creating an outdoor kitchen makes the experience even more pleasant because you won’t have to haul cooking equipment and utensils from the main kitchen in your house. Here are a few ideas for designing a kitchen on the deck or patio.
Tips for Creating an Outdoor Kitchen
1. Opt for an Upcycled Theme
Using upcycled items when creating an outdoor kitchen is easy and inexpensive. Depending on the type of kitchen you design, buying everything new can be costly. Shop for secondhand kitchen cabinets and give them a fresh coat of paint. If you need additional storage, look for an old bookshelf in the attic that you can repurpose and treat for outdoors.
2. Add a Bar and Television
An outdoor kitchen is about more than preparing food. It’s also a place to gather with family and friends. Add a countertop and sink if you already have an outdoor grilling area. Build a bar and add bar stools and a television if you enjoy watching the game in the backyard. A simple roof or awning and an outdoor cover will protect outdoor electronics.
3. Convert the Patio or Deck
Creating an outdoor kitchen is much easier if your home already has a patio or deck, especially if the area has some protection from the elements. When setting up the kitchen, allow enough space for food preparation and cooking, but try to maintain the outdoor, relaxed feel of the deck or patio.
4. Make Your Outdoor Kitchen Modern
People who have modern homes often choose to continue the contemporary theme when creating an outdoor kitchen. Choose stainless steel for your grill, sink, and mini-refrigerator if you like the industrial look. A concrete countertop is inexpensive and durable and adds to a modern, industrial aesthetic.
5. When to Choose a Mobile Kitchen
Opt for a mobile version if your home doesn’t have the space for a full-sized outdoor kitchen. Apart from taking up less space, you can easily store a rolling kitchen cart out of the way when you’re not using it. A portable cart is an excellent option if you love cooking outdoors, but you need more versatility and flexibility than a brick-and-mortar kitchen.
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