Design Considerations for Modern Outdoor Kitchens
For those designing modern outdoor kitchens, and for those thinking of adding modern outdoor kitchens, this blog post is for you.
Today’s modern outdoor kitchens are an extension of your home. Whether positioned near a deck or a gazebo or as an island unto itself, modern outdoor kitchens are both a practical way to cook and entertain outside and to express your personal style.
Building modern outdoor kitchens is a major investment. You want to make sure you are using materials that are going to hold up to the outdoor environment, but also look good.
So, let’s look at some top tips for designing modern outdoor kitchens:
- Indoor Kitchen Proximity
- Color Choices
- Sure, You Have Enough Room
- The Urban Kitchen Look
- Wood is Good, Too
- Add a Lounge Area
Indoor Kitchen Proximity
Most modern outdoor kitchens are located close to the home’s indoor kitchen. Why? Well, unless you have room in the backyard for enough storage to house duplicates of all your utensils and appliances, expect some back and forth getting what you need from your kitchen inside. And unless your modern outdoor kitchen is fully equipped, you may need to run back into the house to use the microwave or the refrigerator.
Color Choices
Most modern outdoor kitchens tend to reflect the colors and styling of their indoor kitchen counterparts. However, that’s not a steadfast rule. If you aim for something different, go for it.
Neutral colors are always a good choice. White and gray are both classic colors that work well with modern outdoor kitchens. Black is also a feature of many modern outdoor kitchens. You might think it’s too formal or dark, but black really pops against outdoor greenery.
Sure, You Have Enough Room
What’s enough room for modern outdoor kitchens? The answer is that whatever room there is, modern outdoor kitchens are designed not only to fit the space, but provide optimum functionality using the space you have.
Small spaces do require some creativity in terms of providing storage. If the space is close enough to the indoor kitchen, storage is probably not much of a problem. If you do need to fit storage into a small space, there are a number of options available, such as turntables and other interior cabinet options that maximize storage space.
In some cases, you can opt for a half-open kitchen on the patio. It’s a great way to make use of limited space and still enjoy the outside dining environment.
The Urban Kitchen Look
Stainless steel designs are a popular choice for modern outdoor kitchens both because of their weather resistance and their sleek, contemporary look. If your backyard isn’t covered, this urban kitchen look is probably best, as stainless steel is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
Many people also like stainless steel because it provides a professional look. It’s also easy to clean. If you like an industrial style, then the shiny urban kitchen look is for you.
Wood is Good, Too
If you prefer the warmth of wood, you have some options. Most softwoods—such as pine, cedar and redwood—are ill-suited to outdoor use. They are too susceptible to rot, and they require extensive yearly maintenance.
Instead, South American woods such as Ipe, Cumaru (Brazilian Teak), Tigerwood, Garapa, and Massaranduba are highly durable for outdoor use and require little maintenance.
Add a Lounge Area
If you’re cooking outdoors, it stands to reason that you are also dining and entertaining outdoors. It just doesn’t make sense to prepare food outdoors and then go inside to eat. (Unless it starts to rain, which is why we also recommend some type of covering over outdoor modern kitchens, in case the weather doesn’t want to cooperate.)
Modern outdoor kitchens not only incorporate dining areas, but also lounge areas. Given that a lot of outdoor dining is informal, some kind of informal seating area is a key consideration.
Entertainment spaces are an integral design feature of modern outdoor kitchens. Consider add-ons such as a bar area with a separate sink, kegerator, and wine cooler. You might also want to establish a pizza oven or a grill or smoker as a separate zone with its own “personality.”
Watch Your Budget
Whatever the features of modern outdoor kitchens, always keep an eye on the budget. Even so, things change, unexpected hiccups occur, prices go up, and sometimes contractors come back with revised estimates. It’s always a good practice to plan a modest contingency budget. And sometimes there is something you didn’t budget for, but you just want to get.
For More Modern Outdoor Kitchen Tips…
…read the following:
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas: What to Consider When Planning
10 Important Things for Your Outdoor Kitchen’s Design
Urban Bonfire Outdoor Kitchen — Everything You Need to Know
The Expert Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Consult the Modern Outdoor Kitchen Experts
Designing modern outdoor kitchens is perhaps not for the faint of heart. It’s easy to make mistakes if you don’t have a lot of design or building experience. It’s best to work with a designer or architect to ensure that your best inclinations about what you want in an outdoor kitchen translate into the best practical as well as stylish choices.
We at BSC Culinary want to help you create the modern outdoor kitchen that is perfect for you and your family. We offer free consultations to get the design process started, and our talented team and premier partners ensure that your modern outdoor kitchen is perfect for your needs and outdoor space.
BSC Culinary offers a range of premium high-end appliances and cabinetry designed for outdoors, including Urban Bonfire and Kalamazoo. We’re here to help you choose the appliances and cabinetry that best work outdoors and best fit your style to achieve the modern outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
All cabinets and appliances for modern outdoor kitchens that we sell include installation and delivery. A dedicated Enjoy Life Counselor ensures error-free delivery and installation. You can even track delivery on the day of the appointment. If you prefer, BSC can provide contactless delivery.
Contact us to discuss the important considerations for your modern outdoor kitchen.