5 Expert Tips for Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Space

Having a relaxing day outdoors is a great way to spend some much-needed downtime, especially during the summer. This makes the prospect of having an outdoor kitchen area a popular option all over the world, not only for hosting barbecues and other summer gatherings but also for transforming garden spaces.

But there are many factors to consider when creating an outdoor kitchen. To help you out, we've put together 5 tips to help you create the perfect outdoor kitchen area!

1. Choose an Outdoor Kitchen Style That Fits Your Space

Outdoor kitchen areas come in many different styles, ranging from a simple pizza oven to a large stone kitchen setup. Outdoor kitchens can also be made from recycled materials. For example, a pre-existing grain silo can be repurposed to be a wonderfully rustic outdoor food and drink station.

Even wooden pallets can be recycled and used as material for a cozy kitchen corner with a farmhouse vibe. In contrast, using steel provides a more modern take and is a good option for a hygienic and weather-proof countertop. Either way, it’s best to decide on a style from the very beginning as this impacts the kitchen area’s construction.

2. Enhance Your Outdoor Kitchen with Plants & Greenery

Adding a little greenery will not only improve the aesthetics of your outdoor kitchen area but also enhance the overall air quality of the space. The presence of plants directly impacts air pollution levels, especially the most common air pollutants (sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide).

However, one potential drawback that comes with adding plants to your outdoor kitchen area is how they can bring pests and insects. One particularly troublesome pest is the wasp, as they are attracted to food and the last thing we would want is for a swarm to choose your outdoor kitchen as their new home. Wasps can establish nests in trees and other enclosed spaces and are difficult to move once in place.

Prevention is key and it is best to spot the nests before they're fully formed. Be extra wary of this during the springtime and check closed off and secluded areas for developing wasp’s nests (in spring, they will be the size of a golf ball). If they're already too big, it would be best to call in professionals to remove the nests from your property. Another simple tip to avoid pests around your outdoor kitchen area is to make sure your bins have lids and that they are shut immediately after use.

For more outdoor ideas, check out our blog on 18 Decorating Ideas for a Beautiful Backyard Space!

3. Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout for Cooking & Prep

While it is great to repurpose materials and create a unique cooking space, it also pays to make sure that the area is designed so that all your kitchen needs are accounted for. On top of cooking space, enough room for food preparation eliminates the inconvenience of having to walk back and forth from inside your home to your outdoor kitchen. When designing the space, don’t just consider the oven or grill but think about how you can create an outdoor kitchen that is functional and efficient.

4. Choose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Appliances for Your Cooking Style

Different options such as ovens, stoves, and grills all appeal to different cooking styles. Regardless of what will be used, the proper equipment must be bought and made room for.

If you want something a little more unique than your usual cooking equipment, gravel pits have become particularly popular in Australia. Gravel pits have the benefit of requiring virtually no maintenance, which is great for lighting charcoal and cleaning off grill plates. Keep in mind that you'll need to leave this area dry at all times in order to maintain its condition.

5. Outdoor Kitchen Plumbing Tips for a Fully Functional Space

An outdoor kitchen space without washing facilities wouldn’t be much of a kitchen, now would it? It is in your best interest to make sure the kitchen comes complete with a sink so that it is a fully functioning cooking area. Sinks are a quick way to clean up in an outdoor kitchen and will make cooking much more convenient and hygienic.

One point that must be noted, however, is that it is best to ensure the plumbing and drainage are properly fitted. Ill-fitting pipes could lead to the pipes bursting at any time. If you don’t take this necessary precaution, it could end up being a costly mistake in the long term.

If you're looking for ways to improve upon your dining space, check out our article on Dining Room Decorating Ideas and Inspiration and try using the DecorMatters app to virtually decorate your outdoor kitchen!

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written for DecorMatters by Zulema Estefania