Creating an outdoor kitchen area can expand your overall living space and provide you with an amazing area for entertaining. The grill is the most vital part of any outdoor kitchen, so it makes sense to make the grill the focal point of the space. The good news is that there are simple things you can do to make sure that your outdoor kitchen design centers around your grill.
Organize Based on Use
An outdoor kitchen provides the ultimate open floor plan. That gives you the freedom to design an outdoor kitchen space that works best for you. Once you determine where to place your grill, think about where to store the various grilling tools and dishes you may need while cooking. The tools you use most frequently, such as a spatula, tongs and meat thermometer, should be placed as close to the grill as possible. This step will allow you to grab the tools you need while cooking easily. Items that are used less frequently, such as extra dishes and a grill brush, can be placed farther away from the grilling area.
Cabinet Space
Did you know knives are part of why restaurants charge so much for their steaks? This is because restaurants must continuously replace steak knives because they are constantly lost or thrown away. If you’re not careful, you could have this same problem with your outdoor kitchen tools, gadgets and dinnerware. To prevent this from happening, it’s vital that you include plenty of cabinets and storage space in your outdoor kitchen design. It’s also important to build your cabinets around your outdoor appliances, such as the outdoor refrigerator. This extra storage space will not only help you keep your outdoor space looking clean and tidy, but it will protect your appliances, tools and accessories from the elements.
Outdoor Lighting
There’s no reason to end your outdoor celebrations early just because the sun went down. Instead, you can spend even more time outside by installing the right outdoor lighting in your kitchen area. Make sure you have plenty of lighting in the dining area of your outdoor space. In addition, it’s important to install adequate lighting in the kitchen area, especially near the grill. The right lighting will allow the cook to grill well into the evening.
Remember to keep your focus on the grill when you’re creating an outdoor kitchen. Make sure everything else has its place and is stored properly to ensure that your grill truly becomes the center of attention. Creating the right outdoor space will not only extend your living area, but it can also increase the value of your home.
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