Your outdoor entertaining space will be a place where memories are made especially in summer, so nail the design now to keep the good vibes rolling.
Need help designing an idyllic outdoor entertaining area? Consider how you want to interact with the space.
Then comes the fun part. From picking quality outdoor kitchen products to laying it all out, we have some tips to get you on your way.
1. Plan your outdoor kitchen layout
Think about how you’re going to use the space and plan accordingly.
While the amount of space you have will dictate a lot, the next things to consider are the cooking area (aka the barbecue) and the table or seating area.
2. What appliances do you need?
Outdoor kitchens can be as grand or minimal as you need. Whether you simply want a barbecue and a table or you want an entire kitchen in your yard, it’s all possible.
There are wok burners, fridges and sinks – your options are endless. Even a simple barbecue can have a range of features you never imagined possible.
It is important that the space is functional and suits the lifestyle of whoever is using it. If alfresco is your thing, you need never cook indoors again!
3. Cover the area
A covered area is one of the most important things. This means you’ll be able to use the space all year round. It will keep your cooking space cleaner, ensuring things last longer and protect the outdoor furniture
While quality products intended for outdoor use won’t rust and should also be covered by a generous warranty, having shade will offer that extra protection for you and your guests, as well as preserving the longevity of your outdoor kitchen.
4. Ensure the walls are open
While overhead cover is important, you need plenty of open space for walls. Regulations require barbecue areas to be well ventilated and installation can hit a speed bump if this is not the case in your area.
To be a compliant area for outdoor gas appliances, you need to have at least 50% permanently open wall area.
5. Provide good outdoor lighting
Outdoor entertaining areas aren’t just for daytime use. You should be able to use it whenever you need to cook, so adequate lighting is essential.
If you do more night time entertaining, you want mood lighting to create the atmosphere but you also want to have good lighting around the barbecue so you can see what you’re cooking and make sure you’re not overcooking.
6. Consider the social aspect
Ultimately, the goal of an outdoor kitchen should mean you don’t have to shuttle back and forth from the indoors to the outdoors, especially when you’re entertaining.
It’s not only about being able to cook in one place, but an outdoor kitchen should also give you storage space and other functionality. So consider having a sink, a fridge for your drinks and then being able to turn around from your barbecue and go straight to your dining space,
SOURCE – Realestate.com.au
IMAGE – The Property Co.Group
