An outdoor kitchen can look just as beautiful as the inside of your home with thoughtful tiling and awesome accessories. From napkin holders to cooking utensil storage jars, there are plenty of easy ways to add flair to this space.
Outdoor kitchens empower people to spend more time outdoors, which improves their mental and physical health. Here are a few reasons why you should consider investing in an outdoor kitchen.
Cooking Outdoors
Cooking outdoors gives you a chance to connect with nature, get fresh air and soak in some natural sunlight. It also creates memorable moments with family and friends.
If you are reworking an existing outdoor area, think about how to incorporate your cooking and dining needs. A good design should include a sink and plenty of storage space to avoid having to go inside the house for things like ice and dishes.
An outdoor kitchen design can be as simple or elaborate as you want. It may include basic grilling techniques or more advanced options such as steamed fish or vegetable packs cooked in embers. Consider a backsplash and decorative accents to elevate the look of your kitchen. Boldly colored appliances and clay pizza ovens are available to add some visual flair to your space.
Saves Indoor Space
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or throwing an elegant dinner party, cooking outdoors saves space in the house. You can serve food and drinks without worrying about people running back and forth between indoors and out.
An outdoor kitchen can have cooking appliances like a grill, pizza oven, smoker, and rotisserie or a warming drawer. It can also have a fridge for beverages, dishes, and food storage. It can also have a bar cart or island for serving and seating areas.
You can even grow your own herbs and spices to use in your cooking. This is a great way to cut down on costs and keep fresh ingredients at hand. Cooking outside also lowers the energy bill by keeping the cooking heat and smells out of the home.
Cook Healthy Meals
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to cook healthier meals for your family. When cooking outdoors, you are exposed to fresh air and natural sunlight which can reduce stress, improve moods and boost the immune system.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, make sure you include space for seating so that people can hang out while you cook and eat. If you entertain often, consider adding counter-height bar stools near the kitchen, like Mindy Gayer did with her set-up, so that guests are close enough to interact with you while you work.
Additionally, it is a good idea to add storage spaces for food, grill tools and supplies, and cleaning equipment. This will help you keep things organized and eliminate the need to constantly run back and forth from your home for supplies.
Get Closer to Nature
Whether you are grilling steaks for guests or watching your children toss the dog’s Frisbee in the grass, a well-equipped outdoor kitchen can serve as the heart of your backyard entertaining. This space can also be an educational tool for kids, who will learn valuable cooking skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
The ambiance of cooking outdoors helps families bond with each other and with nature, which can have many positive effects on their mental and physical health. It is a great way to teach your children the importance of caring for and preserving the environment and gives them a chance to relax away from televisions, video games, and cell phones. The sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and water flowing can help children focus on the beauty of nature while having fun with their family.
Adds Value to Your Home
An outdoor kitchen is an excellent addition for homeowners who cook a lot. Whether they grill family dinners on a few nights a week or entertain friends with drinks and barbecues at the weekends, an outdoor kitchen is one of the most useful home improvements that can provide high returns for homeowners looking to sell their property.
Think of your outdoor kitchen as a functional extension of your indoor space, with a few special touches that add style and utility. For example, hang up some vintage wooden crates to store ice and glasses for entertaining, or repurpose old terracotta planters as a way to hold your cutlery. This way, your guests can easily reach for what they need without having to leave the comfort of your patio.
