Expanding your living space doesn’t always require extensive indoor renovations and new floor plans. Sometimes, the most welcome home additions extend the warm, inviting feel of the indoors beyond the walls and into the outdoors.
Enter the outdoor kitchen. Picture it: the sun is shining, the grill is sizzling, and you’re surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a meal you’ve prepared in the fresh air.
While the thought of creating such a space can feel overwhelming at first, a bit of expert guidance can go a long way. In fact, many Michigan homeowners in our area have begun requesting outdoor kitchens—and have found the final result immensely rewarding. With careful planning and the right elements, you can enjoy beautiful nights and relaxing afternoons in an outdoor kitchen space designed for enjoyment and entertaining.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
The first step in building an outdoor kitchen is to select the right location. It should be easily accessible from the indoor kitchen, so you can easily move things like food, drinks, and dishes in and out. But at the same time, it should be integrated into your backyard's landscape so that your overall outdoor living environment remains cohesive.
We recommend that homeowners place their outdoor kitchens near existing patios or seating areas, in order to create a seamless flow between cooking and entertaining spaces.
Key Components of an Outdoor Kitchen
The components of the perfect outdoor kitchen work together to form a functional space, providing a seamless, homey experience for homeowners and visitors alike. The key components of a great outdoor kitchen are:
Cooking Appliances: A high-quality grill is often the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen. Depending on your cooking style, you might also include a pizza oven, smoker, outdoor griddle, or other cooking appliance. Choose appliances that suit your needs and consider built-in options for a sleek look.
Traditional Appliances: More robust outdoor kitchens include many or all of the appliances and tools available in your indoor kitchen, so you can remain outdoors for every step of meal prep and cleaning. Depending on your setup and shelter, you can consider a sink with disposal, an outdoor beverage fridge or full refrigerator-freezer, and even an outdoor dishwasher.
Prep and Storage Areas: Make sure your outdoor kitchen has ample counter space for food preparation, as well as storage cabinets and/or drawers to keep cooking utensils and supplies handy. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor cabinetry, due to its durability and resistance to weather.
Dining and Seating: Incorporate comfortable seating areas close to the cooking zone. A bar with stools will allow guests to interact with the cook while enjoying the space. A spacious dining table gives you the option to accommodate gatherings, and smaller tables provide cozy options for everyday use.
Enhancing the Ambiance
By adding specialized enhancements and elements, you add the finishing touches that transform your outdoor kitchen into a unique and captivating space:
Outdoor Lighting: Proper lighting brings functionality and ambiance to your outdoor kitchen. We recommend task lighting for cooking areas and ambient lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere around the kitchen. If you have a roofed structure over the kitchen or seating area, string lights or lanterns can add a charming touch.
Fire Elements: A fire pit or outdoor fireplace can extend the usability of your outdoor kitchen into cooler months. It also creates a spot for family and friends to spend late Michigan evenings gathered around a fire.
Customization and Personalization
Customization and personalization allow you to infuse your space with individuality, ensuring it not only meets your functional needs but also resonates with your aesthetic tastes. Here are some ways to tailor your outdoor kitchen to make it uniquely yours:
Material Choices: Select materials that complement your home's exterior and your personal style. Natural stone, brick, and wood are all excellent options that add a touch of elegance and durability to your outdoor kitchen.
Eco-Friendly Options: Incorporate sustainable practices by using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances. Opt for native plants around the kitchen area to reduce water usage and maintenance, or add potted plants for an extra splash of color.
Outdoor Kitchen Maintenance and Care
As with any kitchen, regular cleaning and maintenance is key to keeping your outdoor kitchen in top condition. We recommend that all owners clean the cooking appliances after each use to prevent buildup and stains. As the weather cools down, or during storms, cover the kitchen components to protect them from the elements.
Seasonal care is also important. Before winter, ensure all water lines are drained, and cover and winterize or move appliances to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. In the spring, inspect for wear and tear and make necessary repairs.
Outdoor Kitchen, Backyard Transformation
An outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard into a functional and elegant living space. By carefully planning the layout and choosing the right components, you can create a kitchen that suits your lifestyle and enhances your outdoor living experience.
Consult with a professional landscape designer to bring your vision to life and ensure a successful project.
Ready to transform your outdoor space with a custom outdoor kitchen? Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you design the perfect outdoor kitchen for your home. The team at Decra-Scape would love to help with your kitchen project.
For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.
