We’ve moved far beyond simply firing up the backyard grill for a casual cookout. Today, the trend is toward fully functional outdoor kitchens that seamlessly blend cooking and entertainment, eliminating the need for constant trips between indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re seeking to elevate your hosting game or craving more time immersed in nature, here’s what to keep in mind when planning your outdoor culinary haven.
The benefits of outdoor kitchens extend beyond mere convenience. According to Robert Sicignano of Elite Pool Designs, they not only boost home value but also expand living spaces, streamline cooking processes, lower utility bills by reducing indoor heat, and enhance overall convenience.
Jason Horst, Director of Marketing at Famous Tate Appliance & Bedding Centers, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your preferred appliances. Whether it’s a larger grill or a spacious refrigerator, selecting the right appliances tailored to your family’s needs is crucial. Additionally, factors such as storage options, trash management, and access to electricity for both appliances and lighting must be considered.
Fortunately, customizable solutions are more accessible than ever.
“Custom-built options, available in various shapes and sizes right here in Tampa Bay, can be surprisingly affordable and can be personalized with your preferred colors and materials,” Horst notes.
Other considerations include choosing between permanent and portable setups, selecting suitable materials and aesthetics, optimizing layout and flow, and integrating landscaping to enhance the overall ambiance- all of which can be tailored to your needs and style.
“Redefining luxury with cutting-edge advancements in functionality and design is key when transforming your outdoor kitchen space from stale to sleek,” says Ryan Hughes, the President and Creative Director at Ryan Hughes Design.
Laura Freeman of Merits Design Group customized her outdoor kitchen area in her Anna Maria Island home with a focus on food and family.
“I’ve been making homemade pizza with my own dough and sauce since I was about 15, so the idea of a wood-fired pizza oven was a must,” Freeman says.
“We all graze and try each other’s pizzas, and maybe play Jenga, cornhole or ping pong while we enjoy the food.”
Ultimately, as Sicignano from Elite Pools further emphasizes, an outdoor kitchen is about more than just functionality; it’s about creating a captivating space where cooking, entertaining and embracing the outdoors seamlessly converge.
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