Atlanta Outdoor kitchens, as far as home design goes, are a relatively new innovation. It’s surprising, because outdoor living spaces are an excellent way to expand your home and give it more life and character. If you’re considering an Atlanta home renovation that incorporates sprucing up outside, an outdoor kitchen would be a wonderful addition.
Here are some things to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Use
First think about what your outdoor kitchen’s primary function will be. Dining, grilling, entertaining, family time. This will help you define the space and give you direction when choosing appliances.
Outdoor Appliances
You can’t have a kitchen without appliances. Unlike an indoor kitchen, you can have an open grill, and most people do. However, also unlike an indoor kitchen, you must take into consideration the elements. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its durability.
While a grill, counter – or food preparation area – and dining space are fairly essential to an outdoor kitchen, refrigerators, sinks and more exclusive appliances aren’t. Including them will likely improve your home’s value though, as your outdoor kitchen will be considered a full second kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Setup and layout
After you’ve determined if you want a bar or a pizza oven, a gas grill or a smoker, consider the setup and layout. Think about whether or not you’ll be purchasing combo units with grill, sink and mini-fridge in one, or if you’ll have freestanding appliances. Orient the kitchen so that it flows with the rest of your house and is accessible and user-friendly.
Lighting and the seasons
You’ll want to use your outdoor kitchen all year long. Think about installing a fireplace or heaters for cooler months. Ceiling fans or shades for warmer months. What if it rains? Think about installing your kitchen under shelter or partial shelter so you can enjoy using it even in a drizzle. And be sure to include lighting so you can see to cook and eat at night.
There are endless opportunities to personalize an outdoor kitchen and add value to your home. Think about the landscape and terrain of your home’s surroundings and incorporate them. If you have a pool, go all out and build a swim-up bar. Use pergolas, plants and natural stone accents to define your space.
When you’ve selected a contracting company to help with the construction aspect, they’ll likely have even more thoughts for your new outdoor kitchen – just be sure it fits you, your family and your plans for enjoying it year around.
Ready to plan your outdoor kitchen or Atlanta Home Renovation? Contact Glazer Design and Construction by calling 404.683.9848 or emailing Randy@GlazerConstruction.com.
