The grill gazebo. You've seen the reviews, so I'll cut
to the chase. These sweet little patio ideas are cutting
edge, hard working outdoor decor. They're easy everyday outdoor
kitchen ideas that save you time, keep you organized, and welcome
you and yours with fresh air comfort style.
What will it
be? Sleek and simple or state-of-the art fabulous? And what does a
kitchen really need to qualify as an outdoor kitchen
anyway?
Outdoor Kitchen
Plans
Every
great outdoor kitchen that ever was started with the same
ingredient. A great pre-plan! And a great pre-plan helps you
answer questions that make for fabulous outdoor kitchen
plans.
With
so many available, the right accessories can make your outdoor
kitchen even more versatile than your indoor kitchen. Here's a quick
overview.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Ready
for a crash course in alfresco kitchen cabinets? Fabulous! Because
it's time to dream up what your fresh-air kitchen will look like,
feel like, and be like.
You
may resist that snazzy outdoor refrigerator, or wood-burning
pizza oven, and that coveted beer tap, or other outdoor kitchen
ideas, but an outdoor kitchen island is indispensable.
An outdoor
kitchen counter is like the basic black dress or blue suit. All
it needs is a single accessory -- one head-turning gem -- an
outdoor kitchen sink!
While you're
cooking up outdoor kitchen ideas, consider these
elements to make the most of your cookout
dreams.
Let's get cooking! The most basic outdoor
kitchen can be done with just a grill.
But to really
enjoy entertaining friends and family under a canopy of sky, you
should be looking at outdoor kitchen ideas that include:
Functional layout
Well-equipped grill
Dry storage
Cold storage
Temporary storage
Food prep area
Counter space
Island
Clean up area
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Fabulous flooring
Comfortable fresh-air dining
nook
If the occasional
grilled steak eaten alone in front of the TV is your ideal, then a
hibachi, some tongs, and a slab of concrete near the
door is probably all the outdoor kitchen you need.
But if you are determined to
boost the value of your home while creating a vacation
destination in your own backyard, then upgrade!
A full-service outdoor
kitchen will be the place where your family gathers for
conversation and daily meals.
The kids
will settle in to do homework, eat a quick snack, and play
games in the evenings.
And on weekends, you'll
entertain friends with beverages and the sight of you experimenting
with something beyond burgers and grilled chicken.
It will be
fabulous!
Exposure
An outdoor kitchen with a
northern exposure will be a cool, shady outdoor room -- maybe too
cool and shady.
Another exposure may have
your outdoor kitchen too hot.
Either way, this is your
chance to experiment with different locations, erect a pergola or
gazebo, or express
yourself with sunshades, awnings, umbrellas, sunbrellas, and
climbing vines.
Shelter
Pergolas and gazebos for
shelter are great outdoor kitchen ideas that pack lots of
visual punch and won't close you in.
For more intimacy, consider enclosing the
kitchen on three sides, leaving one open to the
air.
Weatherizing
Use materials in your
outdoor kitchen that can withstand the changing weather in your
area.
Cedar, teak, slate, and
flagstone are all weather-worthy.
Shut off water lines before
winter sets in.
And cover outdoor kitchen appliances with
canvas or plastic covers.
Functionality
Tackle outdoor kitchen ideas
and design the same way that you would an indoor cook zone --
lots of planning and attention to detail.
With the added elements of
rainfall, temperature swings, and changing light conditions
it's best not to take shortcuts.
What you want is an outdoor
space that blends all the amenities of your indoor kitchen
-- but with a better view.
View
That brings us to your
outdoor kitchen view -- from within the house and in your outdoor
kitchen.
As you look for outdoor
kitchen ideas, spend some time thinking about how to hide the
kitchen uglies like trash cans and gas canisters, while bringing
attention to the artful elements.
Continuity
Consider siting your outdoor
kitchen with easy access to your indoor kitchen. Who wants to
traipse dishes, condiments and such 125 feet from the
house?
But don't place the grill
too close to the house or eating areas. The smoke will
drive guests off and the heat could pose a fire hazard.
Be sure to check fire safety and building codes
as you work out the outdoor kitchen plans.
Ambiance
Dining alfresco puts
everyone at ease. That's part of its charm.
Just let your lifestyle and
personality guide the ambiance. It will be fabulous!
Use neutral colors for a
natural look. And weave in a single accent color throughout.
Tie it all together colorful
fabrics, glassware, napkins, and eating utensils and appliances.
Easy Outdoor Decor 
