Not very long ago, outdoor kitchens were few and far between. It seemed as though they were only accessible to the wealthiest of homeowners. Now, they’ve become much more common. Thanks to new materials, advancements in outdoor appliances and fixtures, and other developments, these al fresco culinary havens are available on virtually any budget.
They can be designed in an array of shapes and sizes and customized to meet the needs of budding chefs as well as their families and guests.
With so many outdoor kitchen island options now available, the possibilities are endless. If you’d like to make an outdoor cooking and dining area part of your home, these spaces are well within reach. Take a look at the following luxury outdoor kitchen trends for a few ideas to get you started.
High-End Appliances
Numerous high-end appliances are now on the market, and those include outdoor versions of the innovations people rely on in their indoor kitchens. At this point, standard gas or charcoal grills aren’t the only options for cooking outside. You can choose from an array of smokers, wood-fired pizza ovens, and even teppanyaki griddles to name a few possibilities. You can equip your outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and several other appliances and fixtures for the full cooking, entertaining, and simplified cleanup experience.
Diverse Layouts
You also have numerous layouts to choose from when designing an outdoor kitchen. For a truly luxurious look and feel, an open-air layout may be the best option. With this type of design, you’ll be able to seamlessly connect the food preparation and cooking zones with the dining and entertainment areas. That makes it easier to interact with guests even while creating a meal for them to enjoy. It may even encourage some of your guests to help with cleanup.
That being said, dividing an outdoor kitchen into individual, partitioned areas may have its advantages as well. If you don’t want to deal with distractions or have guests scrutinizing your culinary techniques, an open-air design may not be the right choice.
Fortunately, you have plenty of layouts to choose from. Regardless, it’s important to divide your space into designated zones to make cooking outside easier and more efficient.
Multifunctional Spaces and Furniture
Another key feature of luxury outdoor kitchens is multi-functionality. Plenty of innovations are available in this arena as well. To maximize space in even the smallest of outdoor cooking and entertainment areas, you can create multifunctional zones. Use wider countertops that can serve as food preparation areas and bar or dining areas. Use versatile furniture that can provide extra storage as well as comfortable seating for guests. Find functional pieces that give you added work surfaces and storage capacity. Incorporate both practicality and resort-inspired features to make the most of the space you have.
Technological Innovations
Technology can also make a world of difference in a high-end outdoor kitchen. LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances fall into this category, but they’re only the beginning at this point. In light of the ever-growing Internet of Things, you can create a smart kitchen even outdoors. Control your smoker with your phone, so you can spend time with guests while creating culinary masterpieces. Build in remote-adjustable lighting for added ambiance. Install a smart television and surround sound. The options here are endless.
Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens have evolved over time. They’re bigger and more inclusive than ever before, and numerous options are at your disposal. Trends come and go, but your luxury outdoor kitchen can forever be an extension of your home, lifestyle, and cooking skills. Use these ideas and your own creativity to design a space that exudes high-end style and gives you endless enjoyment. From the appliances and fixtures you choose to the beautiful materials that go into their creation, the sky is the limit.
