Case Study – Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

 

Designing an outdoor kitchen can be a fantastic addition to your home, providing a space for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors, above all they are meant to be a fun addition to a home. Based on a garden we designed and built in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, here are some steps and considerations to keep in mind when designing an outdoor kitchen:

Define Your Budget and Space

Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to invest in the outdoor kitchen. This will influence the materials, appliances, and overall design.

Location: Decide where the outdoor kitchen will be located. It’s usually best to place it in a convenient spot with easy access to the main kitchen and dining area.

 

Our clients wanted a separate space with easy access to a pool that was being constructed as part of the overall garden project.

Choose a Layout and Design for your Outdoor Kitchen

Options:

Straight Line: A single row of appliances and countertops.

L-Shaped: Provides more counter space and often includes a bar area.

U-Shaped: Offers the most counter space and creates a well-defined cooking zone.

Our clients wanted to make the best use of the space. Our lead designer, Jamie, designed a building, so the outdoor kitchen can be used all year round. Building in a fireplace into the design allowed our clients used this space at Christmas!

Materials:

Countertops: Consider durable materials like granite, concrete, or stainless steel.

Cabinetry: Choose weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, teak, or marine-grade polymer.

 

All good garden design should reflect the interior of the house in some way, so try to match the style of your outdoor kitchen to the overall design of your home and the garden space. Our clients don’t have much time for gardening so a low maintenance design was essential, mostly with simple evergreen topiary and calming white a green overtones.

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Grill: This is typically the centrepiece of an outdoor kitchen. Consider built-in gas grills for a seamless look.

Sink: Provides a convenient place for food preparation and clean-up.

Refrigerator: Keeps food and drinks cold without needing to run back and forth to the indoor kitchen.

The Utilities

If you’re using gas or electricity for cooking it is  essential to have proper gas and electrical connections for  appliances. If needed, consult with a professional to set up these utilities safely.

Designing an outdoor Kitchen for Storage Organisation

Cabinets and Drawers: Include ample storage space for cooking utensils, pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials.

Lighting: Install adequate lighting for both safety and ambiance. Consider task lighting over the cooking area and ambient lighting for the dining and seating areas.

Flooring:

We used tiling for the flooring, to give an ‘indoor outdoor’ feel to the design. These work well with the overall aesthetics of the building. Careful consideration was given to the paint colour, which is equally important as indoors.

Shade and Shelter: If possible, consider adding a pergola, canopy, or roof to provide shade and protection from the elements.

Seating and Dining: Incorporate comfortable seating and a dining area to create a functional and inviting space for guests.

Landscaping and Greenery: Integrate plants, shrubs, or even a small garden bed to add natural elements to your outdoor kitchen.

 

 

Safety Considerations when Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

Fire Safety: Ensure that your outdoor kitchen is designed with proper ventilation and fire safety measures.

Weather Protection: Invest in covers or enclosures to protect appliances and surfaces from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.

Remember to consult with professionals like architects, contractors, and landscape designers, especially when dealing with structural changes, gas and electrical connections, and major installations. This ensures that your outdoor kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and functional.

Key Plants we used in the Design:

Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’

Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’

Topiary Yew

Allium ‘Mount Everest’

For other planting ideas visit our seasonal care page 

 

Get in touch today if you need help with your own outdoor kitchen. We provide garden kitchen installation services in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties.