As Australia’s largest kitchen facelift franchise, we’ve spent the last decade helping 20,000 families transform their homes. Now, we’re excited to introduce our new range of outdoor kitchens! Extending your living space outdoors allows you to switch things up while enjoying a beautifully styled space.
Find out more about why you should bring these trending additions into your home, and uncover tips for achieving the perfect design.
The benefits of an outdoor kitchen
1. Better-quality lifestyle
You can create a relaxing atmosphere that turns the chore of cooking into a pleasurable experience. At the end of a long day, imagine standing outside, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the world winding down while you prepare your dinner. The kids can run around nearby, keeping them close without causing the havoc they likely would have inside. Once dinner is done, you can sit down at your outdoor setting and continue to surround yourself with nature.
2. Enhanced entertainment
An outdoor kitchen creates the perfect setting for entertaining guests. Whether it’s a casual BBQ or a sophisticated dinner party, your outdoor kitchen will be the heart of your gatherings. People can chat and enjoy meals together as they enjoy the great outdoors. Better yet, you can stay part of the action without having to run back and forth to your indoor kitchen. Enjoy a space that encourages interaction and creates lasting memories.
3. Increased home value
Investing in an outdoor kitchen can significantly boost your property’s value. In fact, home experts report that return on investment (ROI) can be as high as 100-200%, depending on the materials and climate (ByUrban).
This is because you are selling more than a space – an outdoor kitchen presents a whole range of experiences that potential buyers can picture for themselves. They will also appreciate the added living space and the luxury of an outdoor cooking area.
4. Improved cooking experience
Besides the refreshing change from the usual indoor routine, an outdoor kitchen allows you to explore various cooking methods, from grilling and smoking to baking and frying. No need to worry about what it might do to your interior. This versatility and freedom can inspire you to try new recipes and cooking techniques.
Outdoor kitchen design tips
So how can you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? Follow these tips to make sure it serves your needs.
1. Consider how you will use your space
When designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s crucial to consider how you will use the space to ensure it meets your needs and lifestyle. Start by thinking about how often you plan to use the kitchen and what activities it will support.
Will it be used often to entertain family and friends with large outdoor parties, or be more of a cozy spot for intimate dinners and spending more time outdoors? Decide if you want a casual, relaxed space or an extension of your indoor kitchen with a seamless flow.
You should also assess your cooking needs – do you need a full range of appliances like a burner BBQ, grill, smoker, pizza oven, or even a refrigerator and sink?
Understanding your usage patterns and cooking preferences will inform your design processes moving forward and help you make the right decision about layout, appliances and amenities.
2. Make sure it’s functional
If the space is frustrating to use, you are much less likely to actually use it.
Start by considering your available space and creating three main zones: preparation, cooking, and serving. Your prep area should have ample bench space, and you should also account for clean-up. Including a sink in your design can help with this.
Incorporate natural light as much as possible, but also plan for adequate lighting when the sun goes down – task lighting for cooking areas and ambient lighting for dining spaces are essential.
3. Choose the right layout
Selecting the right layout for your outdoor kitchen is essential to maximise functionality and enjoyment.
The most common layout is along-the-wall, with designated areas for preparation and serving on either end, a BBQ in the middle, and a built-in fridge. This is especially handy if you have less room to work with.
If you want to maximise corner space or incorporate extras like a display fridge and a benchtop bar, an L-shaped layout offers ample space and functionality. This is also useful if you have multiple cooks working in the same space.
For those with more space and a desire for multiple appliances and serving areas, a U-shaped outdoor kitchen is perfect, allowing for open shelving and a freestanding design. These kitchens are often the stars of the backyard, and you’ll likely spend more time in this space than your indoor kitchen!
Lastly, if entertaining is your primary goal, an island layout with a built-in barbecue creates a central hub for socialising and cooking, making it the heart of your outdoor gatherings.
4. Account for storage
Adequate storage is essential for keeping your outdoor kitchen organised and clutter-free. Consider incorporating a variety of cabinets and drawers tailored to what you plan to store – whether it’s utensils, cookware, grilling tools, or even outdoor dinnerware.
Keeping everything within reach streamlines your cooking process and reduces the need for frequent trips indoors.
5. Make sure it’s built to last
Outdoor kitchens are constantly exposed to varying weather conditions, so opting for durable and long-lasting materials is essential.
Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor kitchen cabinets and appliances due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. Stone and concrete are excellent for countertops and flooring, and you can also consider using weather-resistant wood that holds up against decay and insects.
Investing in these high-quality, weatherproof materials not only enhances the durability of your outdoor kitchen but also reduces maintenance efforts, allowing you to enjoy your space for years to come.
Bring your outdoor kitchen to life with DDK
We are excited to start extending your living spaces. Our partnership with Cabinex outdoor kitchens means we can offer an extensive range of alfresco kitchens, BBQ’s, rangehoods, smokers, pizza ovens, and more. 100% Australia-owned and operated with a 15-year structural warranty, Cabinex’s patented outdoor cabinetry system allows us to craft stunning outdoor kitchens that transform your lifestyle and give you the space you’ve been dreaming of.
Talk to us today to get started.