Five Key Considerations in Designing Outdoor Kitchens
Traditionally, outdoor spaces were often treated as afterthoughts in residential design - simple areas with a barbecue grill and perhaps some basic furniture. However, modern approaches challenge this notion, advocating for outdoor areas to be viewed as an extension of the indoor living environment that can be enjoyed all year round.
In our panel discussion on ‘The Art of Outdoor Living: Designing Outdoor Kitchens’, design experts from Alfresco Kitchens, Urban Bonfire and Cosentino explored the emerging trends in outdoor space activation, highlighting the shift from basic functionalities to creating luxurious, cohesive outdoor “rooms” that reflect lifestyle aspirations and design principles.
Here are some of the key discussion points from the event, which are important considerations for anyone embarking on an outdoor kitchen project:
1. The importance of early planning with design professionals
An Indoor Approach: Outdoor kitchens should be as thoughtfully designed as their indoor counterparts. Working with design professionals from the beginning is key to ensure an aesthetic cohesion, functional elements, and a focus on the user's lifestyle.
Collaboration: The best results arise when architects, landscape gardeners, and design professionals work together to ensure that the outdoor space is well-integrated into the overall design of the home and that the outdoor space flows seamlessly from the indoor living areas.
Practicalities: Professionals bring expertise to the planning process, helping to translate a homeowner’s vision into a practical, beautiful outdoor environment. This involves not only the physical design of the space but also the integration of services such as lighting, plumbing, and electrical work.
2. Design considerations for outdoor kitchens
Beyond Cooking: The design process includes selecting materials, designing layouts, and considering how the space will be used for various activities beyond just cooking. For instance, modern outdoor kitchens might include features like built-in refrigerators and comfortable seating areas, transforming the space into a hub for social gatherings and relaxation.
Design for All Seasons: To make outdoor kitchens usable year-round, features like heating, lighting, and weather protection are essential. This approach helps counter the perception that outdoor kitchens are only for a few weeks of the year.
Countertop Space: One of the biggest design mistakes is inadequate countertop space. Effective outdoor kitchens need ample counter space for various tasks, contrasting with indoor kitchens that might prioritise numerous appliances over counter space.
Small Space Opportunities: Even smaller outdoor spaces, like balconies, can feature kitchens. It’s about thoughtful design and utilising space efficiently rather than needing a large area.
Ample countertop space is key to a successful outdoor kitchen
3. Material performance and versatility
Material Superiority: High-quality materials, like marine-grade aluminium, are designed to endure harsh weather conditions. The focus is on durability, with careful consideration of factors like salt corrosion, which can be more damaging than other weather conditions. The shift to aluminium and powder-coated finishes improved durability and allowed for a broader range of designs and colours, enhancing both functionality and appearance.
Dekton by Cosentino: Dekton is a carbon neutral ultracompact surface. Dekton’s versatility makes it ideal for any application outdoors and indoors, even in the most demanding conditions such as facades, floors, worktops, cladding.
4. An investment for your home
Investing in Outdoor Kitchens: High-quality outdoor kitchens start from around £25,000 and can reach far higher amounts depending on the design. The cost reflects the durability and functionality of high-quality brands like Urban Bonfire.
Cost Efficiency: While outdoor kitchens might seem costly, they offer long-term value. The investment can add value to a home and unlike indoor kitchens, they can be easily be packed up and moved to a new home.
5. Trends in outdoor kitchen design
Design Trends: The trend in outdoor kitchens is towards earthy, natural aesthetics that blend with the environment. There’s a growing preference for neutral palettes and textures that mimic natural materials.
Consumer Preferences: Trends include a move from flashy, oversized designs to more modest and functional setups. The focus is on creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that harmonise with indoor environments.
In summary, a successful outdoor kitchen project requires a meticulous approach similar to that of designing an indoor kitchen. By focusing on thoughtful planning, material choices, design considerations, and current trends in outdoor kitchens and spaces, the future of outdoor kitchen design now involves a refined approach, aiming to elevate outdoor living to new heights of comfort and elegance.
Our thanks to our fantastic speakers Sinead Turnbull from Alfresco Kitchens, Ryan Bloom from Urban Bonfire and Claudia Bannatyne from Cosentino. The panel discussion took place in the Design Centre, our showroom in Chiswick, adeptly chaired by journalist and editor, Lindsay Blair.
From L-R, our speakers: Claudia Bannatyne, Ryan Bloom, Sinead Turnbull and Lindsay Blair
Contact Alfresco Kitchens to plan your dream outdoor kitchen
If you are looking to transform your home with an outdoor kitchen, get in touch to arrange a visit to our showroom or to speak to one of our design professionals. Call us on 02038589794 or contact us to get start your design journey.
