Outdoor kitchens are still hugely popular for homeowners and are frequently requested in our design consultations. These spaces provide an excellent opportunity to expand your living area to host social gatherings or just provide quiet relaxation.
Back in 2016 when I designed a garden for the Gardeners’ World Live Show called Eat & Shelter, it brought together two concepts which were relatively new in the UK. These were creating an outdoor kitchen and planting for wildlife. Since then, it’s been amazing to see the rise of the outdoor kitchen, enabling people simply to enjoy being outside and the wildlife around them.
However, in the UK, weather is often a challenge to enjoying outdoor dining. There are multiple ways we work around this and as true Brits, we don’t let the changeable weather hold us back from enjoying ourselves.
An outdoor kitchen should be a seamless extension of your indoor living space, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors while still having the convenience of a fully functional kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are now really sought-after and, like a well-designed garden, can increase the value of your property. An outdoor kitchen can transform your garden into a vibrant and functional space for enjoying the outdoors.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, there are many factors to consider:
- Size and layout
The size and layout should be carefully planned to ensure it complements your existing outdoor space. If you want a plumbed in sink and full electrics, then this must be planned from the offset, determined by access to utilities.
- Equipment
We only use high end equipment that is long lasting and provides a high quality experience. We have close relationships with suppliers of high-quality grills, barbecues and smokers and woodfired ovens, as well as fridges. All equipment must be able to withstand weathering from the elements, and come with sturdy covers for the winter months.
- Design
For best results, the outdoor kitchen will be designed in cohesion with the rest of the garden, matching materials, concepts and style. The layout is of paramount importance, as it directly influences the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Additionally, pay attention to the proximity of the kitchen to your indoor living areas, ensuring easy access and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
There must be space for food preparation and cooking, as well as both eating and socialising. We will also consider the flow of design between the existing indoor space and the new outdoor area, which must have a seamless connection.
4. Lighting
Lighting is often an overlooked element in a garden design, and is essential for being able to enjoy your outdoor space day and night, all year around. Lighting is of course vital for an outdoor kitchen, and should be integrated with the lighting scheme for the whole garden. Ideally, the system will be remote using a control or via a smartphone app for ease of use.
5. Challenging weather
As I mentioned earlier, cooking outdoors can be interesting with our rainy climate. However, we would recommend creating a covered area in which to build the outdoor kitchen, which will protect both the chef and the equipment too.
We have previously created brilliant indoor/ outdoor spaces where sliding doors can be opened up when the sun is shining but when cooler, can be kept shut and underfloor heating switched out.
If you are looking for a high-end outdoor kitchen, it should be professionally designed by a qualified garden and landscape designer.
Contact Michael McGarr if you would like to book in a consultation.
