Group gatherings have changed a lot in the past year. People still want to get together, but being cramped inside a house isn’t ideal. Spruce up your outdoor cooking space with these 5 tips!
1. Keep Your Guests Close
You had your friends over, but now all you are doing is spending time in the kitchen cooking. Be with your guests and have a living or dining area right next to your cooking space. You could even add a bar top for more seating. However, if you don’t want to put a full bar in you can use a long table with bar stools, this will provide more counter space while still keeping your guests close. Who knows, you may even get some help in the kitchen.
2. Layout Is Important
You don’t want to be continually interrupted by guests walking through the kitchen to get a drink or a snack. Placing your mini-fridge and drink taps at the end of the bar will allow you to have fewer distractions while cooking. It is just as important to think about where to put bigger appliances, this can optimize your time and space. For instance, putting a gas grill right next to your refrigerator could cause the refrigerator to work a lot harder than it needs to in the hot summer months.
3. Protect Your Cooking Area
Putting a roof over your outdoor kitchen can help in many ways. A roof, whether temporary or permanent can protect various appliances and countertops from the elements. This could save you money on upkeep costs by things not wearing out as fast. Not only does it protect your appliances, but it will also protect you and your guests. Whether it’s hot and sunny or rain is falling, a roof will provide shade and shelter. Your roof can either be temporary, like a patio umbrella, or a permanent structure like a pergola.
4. Don’t Skimp on Space
Make sure your outdoor cooking space has enough room so you aren’t feeling cramped. Your outdoor kitchen is an extension of your home, provide enough counter space and storage area so it’s not cluttered. Making sure you have enough space will cut down on trips made to your indoor kitchen and make it feel more welcoming to your guests.
5. Make It The Outdoor Focal Point
Chances are if you have an outdoor kitchen you will be spending a lot of time cooking and enjoying time with family and friends. Make your outdoor cooking space inviting to your guests and make it a more comfortable experience. Add relaxing lighting, decorative items, comfy chairs, tables, and maybe even a T.V. to enjoy the big game. Place these items in a spot that will be protected from the elements. Putting in a water feature like a pond or small waterfall, will relax your guests and be nice scenery during your gathering.
Are you looking to start a new project or improve a current outdoor space? Contact Muse Kitchen and Bath today, and get started making something beautiful!