Atlanta-area neighbors – are you as shocked as we are that January is already over?? All of us here at InDesign Kitchen & Bath in Johns Creek are starting to feel the inklings of spring creeping up on us, and there is no better time to think about designing an outdoor kitchen for your home.
The pandemic has kept us all close to home over the past couple years, but it’s also helped us all realize how nice it can be to spend time outside in our own backyard. Inviting friends over for an outdoor hang has been a less risky way to socialize safely during this crazy time, and investing in a dedicated outdoor kitchen for grilling, cooking, drink-making, and game-watching has more benefits than just slowing the spread.
Yes, you do need an outdoor kitchen!
All right, you got us – NEED is a relative term in this case, but we think after reading this blog, you’ll agree with us. It’s like having a garbage disposal – if you’ve never had one, you don’t miss it. But once you have used one, you can’t live without it!
Here’s why you need an outdoor kitchen, and how to go about getting one:
Outdoor kitchens are great for entertaining.
As we already mentioned, the past couple years have kept us home and entertaining outdoors has become the norm. Hosting gatherings outdoors is fun, but can be frustrating to lug all your stuff outside and then all your stuff back inside when the party is over. An outdoor kitchen allows you to store cookware, utensils, and supplies outside, not to mention having a fridge or warming oven to keep cold items cold, and warm items warm.
On top of the pure convenience factor, it also allows the host to remain outdoors with his or her guests, instead of running in and out to keep the food coming and drinks flowing.
Kids birthday? Invite the neighbors over for burgers and a bounce house. Big game? Load up the grill with brats and corn on the cob and set up the projector screen to cheer on the home team. (Go Braves!) Just need a date night with your partner? Put the kids to bed and cook a gourmet meal outdoors, with a chilled glass of prosecco from your outdoor fridge. There is really no limit to the entertaining options when you have an outdoor kitchen.
The key word here is INVESTMENT.
An outdoor kitchen is more than just convenient when you’re entertaining – it’s an excellent way to increase the value of your home. It adds a luxurious, unique feature to set your home apart from all the others, and potential buyers oohing and ahhing over your outdoor living area translates to a better offer on your home. Even if you’re not planning on selling, increased value means more equity and a better financial future.
Do you already have a pool in your yard? Even more reason to invest in an outdoor kitchen space! You can spend all day outdoors enjoying the sunshine, with cold beverages and freshly grilled snacks poolside. No more running in and out of the house, dripping water everywhere!
Cooking outdoors can actually SAVE you money.
Every time you cook outdoors, you’re NOT cooking indoors. Indoor cooking inadvertently increases the temperature of your home, and therefore kicking on the AC and increasing your utility cost. In the Atlanta area, we’re already spending a ton to keep our houses cool in the summer and no matter how energy efficient your home is, your cost goes up when the AC kicks on.
Spend that extra cash on a cool fire pit and some Adirondack chairs!
Now that we have you convinced that you need to invest in an outdoor kitchen, here are 3 things that you need to consider when designing and building your space:
- Establish your budget. As we mentioned, an outdoor kitchen is an investment in your home. But you still need to make sure that the investment is worthwhile for your location and your lifestyle. Figure out what is most important to you in outdoor entertaining, and be sure you include that when you’re tallying up your expenditures. Do you need ample seating? Or are you going to prioritize a state-of-the-art grilling station? Know what you want and make sure your budget accounts for it.
- Consider the location. Make sure you like the views from your house, the outdoor kitchen itself, neighbors’ yards etc when you’re planning your space. The last thing you want is to invest in a beautiful outdoor kitchen that completely hinders the stunning views from your indoor living space. Also be sure to take advantage of natural sunlight; know when and where the high sun and shade is going to hit your outdoor cooking space.
- Access to utility lines. Do your best to plan your kitchen where you’ll have accessibility to existing utilities. This will save you a ton of time and money!
And finally…work with a designer.
Designing a patio and outdoor kitchen that offers the functionality you need, but also creates an ambiance that is welcoming and relaxing can be pretty overwhelming. This is an investment in your home and your lifestyle – you want this space to last a long time and bring years of joy to your family and friends. Be sure that you work with someone that knows what they’re doing.
Outdoor kitchen cabinets come in a variety of styles and finishes such as wood, PVC, and marine-grade aluminum; you’re not limited to stainless steel anymore. No matter what your personal preference and desired look, you need to be sure you choose weatherproof and waterproof outdoor cabinets. Don’t try to repurpose your indoor cabinetry out on your patio – you’re in for a major disappointment. Outdoor cabinet manufacturers specialize in making sure that your chosen style will last you a lifetime, and survive year after year of our hot Atlanta summers and unpredictable winters. (Who else was really hoping for a huge snowfall this year? Just us???)
Our team here at InDesign Kitchen & Bath is ready to help you design your perfect outdoor space. We have done the research for you – our carefully selected cabinetry, countertop, and appliance vendors have top reputations in the outdoor kitchen world, and we provide a multitude of door style and color options to make each outdoor kitchen as unique as it’s homeowner.
Allow us to help you design and build your perfect outdoor living area, and bring your outdoor entertaining to the next level. Come visit us at our brand-new showroom to get inspired by our outdoor kitchen displays, and receive a complimentary design consultation!
Our brand-new, flagship showroom is opening in April 2022! In the meantime, visit our website https://www.indesignkitchenandbath.com/ to schedule a free virtual or in-home design consultation. We renovate and remodel homes in Johns Creek and all surrounding areas: Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and more.