Designing Kitchens for the Outdoors

As the demand by homeowners for outdoor living spaces continues to trend upward, landscaping experts may find themselves estimating even more remodeling and new construction projects.

Amarant Design & Build Center
Photo by Chipper Hatter Photography

What’s causing the demand? Survey data cites outdoor living spaces as one of the top ways to increase the resale value of a home. Add to that the desire for families to maximize backyard space and bring the indoors outside, and you’ve got a recipe for hardscaping success. Private backyards can be enjoyed all year round by adding heating amenities and accent lighting, using ultra-durable materials and designing with weatherproofing in mind.

One element that has fast become the shining star of casual entertainment is the outdoor kitchen. With its heightened status from old-school barbeque island to fully functional entertainment area, it has earned bragging rights with its endless options in color, style and design – making it a must have when creating outdoor living spaces. Today’s outdoor kitchen cabinetry lines give you the freedom to integrate them as part of the overall landscape design.

Outdoor kitchens can be tailored to any homeowner’s needs – whether a short run of cabinets and countertops with a built-in grill or an installation mirroring the indoor kitchen – to make outdoor living spaces a direct extension of the home. The perfect foundation for anything from food prep to grilling to dining al fresco, outdoor kitchen cabinets accommodate a variety of cooking amenities including grills, smokers, pizza ovens, refrigerators, sinks, bars, wine coolers and kegerators.

Designed by Bill Batherson and Toni Wendel
Photo by James F. Wilson Photogrpahy

Popular outdoor kitchen cabinets come in a variety of materials, wood species, polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), but stainless steel is ultimately the most resilient of these options.

“Stainless steel makes for durable cabinetry to withstand the elements, no matter the season,” said Mitch Slater, president of Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens. “When it comes to outdoor kitchen design, choosing products that are built to last is crucial.”

Sustainable and recyclable, stainless steel is known for a variety of other positive traits including:

  • Low maintenance costs
  • Long life
  • 100% recyclability
  • Fire and corrosion resistance
  • Product safety
  • Minimal emissions
  • Light weight
  • Maintaining its shape and integrity

 

Powder coat painting is compatible with stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry and maintains a sustainable manufacturing practice. An array of color palettes and wood grain finishes are available for powder coating countertops and outdoor kitchen cabinetry. Besides complying with environmental regulations and not posing any significant health risks, powder coated product is also free from harmful substances such as:

 

  • Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
  • Airborne pollutants
  • Non-disposable hazardous materials

 

Designed by Blackman Outdoors
Photo by Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography

From a design aspect, outdoor kitchen choices abound from standard cabinet runs to free-standing cabinetry. Outdoor kitchen layouts are dictated by the arrangement of the countertops, major appliances and storage areas and encompass the working triangle – or path – that the user makes when moving from the refrigerator to the sink to the cooking area. If designed effectively, home chefs can prep and cook efficiently, while interacting with guests who love to congregate and watch. Attaching a counter and seating to a U-shape or L-shape arrangement of cabinets allows for both.

Euro-inspired, modular, luxury kitchen lines have quickly become favorites of the design and architectural communities. When designing an outdoor living project, be sure to consider all the dazzling, awe-inspiring options for your clients, and reach out to experts for insights on the latest trends and best practices. Remember, clients are looking for a design solution that delivers aesthetics, performance and value.

 

Article provided by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens.

Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens are manufactured by Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens, the premier stainless steel cabinet manufacturer for nearly 20 years. The Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens collection is the industry leader in luxury outdoor kitchens with stainless steel cabinetry that combines unmatched style, unrivaled quality and functionality providing enhanced outdoor living solutions for any single and multi-family residential environment to commercial and hospitality venues. Brown Jordan International entered into a licensing agreement with CT Acquisitions, LLC (dba – Danver Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens) in 2012 and has developed a complete offering made in the USA with dozens of colors, styles and designs you expect from the Brown Jordan brand and providing the freedom to seamlessly integrate and complement all outdoor living spaces anywhere from backyards and rooftops to decks, transition rooms and more. These one-of-a-kind kitchens are also designed to fit with a broad spectrum of outdoor appliances including grills, bartending centers, and refrigerators. www.brownjordanoutdoorkitchens.com

Brown Jordan International is the world’s finest maker of innovative, meticulously designed and exceptionally executed outdoor furniture and accessories that inspire people to Invest in the Good Life. The brand’s best in class products for luxurious outdoor living offer a canvas to enjoy and savor life’s moments. Known for award-winning designs and heirloom quality, Brown Jordan has maintained the gold standard in outdoor furnishings for more than 70 years. For more information and to view the product collection, visit www.brownjordan.com.

Top photo – Designer: Diamond Valley Custom Homes; Photo by Zoon Media

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