2 Outdoor Kitchen Designs to Consider for Your Lewis Center and New Albany, OH, Project

Designing an outdoor kitchen for your Lewis Center and New Albany, OH, backyard can feel like a daunting task. How will you know you have the right features and appliances? These outdoor kitchen designs can help you choose what to include in your own space for optimal cooking and entertaining.

Related: Why Your Backyard Isn't Complete Without an Outdoor Kitchen in Upper Arlington and Powell, OH

Year-round Outdoor Kitchen

Having a year-round outdoor kitchen could be the outdoor landscape feature that transforms your backyard. Here are some ideas for what to include. 

Patio Pavers: Patio pavers are versatile and durable but for an outdoor kitchen, they might be essential. Pavers are manufactured to stay color-fast despite the wear and tear and resist stains that will inevitably happen in an outdoor kitchen. 

You can choose patio pavers that blend well with an existing patio style for a seamless appearance or you can choose something completely different to make the kitchen space stand out. With options to mix and match any patio paver for a one-of-a-kind design, they will serve you well for many years. 

Appliances: When choosing the appliances, consider what you like to cook and make sure to have the amenities that allow you to create your favorite meals. Don’t overlook the pizza oven for pizzas that taste like they came from a high-end pizzeria. Thick or thin crust, pizzas cooked outside can be an interactive, fun meal.

Outdoor Lighting: Not all meals happen in the daytime so incorporating outdoor lighting to let you entertain and cook on your schedule can be a must. Look to lovely custom sconces and lanterns to lend an ambient glow to your outdoor kitchen. 

Be sure to include task lighting that is brighter for above the grills, countertops, and cooktop. You want to make sure the food you serve is cooked properly. 

Heaters: Installing heaters as part of the outdoor kitchen design can let you stay toasty warm while you cook and dine. A landscape professional can recommend the best heater types to ensure no one is too chilly to enjoy the food. 

Fans and Air Conditioners: For the warm summer days and nights, ceiling fans and an air conditioner can maintain a comfortable temperature for an outdoor meal. The ceiling fans can cool from above while an air conditioner can cool from the sides. 

Full Roof: Planning for a full gable roof over the outdoor kitchen can mean that the weather won’t stop your plans. Not only does a roof protect you from the elements but it also makes your space feel cozier.

Elevated Grill Station

When you want a simple outdoor kitchen, an elevated grill station added to your existing patio can be the perfect upgrade. With a gas grill, charcoal grill, and smoker, you have three methods of cooking an entire meal.

With plenty of counter space and a sink to wash up the mess, an elevated grill station can let you prepare a meal while chatting with your guests. You won’t have to run in and out of the house anymore since everything you need can be right there in your outdoor kitchen. 

Expanding to have a dining space right beside the grills can let you cook and serve with ease. Then, as the sun sets, you can remain outdoors with your guests for as long as you wish.

Related: Planning an Outdoor Kitchen in Upper Arlington and Dublin OH? Don't Forget These 7 Features