If one of your landscaping company’s clients is considering going all out with an outdoor kitchen area, chances are they’re not the kind of people who long to blend in with the crowd. Here’s a few features you might mention to help them create a unique outdoor area:
Kitchen bar
This is a simple addition, but it adds extra seating space and keeps the cook from becoming isolated from the rest of the group. This works in small or expansive yards because it doesn’t eat up a lot of room.
A kitchen bar creates extra seating and keeps the cook close to guests.Photo: houseideasblog.com
Pizza oven
The desire for real wood-fired brick pizza ovens is growing. Pizza is always a favorite and the concept of being able to make one that tastes like you just got it from an authentic Italian restaurant makes it all the more tempting.
Wood storage is an important factor to keep in mind when installing these. First and foremost, however, make sure local zoning regulations allow pizza ovens to be built on your client’s property.
A pizza oven can end up becoming more of a focal point than a grill. As you design the project, keep in mind that the oven area may well become the principal gathering space.
Pizza ovens are becoming popular patio installations and can make quite a statement in the landscape.Photo: houseideasblog.com
Roofed area
For at least the cooking area, consider talking to your client about coverage. These covered areas can provide shade and shelter from summer rains without putting a damper on cookouts.
Covered areas keep the cook cool while playing with fire and can protect your client from unexpected showers. Photo: houseideasblog.comEdible garden
If they’re already cooking outside, why not offer the ability to grow their food outside too? By integrating a vegetable or herb garden with the outdoor kitchen area, you can combine nature with function.
Create a culinary garden by keeping the grill close to growing vegetables.Photo: J A L A Jeff Allen Landscape Architecture
Full-size refrigerator
If your client is really going all out, why settle for a mini-fridge built into the counter? Suggest a full-size refrigerator if the space is going to be used frequently. Not only will the outdoor refrigerator save trips in an out of the house, but your clients who entertain often will be glad the grilling food isn’t taking up space in the main refrigerator. Houzz.com recommends selecting a retro-style refrigerator in a bright color for the outdoor space.
Adding a retro full-size fridge can bring both color and personality to your client’s outdoor kitchen.Photo: Key Residential (Lair Photography)
