It might have taken its time to arrive on our shores, but outdoor living is now here to stay, whatever the weather. And a well-designed outdoor kitchen allows you to enjoy dining outside, whether the sun is shining or not!
Every year we are asked to design more and more outdoor living and outdoor kitchen spaces, so we know what works well in our climate. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the biggest considerations you need to think about and look at the best summer outdoor kitchen designs that can stand up to the British weather.
Encouraging clients to embrace the outdoors is what we’re passionate about and for us that means designing outdoor areas that will work, whatever the weather. Of course, a British summer is unreliable at the best of times so we make sure we design outdoor kitchens that work just as well during a wet summer as one that’s full of sunshine.
Whether that means an open-sided structure with a roof or somewhere you can close the doors to protect you from the elements will depend on how you want to use the space. Here are some things to think about with your summer outdoor kitchen design…
Your outdoor kitchen should be an extension of you, your home, how you operate as a family and how you like to entertain and cook. We have designed and installed many outdoor living areas, from traditional and rustic outdoor kitchens with BBQs and wood burning stoves to modern and minimalistic outdoor kitchens with stainless steel appliances that wouldn’t look out of place in a Michelin Starred restaurant.
While an outdoor living space needs to reflect your individual style and how you are going to use that space, the one thing our outdoor kitchens do have in common is that they are all designed to be enjoyed all year round. You can find out more about how to create outdoor living spaces in our blog on Embracing the outdoors through outdoor living design.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to think about how you will use it. If you’re the chef, you don’t want to be shut away from everyone else, so the area needs to be open and welcoming. This is about enjoying your outdoor space with family and friends – you still need to be part of the conversation, even whilst you are cooking.
It is also important to know who will be using the space. If there are young children around, make sure that they feel included – a breakfast bar is a great way to add separation, allowing them to feel welcomed while keeping them away from the hot areas of the kitchen.
Making your outdoor kitchen into a cosy, welcoming place where you can kick back and relax with family and friends means you are more likely to enjoy using it in all weathers.
Don’t be tempted to put your outdoor kitchen in the most obvious place, just outside your back door. Be more creative and you can transform the way you use your garden.
For example, your outdoor kitchen could form the backdrop to your garden, offering a view back up to the house. This not only helps to make the whole of your garden feel more inviting, but there’s something particularly cosy about looking back at your home when it is all softly lit up at night.
If you choose to have an outdoor kitchen that is more open in design, it can help to frame your garden, creating a lovely view into the planting beyond. Position your outdoor kitchen in the right space and you can enjoy entertaining while also enjoying the view of your garden and its outlook.
It is easy to focus on the sunnier seasons when thinking about your outdoor kitchen, but that means your outdoor living area is not used for the majority of the year. We prefer to think about creating outdoor kitchen areas that can be used year-round, not just on the occasional sunny day in summer.
By adding a few key features, such as an open fire, a cosy seating area, and the right lighting, you can turn your outdoor kitchen space into a winter oasis. It’s the perfect space for enjoying a book while a kaleidoscope of orange and auburn leaves covers the ground or a red-breasted robin makes footprints in the snow around you.
There are endless combinations of appliances and accessories for outdoor living areas, meaning you can have everything including the kitchen sink in your outdoor kitchen! But you do need to think about what will work for you and your family and the space you have.
As a standard, we always encourage clients to run electricity to their outdoor kitchen even if they are going for a more rustic feel as it can provide power for lighting or heaters. This makes the space more comfortable and usable throughout the year. Water is another element that is good to have on tap, especially if your outdoor kitchen is some way from the main house – nobody enjoys traipsing back and forth with water containers, especially if it’s raining!
One of our favourite accessories is an outdoor fridge. Having a fridge close by means you don’t have to weave in and out of family and friends with plates of raw meat or have to go inside and grab a drink when glasses are running dry.
The liberating thing about an outdoor garden kitchen is how it can enhance your outdoor living for years to come. We work closely with our clients to choose products that will stand the test of time but also to create a space that can adapt to changing trends and lifestyles. So, even as your family requirements change, your outdoor kitchen will always be at the very heart of the garden.
At Keltie & Clark we have helped families from all over the Cotswolds and Cheltenham area make more of their gardens by designing and creating bespoke outdoor kitchens that can be used all year round. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help to move your life outside too!
