If you ever dreamed of having an outdoor kitchen in your back yard, building one might be easier than it seems at first thought. Outdoor cooking areas are the hottest trend in residential landscape design, they can range from a modest fireplace in the back yard to a full blown outdoor kitchen that will rival the most lavish indoor cooking areas, complete with stainless steel appliances, and granite counter tops and fully plumbed outdoor sinks.

For the do it yourselfer, a modest investment and a little sweat, homeowners can transform that unusable space in the backyard into a stylish entertainment area. There are many different plans available for just such a thing. You can even custom design your very own from your PC with the right software, but for the sake of this article we will talk in terms of taking the bull by the horns so to speak, and deciding each part as we go.

You will need to consider such things as patio space, and what you will be adding as you go along, here is where you can spend as much or as little as you like and it all depends on how much space is available and what your intentions are for the use of your new backyard kitchen.

You can add, and would want of course a barbecue, and such things as cabinets for storage, counter tops, patio furniture, and any type of decor that will complement your home. Some even add an outdoor bar for entertaining. Whatever you decide on make sure everything is weather resistant.

Lighting is another very important thing to consider, solar lighting may be the answer here with the many different styles and designs available today, once your backyard kitchen is in place you will find it to be one of your favorite gathering places for family and friends.

Kitchens have always been a gathering spot so why not take it to the back yard, just be sure it is comfortable. Now you need to consider, do we want everything outside so we do not have to go back in the house. The answer here will help you design your outdoor kitchen.

Try to pick colors and furnishings that coordinate with the tones and materials used in your kitchen design. For party use always keep things like chips and your favorite salsa or dip, drinks, as well as music close by so a party can be pulled together in an instant. And do not forget to always keep ice cubes on hand, keep all sorts of dishware in the cabinets try to mix and match patterns, glass and china, and wood and metal As long as you have enough glasses on hand.

Arrange for friends to sip a glass of wine and share good conversation, once your backyard kitchen has become a place of interest who knows what your thinking might add. You may even want to cover the cooking area. The point is enjoying your new outdoor kitchen, and I think you will agree it was a very good investment.

Author:
Mike Eggert
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