Planning an Outdoor Kitchen? Here Are 5 Styles to Consider in Poughkeepsie and Hopewell Junction, NY
Some of the best memories a family can create together all start with dining in the backyard. Anyone who has crafted a meal in the backyard knows how much of an inconvenience it is to constantly carry food and dishes back and forth from the house. An outdoor kitchen will help everyone create those wonderful backyard memories in one space, and give talented cooks the chance to shine.
Are you planning an outdoor kitchen? Here are five styles to consider in Poughkeepsie and Hopewell Junction, NY.
The Island Bar
The island bar has become one of the favorite outdoor kitchen designs. The design creates an open view plan, opening up the area and making the space feel more grand and exquisite. It involves creating a semicircular “island”: on one side, there’s space for the chef to prepare ingredients, cook meals, and craft drinks. On the other side, there’s space for bar seating. By keeping the height of this design no higher than counter-level, it allows friends and family to have the front row seat to watch all the action. This design makes for easy conversation since people aren’t sitting in a line next to each other. It also simplifies serving, and can even be used in place of a dining table in small spaces.
Related: The Many Benefits to Adding an Outdoor Kitchen to a Patio Project in Poughkeepsie, NY
Sunken Corner
Modern design sometimes calls for some innovative ideas to make a space feel open without taking away the intimacy. This particular design works well when you have a multi-level space. The outdoor kitchen appears to be “sunken” when viewed from one level, giving everyone a great look at the activity in the cooking space. From the other level, the kitchen is at a traditional height. When the surface of the outdoor kitchen is lined up with the upper ground level, this can create a luxurious feel especially when combined with a nearby pool.
The Pergola
Whatever outdoor kitchen design you settle on, a pergola is the perfect addition. Pergolas are simple structures with four open walls and a semi-open roof that’s crossed by horizontal beams. These beams do a great job of dispersing sunlight as the sun moves across the sky, making the kitchen much cooler. Pergolas can also house light fixtures. To help engage your pergola with the plant life in your landscape, allow grapevines to climb the beams. This will not only enhance beauty and create some delicious snacks, but it will also help create shelter for the outdoor kitchen and dining area.
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The Combination Fireplace
Outdoor kitchens can become even more spectacular and durable when masonry structures are included. To help keep friends and family comfortable outside for longer, you’ll want to include a fire feature in your outdoor kitchen and overall patio design. An outdoor fireplace is the perfect feature for placing in a lounge area and next to the prep area of your outdoor kitchen. The possibilities become even more exciting when you combine the outdoor fireplace with a wood-fired pizza oven. While loved ones enjoy a drink and a bubbly pizza, they can warm their toes by the fire.
The Living Wall
Part of enjoying the outdoors is engaging with plant life. Use a vertical wall section to house various plants, giving a breath of fresh air to your outdoor prep area and dining area. Even better, build a vertical herb garden. These herbs will be easily accessible to trim off some fresh flavor for your dishes. Include an automatic drip irrigation system in the design so plant maintenance and watering will be minimal. Your meals will taste much more delicious with the contribution of home-grown herbs.
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