A summer kitchen or an outdoor kitchen is a great addition to anyone’s home. It adds home value in case selling is part of your plan in the future. But even if it is not, a summer kitchen can translate to longer hours of entertaining home guests. What are the essential things you must consider in constructing one?
Think of Safety
Your summer kitchen in your Leicester home will need professional electrical installation. Reputable companies such as 786 Electricals can help you with this. Comprehensive electrical work will guarantee that your appliances will be working fine. Install lights for safety along pathways. An electric fireplace insert can provide more heat, minus all the hassle of stoking a fire to life. Letting the experts do the work will help prevent accidents. They will be able to mount outlets that will withstand different weather conditions.
Professional plumbing is also important. Water is vital to the preparation of food. Also, it will help in cleaning up after a delicious meal. The correct materials for your flooring will also prevent unnecessary slips and falls. All these must be considered for a safe outdoor kitchen.
Have an Eye for Placement
You must determine a good location where you can take full advantage of the view outdoors. This is the essence of a summer kitchen, after all.
Design your kitchen as you would an indoor kitchen. Go for a smooth flow of traffic. Have a preparation space and a cooking area and put the serving area near the tables. This way, your guests will be comfortable as you prepare food, unless they want to join in the preparation themselves.
Storage space is also important. Clutter makes space seem more limited. You can also have multipurpose furniture to save space. You and your guests would not want to climb over chairs to get across from one point to another.
Go for Reliability
When you are selecting appliances for your summer kitchen, think of durability. All the items in your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to the weather. A trusty grill, stove, and refrigerator are the essentials. It is advisable to shell out a large amount initially than to skimp on quality. Being particular with your appliances will help you enjoy them for a long time.
Sturdy countertops can also serve many purposes for a summer kitchen. It can be for preparation, plating, or a place to put down drinks during casual conversations. Invest in good materials that will fit all the many tasks it will be intended for.
Add a Comfortable Ambiance
Since this space is for entertaining, focus on comfort. Choose chairs that are soft and inviting for hours of sitting. Add blankets for more warmth during cold nights. Pick tables that can hold a feast that everyone can enjoy. But do not make it too big that it creates an unnecessary distance among people.
Have a pergola or arbor to serve as a shield against the elements. Water features can add a calming and relaxing sound to this outdoor space. Some homeowners even go as far as having TV sets in their summer kitchens. This completes the relaxing experience.
Planning well your summer kitchen will ensure happy moments with family and guests. The combination of nature, good food, and interesting conversations are indeed memorable.
