Tampa Outdoor Kitchen Design

With all the headlines that make the news today, people are reevaluating their priorities. The value of spending time with family and friends is more important, and the heart of this is the home. It has become more enjoyable to entertain within the comforts of your own home. And with the long Florida summer upon us we’ve migrated to our backyard swimming pools, decks and patios. As a result, the outdoor kitchen trend continues to grow as homeowners look for ways to improve the value of their home, while creating an oasis for entertaining.

Back in the day, the grill was the centerpiece of the patio. Today great outdoor kitchen design creates an aesthetically appealing and functional space that can withstand the elements of all weather conditions. These spaces are customized to accommodate the needs for outdoor entertaining.

What makes for a good outdoor kitchen?

Everyone has different desires for what should be included in the outdoor kitchen beyond the grill: refrigerator, wine cooler, keg tapper, bar, smoker, fire pit, or pizza oven. Something else to keep in mind is the functionality of the materials used in the outdoor kitchen.

The key concept in outdoor kitchen design is bringing the elements and ease of cooking indoors outside. There should be proper ventilation, ample prep area, storage and refrigeration. The kitchen space should flow with the features of the surrounding elements. The entertaining area should be accessible for the host and comfortable for the guests. And don’t forget that good landscaping and ambient lighting can create a natural atmosphere. Strategically placed speakers surrounding the area can set just the right vibe.

How do you like to entertain? This will determine the most useful components for your outdoor kitchen. Do you want your guests lounging by the pool or gathered by the bar watching the game? Furniture layout will influence how people congregate outside. Just like being inside, people will gather around food and a comfortable place to relax.

Appliances are a critical part in the overall outdoor kitchen design. Should the grill be incorporated within the cabinet space, or is it preferred to have it freestanding? How much refrigeration is needed outside? The options for additional outdoor appliances are limitless, but focus on the ones that will be actually used.

Durability is key to outdoor kitchen cabinets

Durability is equally as important as design when designing your outdoor kitchen.  Kitchen cabinets made with marine polymers protect against even extreme weather conditions. And UV protection sealed in the cabinets prevents them from fading in the sunlight. Stainless steel hardware also contributes to the longevity of the outdoor kitchen.

These days there’s also a wide array of door styles and colors to select from. Kuttler Kitchens uses Nautilus Cabinetry when it designs outdoor kitchens. Nautilus offers a couple dozen door colors as well as stainless steel and beautiful woods, like teak, cypress and caramelized bamboo.

Just like any renovation, improvements to your outdoor space will increase the value of your house, and simultaneously create an atmosphere for lasting memories to be created. The experience of dining in an outdoor café can be found right outside your back door.