Building an outdoor kitchen gives you a great space for entertaining guests, but it can be so much more than a grill and counter space. With the right gourmet upgrades, you can create a luxurious dining and food prep space in your backyard. Here are some style upgrades to consider for your outdoor kitchen.
Granite Counters
Granite counters create the look of an indoor kitchen outdoors. They are durable enough to withstand wear and tear, and they offer an upscale appearance to impress your guests. Consider adding a granite backsplash behind your outdoor sink, and create a separate bar area with a granite counter for serving drinks and for dining al fresco. You can also work with a contractor to build a custom dining table using the same granite pattern to bring a cohesive look to the space.
Elegant Heat Lamps
If you want to use your space year-round but your climate experiences cooler evenings, consider lining the outdoor kitchen with elegant heat lamps. These lamps come in a variety of designs to suit your outdoor decor theme, and they can double as accent pieces when not in use. Be sure that the lamps are situated close to seating areas but away from any items that might pose fire hazard risks. You can choose electric heat lamps for ease of use, but propane options are also available.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting isn't just for indoor use. Even if your outdoor kitchen doesn't have a ceiling, you can still take advantage of recessed lighting fixtures. Work with your contractor to install lighting in the floor around the perimeters of your space. They cast light upwards to bring a warm glow to your outdoor kitchen, and the in-floor lights also help guide guests' ways after dark. If you've built a roof-type structure over the kitchen, consider adding a ceiling fan with a built-in light. This can help circulate smoke out of the kitchen area, and the light adds extra illumination to your food prep area.
Brick Oven
A brick oven can serve several purposes in your luxury outdoor kitchen. It can serve as a focal point for a more upscale look, and it also provides additional food prep options. During cooler weather, the oven provides an excellent source of heat for your outdoor space, providing a great complement to your heat lamps. A brick also oven lets you create artisanal pizzas, flatbreads, and other delicious treats for your guest.
For more information on upgrades like granite countertops, contact a company like Artisan Granite & Marble.
