Create your own outdoor zone for long summer nights
Summer is just around the corner, although we’ve already had a sneak preview of what’s to come! When the temperatures head to the 30s no one wants to be inside cooking! Is it time to think about setting up an outdoor kitchen? You can make the most of NZ’s warmer nights outdoors with your friends and family.
Budget: do you have thousands to spend or a just few hundred to spread as far as possible or maybe it’ll be an all summer long scheme? Whatever your project particulars, there’s no time like now to get started!
Upgrade your bbq
An old dirty grill doesn’t inspire anyone for an impromptu bbq. Maybe all it needs is a good clean & polish so you can spend your money elsewhere. BUT, if it’s beyond that and you can afford to upgrade – do it! Take care and look after it all year round, don’t leave it to clean “next time” once it’s cooled off, wipe it down! A standard bbq will cost you $300-$500 then the skies the limit heading easily over $5,000.
Before buying the biggest and flashest one, consider how you will use it. Are you feeding the whole rugby team? Or perhaps grilling some delights for a romantic dinner for two? Are you thinking about re-sell price later on? Look for a bbq with features you will actually use and not just what looks nice.
Improve your seating
If your bbq is up to date, then you may want to upgrade your outdoor furniture and seating options. If you plan on dining outside often, invest in an actual dining table and appropriate chairs. Remember to cater for the ‘most’ use, not the once every six months that friends or family may come over, no point buying an 8 seater setting if you are only going to use it 5% of the time and 2 chairs 95%. There’s some great options out there to improve your eating experience, and like everything, shop around, it doesn’t have to cost the moon.
If you’re looking for more versatile pieces, sleek contemporary options coordinate nicely with most outdoor kitchen setups. Expect to spend a good chunk of change on quality furniture, but remember, with the proper care and maintenance, you’ll get many years from your investment. Make sure you have a plan for the off-season, whether that’s moving outdoor furniture to indoor storage or securely covering it to protect it from the elements.
Pimp it out
Make a wish list… and prioritise what’s most important to you. Want a prep sink, pizza oven, fire pit, wine/beer fridge? Sure, why not! Hmmm budget may put a spanner in the works, another consideration is your space, and how much room do you have to work with, plan accordingly.
Perhaps a full chef’s kitchen won’t quite fit on your deck, but a sink and some extra counter space is what you actually need to take your outdoor kitchen to the next level.
Remember some features require a tradesman to install (thinking: plumber or electrician), so don’t forget there are portable options such as a bar trolley — which adds class without the expense of a professional.
Relaxed and comfortable
Think about what you’ll need to make your space more comfortable, such as shade, heat (for all year living), and perhaps even a few extras like a TV or audio equipment - although it can be expensive to have hooked up. Bluetooth or portable speakers, a projector and a large sheet are more budget-sensitive options for those looking to add a little fun without the extra cost.
Placing the seating close to the house may help you take advantage of the deck or covered area. Otherwise, structures such as a light-strung pergola add shade during the day, light at night and atmosphere all the time.
If you have the room, the addition of a fire pit/fireplace allows for a longer entertaining season. Outdoor kitchens don’t have to be just for summer, after all, think about shelter from winter showers, do you need café curtains, screens or hedging for shelter, privacy screens can be a budget friendly option.
Apply your own style
Create an outdoor space that suits your style and taste. If you’re working with an existing space, be sure to embrace the style and play up the features, such as dark wood, stone and classic columns.
If you’re starting from scratch, take a look at your indoor design and see what features you like. Then consider incorporating those colour schemes, design styles or even furniture shapes into your outdoor kitchen.
While you can’t go wrong designing your outdoor space, consider designs and colours that are versatile so you’re not limited if you want to mix things up in the future.
Make it yours
Your outdoor zone should be a comfortable, relaxing space for entertaining, unwinding or for escaping. Make yours a space that works for you.
When planning, think about adding one or two small luxuries that will make you excited to enjoy your space. These can be as small as pretty tea lights scattered around, a couple of nice candles or as large as a wood-burning pizza oven.