Photo Courtesy: Landscape Design Advisor
So, you’ve pulled off the masterstroke and found the space to set up an outdoor kitchen. Just having an outdoor kitchen alone is quite an awesome thing in itself anyway. But you know it’s never enough, especially when you’ve put all that effort and money into creating that fabulous little nook. You’ll need accessories and add-ons.
We give you six of our favorite things to have in and around an outdoor kitchen- some major, some tiny, but each one absolutely essential!
1) A flagstone path
A flagstone path adds that quaint charm to any setting, which is quite unmatchable. You don’t even need a long pathway to pull this off; even a small strip of flagstone and gravel works wonders for the overall beauty of the space. And the best part of it all- you don’t need much technical work, heavy duty machinery or geometric principles. Even the simplest work of a flagstone pathway comes with its fair share of artistry and charm.
2) Minimum of three flowering plants
Everything else may fail, but nature won’t. Plants, especially flowering plants, are often grossly underestimated for their amazing powers to beautify any décor.
Now, having a full blown garden may not be so feasible, not when you have a kitchen, a dining/party area and everything else in between to handle. But, a few potted plants do the trick just as efficiently. Even a minimum of at least three flowering plants, placed strategically, replace the need for paint, drapes etc. ever so subtly. But, of course, you can always go for something more colorfully explosive, like a butterfly buffet.
Plants can beautify an outdoor kitchen.
3) A fountain
A fountain, or any water feature for that matter, can transform even the simplest outdoor areas into something rich, elegant and interesting. And gone are those days when a water feature was meant for huge landscapes. If you just look up the internet, you’ll find an endless variety in terms size and theme.
Identify a quiet corner to have your waterfall peacefully flow away, or you can place a little birdbath right in the middle of the outdoor area. There’s nothing as beautiful and therapeutic as cooking while being surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds of nature.
A water feature lends elegance to any outdoor.
4) Night lights
Night lights are important, from a functional as well as aesthetic point of view. Put up vintage lampposts in the corners, drape the boundaries and the space above in tiny fairy lights and light the tables with candles. This is also a good opportunity to get your hands on some antique carriage lamps and rustic, quirky light fixtures. Keep it soft and dreamy. You don’t want to threaten people with impending blindness.
5) Stone oven
Stone Ovens in Texas, USA – Photo Courtesy: Global Gamers
What good is a kitchen without an oven? More importantly, what good is an outdoor kitchen without a stone oven? Apart from adding that unmatchable rustic charm to an area, stone ovens and traditional grilling areas make for great conversation starters. Moreover, a stone oven is something that goes perfectly with almost every theme and setting. Keep your seating area close to this corner, and you have created a cozy and warm space for all the loved ones to gather by and unwind. Moreover, it’s perfectly achievable without really doing much brainstorming.
6) A storage bench
A storage bench is one smart and cute idea that solves all your clutter and storage woes. Things like water hose, gardening gloves and tools, extra lights, cutlery and fixtures, and anything you like can easily be put away in this storage bench. It’s a great way to get these everyday things, that also prove to be sneaky hurdles and unflattering details, well out of the way. Moreover, a storage bench any day beats the hell out of a storage closet as it is way more space-saving and is amazingly multi-purposeful. Just line these cute little beauties along the wall and you’re sorted!
A little insight and a good look around your property will help you turn your outdoor kitchen into whatever you want it to be, complexity irrespective.
David Brown is a landscape designer who works for RHM Landscaping, a team of professionals having extensive experience in the landscaping industry. His hobbies include woodworking and antique restoration. Log on to rhmlandscaping.com.au to know more about his work.
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