18 ERA DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES LUXE CORNER 19 SPRING/SUMMER 2024 Evaluate Your Space Before you begin the design process, thoroughly evaluate the area you’ll be transforming. The amount of square footage you have to work with is certainly an important factor, but it’s not the only thing you should consider; take into account variables such as sun and wind exposure, plus practical concerns like how close the space is to your neighbors. Determine Your Needs How exactly do you plan to use your outdoor kitchen? Will it be a place to entertain guests on special occasions when the weather is pleasant, or are you planning to utilize the space more regularly? Knowing this in advance will help guide your decision-making with regard to layout, appliances, seating and more. Invest in Quality Appliances Visual appeal is important, but functionality is crucial; you want a kitchen with well-designed components that don’t require an excessive amount of upkeep. Install durable, weather-resistant appliances that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Grills, smokers and pizza ovens are, unsurprisingly, the most commonly incorporated appliances in outdoor kitchens, but don’t underestimate the convenience of a spacious refrigerator/ beverage cooler on hot summer days (or a warming drawer/oven when the temperature is cooler). Griddle attachments can be placed on top of your grill for preparing foods that need more of a flat surface to cook, and side burners allow you to boil and fry dishes with ease. Outdoor sinks and dishwashers require the additional expense of running a water line, but are well worth it if you plan to do a lot of cooking and don’t relish the idea of ferrying dirty dishes back and forth between your indoor and outdoor spaces. BESPOKE OUTDOOR KITCHENS Choose Smart Materials Select building materials that can withstand any kind of weather, no matter how temperate your climate happens to be. Stone and concrete are excellent choices for flooring; stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum cabinets can be powder-coated in vibrant colors or left unpainted for an elegant and modern look. Pull everything together with statementmaking quartz or granite countertops; consider using durable porcelain tile to up the wow factor.
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