COVID-19 changed much about how people live. Early on and throughout the height of the pandemic, they were encouraged to spend time outdoors to reduce their exposure to the virus and minimize the spread to others. Going on walks and hikes, packing picnic lunches, golfing, skiing and boating, kayaking and canoeing were all recommended activities.
In an effort to maintain as much normalcy as possible during a difficult time, many people reconsidered how they could spend more time outdoors while being at their own home. While outdoor living was admittedly popular before the pandemic, it blossomed as people realized they could not only enjoy the company of extended family and friends more safely, they could also potentially improve their own mental health and well-being.
As a result, many people are building outdoor living, cooking and entertaining spaces, sometimes quite elaborate, that give them the ability to more thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors.
This month, KBDN asked designers to share outdoor kitchens and living spaces that transform how their clients live, and cook, outdoors.
View Takes Precedence
Given its lakefront location, it likely comes as no surprise that an overriding design consideration for this home, including the outdoor living space, focused on being able to enjoy the spectacular view.
“Our main goal was to make sure that nothing would impede the view,” says Brenda Helms, in reference to the new-construction home that was designed by team members (including Helms, Maureen Befort and Megan Greve) at Edmond Kitchen Bath Home in Edmond, OK, and built in collaboration with Wayne Griffiths Homes. “The home sits on top of the world, with the lake wrapping around it!”
Illustrative of that precedence is that, at one point, her clients had considered including a pop-up TV in a console between the outer columns in the sitting area. However, after much deliberation, it was eliminated to keep the focus on the view. Likewise, the layout of the outdoor kitchen was configured to maintain sightlines from inside the home.
“The main kitchen is immediately adjacent to the outdoor kitchen,” she explains, noting that its positioning makes it easier to bring food into and out of the outdoor living space. “Also, the living room adjoins the outdoor living space, separated by a large slider that pockets into the wall. Opening that slider makes the outdoor kitchen essentially an extension of the indoor living space.
“Because of those adjacent rooms, we considered a number of layouts for the outdoor space, including an L-shaped kitchen and even adding a table,” the owner/interior designer continues. “But ultimately, we decided to have everything run linear towards the lake. They have a one-in-a-million view, and our clients wanted to be able to see as much of the lake as possible, including from inside the home. Plus, a galley-style kitchen like this one is very functional and allows for a lot of movement around the island.”
Within the layout, Helms included a number of appliances and entertaining conveniences. For instance, the 4′ workstation sink from The Galley, accompanied by The Galley Tap faucet, simplifies food prep and cleanup.
“Sinks are a nice feature so you can wash your hands and rinse vegetables,” she says. “Essentially, all of your food prep can then be done outside.”
As well, Helms finds that clients appreciate side burners, such as the lidded model included next to the DCS rotisserie grill in this kitchen.
“A secondary burner, placed alongside the grill, allows you to cook a whole meal outside…everything from vegetables to rice, pasta and even eggs,” Helms explains. “Adding a side burner is really a nice accompaniment to the grill. So is a refrigerator to keep beverages cold.”
Since outdoor kitchens are at the mercy of Mother Nature, selecting materials that can withstand her wrath are important. In this kitchen, the designer selected wood-look NatureKast cabinetry and Cosentino Dekton countertops, both of which will not be adversely affected by sun or water.
To further enhance the enjoyment of outdoor living spaces, Helms often likes to include heaters and/or fireplaces as well as drop-down screens, which help to deter insects and provide a bit of climate control for short-term entertaining.
“These two additions give people the ability to use the space 360 days of the year,” she explains. “It is amazing how they make the space feel like a room outside.
“We are seeing so much more interest in outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces,” the designer continues. “People are really realizing what these spaces can do to enrich their lives, especially since so many struggle to get enough sunlight during the work week.”
Dream Complex with Multiple Zones
Michigan winters might prevent people from entertaining outdoors year ’round, but when designed smartly and equipped well, Lauren Bockin indicates that outdoor kitchen and living spaces sited in her northern climate can be enjoyed for plenty of days within the three remaining seasons.
“We are designing a lot of outdoor kitchens right now,” says the designer at E.W. Kitchens in Wixom, MI. “Our clients are really looking for an extra space to entertain guests.”
As she relates, smartly designed and well equipped often mean the inclusion of everything from sinks and dishwashers, to refrigerators and ice makers. As well, grills, pizza ovens and induction side burners can be joined by kegerators and wine refrigerators, all tucked within weatherproof cabinetry. Not to be forgotten are plentiful storage, fireplaces, built-in or standalone heaters, ceiling fans, TVs and comfortable seating.
Take, for example, this outdoor dream ‘complex’ that includes multiple entertaining zones and an inground pool. Encompassing nearly an acre of ground, virtually none of the aforementioned amenities are overlooked.
“This client loves a great barbecue and a good bottle of wine,” she says. “He is very much an entertainer. He loves it when friends and family come and spend the entire day enjoying the pool with lunch, dinner and drinks followed by a nighttime game on TV, so we were very thoughtful and intentional about how we planned the space.”
To support that passion, Bockin created multiple zones, based on a premise of what one would see indoors.
“When space and budget allow, we like to include the same zones outside as you would find inside,” she relates. “They typically aren’t as large outside, but they are still important.”
In this outdoor kitchen, the perimeter of the main cooking/entertaining zone includes a built-in pizza oven and smoker. Additionally, a 60″ Wolf grill, two Cove dishwashers, The Galley workstation sink, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and an ice drawer are all tucked within NatureKast cabinetry, which is topped with natural stone.
“Sinks are a great addition because they give you the ability to rinse things, without having to go back into the house,” she explains. “Workstation sinks, like this one from The Galley, can range in size from 18″ to 6′. They are incredibly functional pieces with accessories such as cutting boards and inserts. They are great for events like a margherita night!”
As well, Bockin indicates that refrigerators are appreciated because they keep cold beverages handy. And although not included here, induction side burners expand culinary capabilities.
Also included in the main entertaining area of this kitchen is a large island that is positioned so guests can watch their kids in the pool. Additionally, it offers ample storage for glasses, dinnerware, etc. and seating for guests, the latter of which extends to an adjacent dining table.
On the opposite side of the pool, a secondary bar area is equipped with a sink, refrigerator, dishwasher and ice drawer. Seating, a TV and a fire pit table add to the ambiance.
A third zone is designed for the homeowner’s everyday use. It includes a second built-in Wolf grill and seating. A pass-through window facilitates the movement of food, dinnerware, etc. from the indoor kitchen, which was also recently renovated. Both spaces are styled to be cohesive and flow effortlessly together.
Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living
Like Lauren Bockin, Kevin Roy, designer with KRB Kitchen + Bath in Stratham, NH, is well-versed in what it takes to create outdoor spaces for homeowners who want seamless indoor/outdoor living in colder climates.
He cites this outdoor kitchen in scenic Hampton Falls as an example that exemplifies that trend.
“Designed for homeowners who love to grill year-round, this space extends their living area and allows them to cook outdoors regardless of the New England weather,” he explains. “The modern aesthetic of the newly redesigned kitchen was carried into this outdoor kitchen design and creates beautiful cohesion between the interior and exterior of the home.”
Some notable design features of this outdoor kitchen that speak to the modern aesthetic include the custom hood by Modern-Aire, which features a Viking Tuscan Blue finish that contrasts the neutral color palette.
“This not only adds a touch of bold color but also ensures proper ventilation for frequent grilling,” he adds.
The stainless steel Danver cabinets are powder coated in a Burlwood finish to offer the warmth of wood with the durability of stainless steel, which is ideal for a New England home, notes the designer. Cosentino’s Dekton countertops feature a subtle texture and offer durability, which is a perfect choice for a high-traffic outdoor kitchen, he continues.
The kitchen, located in a pathway between the indoors and outdoors, previously featured sliding doors and windows on most of the surrounding wall spaces. Most of these entry and exit points were removed to create wall spaces for cabinetry and create a more cohesive traffic flow for the cooking space.
“The thought behind this design was to keep it centrally located near the main living areas of the home, to increase access and to make it convenient for cooking,” Roy relates, noting that this is a fully functional outdoor kitchen that includes a sink, refrigeration, grill, adequate ventilation and plenty of storage.
As he considers features for any outdoor kitchen, he indicates that it’s important to identify early on if the outdoor kitchen will be used as an accessory kitchen or a fully functional kitchen.
“This helps guide the design choices, including whether to incorporate a sink, which significantly increases the usability of your outdoor kitchen,” the designer explains. “A thoughtful layout is key, as well. Just like an indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen should be designed with functionality in mind. Consider the traffic flow, placement of appliances and prep areas and ensure that there is enough space for cooks and guests to move around comfortably. This kitchen’s layout is functional for both cooking and entertaining, with ample flow.”
More Meaningful and Elaborate
Because of its favorable climate, Southern California has historically been a place where people enjoy the outdoors year ’round. Yet, even here, in recent years it has taken on a greater significance with outdoor living spaces becoming much more meaningful, and much more elaborate.
“Outdoor living spaces, and outdoor kitchens, are always quite popular,” says Kelsey Roberts, principal designer, Kindred Design House, in San Diego, CA. “However, during the pandemic, they became a much greater priority. People were stuck at home and they were looking for ways to maximize those outdoor spaces. They got really creative, and they started asking themselves, ‘just how much can we put out there?’
“Now we’re seeing full, complete outdoor kitchens…much more than just a sink and counter,” she continues, noting that pizza ovens, versatile cooking surfaces such as griddles and woks, built-in trash cans and dishwashers are often considerations that join the grill. “People want to see their homes as a full retreat, an oasis with every bell and whistle. COVID really changed everything from the perspective of outdoor design and outdoor kitchens.”
Manufacturers are also influencing what can be accomplished outdoors, the designer relates.
“At KBIS this year I saw some pretty bold outdoor options,” Roberts says. “For example, Urban Bonfire and [Cosentino] Dekton collaborated to create some really pretty and incredibly functional and durable cabinetry. I also saw beautiful faux wood cabinetry that allows us to design beyond stainless steel. And there were some really creative outdoor countertops, such as Compac’s terrazzo, that were absolutely beautiful. Even outdoor décor and furniture manufacturers have upped their game to the point where we can have fully upholstered furniture…outdoors! There are so many more options and opportunities that allow us to put the same level of care and detail into outdoor spaces as we do those indoors. That makes it really fun to design!”
As an example, one recent outdoor kitchen project focused on creating a well-thought-out space with plenty of seating that could accommodate a family with six children.
“They had a huge yard, but it just wasn’t functioning for them,” Roberts recalls, “so we took down a gazebo and designed a kitchen that could serve as the place for everyone to hang out. They are also active in their church community, and they wanted their house to feel like Disneyland.”
As such, the designer included a Wood Stone pizza oven, built into a pilaster of white brick, that serves as the star of the space. It is joined by a Lynx grill and two beverage refrigerators. A stainless steel trash bin and plenty of drawers are built into a stucco façade. A concrete countertop adds an organic vibe, as do the porcelain floor tiles, which are laid in a herringbone pattern. Floating shelves are reminiscent of interior design and provide an opportunity to add warmth and interest.
Sited adjacent to the indoor kitchen, workflow between the spaces is efficient. As well, access from the side yard, via a double gate that is large enough to accommodate a food truck, eliminates the need for guests to access the outdoor space through the house.
“Most people still do some prep inside, so it’s important to consider flow from the indoor kitchen,” Roberts says. “You don’t want to have to shuffle through a lot of furniture, grass, rock, concrete, etc. Also, if you don’t have a dishwasher outside, you’ll want a clear path for getting dirty dishes back into the house.”
The Heart of the Outdoors
Eric Vogel, an outdoor specialist and AKBD certified designer, started his design career working inside the home, but with the increased attention and importance being placed on the outdoors, he now focuses his time on designing outdoor living spaces while leading the outdoor division for Coastal Cabinet Works in Plainview and Southampton, NY.
“Currently, one of the most important things people are looking for when they buy a home is that it has some sort of outdoor living space…whether that’s a kitchen, fire pit, fireplace, patio, etc.,” he says. “It’s a top requirement for people here in the Northeast. That interest started with COVID, but it’s been amplified since. People have always said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but I think now that we have kitchens outside, there’s a new heart.”
Many of the outdoor kitchens he designs share similarities to what’s been happening with kitchens inside. For example, cabinetry is moving away from traditional looks of stone and brick to more modern and transitional styling with stainless steel, aluminum, wood and wood-look cabinetry with slab- and shaker-style doors. Often, they are topped with granite or sintered stone surfaces.
“Stainless steel is popular because of its durability, plus it can be powder coated to provide additional protection from the elements,” he says. “And, it is offered in a lot of colors, including custom colors. Aluminum offers a lower price point with the same ‘clean’ look as stainless steel, but with a bit less durability. Wood, especially species such as Ipe, is very high-end and expensive, yet beautiful. Clients also have the availability of wood-look cabinets made of resin. They are more affordable than wood and they don’t have the maintenance of wood.”
Plentiful cabinetry options are matched with an abundance of amenities that can be built into it, including pullout trash bins, which can help keep the kitchen tidy.
“We’ve gone through the effort of designing a beautiful kitchen, so pullout trash bins help keep it that way,” he relates.
As well, sinks have become a ‘must-have’ feature for many outdoor kitchens, especially if the indoor equivalent isn’t located within close proximity.
“It’s great to be able to wash a dropped spatula,” he says. “Otherwise, in the time it takes to run inside, you could burn your steak! One of the biggest regrets I hear is from clients who don’t put in a sink.”
Exterior versions of many interior kitchen appliances are also making their way outdoors, include warming drawers and side burners.
“Warming drawers are helpful for outdoors because if someone is barbecuing for a large group, they can precook items, move them to the drawer, then pull them out when it’s time for serving,” he says. “As for side burners…I often suggest power burners. They have a lot of BTUs, which is great for boiling water, especially large pots that might be used for a lobster bake. I also like to set them a couple of inches below the countertop. If you have a 24″-tall pot set on top of a 36″-tall surface, that gets to be pretty tall. So, if we lower it, it provides easier access to the pot. Plus, it keeps the burner out of the direct wind.” ▪