Tag: Stacked Stone

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Design for Your Florida Lifestyle

Southwest Florida Style Outdoor Kitchen Kitchen Conceptual Rendering

Creating the perfect outdoor kitchen design in Florida requires careful consideration of both style and functionality. With the state’s unique climate and outdoor living culture, a well-designed outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard into an entertainment hub while adding significant value to your home. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the essential elements of designing an outdoor kitchen that perfectly suits Florida’s tropical lifestyle.

Understanding Florida’s Unique Climate Considerations

Before diving into design elements, it’s crucial to understand how Florida’s climate impacts outdoor kitchen planning.
Florida’s tropical climate presents unique challenges and opportunities for outdoor kitchen design. The combination of high humidity, intense sun exposure, and occasional severe weather necessitates careful material selection and layout planning. Your outdoor kitchen must be built to withstand these environmental factors while maintaining its aesthetic appeal and functionality throughout the year.

Weather resistance should be your top priority when selecting materials. Marine-grade stainless steel is essential for appliances and hardware, as it provides superior resistance to rust and corrosion. For countertops, natural stone materials like granite or sealed quartz offer excellent durability against moisture and UV exposure while maintaining their beauty in outdoor conditions.

Protection from the elements is another crucial consideration. Incorporating a sturdy overhead covering, whether it’s a permanent roof structure, pergola, or high-quality retractable awning, can significantly extend the usability of your outdoor kitchen. This covering should be designed to provide adequate ventilation for cooking smoke while protecting against sudden Florida rain showers and intense sunlight.

Proper drainage and ventilation systems are non-negotiable in Florida’s climate. Your outdoor kitchen design should include slightly sloped countertops and strategic drainage placement to prevent water accumulation. Additionally, installing powerful ventilation systems helps manage cooking smoke and reduces moisture buildup, particularly in covered areas.

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens is Southwest Florida's Premier Outdoor Kitchen Contracting Service Provider

Essential Design Elements for Florida Outdoor Kitchens

Key components and layout considerations that make an outdoor kitchen both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The layout of your outdoor kitchen should follow the principle of work zones, similar to indoor kitchens. Create distinct areas for food preparation, cooking, and serving to ensure smooth workflow. In Florida’s climate, it’s particularly important to position the cooking area where prevailing breezes can help dissipate heat and cooking smoke away from the entertaining space.

Storage solutions in outdoor kitchens require special attention in Florida. Incorporate weather-sealed cabinets and drawers to protect utensils and supplies from humidity and unexpected rain. Consider adding a mix of open and closed storage, with closed storage for items that need protection from the elements and open storage for frequently used items and decorative displays.

Lighting design plays a crucial role in extending the usability of your outdoor kitchen into the evening hours. Layer your lighting with a combination of task lighting for cooking areas, ambient lighting for general illumination, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features. Choose fixtures rated for outdoor use and consider LED options for their energy efficiency and long lifespan.

Integration with the pool area, if applicable, can create a cohesive outdoor living space. Consider positioning the kitchen to provide easy access to both the pool and indoor areas while maintaining a safe distance from the water. This arrangement facilitates entertaining while keeping the cooking area separate from swimming activities.

Selecting Materials and Appliances

Choosing the right materials and appliances ensures longevity and functionality in Florida’s climate.

When selecting appliances for your Florida outdoor kitchen, prioritize durability and performance in humid conditions. High-quality stainless steel appliances with sealed components offer the best resistance to moisture and salt air. Look for appliances with dedicated outdoor ratings and features like quick-cooling refrigeration units designed for hot climates.

Countertop material selection is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. While granite remains a popular choice for its durability and heat resistance, newer materials like ultracompact surfaces offer superior resistance to UV radiation and staining. Consider lighter-colored materials that remain cooler under direct sunlight and complement Florida’s tropical aesthetic.

Flooring materials should provide both safety and style. Non-slip surfaces are essential, especially around water features or pool areas. Natural stone, porcelain tiles, or textured concrete can offer excellent traction while withstanding Florida’s weather conditions. Choose materials that remain relatively cool underfoot and provide adequate drainage to prevent water accumulation.

Creating an Entertainment-Friendly Layout

Designing spaces that facilitate social interaction while maintaining functionality.

The success of an outdoor kitchen often lies in its ability to promote social interaction. Include a dedicated bar or counter area with comfortable seating where guests can gather while meals are being prepared. This creates a natural flow between cooking and entertaining spaces while keeping the chef engaged with guests.

Consider incorporating multiple seating areas to accommodate different types of gatherings. A mix of bar seating, dining tables, and casual lounge areas provides flexibility for various entertaining scenarios. Position these areas to take advantage of views and prevailing breezes while ensuring they’re protected from direct sun exposure.

Don’t forget to include adequate counter space for food preparation and serving. Islands or L-shaped layouts can provide ample workspace while creating natural barriers between cooking and socializing areas. Include designated spaces for serving dishes and beverages to facilitate smooth flow during gatherings.

Incorporating Local Florida Elements

Adding tropical touches that reflect Florida’s unique character and style.

Embrace Florida’s tropical atmosphere by incorporating local elements into your outdoor kitchen design. Native plants and materials can create a seamless transition between your kitchen area and the surrounding landscape. Consider using native stone varieties or locally sourced materials that complement Florida’s natural environment.

Color schemes should reflect the vibrant Florida lifestyle while remaining practical for outdoor use. Consider a palette inspired by coastal and tropical elements – soft blues, sandy beiges, and gentle greens can create a refreshing atmosphere while helping to keep the space visually cool. Accent with bright tropical colors through replaceable elements like cushions and decorative items.

Add character with thoughtful landscaping that includes Florida-friendly plants and herbs. A small herb garden near the cooking area not only provides fresh ingredients but also adds authentic local flavor to your outdoor kitchen design. Choose low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that can withstand Florida’s climate while providing year-round color and interest.

Layout is important, just as important as the professional barbecue grill & components. If you’re ready to start selecting components, we invite to view the Grills Gone Wild eCommerce marketplace.

You can also start getting some ideas by viewing the Elegant Outdoor Kitchens project portfolio, click the button below to view now.

EOK Project Portfolio
 


 

3D CAD Design from Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Now is the perfect time to begin planning and designing your Elegant Outdoor Kitchen! If you’re looking to make the most of the Winter season and be fully prepared to enjoy the Summer, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experts at EOK today.
 


 

Five reasons to own an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor Kitchen Gazebo by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens – Fort Myers, FL

Five reasons to own an outdoor kitchen

In this article, we discuss five reasons to own an outdoor kitchen. In Southwest Florida, cooking outdoors can appear as if it were a national pastime. For many areas around the United States, the statistics seem to support that notion. The reaction people have to a well built outdoor kitchen is an apparent reason to want one; however, there are six other reasons to have an outdoor kitchen. Let’s take a look:

1: Expanded Living Space

Having an outdoor kitchen and living area creates a welcoming atmosphere that offers extra space for cooking, dining, entertaining, and socializing. Built-in outdoor grills are a stylish way to open up a yard while gaining new cooking space. Outdoor rated refrigerators keep ingredients and beverages cold and conveniently located. Adding a kitchen sink to an outdoor living area means fewer trips back and forth for washing hands, dishes, and utensils. Advances in building materials and outdoor rated appliances have transformed yard space into elegant and eye-catching living areas.

2: Increase Value

Let us start by pointing out that installing an outdoor kitchen does not automatically mean that property value will go up enough to cover the cost of building and installing an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens constructed with the intent of using and enjoying the space rather than as an investment is a far healthier approach. The monetary value will have many variables; however, the real value of an outdoor kitchen is in the experience that it creates. For families, friends, neighbors, and visitors, outdoor living areas are a personal touch that welcomes and invites all to enjoy.

3: Save Energy by Cooking Outside

Moving cooking outside during hotter months will keep inside temperatures lower, and having less heat in the house means that air conditioners will not have to work as hard to keep interiors cool. Save power by maintaining the cooking temperature on the outside.

4: Save Money by Staying Home

Eating at restaurants can be very costly when done frequently. Homeowners who have put the time and investment into an outdoor kitchen commonly report eating at home more often. Rather than going out for barbecue and drinks, people invite guests to enjoy the space with good company. Many outdoor kitchens include wet bars in the design to accommodate entertaining, which brings us to our final reason for owning an outdoor kitchen and living area.

5: Great for Entertaining

Anyone with an outdoor kitchen can attest to how great they are for entertaining. Family, friends, and guests alike will enjoy the customized space. In many instances, the outdoor kitchen itself becomes a topic of conversation. People can socialize, watch TV and movies, play music, and enjoy the experience and atmosphere created by an outdoor living area.

So now that we’ve discussed some significant benefits to having an outdoor kitchen, you can follow up with our tips and tricks for planning an outdoor kitchen of your own!

Located in Fort Myers, Elegant Outdoor Kitchens bring quality and experience to Southwest Florida. If you would like to talk with us directly, you can reach us at (239) 229-9033.

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Custom Outdoor Kitchen Contractor SWFL

ant Outdoor Kitchens - finished with a Golden White stacked stone and Santa Cecilia Napoli level 1 granite

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

When it comes to custom outdoor kitchen contractor design and construction services within the Fort Myers region, you can rely on Elegant Outdoor Kitchens. Our company has quickly become the preferred barbecue island contractor here in Southwest Florida. We specialize in both traditional and extravagant outdoor kitchen builds. Whether you’re in need of a simple solution for family and friends or desire a custom design created for larger capacity backyard entertaining. The professional outdoor kitchen contractors from Elegant Outdoor Kitchens have you covered!

Give us a call today to get started with our proprietary custom island design process. Our team is one of the only companies here in SWFL that enable you to view your outdoor kitchen before we build it! Yes, you heard it correctly, Elegant Outdoor Kitchens will showcase our proposed design before we construct it. Our process allows you to change, add, and remove anything you might not want during the conceptual design phase. Our 3D CAD design service is complimentary; it’s just one of the many benefits you’ll receive when you choose to build a barbecue island with us. Our primary objective is to build your outdoor kitchen correctly and to your exact specifications, the first time. Just because we’re contractors doesn’t mean we build everything twice. (Laugh here) We can’t wait to design & build the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted. Call now to schedule an on-site consultation with one of our outdoor kitchen design pros.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen Project Portfolio

View our recent custom outdoor kitchen designs; we’ve documented all of our custom work, from the start. We invite you to take a look at this section of our website, who knows, you might see something that resonates with your preferred aesthetic. All of our outdoor kitchens are custom designed by us. When you choose EOK, you’re choosing a builder that specializes in the barbecue island design & construction industry.