How To Start Planning Your Alfresco Kitchen

Is there anything more sociable than an outdoor kitchen?

From family dinners on balmy summer evenings to big barbecues with friends, an alfresco kitchen and dining area opens up a whole new world of gastronomic get-togethers. If you’re thinking about enhancing your home with an outdoor kitchen, here’s where to start.

Consider how you'll use it

First, you’ll need to figure out how this kitchen will work for you.

Are you more about romantic breakfast for two or big barbecues with the whole family? Depending on your requirements, you can decide which appliances you’ll need and how spacious the seating area should be. Limetree Alfresco offers complete customisation, meaning your outdoor kitchen will be entirely tailored to you and your needs. The way you entertain is unique, and your outdoor kitchen should reflect that.

What’s the budget?

A ‘needs and wants list is a great place to start, as it can help you separate the essentials from the bonuses. Discuss your vision with a professional who can help you determine how much each element will cost. That way, you’ll know exactly how much is left over for that stone benchtop or designer fridge you’ve had your eye on.

Will you need plumbing or electricity?

Factoring in plumbing and electricity is essential when planning your alfresco kitchen. The installation will add time and money to the project, so you must set your expectations accordingly. From powering up the barbie to keeping your wine chilled and taps flowing, plumbing and electricity are crucial aspects of a fully functioning outdoor kitchen.

Do your research

If you’re new to outdoor kitchens, get some inspiration from others. Read blogs from alfresco kitchen experts, check out their past projects and ask around friends, family and colleagues to find out what’s worked for them. For inspiration, why not look at our project profiles and gallery?

Make a mood board

Mood boards are a fantastic way to bring your ideas to life and help you visualise what your alfresco kitchen could look like. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and research patterns, materials and appliances from anywhere that inspires you. From magazines to your favourite designer’s website, get creative with your colour palette, textures and unique features. This will also help your builder once they get to work.

Call in the professionals.

Don’t wait too long to contact a professional for advice. After all, there’s nothing worse than coming up with grand designs to find out they won’t work in your garden or are way out of budget. An alfresco kitchen expert will be able to make recommendations to suit your needs and confirm all the practicalities, such as any plumbing or electrical requirements, and which materials are best suited to withstanding the elements.

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Am I looking for more inspiration for building an innovative outdoor kitchen? Get in touch with the friendly team at Limetree Alfresco today.