The Key to Year-Round Outdoor Happiness Could Lie in Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen—and now, that heart can beat outdoors. Designing an outdoor kitchen isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle shift that transforms your backyard into an inviting, functional space for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. Whether you love hosting summer barbecues or want a cozy spot for family dinners under the stars, a well-planned outdoor kitchen elevates your entire landscape.
Ready to build your outdoor kitchen? Call Borst Landscape & Design at (201) 822-9327 or reach out online for expert guidance from concept to completion.
Why Add an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Landscape?
Adding an outdoor kitchen to your property brings a host of benefits that go beyond good food and fresh air:
1. Expand Your Living Space
An outdoor kitchen acts as an extension of your home, providing a secondary cooking and dining area that encourages outdoor living—especially during the warmer months in Bergen, Morris, and Essex Counties.
2. Enhance Entertainment
Say goodbye to indoor crowding during parties. With a dedicated cooking space outside, guests can mingle while you grill, chill, and entertain without missing a beat.
3. Boost Home Value
Outdoor kitchens are one of the most desirable landscaping upgrades. They not only add luxury appeal but can increase your property’s value and marketability.
4. Make Cooking Enjoyable
Nothing beats the joy of cooking with a breeze at your back and the sunset overhead. An outdoor kitchen lets you enjoy nature while preparing meals for your family and friends.
Key Elements to Consider When Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Creating a stylish and functional outdoor kitchen starts with thoughtful planning. Here’s what to consider:
1. Location & Layout
The ideal location is close to your indoor kitchen for convenience, but with sufficient distance to avoid smoke and noise issues. Consider factors like sun exposure, wind direction, and proximity to utilities (gas, water, electric).
Popular layouts include:
- Straight Line: Efficient and space-saving
- L-Shaped: Great for separating prep and cooking zones
- U-Shaped: Perfect for larger kitchens with multiple users
2. Appliances
The grill is the centerpiece, but don’t stop there. Build a fully equipped kitchen with:
- Side burners
- Refrigerators or beverage coolers
- Pizza ovens
- Ice makers
- Sinks and dishwashers
Choose weather-resistant, high-quality stainless steel appliances built for outdoor use.
3. Counter Space
Ample prep and serving space is a must. Use durable materials like granite, concrete, or stone that resist weather and heat.
4. Storage Solutions
Cabinetry made of stainless steel or marine-grade polymer holds up well against the elements. Include storage for utensils, dinnerware, and grill accessories.
There are endless possibilities to inspire you.
Choosing Materials That Last
New Jersey’s climate demands materials that can withstand all four seasons. At Borst Landscape & Design, we recommend:
- Weather-resistant countertops like sealed stone or tile
- Non-combustible construction for cabinetry and structural elements
- Paver or stone flooring that resists slipping and staining
These elements not only provide durability but also seamlessly tie your kitchen into the surrounding landscape.
Design Ideas That Blend Beauty and Function
Designing an outdoor kitchen should reflect your lifestyle and complement your existing home and landscaping. Here are a few popular features to inspire your build:
Integrated Dining Spaces
Add a bar-height counter with stools or a built-in dining nook to keep guests close while you cook.
Overhead Coverings
Pergolas, gazebos, or retractable awnings provide shade and shelter, making your kitchen usable rain or shine.
Lighting
Install task lighting for the grill area, accent lighting for ambiance, and overhead fixtures for dining zones.
Fire Features
A nearby fire pit or fireplace extends the use of your kitchen into cooler seasons while adding a cozy ambiance.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Enjoyment
An outdoor kitchen is an investment that should stand the test of time. Here’s how to keep it in top shape:
- Cover appliances and furniture when not in use
- Use weatherproof materials and reseal surfaces as needed
- Clean grills and countertops regularly
- Winterize plumbing by draining and insulating pipes before cold weather hits
Consider year-round maintenance and care to keep your kitchen beautiful and functional season after season.
Why Choose Borst Landscape & Design?
Designing an outdoor kitchen involves many moving parts—design, utilities, construction, and landscaping. That’s where we come in. At Borst Landscape & Design, we’re your full-service design-build partner, offering:
- Custom outdoor kitchen planning
- Expert installation of appliances and materials
- Seamless integration with your landscaping
- Organic lawn care and full maintenance services
We help homeowners across Bergen County and surrounding areas create luxurious outdoor living spaces that suit their style and needs.
Let’s Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen
Whether you’re envisioning a simple grilling station or a full chef’s kitchen under the stars, Borst is here to bring it to life. With expert design, top-tier materials, and decades of local experience, your backyard kitchen will be the place where memories are made.
Get started today—call us at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.