Queenslanders are known for embracing outdoor living, and kitchens are no exception. With year-round sunshine, green leafy gardens and a love of entertaining, Queensland kitchens were made for the great outdoors. With the right configuration, materials and appliances, you could be enjoying breakfast with the sunrise, lunch amongst the greenery or barbecues under the stars. Discover how to bring the concept of the outdoor alfresco kitchen to life with our guide to creating an alfresco kitchen oasis in your own backyard.
Plan the perfect layout
The first step to any good outdoor alfresco kitchen design is thoughtful planning. Consider the layout you want for your kitchen and plan accordingly – whether it is an expansive cooking and dining area or a compact kitchenette tucked into a corner or something in between. The best Queensland kitchens are fully equipped with everything the cook needs to stay outside enjoying the great weather without having to go indoors. The layout of your alfresco kitchen should be determined by the following:
- Cooking area – This will be influenced by your cooking style and the types of dishes you want to prepare outdoors, whether that be a simple barbecue or wood-fired pizza oven, or built-in gas grills or traditional charcoal grills.
- Preparation area – Depending what you plan to cook and serve outside, you will need adequate benchtop space for food prep and serving.
- Dining area – Alfresco dining can be anything from bar-style seating around a counter where space is limited, to a complete dining set with table and chairs that mirror an indoor dining area.
Learn more about how to plan the perfect outdoor kitchen.
Prioritise durability
Choose durable materials that are easy to maintain and can withstand any type of weather condition. Materials like stucco, tile, slate, stone and stainless steel not only look great but will allow you to keep your outdoor kitchen in tip-top condition throughout the year. Choose from these materials for the kitchen’s furniture, benchtops, cabinetry and appliances.
Similarly, the floor of your outdoor kitchen needs to be comfortable to stand and walk on, as well as easy to clean – after all, you don’t want unwanted bugs or spiders from the backyard creeping in for bits of food and other residue that has fallen onto the floor. Another important consideration is safety and avoiding any slips. The best flooring choices include paving, natural stone and concrete.
To prevent your outdoor kitchen from quickly aging due to being exposed to the elements – and to provide some much-needed shade during those hot summer months – install some kind of shade structure. This could be anything from a full or partial roof, to a pergola or retractable awnings.
Choose the right appliances
Make your outdoor cooking experience as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible by choosing appliances that are designed for outdoor use. Stainless steel is a winner here – you can get stainless steel refrigerators, sinks, grills, pizza ovens and more. As part of this, you’ll need to ensure that there is easy access water and electricity for cleaning, cooking and powering your Queensland kitchen appliances.
Keep the design natural
There’s no point in cooking and dining in nature if you’re not going to design your alfresco kitchen with nature in mind. Your Queensland kitchen can have a beautiful harmonious blend with nature by incorporating natural materials such as timber, bamboo and stone into your flooring, countertops and cabinetry. For lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere and doesn’t detract from being under the stars, install string lights and lanterns that can be the sole source of light after the cooking is done.
Design an outdoor kitchen with Kit Kitchens
When it comes to designing stylish alfresco kitchens, look further than Kit Kitchens. We offer the convenience of pre-assembled and flat-pack kitchen design solutions, with the added benefit of our design service and customisation.
Contact the Kit Kitchens team to discuss how we can help you plan the perfect outdoor Queensland kitchen for your home.
