HOW TO DESIGN A STYLISH OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH TOKC EXPERTS
PARAGON RANGE BY GRILLZIMMER - EXCLUSIVE TO TOKC IN UK
What’s your outdoor living style? Whether you prefer minimalist or traditional, colourful or calming, we can help you design the perfect outdoor kitchen set up for you based on your style, space and requirements with our carefully curated range of modern, luxury outdoor kitchens and cooking equipment. In this blog post, we'll help guide you through the process of consulting with a TOKC designer to tailor a kitchen and set-up which works specifically for your needs.
1. WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN? Location and kitchen materials are key
Deciding where to have your outdoor kitchen is the first step. Consider distance from the house, set-up configuration (for aesthetics & to maximise space) and whether you need access to an electricity or water supply (fitting this retrospectively is more tricky). Our designers can explain the pro’s and con’s of stainless steel vs powder coated mild-steel, concrete and vitreous enamel. For example if you live near the coast it’s vital your outdoor kitchen is made from a material that will not corrode with salt-water in the air and not get damaged in heavy storms.
If you are local we can arrange a site survey, or you can email us a photo of the space you have in mind to get the ball rolling.
WWOO STEEL OUTDOOR KITCHEN - EXCLUSIVE TO TOKC IN UK
2. Choose the Right COOKING EQUIPMENT
How do you like to cook? Do you like the speed and convenience of a gas BBQ or the excitement of cooking over fire? Perhaps a combination of both to give you flexibility. Gas during the week to take advantage of a rare sunny evening after work and a longer cook, more social experience around your outdoor kitchen with friends at the weekend? It’s great fun making pizza with friends - and the mess stays outside!
We have BBQ’s Braai’s and pizza ovens on our website to take a look at but we can incorporate a wide range of cooking equipment and outdoor fridges into our designs.
GOZNEY DOME AT TOKC
3. FOOD PREPARATION SPACE, shelving & storage
It’s important to consider work space for food and drink preparation. We use our shelves for styling with cook books, glasses, spices and herbs and storage beneath is great for charcoal, cooking equipment and wood.
WWOO CONCRETE - AVAILABLE AT TOKC OUTDOOR LIVING BARN & SHOWROOM
4. CONSIDER WHETHER YOU WOULD USE AN OUTDOOR SINK OR FRIDGE
Would you make use of a sink and an outdoor fridge? You don’t want to be running back indoors when your friends are outside so it’s handy to keep ingredients and drinks cold in an outdoor fridge and running water is handy for all sorts of reasons - from watering plants to thirsty little ones - furry or otherwise!
EO AT TOKC
5. BAR OR SEATING AREA to be more social?
Depending on your style of entertaining you might want to incorporate a breakfast bar or seating so that your friends and family can chat to you whilst you cook. Children can do their homework whilst you prepare breakfast or lunch ‘al-fresco’ to truly make the most of every moment of outdoor living in the UK!
WWOO concrete outdoor kitchen with BRAAI & BREAKFAST BAR
7. PersonaliSe Your Space
Make your outdoor retreat an extension of your indoor style. You can go one step further and match tiles, worktops, and colour schemes to create a seamless transition from indoors to out. Add personal touches like outdoor rugs, artwork, and decorative accessories (just make sure everything you include is weatherproof). Consider adding a canopy with heating for use year round.
WWOO outdoor kitchen at Chef Marie Mingle’s home (featured in House Beautiful UK & Evening Standard) Designer: YOKO KLOEDEN Photographer: CATHY PYLE, Styled by KINSHIP CREATIVE
8. PLANTING
Adding the right planting can soften the appearance of the outdoor kitchen you choose and connect you with nature creating a calming sanctuary at home.
TOKC WWOO outdoor kitchen project with Garden Designer KAREN MCCLURE Photography: PARKA AND BOOTS
10. Maintenance and Care
Most of our outdoor kitchen brands require very little maintenance as they are designed to be left outside in the UK climate, however, you may want to cover cooking equipment to keep it free of debris. Our team will provide you with the relevant care instructions and warranties for the products you choose.
ABOVE ARE JUST A FEW CONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN. DISCUSSING IDEAS, DRAFTING DESIGNS AND TAILORING A QUOTE TO YOUR BUDGET IN PERSON OVER A FRESH BREW WITH ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY DESIGNERS IS THE NEXT STEP.
WE ADVISE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT AND VISITING OUR SHOWBARN TO SEE OUR RANGE OF OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND OUTDOOR LIVING EQUIPMENT BUT VIRTUAL TOURS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.