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CliKIT on TVSummer kitchen: our 9 design tips for your outdoor kitchen
Would you like to install an outdoor kitchen in your garden? Summer kitchens are particularly trendy right now. After months of lockdown, the call of fresh air resonates with everyone. But building an outdoor kitchen doesn't happen overnight! Regulations, equipment, dimensions… Many parameters need to be taken into account in order to have an optimal and functional summer kitchen. At CliKIT, the outdoors is our playground. We share our best tips to make it as good as it can be!
Determining whether it's a good idea
Before thinking about installing an outdoor kitchen, it is necessary to consider whether it is truly useful for your home. Generally, residents of the south of France — lucky enough to enjoy sunshine for a good part of the year — will be able to make the most of an outdoor kitchen. However, outdoor kitchens are also very popular in the north. People love gathering there with family or friends to enjoy summer evenings!
Finding out about the steps involved in installing a summer kitchen
Are there any steps to follow to install a summer kitchen? Yes, but nothing too complicated! If you plan to have an outdoor kitchen built, simply make sure it is declared as a pergola in the building permit or a prior declaration of works.
Checking the regulations
In terms of regulations, simply refer to the Local Urban Development Plan (PLU) as drawn up by the town hall. Each PLU is specific to a town, which is divided into "zones" and "districts".
Before building an outdoor kitchen, it is therefore important to check the PLU (generally available on the town's website) and to familiarise yourself with the rules to be followed.
Regarding outdoor kitchens — and the same applies to terraces and pergolas — the PLU defines the setback to be observed in relation to the boundary lines with neighbours. This preliminary step is essential to avoid potential neighbourly disputes in the future!
Assessing the available space
Installing an outdoor kitchen requires that there be a suitable space to accommodate it! While there are kitchens adapted to small spaces, you can also opt for a larger model with a wide range of equipment. The key is to think about the space taken up and how to optimise the layout! It would be a shame if the kitchen got in the way of circulation…
Choosing the right location for your outdoor kitchen
Following on from the previous point, the outdoor kitchen must be located in the right place. There are certain things to check before proceeding with construction:
- Are there any trees nearby?
- Where are the water drainage outlets?
- Can the outdoor kitchen be connected to the house?
This last question is particularly essential since water and electrical connections are made through the house. Therefore, it is recommended to install your outdoor kitchen close to the home. That way, there's no need to cross the garden to fetch a missing utensil from the indoor kitchen! The summer kitchen should be designed as an extension of the main home.
Carefully choosing materials
To ensure your summer kitchen withstands bad weather or outdoor elements, choose resistant materials. Stainless steel and stone are recommended for this type of installation — their quality is not affected by either cold or heat. As for the worktop, the ideal choice is marble or granite, both of which are also highly resistant!
Thinking about the equipment needed for your summer kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a structure! To cook great food and enjoy pleasant moments outside, a few additional purchases are needed. The sink, the worktop, the barbecue, the plancha, the fridge… As well as storage units that will allow you to have all the necessary utensils on hand. Everything you need to create a well-organised kitchen, ready to welcome guests!
Being prepared and sheltering your outdoor kitchen
To prevent your outdoor kitchen from being too exposed, you can cover it with a shelter such as a canopy or pergola. These shelters will protect your outdoor kitchen from bad weather and UV rays, while creating a shaded area — ideal in summer. Be careful when buying a pergola or a canopy, and choose a model that perfectly suits your installation. Even better, you can have a custom-made pergola built to create the perfect outdoor space!
Livening up your outdoor kitchen
Finally, once all these steps have been completed, add the finishing touch to your summer kitchen! More of a tropical, bistro-garden, or minimalist décor? Choose plants, candles, and garden furniture to suit your tastes and create the space of your dreams.
Ready to install an outdoor kitchen? Don't hesitate any longer — it will be the key to a successful summer!
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