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When the evening is clear and you’ve been stuck in an air-conditioned house or office all day, the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot oven inside the house to make dinner. You want to be outside, enjoying the cool evening air, grilling some juicy steaks. It would be even sweeter to be cooking those steaks on the outdoor cooking station of your dreams. The cleanup is a cinch, and there’s nothing better than a ribeye right off the grill.
Homeowners everywhere are trading in their old stand-alone grills for full outdoor kitchens. These kitchens can be as simple as a built-in grill with some prep space, to a chef-inspired kitchen where you can cook a full meal complete with burners and a sink.
Our designers are always looking at outdoor kitchen design photos to ensure each kitchen we design features the latest styles. Read on to get some inspiration for your outdoor kitchen or bbq area.
What’s your outdoor kitchen style? From modern to rustic, or something in between, there’s an outdoor kitchen to match every style.
Create a modern outdoor space with stainless steel and light travertine countertops. A modern outdoor cooking space has clean lines and minimalist decor. You’ll probably find all the most up-to-date kitchen appliances in a modern outdoor kitchen—all in stainless steel. You might even find some mid-century throwbacks as well.
What about a rustic look for your outdoor cooking space? It’s another popular style and features more earthy tones and finishes such as natural stone and wood. The style will fit nicely next to a fire pit and seating wall that has a rustic style as well.
How about an eclectic outdoor space with bright colors and interesting touches? The style here is fun and playful. Find a good designer to help, as an outdoor area that’s too eclectic might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but done tastefully an eclectic design is the perfect mix of fun, funky, and timeless.
Of course the most important detail of your outdoor kitchen and bbq area is the BBQ! There are many types to choose from. Your cooking style will be the biggest factor to consider. Do you like to grill with propane or coals? Are you into smoked meats or do you prefer a grilled flavor? How many do you want to be able to cook for, just the family, or the whole baseball team? If you like to grill you probably already know what kind of grill you want.
The biggest craze at the moment is the Green Egg. It’s durable and versatile, and can cook most anything to perfection, but because of its unique design it can be hard to build into your kitchen. Our Designers are familiar with the design and can fit it seamlessly into your decor.
If you have the space, consider a pizza oven. Everyone loves pizza, and they look amazing. A wood-burning pizza oven could be the perfect focal point of your outdoor entertaining space. The pizzas taste so good you’ll want to eat them all the time.
You’ll probably want at least a single burner for the lobster boil, or the baked beans. A single burner can also help get the coals started. It’s wonderful when these are recessed to 24 inches, which will help if you have a big pot to move.
There are many smokers and grills on the market so choose wisely, but make this one of the first decisions. You’ll want the rest of the cooking and prep space to work around this central component.
It’s hot out and you are in the most crucial stage of grilling that choice cut of meat. You take the last swig from your drink, and immediately you realize you will have to risk burning the burgers, or go thirsty. Don’t let this nightmare happen in your backyard kitchen! Invest in a mini fridge or cooler, and keep it fully stocked.
Consider a simple built-in cooler, or even two, to keep cool drinks available in your outdoor barbeque area. You can keep plenty of sodas and ice available at a fraction of the cost of a high-end appliance. Plus your energy bill will be lower, and you won’t be replacing an expensive appliance every few years.
An icemaker is an integral piece of the backyard kitchen, especially in Phoenix. The one thing that your guests are sure to want are ice cold drinks. Modern icemakers can pump out plenty of ice. They are sleek and can be built right into the kitchen area.
If you like to entertain, you’ll love an outdoor kitchen with a built-in bar. Your guests will be able to relax with a drink and chat with you, while you grill the steaks. Your bar can be a simple structure, like a tiki bar with a wooden top and bamboo details, or a more substantial bar with stone veneer and a granite countertop.
If space is limited, add a bar area with furniture that you can pull out when needed, but can be tucked away at other times. A bar cart or bar island on wheels would be an ideal choice.
A popular and cost-effective option for your outdoor kitchen is as simple as paint and stucco. Stucco is long-lasting and durable, and can be painted any color you choose. Plus it’s one of the least expensive options for the outdoor kitchen exterior. Add some tile accents to add extra color and definition to the space.
A stone veneer finish is a great option for outdoor kitchens in Phoenix, Arizona. Stone will last for years and looks fantastic. Typically the interior will be block, with stone veneer wrapped around the outside. There are gorgeous veneers to choose from, and a good designer will give you a few options to match your taste.
No matter what your outdoor kitchen style, or how simple-to-complex your kitchen plans are, Straight Line Landscape can create it.
"The primary source of our business has been organic referrals — from the neighbors and friends of our customers who see the quality."
Start by asking for a quote, then we'll coordinate a time to meet at your property.