Have you considered adding an outdoor kitchen to your home? You are not alone. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects, outdoor kitchens top the list of “most-wanted” home features. Outdoor kitchens offer homeowners many benefits, including:
- Expanding your living space: When done well, an outdoor kitchen can increase your home’s usable square footage, allowing you to maximize your living space and your enjoyment.
- Enhancing your entertaining: Outdoor kitchens allow you to prep and cook while participating in the conversation and the party.
- Adding value: Because they’re in such high demand, adding an outdoor kitchen to your home increases its value when it’s time to sell.
As experts in landscapes and hardscapes—including outdoor kitchens—Van Zelst is ready to help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Take a look at some of the outdoor kitchens below for inspiration, then contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Simple Done Well
Sometimes, simple is the name of the game. For this project in Bull Valley, the homeowners wanted a stone surround for their Wolf grill. Van Zelst oversaw the construction of the grill island as part of our overall landscape/hardscape project. Trees, shrubs, and flowering plants of varying shapes, colors, and heights help the island feel like a natural, organic part of the backyard.
A Space-Framing Pergola
These homeowners had a clear vision for their outdoor kitchen; they wanted a defined outdoor space to cook, serve and entertain family and friends. Van Zelst oversaw the custom pergola’s construction that framed the area and worked with the homeowner to select the perfect types of stones to serve as the bar’s walls, grill, and outdoor kitchen surround.
Feeling like a juicy cheeseburger? The built-in Kalamazoo grill makes backyard barbecuing a breeze. In the mood for a slice of pepperoni pie? The outdoor pizza oven delivers a perfectly crisp crust in less time than it takes for delivery. And the atmosphere is spectacular; while they’re enjoying a meal, the homeowners also get to enjoy the luscious greenery and flowering plants that make their backyard an oasis.
The Ultimate in Luxury and Convenience
Looking for an outdoor kitchen that rivals your indoor kitchen in terms of luxury and convenience? This outdoor living space—complete with a wood-fired oven, gas grill, prep sink, storage cabinets, refrigerator, and more—offers the homeowners ample room for preparing and sharing meals with family and friends.
The cozy seating area surrounding the stone-walled fire pit is an excellent place for relaxing with a beverage. The custom-built pergola serves to differentiate the backyard dining area visually. Namibian marble is used on the countertops and the firepit’s top, giving the space a modern, high-end feel.
Tasteful and Practical
Today’s outdoor kitchens are outfitted as tastefully and practically as their indoor counterparts—and this traditional-style outdoor kitchen is no exception. Not only does it feature a built-in grill, but it also includes a wood-burning pizza oven with ample wood storage, a Big Green Egg smoker, a warming drawer, a refrigerator, a trash chute, a prep sink on an immense kitchen island, and more.
Outdoor-rated ceiling fans keep the area cool on warm days, and an outdoor-rated television allows the homeowners to enjoy the big game or catch the race while they’re entertaining family and friends. And limestone countertops and flooring are both beautiful and practical, able to withstand the elements
Create an Outdoor Room
This farmhouse-style patio creates an inviting area in which to relax and unwind. The outdoor kitchen is fully-equipped with a grill, prep sink, wood-burning oven, and smoker, in addition to a refrigerator, storage cabinets, and warming drawer. The built-in fireplace creates a lovely focal point for the area and provides much-appreciated warmth on chilly evenings.
The custom-built pergola helps the area feel more private and intimate; its clean lines are reflected in the custom-built table and bench. Tastefully selected and placed accent lighting ensures that the homeowners can enjoy their outdoor kitchen oasis early in the morning and late into the evening.
An Open, Airy Space
For this remodeling project, the homeowners wanted to extend their living space, turning what was once an ordinary deck into an open, airy outdoor kitchen. Extending their home’s existing roofline to encompass the deck created a cohesive look for the space, allowing the inside and outside to flow together seamlessly.
The outdoor kitchen features a grill, refrigerator, prep sink, and smoker, all surrounded by custom cabinetry that would be equally at home indoors. The kitchen island provides casual bar seating, while a separate dining table with spectacular views of the pool and yard allows for more formal entertaining.
Practical, Beautiful Choices
For this project, the homeowner wanted to create an outdoor kitchen/dining area without “boxing in” the area. Van Zelst recommended a pergola, which can help add definition to an outdoor space while providing spots of much-needed shade on warm days.
This outdoor kitchen features a grill and Big Green Egg smoker with an Eden machine-cut stone surround. Oakfield flagstone offers a practical yet beautiful choice for the flooring. Mature trees and thoughtfully-placed ground cover plants complete the look.
An Outdoor Extension of the Indoors
With numerous windows overlooking this outdoor space, the homeowners wanted to create a beautiful, inviting area that would extend their indoor living area. This outdoor kitchen features a stacked stone island surrounding the homeowners’ grill and smoker; bluestone countertops and shelves offer ample storage and service space. The homeowners chose Oakfield machine-cut stone as their patio area flooring; attractive and long-lasting, the stone complements the area’s other colors, textures, and finishes.
Time to Get in Touch About Your Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen can increase your home’s value and your enjoyment—and Van Zelst can help bring your outdoor kitchen dream to life. Get in touch with one of our expert landscape/hardscape architects today for a consultation; call or email for more information.
The old saying, “You never have a second chance to make a first impressio... 
A client recently purchased a modest ranch on 1 acre. They wanted to remo... 
