5 Features of the Contemporary Kitchen – Fantastic Ideas to Blow Your Mind
January 28, 2021
The kitchen is traditionally the heart of any household. It’s where the entire family gathers at the start of the workday and shares their activities of the day over dinner, each evening. With more families spending their days at home on decks, verandas, and patios, the kitchen has also moved outdoors.
CONTEMPORARY OUTDOOR KITCHENS ARE FAST BECOMING A NECESSITY
The contemporary roof deck is not just an alfresco space, it now serves as an excellent area for having friends over and celebrating holidays with the extended family. Architects and designers incorporate the key elements of a typical kitchen like dry storage cabinets, barbecue grills, beverage chillers, fridges, and prepping stations. You can also add a condiment rack and side burner. Having spent the most part of spring and summer out on the deck, the arrival of the fall and winter season need not put a damper on entertaining. Try these fantastic ideas for designing your deck complete with a kitchen for cooking and enjoying wholesome meals.
SET UP AN ENCLOSED FOUR SEASON COVERED PATIOS OR ROOF DECKS
Your outdoor kitchen can be attached to a lovely seating area, highlighted with a fully automated retractable roof, recessed heaters and removable glass panels. Subtle lighting completes the package. You could also consider artificial lawns and hedges or vertical gardens to segregate spaces and add a cozy ambiance. Integrate weatherproof furniture made with South America wood like Ipe. As for countertops, granite or concrete would be the perfect choice to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.
LET’S TALK ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS
1. OUTDOOR GRILLS
Should you start to search around, you’ll come across a fantastic range of grills leaving you spoiled for choice. When considering the best option, begin by listing your requirements such as estimated budget, space constraints, and whether a gas hook up can be organized. You would also want to determine if you intend to use the grill year-round or only during the summers or winters. If you can’t get a gas line, consider refillable gas or propane tanks, charcoal, or electric grills. Further, grills can be made with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic coating. Make the right choice after assessing the level of maintenance each model will need.Should you start to search around, you’ll come across a fantastic range of grills leaving you spoiled for choice. When considering the best option, begin by listing your requirements such as estimated budget, space constraints, and whether a gas hook up can be organized. You would also want to determine if you intend to use the grill year-round or only during the summers or winters. If you can’t get a gas line, consider refillable gas or propane tanks, charcoal, or electric grills. Further, grills can be made with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic coating. Make the right choice after assessing the level of maintenance each model will need.
2. FIREPLACES OR FIRE PITS
Your architect will suggest installing a fireplace encased within a concrete wall, classic brick, river stone, or southwestern rock to keep the outdoor living area warm and protected from the winter chill. If your deck area is not suitable for a fireplace, you could go with the portable fire pit that can be wheeled around and set up wherever needed. Typically, fire pits use wood for burning with a chimney that carries the smoke up and away. A gas or propane-burning oven, chiminea, or pizza oven that doubles as a heating device, is yet another option for a small family. Spend evenings around the fire roasting s’mores, chatting, and just relaxing before it’s time for bed.
3. MOBILE BEVERAGE CHILLERS
Although integrating a fridge into your outdoor kitchen would be ideal, you may have to make do with mobile beverage chillers for serving drinks. Whether you’re serving chilled beer, sodas for the kids, or cool wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigios, get a portable fridge. And, when you need ice for the drinks, you won’t have to make multiple trips to the kitchen. Your kegerator stores or makes all the cubes you need. Modern-day bars also include a section for storing glassware and a counter for mixing cocktails and other beverages.
4. STAINLESS STEEL SINKS
Having a sink in your outdoor kitchen is another essential feature. You’ll avoid the hassle of walking in and out carrying dishes. And you’ll make cleaning up after a delightful meal with the family an easy task. Work with your architect to plan a proper water supply line and drainage. Having cabinets to store flatware and utensils for serving meals is another smart idea that adds convenience when you’re organizing get-togethers with friends.
5. ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC SYSTEMS
Your outdoor spaces would be incomplete without entertainment and music systems. Install a TV for an exciting weekend when you want to catch up with sporting events in the company of friends and fellow fans. Light music is another must-have for formal dinners with the family.
2020 and the Coronavirus epidemic has changed the way people live and work. Staying at home has become the new normal with beautiful decks and verandas. Modern-day homes reflect exciting color schemes and design themes with coordinated furniture and a selection of accessories to add style and aesthetics.
If this sounds like something you would love to have, contact us at (773) 857-2277. At Chicago Roof Deck, we’re all about maximizing functionality and making the most of your patios and verandas, garage or roof deck. Call us in and let’s start a brainstorming session that will blow your mind.
