If you have a garden shed and are using it to haphazardly store your lawnmower and other gardening tools, you might be wasting an opportunity. You might think that they donât have many other uses, but have you ever thought about turning it into an outdoor kitchen?
At Open Space Concepts, we believe that your outdoor space should be an extension of your home, which is why we offer bespoke outdoor kitchens. And, in this guide, weâll tell you how you can transform your humble garden shed into a stunning outdoor kitchen.
If you want to explore clever design ideas, essential features, and things to be cautious of for your new outdoor kitchen shed, then keep reading!
Why do you need an outdoor kitchen?
Before we offer our expert tips and tricks, it might be beneficial to understand why you might want an outdoor kitchen. Becoming increasingly popular over the past few years, outdoor kitchens are making their stamp on the world of outdoor living. Whether youâre after a stainless steel design or something more freestanding, at Open Space Concepts, weâve got plenty of solutions to choose from that will enhance your shed and take it from small and dingy into an alfresco culinary paradise!
Here are some other great benefits of transforming your shed into an outdoor kitchen:
- Expanded living space – an outdoor kitchen, wherever you place it, is an extension of your homeâs living area, creating a natural flow between your indoor and outdoor space.
- It can act as an entertainment hub – create a natural gathering place for friends and family and host impressive barbeques, parties, and get-togethers.
- Adds value to your home – transforming your shed into a gorgeous outdoor kitchen can be a sought-after feature for many home buyers if you decide to sell your house.
How to create your own outdoor kitchen shed
So, how exactly can you turn your scruffy garden shed into a focal point of memorable moments? Luckily for you, weâve got plenty of outdoor kitchen shed ideas for you to explore, such as designs to consider, choosing the right appliances, and additional lighting features.
Letâs have a look at them in a bit more detailâŠ
- Understanding your current shed
Before you dive into your outdoor kitchen/shed project, you need to familiarise yourself with your current shed. What might seem like a small, uninspiring place actually holds lots of potential. We recommend starting by taking precise measurements of its length, width, and height to gauge what appliances and furniture will fit inside.
Assess its current condition, and ensure that you address any faults such as leaks or mould that are present. You should also understand its location in relation to your home⊠if itâs a bit removed, you might want to think about extending utility lines. If itâs closer to your home, then consider visual enhancements that will seamlessly blend it into your current aesthetic.
You can, of course, knock your existing shed down and start again from scratch, and weâve got just the thing in mind. Introducing The Cocoon, the ultimate upgrade to a traditional garden shed that can be equipped with aluminium louvres and LED lighting fixtures.
- Designing the layout
The overall functionality of your kitchen often relies on its design and layout, and ensuring that your grill, sink, and fridge are in reaching distance can be really crucial. Luckily for you, our range of outdoor kitchens features an abundance of different designs, from L-shaped to modular. Sometimes, however, you have to think beyond cooking. Remember, your shed needs to be able to accommodate friends and family, especially if youâre hosting a dinner party!
You should also factor in things such as the weather. If youâve got a shed, then youâll most likely already have a roof that will be able to shelter you from the wind and rain. The layout you choose might also depend on whether you have a North or South facing garden, and how much sunlight youâll want to be exposed to.
- Selecting the right appliances
Now that youâve chosen a functioning layout, itâs time to select the correct appliances. As theyâll be exposed to the outdoors, itâs important to prioritise durability and sustainability. There are plenty of weather-resistant appliances designed for outdoor use, whether theyâre sheltered by your current shed or a new structure.
Think about what youâll use your appliances for – if baking is your passion, then consider an outdoor oven! Or, if barbequing is more your forte, you might be interested in a top-tier grill.
If youâre feeling inspired by the abundance of kitchen appliances on offer, you might be interested in our blog: 10 Built-In Grill Ideas For Outdoor Cooking.
- Adding lighting fixtures
While some form of lighting is crucial, did you know that creating the right ambience can affect your mood? As well as this, some forms of lighting can create the illusion of a bigger space, particularly if you have a small shed. Beyond just brightness, opt for softer lighting or even different colour variations to set the tone that you wish to create.
For a truly magical lighting experience, you might be interested in our Louvre Pod. This amazing outdoor structure is the perfect shed upgrade and gives you the option to add LGB RGB colour-changing perimeter lighting, allowing you to change up the colour depending on your mood.
Build your dream outdoor kitchen with Open Space ConceptsâŠ
Hopefully, this guide has taught you everything you need to know about creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen shed. Transforming your garden shed into an exclusive cooking area is an exciting project, reshaping your current space to host unforgettable gatherings!
At Open Space Concepts, weâre truly passionate about the design and installation of bespoke outdoor structures, not just outdoor kitchens. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, you can rely on us to install your latest outdoor living project. Please donât hesitate to get in touch⊠or, give us a call on 0808 168 0043 today!
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