There’s something about dining and relaxing in the open air that’s hard to beat. And it’s even more enjoyable when you can do that in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

Lucky for us, Australia boasts a temperate climate that allows us to spend time outdoors in relative comfort at any time of the year. That's not to say the temperatures don't swing widely! Our summers sizzle and the winters can be icy and wet, but it's nice to know year-round outdoor living is an option. 

Grilling in the cooler months, chilling through a hot, endless summer. You can do it all with an outdoor alfresco kitchen designed for all-season entertaining. 

Want to make the most of your backyard, balcony or deck all year round? In this month's B&C Home Journal, we share 5 design ideas for outdoor alfresco kitchens that deliver quality living regardless of the season. Enjoy!

 

The team at Balnei & Colina

 

Image via Mim Design 

Outdoor alfresco kitchens designed for all-season entertaining

1. Shelter

Overhead shelter protects the area from rain and harsh sun, but it also limits the number of fallen leaves, and organic debris you have to sweep up or that drops onto your plate!  

Awnings, pergolas, arbours or an extension of the home's roofline can create a covered outdoor area that allows you to cook and chat comfortably, no matter the weather conditions. Retractable roofs and electric louvre systems offer flexibility and can be quickly activated if the weather shifts. 

 

Balnei & Colina | Lower North Shore Outdoor Kitchen Renovation

 

 

Image via Pinterest

2. Temperature Control 

When it comes to the temperature control of outdoor alfresco kitchens, we suggest the Goldilocks approach: not too hot, not too cold, just right!  

In the cooler months, portable heating solutions such as freestanding gas heaters will quickly warm up an area, but a seamless outdoor kitchen design will include a hardwired heating solution controllable with the flick of a switch. 

Radiant strip heaters offer zoned heating and can be mounted to the ceiling, leaving you with uncluttered floor space. A custom fireplace or fit pit will instantly draw everyone together. 

During summertime, outdoor fans keep the cool air circulating, detract the bugs and mozzies, and give you extra relief from the heat.

 

Image via Habitus Living 

 

 

Image via Homes To Love

3. Passive heating and cooling

Don't forget that an intelligently designed outdoor space will make the most of passive cooling and heating. Consider how the sunshine moves over the outdoor kitchen room and how the light changes over the days and seasons. You can harness solar energy in winter by orienting the BBQ and seating areas to capture as much sun as possible. 

The perfect location for outdoor alfresco kitchens is one that offers protection from strong prevailing winds while allowing cool summer breezes to come through when you need them the most.

 

Image via Est Living 

 

 

Balnei & Colina | Drummoyne Outdoor Kitchen Renovation 

4. Maintenance 

While it’s not the most exciting aspect of creating an outdoor kitchen, thinking practically about maintenance and upkeep will ensure your space sparkles all year round. 

Select surfaces, finishes, and appliances manufactured specifically for outdoor use, and follow manufacturer guidelines for treating materials like timber and stone. Oiling and sealing timber decking, furniture, and structures once a year will ensure they survive harsh weather conditions. 

When you work with a Balnei & Colina outdoor kitchen expert, all aspects of your dream outdoor kitchen are considered in the context of quality and longevity, from materials to construction, installation, and aftercare. A Balnei & Colina outdoor kitchen is built to last and bring years of stress-free enjoyment. 

 

Image via Est Living 

 

 

Image via Growing Rooms

5. Lighting 

Don't let winter's short daylight hours deter you from maximising your time outdoors. With the correct lighting scheme established in the design phase, your outdoor space will remain cosy and inviting well after the sun goes down.  

Deal with functionality by using an adjustable lighting source focused on key working areas like the benchtop and the BBQ. Ensure stairs and pathways are illuminated with uplights or spotlights for safety. Downlights wash light across the whole area, but make sure they aren't too bright. Avoid flooding your outdoor room with intense lighting, as it will dampen relaxed vibes and feel uncomfortable.

To create a welcoming ambience, candles in hurricane lamps or strings of fairy lights will produce a soft, warm glow and bring the space to life. These are a winning outdoor styling addition, regardless of the time of year. 

 

Image via Pinterest 

Looking for more ideas to create the perfect all-season outdoor kitchen? The experts at Balnei & Colina can help.

Book an outdoor kitchen design consultation today at 1300 450 320, send us your project details via this contact form or book a call to discuss your outdoor kitchen project in more detail. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au. 

To keep up with the latest outdoor kitchen trends, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or sign-up for our newsletter.

 

Image via Est Living 

Image via Pinterest

Image via Est Living