In Melbourne, we’re accustomed to staying snug and warm indoors while we endure the long cold winters that are synonymous with our southern city—but come summertime, it’s an entirely different story.

Our summers are often typified by warm sun-filled days and beautiful barmy evenings, so when we’ve been cooped up inside for so long, it only makes sense that we would want to get outside and make the most of it. For many of us, the best way to enjoy the warm summer weather is to spend our time relaxing and entertaining guests in the backyard, and what better way to do it than with an outdoor kitchen! 

If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, here are some of our favourite outdoor kitchen ideas to help you elevate your lifestyle.

Add some luxury extras

When most people think of an outdoor kitchen they most likely envision some basic cabinetry and a benchtop that’s kitted out with a BBQ and sink—but if you really want to elevate your lifestyle, why not incorporate some added luxury extras that will take your outdoor entertaining game to the next level.

A bar fridge is always a great addition that your guests will love, or why not go one step further and incorporate extra cooking facilities like a woodfire pizza oven, a smoker, a charcoal spit or even an in-built teppanyaki grill plate.

Create flow between indoor and outdoor spaces

It’s important to consider how your outdoor space will work in conjunction with the rest of the home. While every home is different, an open-plan concept tends to work really well for most outdoor kitchens. 

Look for ways to open up the interior and exterior areas of the home. Incorporating glass bi-fold doors is almost always a great idea that will allow light to flow freely into the home, while also providing the flexibility to open up the space between the home’s interior and your outdoor kitchen. 

Alternatively, if your outdoor kitchen is located adjacent to your indoor kitchen, a bi-fold servery window that connects the two spaces can make an excellent addition! 

Bring the inside out

Interior design experts are constantly iterating the benefits of bringing the outside in, and the principle also applies to bringing the inside out! 

When we want to spend time outdoors, we don’t necessarily want to sacrifice those creature comforts we enjoy so much inside our homes. While many homeowners will incorporate an alfresco dining space with their outdoor kitchen, if you have the space, it’s also a great idea to also compliment it with an outdoor lounge.

Not only will it act as a casual space to sit and relax, but it could also become your favourite place to retreat to when you want to read a book, sip on something delicious or simply watch the kids play in the garden. 

Warm things up

Even on the hottest days of the year, every Melbournian knows it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop as the evening sets in—but that shouldn’t mean the party has to end!

When designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s worthwhile paying some consideration to heating. Strip heating which can be installed along the ceiling of an alfresco zone is an excellent choice that is both subtle and effective. Alternatively, a fire pit could be a great feature, or if you want more flexibility, free-standing gas heaters are an ideal solution that can be easily moved around as needed.

Elevate your lifestyle with Mint

If you live in Melbourne and are planning to build or renovate an outdoor kitchen, contact the team at Mint Kitchens.

We’ll apply the same level of quality and finesse that we’re renowned for producing with our interior kitchen renovations to your outdoor space. The best bit is that because we’re also builders, we can manage every aspect of your outdoor kitchen build or renovation to ensure a seamless experience and superior finish.

Find out more about who we are or get in touch with us to discuss your ideas.