How to Integrate an Outdoor Kitchen into Your Tauranga Landscape

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

When it comes to outdoor kitchen designs, there are plenty of options and a lot to consider so start by planning how you want to use the space. Do you want a full kitchen setup including grill, sink, and refrigerator? Or is building a BBQ area or outdoor pizza oven more your style? Will you need lots of space for family and friends or are you looking to convert a small patio space into an intimate outdoor breakfast spot? To help you determine your needs and design an outdoor space you love, get in touch with your local Zones Landscaping Consultant. 

Consider Cover

To get the most out of your landscaping consider covered outdoor kitchen ideas. Outdoor rooms or outdoor kitchens with a pergola not only look stylish, but will allow you to use your space year-round as they offer both shade and shelter, like this fabulous makeover in Papamoa. 

Your Zones Landscaping Consultant can discuss the cost of building an outdoor room and explore different types of covers such as retractable awnings, gazebos, or permanent roofs, which are all important when thinking about outdoor entertaining. Don’t forget to weatherproof in other ways - waterproof cabinets and rust-resistant appliances are a smart investment!

Entertainment Plus

Want to take your outdoor kitchen up a notch? Then consider bringing the fun with elements such as a firepit for marshmallow roasting or a covered outdoor kitchen with pizza oven. Pizza ovens have exploded in popularity and there are numerous options available from portable gas models to the traditional brick wood fired ovens. They offer a fun and versatile cooking option that’s great for entertaining. 

Backyard BBQ

Kiwis love a BBQ, so it’s no wonder our landscaping consultants are asked for outdoor BBQ setup ideas. When building a BBQ area, don’t just think about the BBQ itself. Plan preparation and serving spaces and be sure to incorporate a seating area. Bar leaners, dining tables, and bench seats are all good ideas. Want to make your backyard barbie even better? Create a garden BBQ bar area complete with ambient lighting, and you will be the host with the most!

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the kids! Creating a space with kids in mind such as a herb garden, or children’s outdoor kitchen for play is a great way to keep guests of all ages happy. 

Invest in fixtures and appliances

Think about how you like to entertain and plan your outdoor kitchen accordingly. Do you like to cook for a crowd, or do you prefer to just have family? Do you need room for extra gadgets such as a spit or smoker? Is a garden bar more your style? 

If you’re opting for a full kitchen set up outdoors, then you will need to consider not only your grill space, but sinks, storage, and refrigeration. Having a well-designed space with room for prep, serving, and drinks means the cooking experience is far more relaxing, and you won’t be having to make trips back and forth inside. 

Our Tauranga Outdoor Kitchen Builders can help you determine the best solutions for your space – and culinary prowess!

Enhance your Outdoor Kitchen with Landscaping

Plants and garden features help blend your outdoor kitchen with the landscape, so don’t forget to consider landscaping when planning your ideal alfresco space. Even if your backyard is small, there are some great options for outdoor kitchens on decks, such as herb gardens, vertical gardens, climbers, and potted plants. For those with larger backyards, design your outdoor kitchen with garden views, and choose outdoor furniture and décor that complements the garden aesthetic. 

When it comes to planting, don’t forget that native plants are often a good choice as they are hardy and low maintenance. A well designed landscape can feel like an oasis, just like this stunning example in Te Ranga that features lush planting, and a custom outdoor kitchen space. You can explore other fabulous Zones landscaping projects here.

Chat with us about your outdoor kitchen ideas!

With so many options and so much to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when tackling outdoor renovations. One of the best pieces of advice is to slow down, assess your space, determine your needs, and plan with a budget. Even if you can’t achieve everything at the same time, having an overarching plan will ensure your final design remains cohesive. This landscape planning checklist is a great place to start, as well as reading advice about when you need a landscape design.

Ready to get cooking?

Zones Tauranga are the local experts when it comes to outdoor kitchens. Whether you want advice on how to build a brick outdoor kitchen, need integrated kitchen and deck designs, or simply want to know more about the Zones process, get in touch today to arrange a free consultation.