Nowadays, renters are looking for more than just a roof over their heads. Let your tenants make the most of their summer vacation rental by rolling out all the stops with an outdoor kitchen that allows them to mingle with other guests, prep dinner with ease and cook to their heart’s content. Whether it’s a compact urban deck or an expansive poolside patio, there’s a kitchen for every type of outdoor space. Let’s dive into three looks you can easily create.
Urban Oasis
Small patios and balconies don’t need to be left out. Creating an inviting outdoor kitchen isn’t impossible in these tight quarters. Take advantage of space-saving furniture and appliances to make the most of your intimate and inviting space.
Consider prefabricated kitchen islands to maximize space and seating. With a built-in grill, storage and/or refrigeration, islands make the most of the small space you have and leave just the right amount of prep area for your guests. If a kitchen island isn’t a good fit, go for a compact grill. Many manufacturers are starting to tap into the urban living market, so look out for 2- to 4-burner models that are ideal for a New York City balcony or a compact San Francisco backyard.
Combine the grill with a pair of outdoor lounge chairs or a bistro set and your guests will be on their way to enjoying a home grilled meal overlooking a new view.
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Cabin Cooking
Create a cozy cabin outdoor living space that allows your guests to enjoy the serene wilderness year-round. Sunny weather during a cabin stay calls for a BBQ. Let your guests cook in style with a built-in outdoor kitchen. A 4-burner grill is perfect for post-hike steaks and grilled veggies, while a built-in island that allows for counter height seating is ideal for large families to gather and enjoy a meal together.
Don’t think that an outdoor kitchen is only ideal for the summer, though. A cozy built-in fireplace during winter is perfect for après-ski drinks and s’mores. Flanking an outdoor kitchen counter or tucked into a nearby corner, outdoor fireplaces are a proven asset for bringing in guests that are looking for the ultimate cabin experience.
Poolside Parties
Poolside parties are where it’s at, and what better way to have your guests relax than with an expansive outdoor kitchen perfect for summer BBQs and margarita mixing. An expansive 6-burner built-in grill provides a cooktop large enough for parties, while a side burner allows for a full range of cooking capabilities.
Refrigeration is key for summer rendezvous—after all, what’s a pool party without ice cold drinks? Compact built-in refrigerators keep cold drinks at hand so your guests don’t need to haul coolers and drinks from inside. Looking to take your outdoor kitchen to a new level? A pizza oven is a luxury addition that will be an exciting surprise for guests. Available in standalone or built-in models, pizza ovens are starting to become more readily available and with more models to choose from.
No matter what look fits, one thing is for certain: It’s all about making an inviting home that creates life long memories for your renters. What outdoor kitchen styles are you eyeing for your vacation home?
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Kerrie Kelly is an ASID accredited interior designer who creates unique and aesthetically pleasing and useful spaces for her clients to enjoy, entertain and create memories in. Writing for The Home Depot and other publications, she provides tips on how to make your rental more appealing, from creating an outdoor kitchen to adding pops of color to make your home more inviting. To see more outdoor kitchen ideas, visit The Home Depot.