Dream Deck and Outdoor Kitchen Design

An outdoor kitchen lets you cook, entertain, and dine al fresco while expanding your living space outside your home. As the centerpiece of an outdoor entertaining area, a customized outdoor kitchen designed by an experienced outdoor kitchen designer in Vancouver allows you to host gatherings beyond the summer months. 

With JD Elite Interiors, you can invest in an outdoor kitchen designed specifically for your needs and preferences. Bring a valuable addition to your home that enables outdoor entertaining year-round.

Outdoor Kitchen Design Plan for a Grilling Space

Our client is a popular blogger in the grilling space. He hired us to create the dream grilling backyard: a large deck with an epic outdoor kitchen. The outdoor kitchen area was to have:

  • Grill
  • Smoker
  • Pizza oven
  • Plenty of counter and prep space

It was a great project. With our design, our client achieved an outdoor cooking and entertainment space that will provide enjoyment and added home value for years. Check out our renderings of the dream griller’s deck and outdoor kitchen.

Close-up view of outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, grill and smoker.

Outdoor Kitchen

The outdoor kitchen includes pretty much everything a grilling aficionado could want, including a grill, smoker, and pizza oven. We tailored the kitchen to our client’s needs and preferences, ensuring enough space and functionality to grill, cook, and entertain guests.

Outdoor kitchen with a dining table and chairs

Dining Area on the Deck

Of course, an epic outdoor kitchen needs a dining area, so that’s included adjacent to the spacious outdoor kitchen. We built a customized dining area that is the perfect spot to enjoy meals outdoors while taking in landscaping views.

Aesthetically pleasing deck with two sets of sofa and matching wooden chairs

Comfortable Lounge Area

A dream deck design wouldn’t be complete without a large lounge area with sofas and a firepit.  While the outdoor kitchen area is covered, the lounge is not covered for maximum sun enjoyment. Whether for socializing or unwinding alone, we build customized lounge areas outdoors, creating an inviting oasis for letting in the fresh air.

Outdoor deck with swimming pool and pool chairs

Swimming Pool

Usually, a deck looks enhanced with a swimming pool. This design is no exception, so we added a pool to the griller’s dream backyard. Whether for exercise, play, or entertainment, this pool design creates the ambiance of a private resort.

Outdoor deck with stainless grilling machine, furniture and flower pots

Key Considerations When Choosing an Outdoor Kitchen Designer in Vancouver

Careful planning is critical when designing an outdoor kitchen to meet your needs. An ideal designer in Vancouver will listen to your needs, translate your vision, and deliver a high-quality, customized outdoor cooking and entertaining space you’ll enjoy for years.

Experience in Layout Designing

Careful planning is essential when designing an outdoor kitchen to maximize the space. Larger patios can accommodate L-shaped designs, while smaller areas may only fit one or two cabinets and a grill. A fully equipped outdoor kitchen contains four key zones: 

  • Dry prep area
  • Hot cooking space
  • Cold refrigeration section
  • Wet washing zone

Planning for necessary utilities like electricity, gas, and water is also important. Additionally, incorporate comfortable seating and a sturdy dining table to entertain guests. Bar-height seating is great for casual gatherings around a TV.

Budget Limitations

Creating a budget and sticking to it is crucial when designing an outdoor kitchen, as costs can quickly escalate and affect the project’s timeline

Consult with professionals first to understand the full scope and estimated project cost before finalizing the budget. The budget should include line items for elements like:

  • Cabinets and countertops
  • Seating
  • Lighting
  • Electricity and gas utilities
  • Plumbing
  • Appliances
  • Materials
  • Labor
  • Permits
  • Installation costs for Wi-Fi or cable
Outdoor deck with printed blue rug and woven sofa set

Knowledge of Climate Considerations

Summers in Vancouver are short and partly cloudy, whereas winters can be long, wet, and very cold. When designing an outdoor kitchen, aim for a space you can utilize year-round, not just in summer.

Sustainability is valuable in interior designing. A designer needs to incorporate protection against elements.

  • An awning or pergola to provide shade from the sun and shelter from rain.
  • Strategically placed screens and landscaping to block the wind.
  • Ceiling fans to keep the area cool and deter insects.

Expertise in the Quality of Materials

When designing an outdoor kitchen, carefully consider the quality of the materials used. Choosing durable, weather-resistant materials is vital to withstand the elements better and have a longer lifespan. As designers, we look for the following attributes:

  • Stainless steel and stone countertops resist stains, scratches, and moisture.
  • Outdoor-rated appliances are built to handle temperature fluctuations and humidity.
  • All-weather wicker, teak, or aluminum are good patio furniture styles and material options.
  • Opt for weather-resistant tiles, stone, or treated wood for flooring.

Your designer should pick premium quality, outdoor-rated materials. While it often results in a higher upfront cost, it pays off in the long run through years of reliable performance and less need for replacement.

Proper Use of Appliances

When selecting appliances for an outdoor kitchen, focus on items that support your typical cooking style rather than getting caught up in unnecessary fancy gadgets. For instance, you likely don’t need an expensive oven to grill foods and make broth mostly. However, multiple burners would be valuable for simultaneously cooking different dishes.

Professional designers select equipment and non-furniture items, like appliances, to ensure your investment provides practical functionality rather than just flashy features.

Outdoor deck with a sofa set with printed and colorful fabrics

Outdoor Kitchen Designer Services in Vancouver

Are you dreaming of combining your ideas with the top design trends? Creating an outdoor kitchen requires research, creativity, and knowledge to build an outdoor oasis perfect for entertaining, adventurous cooking, and added storage. Our outdoor kitchen design services provide careful planning to fit the design and budget requirements of Vancouver homeowners.

Layout Planning

Space is one of the elements of designing, and a proper layout maximizes the available area, whether a patio, deck, backyard, or rooftop. Space is one of the main elements of design.

We will examine the outdoor space and suggest an appropriate layout. Likewise, we can customize these layouts for any outdoor area.

  • Small spaces may only fit a cabinet run and grill.
  • More room allows adding an island with a sink, cabinets, and a built-in grill. 
  • A spacious area can accommodate a full-scale kitchen with ample cooking, prep, bartending, and refrigeration options.

Functional Design

Whenever we design outdoor kitchens, our plans emphasize functional zones: cold, hot, wet, and dry areas. We strategically place furniture, fixtures, and equipment for a smooth workflow between refrigeration, cooking, cleaning, and prep. The functional design also covers plans for necessary utilities like electricity, gas, and water access.

A well-designed layout allows cooking, cleaning, prepping, eating, drinking, and mingling. We do proper zoning and amenity placement, which balances functionality and aesthetics. These are our other ideas:

  • A bar with a sink, glassware, and wine storage to expand entertaining capabilities
  • Lighting over prep and cook areas, seating, and pathways for safety and ambiance
  • Overhead fans for extra lighting and cooling
  • Counter bar tools and a large dining table for varied seating
  • Sealable plastic bins in cabinets for storage
Deck with dining and sofa furniture

Design Options

Cabinet hardware, colors, and materials let you incorporate your desired design aesthetics and styles. The suitable materials blend form, function, and longevity to achieve your ideal stylish, durable outdoor kitchen.

  • Stainless steel cabinets house appliances, provide storage, and are the focal point.
  • Powder-coated cabinets add durability and allow color and finish options.
  • Countertop materials like stone, granite, tile, and concrete are decorative and durable, yet they need maintenance since extreme temperatures can damage them.
Outdoor deck with woven furniture

Ready to Get Your Outdoor Kitchen Project Started?

JD Elite Interiors provides expert assistance in designing luxury outdoor kitchens. Our skilled in-house designers, national sales team, and local dealer network can help bring outdoor kitchen ideas to life.

We’ll create beautiful and unique living spaces for your lovely home. Let us help you with your next big project!

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