One of the most delightful ways to spend an evening with family and friends is under the night sky cooking up a delicious meal. Whether you’re a grilling master or a cocktail aficionado, an outdoor kitchen can add an element of endless enjoyment to your lake home. After all, living lakeside is all about taking in the beauty of the outdoors while also benefitting from all the luxuries and comforts of home.

There are several different styles and designs for outdoor kitchens, including completely custom, high-end designs and low-cost modular options that are quick and easy to install. Here’s the lowdown on some al fresco kitchen features and layouts that can help you choose the custom outdoor kitchen that best suits your family’s lakeside lifestyle.

Custom Outdoor Kitchens
If you’re building a custom home, your builder can help you realize your dreams for an outdoor kitchen. There are several options for features to include in your al fresco kitchen, ranging from the types of appliances you wish to include to special features like a kegerator or a stone pizza oven. The fixtures, countertops, and cabinet finishes you chose will bring your personal style and taste into the space.

Another design element to consider is how you can integrate seating into your plan so people can socialize with the chef. A popular way to do this is to create bar stool seating at the counter or a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen. When building a custom outdoor kitchen with a builder of your choice, the sky’s the limit.

Modular Outdoor Kitchens
If you’re not planning on hiring a custom builder to create your outdoor kitchen, there are many alternatives from which you can choose. Prefabricated kitchen kits and modular cabinets are available through a number of one-stop-shop vendors that specialize in low-cost pre-designed components and quick and easy installation.

A pre-fab outdoor kitchen kit allows you to choose from a few different designs and then tailor that design to your budget and taste. You can select the appliances, stone veneer, countertops, backsplash, and fixtures to reflect your own individual style.

A modular cabinet design provides a similarly low-cost, easy-to-install alternative. In this scenario, you choose a few modular pieces made out of a cement-based substrate and galvanized steel for the base to piece together your unique kitchen layout. The outcome, after installing the appliances and finishes, is an outdoor kitchen unit fully loaded with everything you need to whip up your favorite snack or meal!

If you’re looking to create a simpler, less expensive outdoor cooking space for family and friends to gather, consider a patio with an outdoor fireplace. Meredith Bay’s custom home model, The Timber, features a patio with a fireplace that would work well for any backyard. The simple rectangular slate patio with stone walls on two sides and a stone fireplace in the corner allows for cooking over an open flame or simply providing warm while lounging and enjoying a summer evening.

Whether your budget allows for a completely custom kitchen, a pre-designed unit, or a simple outdoor fireplace and patio, there are countless design options and special features from which to choose that will make the final product perfect for entertaining your family and friends.

Which features and finishes would you choose to complete the perfect al fresco cooking experience to fit your lakeside lifestyle?