In Fort Myers, outdoor kitchens are more than a luxury. They are an essential part of our lifestyles in an area of the world blessed with year-round sunshine and stunning coastal views. From cooking gourmet meals to creating memorable evenings under the stars, an outdoor kitchen remodel is your chance to make a space that enhances both your home and your day-to-day living.
In this article, we look at some key features of these outdoor culinary spaces that will transform your backyard into a stylish and functional kitchen that people will love to visit.
A State-of-the-Art Grill Station
A top-tier grill station is the centerpiece of any backyard gathering and social occasion. There are many options to choose from. Built-in gas grills are popular for their convenience and sleek design, while hybrid models offer the versatility of cooking with gas, charcoal, or wood.
Premium grills have several features that make cooking an even more enjoyable experience. You can add a smoker for slow-cooked perfection or a rotisserie for restaurant-quality roasted meats. The best quality grill stations also feature side burners, warming drawers, and built-in storage for tools and seasonings.
Check out the large grill station and hood vent we incorporated into an outdoor kitchen in Fort Myers.
“The grill station was designed as a seamless focal point, featuring a curved granite countertop with seating,” says Betty Appleby, designer at Progressive Design Build, “along with a large grill, hood vent for ample cooking space, and cypress cabinetry stained to complement the rustic charm of the wood patio ceiling.”
Outdoor Refrigeration and Ice Makers
In the often sweltering heat of Southwest Florida, keeping beverages and ingredients chilled is essential. Built-in outdoor refrigerators and ice makers eliminate the need for constant trips indoors. And like with the grills, there are plenty of options available.
Look for appliances specifically rated for outdoor use. These have been designed to withstand tropical heat and humidity, ensuring long-lasting performance and refreshingly chilled drinks. A beverage fridge is ideal for wines, beers, cocktails, and sodas, while a dedicated ice maker is a handy way to keep your glasses cool, whatever the weather.
Pizza Ovens and Specialty Cookers
Another way to take your outdoor cooking to another level is with specialty appliances like wood-fired pizza ovens, flat-top grills, and vase-shaped tandoor ovens. You can use these to cook many different types of food. A pizza oven, for example, isn’t just for pizzas! It’s ideal for baking bread, roasting vegetables, and cooking meats that require a crispy finish.
Flat-top grills offer versatility for everything from breakfast spreads to stir-fried dishes, while smokers let you experiment with slow-cooked, smoky flavors for brisket, ribs, and more. Tandoor ovens and similar international designs allow you to explore global cuisines from the comfort of your Fort Myers backyard.
We incorporated a grill, smoker, and double-sided burner into this outdoor kitchen and living space in Alva, FL.
Water Features and Outdoor Sinks
Add a luxurious feel and functional touch to your outdoor kitchen with different water features. Small fountains, cascading waterfalls, hot tubs, and contemporary wall-mounted features add a dynamic natural element to the space, contributing to relaxation, visual interest, and a resort-like ambiance.
Combining elegance with practicality, a built-in sink will make meal prep and cleanup simple, keeping everything close to hand. Water cleanses, relaxes, and refreshes, especially in the heat of summer. As such, it’s a crucial component to bear in mind when designing your backyard kitchen.
If you have a pool, there are also ways to integrate features, such as the new hot tub we seamlessly incorporated into our client’s existing pool in this Bonita Bay property.
“The new hot tub, finished in the same elegant stacked stone as the outdoor kitchen,” says Betty Appleby, “was seamlessly integrated into the pool area, enhancing both its usability and visual harmony with the surrounding tropical foliage and custom features such as the curved tanning ledge.”
Comfortable Seating and Dining Areas
Like with modern indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens are more than just a place to cook. They are also an entertaining hub where we gather with family, friends, and guests to share delicious food and create happy memories.
Design your backyard to match your lifestyle. For example, this might mean bar seating near the grill for casual gatherings, a spacious dining table for family meals, or a lounge area with plush sofas and armchairs for relaxed evenings. You can mix and match seating options with built-in benches, weather-resistant sectionals, and adjustable chairs.
Shade and Shelter Solutions
If there’s one thing that’s nearly always guaranteed in Fort Myers, it’s sunshine. It’s the highlight of outdoor living in southern Florida, but it also means there’s an essential need for shading options.
Pergolas, retractable awnings, and full roof extensions are great ways to keep yourself and your guests cool while protecting your outdoor kitchen from the elements. Pergolas can be customized with climbing plants or LED lighting for added ambiance. Retractable awnings offer flexibility and let you adjust coverage as needed.
For year-round functionality, consider insulated roof extensions that shield from the summer sun, hurricanes, and tropical storms.
Integrated Lighting and Sound Systems
Light and sound play a significant role in setting the perfect ambiance for your evening gatherings. Integrated lighting and sound systems are ideal for this.
Strategically placed lighting, such as pendant lights over the grill or LED strips under countertops, can enhance functionality and aesthetics after dark. Pathway lights and wall-mounted fixtures improve safety while adding a warm and inviting glow.
Complement the atmosphere with a built-in audio system featuring weatherproof speakers to seamlessly blend music for dinner, dancing, and relaxation. For added convenience, consider smart lighting and sound controls you can operate via your smartphone.
Smart Technology Integration
Speaking of smart technology, modern outdoor kitchens are smarter than ever. Technology is making cooking and hosting easier and more enjoyable. Wi-Fi-enabled grills let you monitor cooking temperatures from your phone so you can enjoy perfectly cooked meat without hovering over the grill.
Smart lighting systems can be adjusted with a tap or a swipe, allowing you to set the mood for late-afternoon barbeques or evening parties. Outdoor TVs and sound systems keep everyone entertained, while app-controlled appliances, like refrigerators and pizza ovens, ensure you can keep the conversation going while keeping everything close to hand.
Electronic fireplaces can also keep things cozy on cooler evenings.
Integrating smart technology makes things smoother and can also look impressive.
Weather-Resistant Materials
Fort Myers’ tropical climate means all types of outdoor kitchen materials need to handle heat, humidity, and salty coastal air. Durable and weather-resistant materials are a necessity.
Stainless steel is a safe bet for appliances, being rust-resistant, easy to maintain, and durable for long-term use. For countertops, opt for granite or quartzite, which withstand high temperatures and resist fading or cracking in the sun.
Marine-grade cabinetry, made from weatherproof materials, ensures your storage solutions stay strong and stylish in coastal conditions. For flooring, consider natural stone or porcelain tiles, which are slip-resistant and last a long time.
Luxury Home Remodeling in Southwest Florida
A well-designed outdoor kitchen can transform your home and how you entertain. It combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comforts of indoor living, which can enhance both your current lifestyle and your property’s value in future years.
Whether enjoying family dinners, a quiet read under the stars, or hosting a lively barbecue, the design-build approach is ideal for creating an outdoor kitchen that becomes the heart of your home.
Progressive is an award-winning design-build luxury remodeling firm founded in 1989 that serves Southwest Florida. Whether you’re looking to enhance an indoor or outdoor space – or create a new one – we’re the team that can get the job done.
Progressive Design Build is a trusted expert in custom home remodeling, from kitchens and bathrooms to whole houses, condos, and outdoor living projects. You can rely on our seamless processes, advanced technology, and exceptional customer service to deliver on-time and on-budget results.
Ready to talk about remodeling? Reach out directly to schedule a free consultation.
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