The outdoor kitchen is no longer just a simple grill placed on a terrace. It has become a complete open-air living space: cooking area, dining room, lounge, storage, all integrated into the garden. For a Belgian setting, even of medium size, a well-designed outdoor kitchen allows for entertaining, living outdoors, and extending summer moments. This article details the key elements, technical and aesthetic tips for successfully completing this project.
1. Why install an outdoor kitchen?
- It extends the living space: the kitchen becomes an "outdoor room".
- It reinforces the use of the garden: we eat there, we live there, we entertain there.
- It enhances the property: quality outdoor space = strong argument.
- It responds to the "outdoor living" trends.
2. Location and integration in the garden
a) Proximity & circulation
To maximise usage, place the kitchen near the house or the main terrace. The easier the access, the more it will be used.
b) Exposure, shade & wind
Plan for a well-shaded or covered area (pergola, sail) to cook or dine even in full sunlight. Control the airflow, particularly to prevent smoke from disturbing the living space.
c) Belgian style and context
Incorporate local architectural references (bricks, Belgian materials, warm tones) with a "Formentera/Ibiza" palette: soft pastels, sand, light wood, off-white accents, for an elegant yet relaxed finish.
3. The essential areas of an outdoor kitchen
Cooking zone / work of art
- Integrate a high-end barbecue or designer cooking module: for example, the brand Big Green Egg is used in customizable modular outdoor kitchens.
- Think of it as a design element (material choices, island, visible finishes): cooking becomes a spectacle.
Preparation & storage area
- Weather-resistant worktop.
- Practical storage (utensils, wood, accessories).
- Outdoor sink, possibly a small fridge.
Dining area & lounge
- Dining table + benches or lounge chairs.
- Bioclimatic pergola or sail to provide comfort and shade.
Cover / bioclimatic pergola
- Adjustable slats, durable materials, integration of LED fixtures.
Landscape integration
- Non-slip floor coverings.
- Soft vegetation around the kitchen island for a harmonious effect.
4. Style & materials
- Colour palette: sand, light wood, pale blue, off-white, terracotta accents.
- Materials: polished concrete, corten steel, thermally treated wood, natural stone, stainless steel (worktop).
- Non-slip and stain-resistant exterior coating for the cooking area.
- Quality outdoor furniture, UV-resistant cushions.
5. Sizing and practical use
- Number of seating places: plan according to the number of regular guests (4-6, 8-10).
- Proportions: cooking + preparation area ~ 30-40% of the island, dining area ~ 30-40%, lounge ~ 20-30%.
- Circulation: avoid passage areas behind the cooking zone, allow at least 90 cm of clearance.
- Durability: materials designed for outdoor use all year round.
- Controlled wear: choose materials that age gracefully (e.g. corten steel, weathered stone, patinated wood) rather than fragile finishes.
6. Technical points & energy choices
OutDOOR Kitchen
- Cooking energy: coal, gas, electric, wood ≥ depending on use and style.
- Smoke & ventilation: plan for an opening at the back or a light hood if covered.
- Integrated storage: stainless steel drawers, waterproof cabinets, covered wood area.
- Weather protection: pergola or lightweight roof, durable worktop.
- Lighting & ambiance: LED strip under the counter, spotlights on the pergola, light accents under the bench.
7. Indicative budget for Belgium
- Simple variant (barbecue + worktop + table): ≈ 3,000-5,000 €.
- Average variant (complete island, storage, shading structure): ≈ 10,000-20,000 €.
- High-end variant (design module, bioclimatic pergola, premium outdoor appliances): €20,000+ or even €30,000+.
8. Practical tips for success
- Work with a landscape architect from the project phase to align the kitchen, terrace, and garden.
- Create well-defined areas that are visually connected.
- Automate or simplify maintenance (e.g. rot-proof materials, covered accessories).
- Choose a style that is consistent with the rest of the garden (vegetation, furniture, colours).
- Think summer comfort & extended use (shading, terrace heating, ambient lighting).
- Don't neglect winter use: protected storage, easy cleaning, barbecue cover.
Conclusion
The outdoor kitchen is an opportunity to transform the terrace into a true outdoor living space. Well-placed and well-thought-out, it combines style, comfort, and sociability. It should be designed as an aesthetic object, a focal point in the garden as well as a functional tool. With the right materials, thoughtful sizing, and fine landscape integration, your outdoor kitchen will become a space to live in, share, and contemplate.