How to turn your home’s kitchen into your dream kitchen

Year-round outdoor kitchen

Photograph by Gregory Miller

Why we love the look
Atlanta’s mild weather encourages cooking al fresco. Screens that open and close with the push of a button keep life comfortable even during mosquito season.

About this kitchen
David and Ansley Oyler wanted an outdoor kitchen they could use year-round at their East Cobb home. “David would cook out there every night if Ansley let him,” says kitchen designer Jane Hollman of the Studio Entourage, which created the remodeled space along with architect Linda MacArthur and builder Michael Ladisic. The homeowners wanted both a large grill and a Big Green Egg, so Mad Hatter of Marietta created a custom stainless steel ring to frame the Big Green Egg within the leathered granite counters. Other special features include plenty of counter space; heaters and speakers installed in the ceiling and faux-painted to match the tongue-and-groove cypress; a Big Ass fan (yes, that’s the brand name); and electronic retractable screens.

Great grills
Consider including different types of heating elements for the way you like to cook. In addition to their Big Green Egg, the Oylers installed a gas grill and a kamado-style charcoal grill. Other homeowners might want a burner for lobster boils.

Essential elements
“If there’s a seating area in close proximity to the grill, a vent hood is a must to pull smoke and heat up and away,” says Hollman. Depending on the room’s proximity to the indoor kitchen, it might be convenient to install an outdoor sink, which can double as an ice bucket for entertaining. A trash receptacle and storage for utensils and serving trays are other helpful built-ins.

Weatherproof
Any materials installed outside need to be durable. This kitchen features Texas limestone walls and leathered granite countertops. All appliances, including vent hoods, need to be rated for exterior use, advises Hollman.

Budgeting
The average cost of an outdoor kitchen is $30,000 to $45,000, including appliances, materials, and lighting, says Hollman.

Resources
Design and architecture: Jane Hollman and Linda MacArthur, The Studio Entourage, thestudioentourage.com
Builder: Michael Ladisic, Ladisic Fine Homes, ladisicfinehomes.com
Big Green Egg and accessories: The Mad Hatter, madhatteronlinestore.com
Gas grill: TEC Sterling G4000-FR 46” gas grill, BBQ Guys, bbqguys.com
Storage drawers and trash cans: Fire Magic, firemagicgrills.com
Vent hood: Custom through Ladisic Fine Homes
Fan: Big Ass Fans, bigassfans.com