7 luxury outdoor kitchen must-haves for Kelowna summers

It’s a place where the kids laugh as they splash in the pool, where you bond with old friends over a glass of riesling from the winery down the road. It’s a place where you’re free to stop and breathe the fresh air perfumed with the scent of blossoming flowers and sizzling meat on the barbecue. Your luxury outdoor kitchen is the heart of your home and a place where cherished memories are made. 

Here are seven must-haves for your outdoor kitchen captured within examples of some of the award-winning outdoor living spaces we’ve designed and built for our clients here in the Okanagan. 

 1. A great grill

The grill is the centrepiece of every outdoor kitchen. From creating the delicious grill marks on seared steaks to the mouth-watering flavour of your favourite vegetable skewers, the right grill makes all the difference.  

What are the best barbecues Okanagan luxury homes are getting outfitted with? It depends on how you like to grill. Love smoky flavours and don’t mind waiting for a delicious meal? Grilling purists love charcoal grills. Favour ease of use? Consider an electric grill. Want the flavour of a classic grill without the propane tanks? Work with your designer builder to equip your patio with a natural gas hookup. 

2. More ways to cook

Elevate your outdoor cooking space with side burners. Available in propane or natural gas, these convenient additions make your outdoor cooking and hosting life easier. Whether you’re caramelizing onions for your famous burger, boiling corn or just want to bring the wok outside for a stir fry, side burners empower you to sear, simmer and sauté without having to run inside. 

Want to take your cooking to the next level? Wow your guests with homemade Neapolitan pizza fresh from your built-in wood-fired pizza oven. 

3. Equip your outdoor kitchen with the essentials

To build a true luxury outdoor kitchen, you need a space capable of replacing your indoor kitchen. Your new favourite grill and side burners are a great start, but you’ll also need:  

• Storage space for your outdoor-only set of pots, pans, cooking utensils and kitchenware 
• A refrigerator and deep freeze or ice box 
• A sink and dishwasher for tackling the post-dinner clean up 

4. Space to entertain

Kitchens are for more than just cooking and eating. It’s the space where families sit and laugh together and friends catch up over a glass of wine or a craft cocktail. 

When we designed the Lakeside Retreat, we expanded on that concept to create a stunning poolside cocktail bar. With easy access to the pool, patio and Okanagan Lake, the cocktail bar is the perfect spot for guests to relax with an aperitif. 

5. The right materials

You can already see your luxury outdoor living space coming together: the natural gas grill, your poolside cocktail bar and your drink-filled patio refrigerator. Before you can enjoy your luxury outdoor kitchen, you need to ensure you design a space that’s comfortable and capable of withstanding the Okanagan climate. That starts with choosing the right materials.  

Instead of a stunning slab of walnut, opt for solid surface countertops like granite, quartz or stainless steel. For cabinets, consider stainless steel or a sealed and weather-resistant wood like teak. For flooring, choose a durable and low-maintenance surface like natural stone. 

6. Year-round comfort

The Okanagan is blessed with beautiful summers. But, if you want to extend your patio season, you’ll benefit from welcoming climate control features into your outdoor living space. 

With a two-level infinity pool made for sunny afternoons and a cozy gathering space built around a custom fire table perfect for cool autumn nights, our Eagle’s View home was a finalist for Excellence in Outdoor Living Space at the 2020 CHBA Okanagan Awards. 

7. Space to unwind

Whether it’s a large deck made for reading and relaxing with a glass of wine, like at Mark’s Grand Escape home, or a quiet and contemplative sitting space such as the outdoor space we designed for Pat and Les’s Okanagan Viewpoint home, creating a space where you’re free to just be is the perfect way to personalize your luxury outdoor kitchen and living space. 

At Bellamy Homes, we’ve been building exceptional homes and outdoor living spaces since 1998. Our CEO and designer-builder Les Bellamy will work tirelessly to help you build your family’s dream home and the perfect luxury outdoor kitchen. 

Give us a call at 778-940-7803 or contact us online to learn more.