Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Tips for designing amazing backyard kitchens

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 05/22/2024

When it comes to outdoor remodeling, backyard kitchens are always high on homeowner wish lists. Having a place to cook and eat in your backyard, whether alone or with company, is a great opportunity to spend more time outdoors. 

No matter what time of year or type of cooking you plan to do, consider some of these tips when considering designing the perfect outdoor kitchen space:

Think about how you'll use your outdoor kitchen

Outdoor kitchens provide plenty of choices for layout, style and features. Because they are usually used as a secondary kitchen, you have more opportunities to be creative. You have the choice of simplicity or complexity depending on your intended usage. Whatever you add to your outdoor kitchen setup will help inspire entertainment and meals in your outdoor space.

Incorporate texture for a stylish aesthetic

It’s common for outdoor kitchen facades to have textured surfaces, such as brick or wood. For a more modern and polished aesthetic, go for a concrete finish and sleek, modular cabinets for modern design and functionality. 

Some experts recommend drawing inspiration from your outdoor surroundings when choosing textures and materials for your kitchen. For example, try matching wood stains with your existing patio, or using the same variety of stone in your garden.

L-shape counter design with a mini pizza oven

A gazebo offers a perfect outdoor cooking and entertaining experience. One great idea is to create an L-shaped kitchen under a gazebo including a barbecue, two burner stoves, a wood fired pizza oven and a refueling center. Attach some fold-up cutting boards for extra prep space, and have a built-in cooler for keeping beverages cold.

Choose weatherproof materials

A major aspect of designing an outdoor kitchen and dining area is choosing the right materials. The best materials will remain stable, waterproof and corrosion resistant. Concrete is a favorite option for building materials, as it’s durable and easy to clean. If you live in a wet climate, consider alternatives to wood that won’t sustain moisture damage.

Outdoor kitchen ideas vary in complexity and cost, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Keep these points in mind when planning your outdoor kitchen project and create the best possible backyard cooking experience.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.