Bringing the Orange County Kitchen, Outdoors

At Signature Design Center in Anaheim, the request for outdoor kitchen in Orange County has increased considerably in the past 10 years.  As $100 a person restaurants have come and gone, the residents of Irvine, Anaheim and the beach cities are increasingly using their own homes as the entertainment destination.   The price of an outdoor kitchen can range from $1500 to $150,000 depending on the needs and desires of the homeowner.  A recent piece in the Orange County Register suggested:

Years ago, most people used charcoal or hardwoods for their fires. After the outdoor grill, people then added a sink and a couple of burners on top of a counter for beans or chili, creating the first outdoor kitchen. Shortly thereafter, as people started entertaining more, came the refrigerator, ice maker, and of course, the giant TV.

Today, gas grills are far more popular and some people now add pizza ovens (wood fired brick or ceramic), keg tappers, wine/beverage coolers, and warming drawers. It seems like nothing is out of the question! Remember though, when shopping for equipment, make sure it is resistant to the elements and low maintenance.

When designing your outdoor kitchen, think about where it should be and how you will most likely use it.

Will you be the chef, will you entertain onlookers, and do you like to have company while cooking? How much counter space will you need? Will you want people seated around at table height or do you want bar-height with bar stools. Will you serve and eat the food at the counter, or will people be seated at a table. Will the area be covered?

One of the Most Expensive Homes in Orange County

Focusing on the Heart of the Home

Have you ever taken the time to go to an open house? Maybe even an open house for a new property in a just created development? Everything in these homes is staged just perfectly and all aspects of the home are usually very tastefully done. Nothing is left to chance and it is clear that someone has made the property warm, inviting, and elegant.

I had an opportunity to recently attend a private open house and this was not your average tract home. In fact, it was a $27 million Newport Bay mansion that was absolutely stunning. Sporting 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and an incredible 12,600 square feet the place was pure perfection.

This home is what is called French Neoclassic and was located in desirable Newport Bay. One of the top ten priciest homes in Orange County, this waterfront property had amazing views and terrific landscaping including gardens and a great pool. Inside the home the attention to detail was apparent and everything from the formal living space to the oversize garage to the staff quarters was flawlessly designed.

While not many of us can afford a property that size and scale, the overall elegance of such a place can be had in your very own home. If you wish to make your 1,200 square foot bungalow or 2,000 square foot cape cod feel like your very own mansion, the best place the start is in the kitchen.

When they say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, it absolutely rings true. It’s also true that the average homeowner may not have the square footage or capital to create a gourmet kitchen, but it is definitely possible to create that same feeling with a smaller space and tighter budget. Some great choices include granite countertops or maybe a nice travertine floor. Both of these options say “sophistication” to folks, but need not cost a fortune.

Stainless steel appliances also create an upscale feel, but if you can not outfit the entire kitchen at one time then it is best to wait. A lovely stainless steel chef’s range next to a dated and white dishwasher looks out of place and anything but classy. Also a good choice, a new high end sink and faucet can cost well under $500 and adds a very chic touch to your kitchen. Even something as simple as new and shiny hardware on your drawers and cabinets can bring a sparkle to any dulling kitchen.

If you are working with a professional kitchen remodeler, be sure to tell them just what style you are going for and ask that they advise you concerning reasonably priced options. They are the professionals and would be more than happy to share their decades of experience with you in order to create a happy customer.

Orange County opens new discount outdoor kitchen store

Newport Beach outdoor kitchen island

In the news today a new warehouse has opened in the Orange County area, Inside Out.  They offer good deals on close outs and are only open to the public on Fridays and their pricing is different for consumers than for retailers like my showroom, the Signature Design Center.  

The Signature Design Center also offers great outdoor kitchen design and construction.  Whether you are on a budget or want that special look, we can work with you to get it done.  Call for a free consultation today. Fred: (714) 442-2798 or visit our showroom at 329 N State College, Anaheim CA.

More About Inside Out

Inside-Out, a warehouse selling kitchen and outdoor merchandise at discount prices, recently opened a location in Santa Ana….. Located at 2211 S. Wright St., sells outdoor aluminum patio furniture, barbeques, barbeque islands, outdoor kitchens, outdoor kitchen accessories, spas, professional kitchen appliances and wicker furniture. 

Full Release Found Here: http://retail.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/30/kitchen-outdoor-liquidator-opens-oc-location/6340/