Today’s “Summer Kitchen” – what should it look like?
This question has been on my mind a lot lately. As we design a new outbuilding for our property, a new, modern “Summer Kitchen” will be part of the plan. As I’ve searched the internet for ideas, I’m finding the terms “Summer Kitchen” and “Outdoor Kitchen” being interchanged as the same thing. This isn’t accurate. An “Outdoor Kitchen” is used more for entertainment, featuring a BBQ grill island and outdoor refrigerator for the wine.
While this is lovely for some, it’s design doesn’t appeal to me at all, at least in terms of what I’m trying to accomplish. Something less pretentious would be more attractive to us.
The design of the kitchen, however, isn’t as important to me as what the “Summer Kitchen” could accomplish, for our family but for others as well.
When I think of the term “Summer Kitchen“, I think of a gathering place.
The appliances and floor covering aren’t nearly as important as the relationships that will be enriched in that room. Memories made as my daughters and I can homegrown vegetables and make jam from foraged mulberries are what will make this kitchen worth the effort. At some point, I’ll invite daughters-in-law into the fold and into the “Summer Kitchen” as well.
I picture……
Late nights of stories and laughter will echo from that kitchen, as we work on whatever project is at hand, be it baking, sewing or making herbal salves.
Holiday meals will get a head-start in the “Summer Kitchen” so as not to disturb the primary kitchen’s routine.
Microwave popcorn will be munched on at the table in the kitchen as the kids enjoy sleepovers in the new building.
Superbowl parties will likely happen at our place, as well as teenagers just hanging out after a Friday night game.
Community will be built as I consider teaching a class or two from the “Summer Kitchen“…a gathering place.
A “Summer Kitchen” has always been a gathering place. That tradition will be continued here as well.
The “Summer Kitchen” measures 12×16. The only decisions that we’ve made so far is that we will have the basics of any good, working kitchen…
* A sturdy stainless steel sink, deep and wide.
* Faucet with a flexible spray attachment.
* A ceiling fan and large windows.
* A working island.
* Plenty of counter space.
* A stove and refrigerator.
* Large utility sink besides the kitchen sink.
* A large dining table, quite probably used.
As far as specifics go, that remains to be determined. My husband and I will begin to shop for this project in the coming weeks and you’ll be kept completely informed. Right now, it’s a lot of fun to dream about the “Summer Kitchen” and all the memories that are waiting to be created.
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How about an easy to wash down floor with a drain?
Kimberly,
I forgot to mention that! Yes, we will have a floor drain and ceramic tile. Thanks for reminding me!
cant wait to see it! we live in Southern Missouri and Ive told hubby it would be nice to have a kitchen setup outside of the house. I hate heating up the house all day making meals at home and there is only so much you can grill
April,
Thanks, I look forward to showing all of you the progress. It’s set to start in August.
I use my slow-cooker a lot in the summer to keep the heat down as well.
I love the idea of having another kitchen, not in the main house. I can’t wait to see your progress with it!
Cassie,
Thanks for your encouraging words, we hope to get started this fall and finish by the holidays, Lord willing.
Please adopt me! I want to eat all of your yummy finds and eat in your summer kitchen. Can you point me to any good “inside gardening” links. We are in the process of looking for another house, but I thought it may be fun for my kids to grow something they can eat in the next couple of months.
Kara,
You are too funny! I don’t know of links specifically, but how about sprouting? The kids can do that indoors and eat their efforts in about a week.
http://www.themorristribe.com/2010/11/how-to-sprout/
Most squash take about 50 days, that’s a quick crop. You can trellis them vertically to save space. Lettuces are quick and easy to grow, in a very small space.
Hope that helps!
I look forward to watching your progress with your summer kitchen. I love the idea and concept you explained. Good luck.
Thanks, Jennifer! I’m looking forward to the process!
All I can say is… Ohhhh my goodness I LOVE this idea!! Just the other day I was thinking about having a wood cook stove on our future homestead for preparedness in case we ever lose power for an extended period of time… but then I thought… Well where would be the best place for it? Especially if we lose power in the summer… I’d hate to heat up the house using it. And then I came across your post just today… a PERFECT solution… A Summer Kitchen. I would do the same as you and add in a normal stove and refrigerator as well… You can definitely bet I’ll be visiting your blog a lot to see the progress of this beautiful idea! !!
Linda,
Well, I am so glad to know that great minds think alike!
I am very excited about this project, set to start in August. I’ll be posting all about it!!
What happened with the summer kitchen? Did I miss the pictures?
A. States,
No you didn’t! We’re within a month or so of finishing the new barn complete with summer kitchen and don’t you worry, you will get a grand tour when it’s done! Thanks for asking!