The book includes colour photography for most of the recipes plus of the culture., The measurements are provided in metric terms. We were suddenly overcome with curiosity about the origins of these small structures, how they were built, and if they were truly, as their name implies, only used during the summer. We set out for some answers. When planning a summer kitchen, think about function, efficiency, and comfort. What do you need now and what can come later? Think about it; what better way to slake thirst than freshly squeezed lemonade served straight from your outdoor bar? Or perhaps you'd prefer chilled ros� dispensed from a dedicated beverage station?

As people become increasingly creative with their living space, outdoor kitchens have surged in popularity. Here the Marble Store take a closer look at what exactly they are, how to create one, and why a summer kitchen could be just what your home’s been missing! As summer kitchens exist today, though, they are completely obsolete. As kitchen technology changed, it no longer became necessary to move food preparation—and various unsightly chores—outside of the house. Although it I had intended to cook a dish of Padron peppers in a tomato sauce but sadly my supermarket delivery substituted these for Romano peppers which are something entirely different.We’re often asked how a sink will wear – customers will always look for scratch-resistant and easy-clean sinks, especially where limescale is an annoyance. That’s why ceramic sinks are always in the mix, with undermounted sinks helping to keep things tidy.’ For kitchen flooring ideas for 2023 - wood, whether real or porcelain/vinyl, remains hugely popular. Summer days in the UK are long-awaited and us Brits look forward to this time of year. A kitchen island is perfect to socialise around, pour a glass of bubbly and entertain whilst cooking. While we’re no strangers to the idea of the kitchen being distinct from the rest of the house—it was a fairly common practice in the Gilded age—the separation of these seasonal kitchens from the main house does not necessarily signal a wealthy household. "Summer kitchens can be found in any type of house, from grand to modest," said Carlisle.

No self-respecting host wants their guests parched under the sun during convivial gatherings. This brings us neatly onto my next insistence - bars & beverage stations - these aren't mere luxury accessories but quite literally life-savers under sweltering heatwaves. Don't be stingy when it comes to setting up lights in your summer kitchen folks. Strategically place ambient lights around cooking areas so every culinary masterpiece gets its time under spotlight. While brass and stainless steel are still popular choices for hardware, Aluminium will take centre stage for 2023. Changing up your hardware is a great way to make your kitchen look expensive on a budget, and with a low environmental impact, the material is growing in popularity as people become more and concerned with carbon footprints in the interiors and design worlds. If you’ve been planning a summer kitchen, perhaps now is the time to get it built. Share your thoughts on how you would set it up in the comments below!

Origins of the Summer Kitchen

Summer kitchens provided an extra safety measure. They were an extra precaution against a house fire since they were separate from the main house.

Now imagine this same scenario without any music--a barren acoustic landscape with only the monotonous drone of sizzling meats for company. How desolate! Editor's note: This story was originally published on June 16, 2016. It has been updated with new information. And it makes sense! Before the widespread adoption of air conditioning and electric or gas-fired cooking, you’d do the majority of your cooking and baking in wood-fired ovens or on cast iron stoves. In summer, that would heat the whole house and make living conditions unbearable. Wood-effect porcelain tiles laid in a herringbone pattern is great for open-plan kitchens extensions that have lots of natural light streaming in,’ says Natalie Holden. 'They bring a sense of warmth and texture to the space, yet don’t fade in the sunlight and are very easy to clean.’ Without proper ventilation, you're merely creating an open-air gas chamber. Do I hear protests on practicality and aesthetics?Again, this needs to be focused on how you picture yourself using the space. If it’s for preparing sundowners, then a small run of worktop with under-counter storage – and ideally an outdoor fridge or wine cooler – would be perfect. Nothing ruins an alfresco dining experience like everyone tripping over each other because pathways weren't planned properly. Design wide lanes around key areas--like between grill and table--to allow easy movement without bumping into Aunt Patty enjoying her mojito at bar counter! Material Selection - The Battle Between Durability & Aesthetics The cost of a summer kitchen largely depends on your budget, and the scale of your design, but there’s no need for it to cost the earth – especially if you source competitive materials and think carefully about what you really want and need from the space. Keen to take your al fresco dining to the next level with a summer kitchen? Here at the Marble Store, we supply a fantastic range of hard-wearing surfaces perfect for outdoor use and all at great prices. Why not browse the collection now or for more advice on choosing the right worktop, get in touch with the team?

Outdoor Kitchen Expert's Duncan agrees. ‘There’s no one ideal spot, although adjacent to your house makes it easy for amenities, electrics, plumbing, etc. Plus you may already have a patio area, which can cut down on hard landscaping.’ Smaller summer kitchens of the average homeowner were much more modest, and while some were built with quality materials, such as stones or timbers, many were constructed from inferior wood or rough-cut logs, especially the ones built in the Midwest, where better quality materials were not readily available or affordable. As slave ownership in New England dwindled during the early 19th Century, so did the appeal of large summer kitchens. Other finishing touches worth thinking about include lighting – twinkling fairy lights draped around can really help to set the mood. And how about planting a little herb garden nearby by too? Pretty, fragrant and perfect for adding more flavour to your kitchen creations! From all-singing-all-dancing areas, inclusive of everything you could possibly need (yes, even the kitchen sink!) to more basic, yet still incredibly fun and functional spaces. My grandparents had a fancy one with a dedicated larder, a cool, dry area for storing canned goods and preserves. They also kept squash, root veggies and orchard fruits in there to last through fall and winter. History of Summer Kitchens

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org via Carla Loughlin The late 18th century and early 19th century saw the rise of the summer kitchen. The desire for streamlined, clutter-free spaces sees kitchen trends leaning towards integrated, concealed appliances remaining a firm favourite. While there has been an abundance of tech and new gadgets for our kitchens, we don't want to necessarily see them, which is why kitchen appliance layout is key.