Menu
Outdoor kitchens are manufactured to withstand the elements, but setting them up under a covered area helps extend the life of your investment. Some homes are designed with outdoor living in mind and include built-in California rooms, while others require homeowners to get more creative with their shelter options.
A California room is essentially a large, covered patio that adjoins the main living quarters with the backyard or the side of the home. They have one to three sides exposed to the outdoors and extend the beauty of your interior to your outside space, allowing you to relax with amenities similar to your indoor oasis.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about California rooms by exploring the following topics:
Here at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens, we get to enjoy the beautiful California weather throughout all the seasons. While our state may have claimed the California room for our own, our friends in the Sunshine State have their own take on it, known as the Florida room.
You can think of a Florida room as an enclosed sunroom that shares the same roof dimensions as your home and can be enclosed by glass or screens to keep the bugs and elements at bay. Compared to a California room, Florida rooms have either limited or no open-air access. This means you have to consider ventilation systems if you opt to set up an outdoor kitchen in this space.
California rooms have a little more versatility than Florida rooms since some designs feature higher ceilings than the main house, and they can also feature screens, glass doors, or openings on all sides. Ventilation is less of a worry for California rooms since they are not fully enclosed, so you have fewer restrictions on your cooking areas.
California and Florida rooms are prime for outdoor kitchen designs since they offer additional aesthetics and protection to your outdoor kitchen. The convenience of access to both of these spaces enables homeowners to enjoy the full real estate of their home with additional functionality.
When you’ve poured a lot of resources into your outdoor kitchen, you will want to use your investment as much as possible, which means having protection from the sun and rain. Having a shelter of some sort in place will reduce the need for maintenance for your outdoor kitchen and allow your family to use the space even during bad weather.
If you happen to have a California room, count yourself lucky! It’s quite a nice perk to have, especially when you live in a state that enjoys mild, beautiful weather year-round. Having a permanent structure like a California room certainly adds value and allure to a home, but you can still enjoy your outdoor kitchen without one.
Here are some common cover ideas you can try out in case your home was built without a California room in mind:
Gazebo: You can cover your outdoor kitchen with a gazebo that provides a full coverage roof and support columns. It can provide much-needed shade and protection from sun or showers. Gazebos can offer a permanent solution since they are made with durable materials such as steel, aluminum, or wood and are firmly secured to the ground.
Pergola: You can gain partial protection from the elements and sun by setting up a pergola. While pergolas don’t offer the same amount of protection as gazebos, they are an attractive option that offer shade to play games, relax, eat, or cook.
Canopy: You can cover your entire kitchen or part of your outdoor living space with a canopy. They’re flexible and usually moveable, so you don’t have to commit to a certain space to gain shade and protection from rain.
Umbrella: You can pop up your umbrella in times of need and take it down when not in use. It’s the most affordable way to gain a quick fix to needed shade or protection from rain, but it is not really a permanent solution.
These alternatives to a California room can be helpful to protect your setup from the elements and add a little flair to your space, but remember to leave adequate ventilation if you are using these around open flames or smoke.
One of the biggest ‘threats’ to your good time outdoors is always the weather. Sometimes, a storm can roll in unexpectedly, but with a California room, you are still able to keep the fun going under the protection of a shelter.
Homes without a California room can still add an outdoor kitchen with confidence if they invest in a reputable brand known for their craftsmanship and durable stainless steel. For example, shelter is not a requirement for Brown Jordan outdoor kitchens, but having shelter would reduce the need for maintenance and offer more protection against inclement weather.
Brown Jordan outdoor kitchens use industry-leading stainless-steel cabinets that work for practically any climate. Plus, their systems are a great option for those who have a specific aesthetic and need a lot of options to match their personality. With more than 50 powder coat finishes, homeowners have an incredible variety to choose from and only need mild soap and water to keep their units looking showroom-ready.
Whether you like entertaining or are someone who enjoys getting as much fresh air as possible, a California room can serve multiple functions. You can arrange your California room for your lifestyle. You can imagine your outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, seating options, or even a bar.
Outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a luxurious option for those who want to extend their indoor space and functionality to the outdoors by having appliances to cook for family and friends al fresco. Several ways to flex your culinary skills include installing an outdoor oven, grill, sink, cabinets, tools, smoker, and even pizza maker.
Saved you a seat
Your California room wouldn’t be complete without seating and a place to lounge around. Think of this space as a transition from your inside space, and bring some of those elements to your outdoor living room. Consider outdoor lighting to enjoy your space as the sun dips down and to illuminate your walkways for safety and ambiance. Play with your space and bring your personality into it with fun rugs, throw pillows, and patio furniture.
Host mode activated
Whether you throw the occasional party or simply enjoy spending time outside, adding a touch of entertainment to your space is always a hit for a California room. Televisions, speakers, and other outdoor-approved electronics are a great way to spice up your space for the tech lovers in your life.
Pool party
If you’ve been thinking about adding a pool to your yard, having one next to your California room is a great way to elevate your next barbecue. When the temperatures start rising, having a pool to hop into after you’re finished grilling sounds pretty good.
Outdoor fireplace
Having a fireplace in your California room is a fun way to add a touch of warmth and a nice ambiance to your outdoor space. There are a lot of different options available that range from classic, gas, and electric, and they always seem to successfully attract people to sit around them.
A California room is a versatile outdoor living area that is a great place to consider for your outdoor kitchen. It adds an extra layer of protection for your appliances and cabinets and allows you and your family to enjoy your outdoor space no matter the weather.
Brown Jordan outdoor kitchens are an extraordinary option for anyone considering adding an outdoor kitchen to their California room. They are manufactured in the USA by the renowned Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens. Danver has produced stainless steel cabinets for outdoor living areas for over 20 years. Beauty and durability go hand-in-hand with Brown Jordan outdoor kitchens and they are backed by an impressive warranty.
If you want to learn more about Brown Jordan outdoor kitchens and uncover more ways to enhance your California room, contact our specialists at Atherton Appliance & Kitchens. We would love to answer any questions you may have about the installation process or address any other concerns you have regarding your outdoor kitchen needs.