As someone who recently completed a small outdoor kitchen project in LA, I have to say that it was both a rewarding and frustrating experience. The good news is that the finished product is absolutely stunning, and we now have a beautiful outdoor space where we can cook and entertain. The bad news is that there were a lot of pitfalls that we had to navigate in order to get to this point.

First of all, the direction of the light was a major factor to consider. We wanted to make sure that the kitchen was well-lit, but we also didn't want it to be too bright and harsh. After much consideration, we decided to install several pendant lights that would provide a warm, ambient glow. The materials we chose for the kitchen also played a role in capturing the light. We used a combination of natural stone and wood, which both have a soft, reflective quality that helps to bounce the light around.

But perhaps the most important aspect of our small outdoor kitchen was how useful it would be when our family was there with us. We wanted to create a space where we could all come together and enjoy good food and good company. To that end, we included a lot of seating options, as well as plenty of counter space for food prep. We also made sure to include a grill, sink, and refrigerator, so we could have everything we needed right at our fingertips.

Of course, it's important to know all the potential pitfalls before starting any project, and our outdoor kitchen was no exception. One pitfall that we had to watch out for was drainage. We didn't want water pooling around the kitchen and creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so we made sure to install proper drainage channels. Another pitfall was the risk of pests. We wanted to keep our food safe from any critters that might try to sneak in, so we made sure to seal up any potential entry points.

Now that our small outdoor kitchen is complete, we couldn't be happier with the results. The only downside is that our family is now constantly bugging us to have cookouts and dinner parties. But hey, I guess that's the price you pay for creating a space that's both functional and beautiful. Just be warned: if you decide to embark on a similar project, make sure it's perfect, or else face the wrath of your family's disapproval. Trust me, it's not worth it.