Do you have an outdoor kitchen or dining area that needs some sprucing up? Or are you looking to have an outdoor kitchen installed?
An outdoor kitchen is a great feature, and if your home has an outdoor space like this, you may be looking for ways to take it up a notch. And, if you don’t have an outdoor dining space yet and are thinking of getting one, it’s worth noting that outdoor kitchens have many benefits. They are great for entertaining and allow you to get more use out of your yard.
Still, suppose you’re looking for ways to decorate or improve your outdoor kitchen. In that case, this guide has the inspiration you need, with 8 outdoor kitchen ideas for design inspiration.
Idea 1: Create A Vertical Garden Behind Your Outdoor Cooker
Whether you have a combination grill, wood pellet grill, or something simpler, you can elevate the outdoor dining space by adding a vertical garden. While this idea works better in some climates than others, the greenery of a vertical garden is hard to beat.
You’ll feel like you’re at an upscale restaurant or a spa, not just in your backyard.
Idea 2: Utilize Indoor/Outdoor Entertaining
If you’re in the design stage of creating an outdoor kitchen, now is the time to think big. If you do lots of entertaining or want to make the most of your back porch or patio, a seamless design from indoors to outdoors is a must.
With a smooth design with large doors and windows, you can move from your outdoor kitchen to your indoor kitchen in a flash. This way, you can easily open up the area to allow for more guests. With great flow from your home to your yard, you can enjoy everything your home has to offer and really soak up those good weather days.
Idea 3: Set Up Your Own Bar Area
Do you love to share a beer or some cocktails with your friends? If you are still planning your outdoor dining space, see if you can add a bar area with a fridge or a wine cooler. Plus, a fridge makes outdoor cooking even more effortless. However, you don’t have to add any new appliances to an existing outdoor kitchen.
Instead, you can creatively set up a makeshift bar using a cart and some elegant dishware. This way, you can easily maneuver the bar cart from outside to inside. If you don’t want to go with a bar cart, another option is to add shelving in the outdoor area where you can store liquor, glasses, and other cocktail-making tools.
Idea 4: Don’t Be Afraid To Add Color
While many outdoor kitchens focus on a neutral color palette, you don’t have to stick to the basics. Adding pops of color will brighten the space and make it unique. Of course, you’ll still want to ensure your outdoor furniture is durable enough to withstand the elements, but you don’t have to pick black, white, or beige.
Instead, try a pink coffee table or bright blue throw pillows. Another way to incorporate color is to hang plants or put planters around the area. Along with greenery, you can also include vibrant bushes and bright flowers. Even if you prefer a more natural-looking outdoor space, a few colorful elements will keep the area from looking monotonous.
Idea 5: Install Colorful Glass Splashbacks for a Vibrant Look
Consider adding a colour glass splashback to your outdoor kitchen for a modern and vibrant touch. Glass splashbacks are not only practical but also offer an opportunity to introduce bold and eye-catching colors to your space. Opt for shades that complement your outdoor decor and create a cohesive theme.
Whether you choose a brilliant blue to mimic the sky or a fiery red to add warmth, glass splashbacks can serve as a stunning focal point. They are easy to clean, resistant to outdoor elements, and can withstand high temperatures, making them both functional and visually appealing.
Additionally, glass splashbacks can reflect natural light, brightening up your outdoor kitchen during the day. At night, they can be illuminated to create a captivating ambiance. With a wide range of colors and customization options available, glass splashbacks provide a unique opportunity to infuse personality and style into your outdoor cooking area.
By incorporating colorful glass splashbacks, you’ll not only protect your kitchen walls but also elevate the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space, making it a welcoming and visually striking environment for both cooking and entertaining.
Idea 6: Consider A “Closed Concept” Layout
While your outdoor kitchen probably won’t have walls to make separate rooms, you can better utilize the space if you create distinct areas. For example, you can install an L-shaped kitchen in one corner that’s mostly separate from the seating and lounging areas. This way, it will look like you have more room while still allowing everyone in the outdoor kitchen space to mingle.
It’s true that open-concept layouts are more popular, especially given the outdoor space, but you should customize your outdoor dining area how you see fit. Separating the cooking section from the entertainment section makes it easier to move from task to task.
Idea 7: Install Some Specialized Kitchen Appliances
While the average outdoor kitchen centers around a BBQ grill, you don’t have to go the traditional route. Of course, a grill is a helpful kitchen tool, and being able to take advantage of the unique smoky flavors makes sense.
However, if you don’t love to grill or just want some other options, you can find appliances that better suit your cooking style. For example, a pizza oven is ideal if you want to cook more authentic pies. You’d be surprised at the models out there, especially because many of them are designed with both form and function in mind.
Idea 8: Find Vintage Or Thrifted Pieces For Decoration
Along with outfitting your outdoor kitchen with the right furniture and cookware, you’ll also want to decorate the space. Outdoor decorating doesn’t have to just include plants, although the right flowers and greenery are essential.
You can also look for one-of-a-kind pieces, and thrift shops or vintage stores are excellent for finding things that are genuinely distinct. From vintage utensils and plates to knick-knacks and statues, you’ll love making your outdoor dining area unique.
Making The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen For You
Depending on your budget, you can truly take your outdoor dining space to the next level. Still, even if you’re trying to do things affordably, you’d be surprised at how many ways you can individualize the space.
Remember that an outdoor kitchen can be customized and decorated in nearly endless ways, just like any indoor dining space. So, feel free to follow the ideas in this list or embrace your own inspiration. If you’ve set up your own outdoor kitchen or dining space, what did you do to make this part of your property usable and beautiful?
