Summer (aka barbecue season) is just around the corner – the perfect time to fire up a grill and invite some friends and family over for a fun time outdoors. But you can take your entertainment space beyond the grill with an outdoor kitchen. They’re the latest rage in home improvements and one of the best ways to elevate your patio or backyard. By adding a stove, fridge, dining and lounge areas, sinks, prep stations, and even TVs, your outdoor kitchen could rival any indoor setup.
Besides enhancing your outdoor kitchen, consider incorporating a stunning deck design to complete the ultimate outdoor entertainment space. A well-designed deck can offer additional seating, improve the flow between your indoor and outdoor areas, and even increase your property’s value. When designing your deck, choose materials that complement your kitchen style, be it wood, composite, or even tiles, and consider adding built-in planters, lighting, or even a cozy fire pit for those cooler evenings. By combining a beautiful outdoor kitchen with a thoughtfully designed deck, you’ll create an inviting and functional outdoor haven that’s perfect for entertaining all year round.
Here are some of the hottest outdoor kitchen design styles that will make you the envy of your neighbors.
1. The Classic Outdoor Kitchen
At its most basic, an outdoor kitchen should include a grill, kitchen essentials like a sink and fridge, and plenty of counter space. Classic outdoor kitchens are more function over aesthetics but you can still up the wow factor with high-quality stainless steel appliances, granite or marble countertops, and all-season patio furniture. Pair dark countertops with light exposed brick for a style that is both timeless and effortless.
2. Modern Outdoor Kitchen
To add a modern twist to your outdoor kitchen, you have to think of it like an indoor kitchen. Start by choosing appliances made of striking materials such as matte aluminum, brushed gold, or copper. Consider wooden countertops or light stones such as soapstone offset with dark or colored cabinetry. Another design tip is to add a backsplash with subway tiles to immediately give your space a contemporary feel. If your floors are unfinished, add some tiles that complement your countertops.
3. Mediterranean Outdoor Kitchen
Mediterranean exterior design has taken over the world with its cozy charm that’s perfect for entertaining large crowds. You can achieve your Mediterranean outdoor kitchen but starting with bright tiles (most commonly in the blue-green family), natural stones, and warm-toned wood. It’s almost imperative to have a long dining table that accommodates several guests and plenty of greenery climbing up your walls, pillars, and pergolas. Add a wood-fired pizza oven as a final flourish for authentic Mediterranean flair.
4. Beach Outdoor Kitchen
There is only one rule when it comes to beach outdoor kitchens: keep it light and bright. The rest is all about having fun and extending the design language of your interior to your outdoor space. A classic feature in beach design is distressed wood furniture which you can DIY by sanding down some old furniture. Wicker furniture is also an excellent alternative. You need to keep your walls, floors, and countertops as light as possible (if not white) but you can always add accents of color with pillows and flowers. Complete your beach vision with a few recliners on which your guests can relax and soak up the sun while food is prepared.
5. Industrial Outdoor Kitchen
If you like raw, edgy and stylishly “unfinished” design – an industrial outdoor kitchen is perfect for you. Industrial design places a huge emphasis on leaving materials unadorned, which means thick metal frames instead of delicate wooden pergolas, exposed brick, and harsh edges. Go for simple utilitarian pieces of furniture that don’t make too much of a statement on their own but create cohesion when taking in the whole space. Lastly, a vintage-looking grill and fridge (if you can find them) will give your outdoor kitchen an original and expensive atmosphere.
6. Rustic Outdoor Kitchen
Rustic outdoor kitchens are all about warmth – warm wood finishes, a cozy atmosphere, and a crackling fireplace. Think high ceilings with exposed wood beams, cobblestone walls and floors, and a deep farmhouse-style sink. As a final touch, add a wood-fired oven and some heavy furniture.
7. Luxury Outdoor Kitchen
If you don’t want to pull any punches, go for a luxury outdoor kitchen that boasts all of the fanciest features. Instead of a regular grill, opt for a gas-charcoal combo and instead of just having a fridge, why not add wine or beverage chillers closer to your lounge seating? Speaking of lounge seating, nothing instantly elevates the atmosphere like a fire feature – it sets the mood but can also keep you warm on chillier nights.
Ready to be the host with the most in a brand-new outdoor kitchen? We’re ready to do the heavy lifting for you. Whether indoors or outdoors, we pride ourselves on being the kitchen remodeling experts every homeowner needs. Contact us today to make your home improvement dreams a reality.