Outdoor kitchens are not only characterized by a grill and a patio. In this day and age, they have evolved into perfect outdoor extensions of the house, complete with all modern cooking, dining, and entertaining amenities.
It does not matter if you want to put a little corner by the pool or if you want a large section where you can cook for the family.
It has to be practical, aesthetically pleasing, and inviting. In this article, I will present various concepts to help you design your ideal contemporary outdoor kitchen.
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15+ Outdoor Kitchen Ideas Modern Designs
1. Wood and Stone
2. Modern Minimalist Outdoor Kitchen
3. Stone Effect with Warm Wooden Details
4. Industrial Touch
5. Stone Sustainability
6. Coastal Outdoor Kitchen
7. Eco-Conscious Outdoor Kitchens: Combining Style with Sustainability
8. Streamlined Minimalist Outdoor Kitchens with Sophisticated Finishes
9. Bright and Colorful Accents
10. Timeless Stone in Modern Outdoor Kitchens for a Refined Look
11. Bohemian Touches
12. Contemporary Minimalist Kitchens: The Future of Outdoor Living
13. Bold Stone Countertops in Modern Outdoor Kitchen Designs
14. Wood and Stone Harmony: Combining Natural Elements for a Modern Outdoor Kitchen
15. Chic Coastal Kitchens with a Modern Outdoor Appeal
16. Elegant Stone Designs for a Modern Outdoor Kitchen16.
17. Modern Outdoor Kitchens with Rustic Stone Charm
18. Bohemian-Inspired Outdoor Kitchens for Relaxed Living
The Efficient Use of a Small Outdoor Kitchen’s Space
It may appear to be difficult to design a small outdoor kitchen at first but dealing with such challenges can be easy if the right tactics are employed.
Compact kitchens are great for people who have only a bit of outdoor space and want to do some cooking such as a small patio or a small corner of the backyard.
Kicking off, consider how to focus on including such elements that serve various purposes.
For example, a built in grill or a slender countertop. This helps in utilizing space more effectively.
It is also likely that you will want to have a smaller island that has storage for cutlery, ingredients, and tools which helps in cutting back on mess.
When there is limited space, vertical surfaces often provide an alternative. Racks for hanging pots and pans, or placing spice bottles and other necessities on shelves can create more space on the counter, where it is most vital.
It is also quite possible to assure a contemporary design in relatively small outdoor kitchen areas by using materials such as wood, stone, or stainless steel that are weatherproof and harmonize with the surrounding environment.
Poolside Kitchen: The Indulgence One Has To Try.
Everyone has that one dream of having a kitchen close to the pool and there is nothing wrong about it. It adds a complete resort feel to your backyard as it delivers all opportunities to prepare food or snacks without stepping away from all the activities.
However, when preparing a poolside kitchen, all the essentials should be splash proof and waterproof to some extent as there will be splashes in most cases.
A very simple, yet classy solution would be to incorporate a dining area next to the pool so that the visitors don’t have to go inside the house for quick bites.
This would require the use of weatherproof furniture, while the countertops should be made with a material that can withstand heat and water.
Even though they are exposed to elements, granite or concrete countertops work perfectly in a pool area because they are also stylish.
An island bar is another wise inclusion in a pool-side kitchen. It may act as a casual space for dining or as a station for the preliminary activities.
Installing a backsplash behind the center of cooking work not only serves to splatter proof the wall but also complements the kitchen and unites it with the rest of outdoor surroundings.
Less Clutter, More Accuracy
When designing a contemporary outdoor kitchen, the adage ‘less is more’ rings true on many levels and should be adhered to.
Not only do minimalistic designs manage to look much better, but they may also help in keeping the area clean.
To get a distinct look that is visually loud yet maintains elegance, steady attention should be paid to the selection of finds that have clear geometric shapes, earth shades and have a high standard of excellence.
Creating a monochromatic color scheme, accentuating wood or stone, will always be in fashion.
Use functional pieces of furniture and appliances which are not bulky and will disappear inside the overall design of the premises.
The only purpose here is functionality when it comes to outdoor kitchen creation. Let no single unit be redundant.
An island can assist you in preparing food, eating it or even act as additional shelving. In this solutions’ case, one does not to make even a large kitchen expensive to make it practical.
Affordable Tips for Creating an Outdoor Kitchen
A remodeling of any type has the negative reputation of being overly expensive. But even if you are nearing a small budget there are many interesting possibilities around a modern outdoor kitchen.
Look at the giant outdoor kitchen and see if you can make parts of it yourself. Constructing the sides, or preparing cabinets from scrap, or devising a portable structure out of cheap metal tubes can take significant portions out of the expenses.
There’s no shame in using sorrier looking furniture or appliances if it helps control costs – it only adds character.
For those in search of inexpensive raw materials, stainless steel and concrete have always been reliable and good-looking materials.
Another good investment that will not be heavy on your pocket are inexpensive tiles, which can be attached to the wall to serve as a backsplash.
One other way to cut back on cost is to go for a basic design. A basic grill and prep station can form the core of the kitchen which you may build upon gradually as the need arises.
Taking The Indoor Style Out
The primary thing to keep in mind when designing an outdoor kitchen is while it is outside, it is not that much different from an indoor kitchen.
It is there in the design for a reason and that is to allow an easy transfer from the inside of the house to the other side of the wall, which happens to be the backyard.
You don’t have to leave the comforts of your indoor space by inviting the outdoors inside.
This can done with the cookarea’s design. An oiled marble would give the same aesthetic which can also be reflected in a granite bar. Consistent cabinets and pantry, as well as light things can assist in pulling together the two half spaces.
The point is how well you keep a balance between aesthetics and the function when pulling off a decor is the utmost importance.
The furniture should be strong enough to survive the weather elements, which means functional furniture.
Weather resistant fabric, long lasting fabrics and strong fabrics when used in correct proportions give the right feel to the space.
Adding An Interesting Dining Area
Popular trend these days are kitchen fitted dining areas. This is because of two reasons but most importantly, the family is together.
For meals to be enjoyed with friends and family a key feature should always be the dining area.
Start by selecting tables and chairs that are designed for long meals but can also withstand the elements.
Chairs made from stainless steel, all-weather wicker or teak are both elegant and durable. To make the seats more comfortable, adding cushions or throws made from weather resistant fabrics are also a great option.Little things, like lighting, should not be neglected.
Draping decorative string light bulbs around the area or hanging lanterns can create a beautiful atmosphere perfect for outdoor kitchens during the evening hours.
A warm and inviting outdoor kitchen will make guests want to stay longer to eat and share stories with one another.
Choosing the Right Countertop
Every kitchen has a center and the outdoor kitchen is no different. It’s pretty simple to pick a countertop – every modern addition has to look great and be tough at the same time.
An outdoor countertop can be made of granite or concrete and even stainless steel.
They’re tough and resistant to the elements but they have a clean and contemporary design. To elevate the aesthetic even further, consider using polished stone or any material that features unique patterns.
Pick a suitable option for the countertop which is convenient to your cooking habit.
People who chop and mix ingredients often, a considerable work area space is useful, and a good countertop that is clean easy is worth the cost.
In case you enjoy more low-key parties, a lower countertop that acts as a serving surface could be all that you need.
Incorporating an Island for Practicality and Beauty
An island is one of the most important components to consider in an outdoor kitchen and one of the most adaptable. Not only does it define the area, but it also helps to prepare food, store, and seat guests.
Islands are sleek and elegant as they are made up of clean and robust materials, this feature is a must-have in a contemporary outdoor cooking space.
You have the option to go for a simple design that has a built-in grill or one that has a deeper sink, refrigerator, and extra shelves.
The casual dining table can also be substituted with the island so that all the guests can gather there as you prepare the meal.
Even when the space is small, the a smaller island should not clutter, yet serve the area’s purpose. You may want to invest in a wheeled island so that you can move it around as per your requirements.
Updating the Patio with a Modern Kitchen
If you already have a patio, adding up an outdoor kitchen is a good idea. Your patio can be the base of your outdoor kitchen since it is integrated in the design.
It also has a work surface area that can be fitted with cooking facilities, storage, and seating.
Using materials that go well together is one of the best ways to improve a patio kitchen. For example, stone backsplashes or counters can be used if the patio floor was built of stone.
Bringing in outdoor carpets or planters would make the hard details more appealing and the space much more inviting.This one is also important.
Overhead illumination, high wall lamps, and even floor lights make it cozy in the evenings and turn the patio to a great cooking and relaxing area after being extended with the walls.
The Need for Accenting Your Outdoor Kitchen
Although an outdoor kitchen’s main purpose is cooking and eating, it is not only the activity area that adds value to the space but also the interior design active elements of the area.