Which Outdoor Kitchen Trends are Dominating Right Now?

No matter what time of year it is, there are always reasons to celebrate. From graduations to birthdays, our homes are the backdrop where we create our memories.

One way to ensure the perfect setting is to create a backyard an oasis that can be utilized all year long. Here are seven designs to help take your outdoor kitchen from bland to beautiful in a few short steps.

It All Starts With Outdoor Design

There are natural elements one must deal with then planning an outdoor kitchen. When laying out the floor plan for your backyard oasis, keep in mind the weather. Bringing indoor comfort outdoors is more than adding ample seating around a grill and calling it a day; it’s about creating an extension of your home’s personality to your outdoor kitchen.

Whether you prefer a rustic stonework pizza oven or a sleek modern stove with the latest technology, your entertaining outdoor area should be reflective of who you are and how you entertain.

Outdoor Kitchen Materials Matter Most

Gone are the days when placing a roll-out grill on the lawn was enough. Not only is this not a safe method when it comes to grilling, but you are subject to unpredictable weather. Choosing the right material is key to keeping your appliances and your guest safe.

1.) Stonework

Stone is often high on the list of desirable materials for patio builders. Always popular, this decor option is known for its durability and aesthetically pleasing design. Another feature of stonework that is appealing to many homeowners is that of safety. While some materials may cause guests to slip when rained on, the stone has a rough natural quality that is perfect for gripping.

Stone also makes an excellent insulator for outdoor fireplaces and wood-burning pizza ovens. A hidden benefit of brick when it comes to outdoor kitchens it that there is virtually no maintenance required. Due to the stability of the material, and occasional pressure washing is all that is needed.

2.) Bench Seating

When looking at building a place to seat your guest, you will always want to invest in bench seating. While tables and chairs are a must having the additional space will prove worth the investment. One way to double up on the savings is to create storage space out of this particular area of the patio.

Not everyone will want to sit on bare brick or wood planks, so add a little comfort to the design with outdoor seat cushions. You can add a pop of color to your outdoor area or change up cushion designs with the seasons. It’s a simple way to change up the look and feel of your outdoor dining area.

3) Outdoor Lighting

Here is where you can shine. When it comes to outdoor kitchens, proper lighting is a must.  You can choose to flow the lighting style seamlessly from indoors out to the patio area, or you can decide to go with a different design choice.

When pairing with stonework, many homeowners go with a rustic copper or brass accent look that brings a warm color pallet to the forefront while others prefer the fresh, crisp look of stainless steel. No matter what you choose, make sure that the lighting is designed for outdoors, or with the first rainstorm, you may be left in the dark.

4.) Wood Pallets

With wood pallets making their way indoors, let’s not forget where they were initially intended to be used. Weather treated, and rustic pallets are slowly making their way into the category of timeless design choices.

When looking at decorating for outdoor kitchens, wood pallets can be used for everything, including backsplashes, flooring, bench seating, and even overhead cover. You can earn a five-star rating when it comes to design from your friends with this excellent and eco-friendly material.

Outdoor Kitchen Decor

Entertaining outdoors is a time-honored tradition that many homeowners look forward to each year. From summer bbq’s to birthdays, there is often a reason to celebrate.

Once your outdoor kitchen area is laid out, and the appliances are set up and functional, there is just one last thing you need to worry about—the decor.

5.) Color, Color, Color

One common trend for outdoor entertaining has a color scheme that pulls it all together.  Whether its seat cushions or table cloths, a pop of color can go a long way to bringing life to your outdoor dining experience. As the season’s change and holidays come and go, this is the one area that you can express yourself.

For those that prefer a more classic touch, bring the color palette from your interior designs out onto the patio for a more cohesive look.

6.) Plants, Candles, and Other Items

While the point of an outdoor kitchen is to be with nature, it doesn’t mean we neglect to bring a bit of life onto the patio. Fresh flowers on the table or a potted plant near the seating area can give a look that each area is its separate oasis.

Floral arrangements and candles are nice touches for when you’re entertaining guests but not necessarily utilizing the grill or stove. We recommend using a candle that not only emits a fresh smell but also helps to keep any pesky insects away.

7.) Wall Hangings and Other Decor

Some of the best decors are often found hanging on the walls. From tongue in cheek plaques to American flags, there is always room to showcase your personality in the smallest ways.

Time to Celebrate

Whether it’s the holidays or just another weekend, there are a million reasons to build an outdoor kitchen. For more information on how we can help you create the outdoor kitchen hardscape of your dreams, check out our website for more details.