Creating an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space, providing a perfect spot for entertaining friends and family in your backyard. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or love to host gatherings, a well-designed outdoor kitchen can be a game-changer. For homeowners in Lancaster County, PA, a comprehensive guide to inspire your outdoor kitchen design is exactly what you need to get started.
Chapter 5 — Outdoor Kitchen Guide
Even though summer is winding down, and you may not want to begin building your outdoor kitchen, now is the perfect time to start brainstorming. In the past, you’ve explored many blog topics with us to help you get your outdoor kitchen started the right way. By now, you probably have almost everything you need—from choosing kitchen appliances to establishing your kitchen zones.
At LanChester Grill & Hearth, our goal is to make this as easy as possible for you and guide you every step of the way. In this final chapter of our five-part outdoor kitchen guide, we provide a few visual examples of outdoor kitchen design ideas that will jump-start your creativity. When you’re ready to get started with your outdoor kitchen, be sure to call the professionals at LanChester Grill & Hearth!
A Covered Patio
Have you considered what outdoor kitchen features you want for your space? If your kitchen will be an added outdoor living space in your home, you’re going to want to provide shade for your friends and family (and yourself!) when you’re working on your outdoor cooking. A covered patio can be over your dining area, cooking area, or both. Here are a few outdoor kitchen ideas that you will love:
Creating a Focal Point
Just like with your indoor kitchen, you want your outdoor living space to be stylish. Instead of picking out every color, piece of furniture, and finishes that you like, consider choosing one or two main pieces that will become the “focal points” of your outdoor kitchen design. Creative backsplashes, colorful furniture pieces, oversized accessories, or floral arrangements are just a few options.
When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider incorporating elements like a stainless steel gas grill or a pizza oven to enhance functionality and style. These features add a modern touch and provide practical cooking solutions for your backyard kitchen ideas. Here are a few examples that really pop:
Maximizing Your View
Your outdoor kitchen design should be a hot spot in your home that you want to show off. When you step outside into your little private oasis, the view should take your breath away or have you sigh with relief. Don’t let poor design choices get in the way of enjoying that view. Check out a few designs that have beautiful views without sacrificing any privacy:
Bar Ideas
When you’re coming up with your outdoor kitchen ideas, you need to determine how you will most often use the space. Having a bar can serve as a great (and functional) addition to the outdoor living space if you’re usually entertaining.
Consider adding a bar with ample storage space and a stainless steel countertop to enhance both style and functionality. Integrating features like a built-in grill island or a small refrigerator can make the bar area even more versatile, ensuring it meets all your entertaining needs. These elements can significantly elevate your outdoor kitchen design. Some of these designs can inspire:
Dining Spaces
No kitchen is complete without a place to enjoy all of the delicious food you just cooked. Your outdoor dining space will likely be close to your outdoor cooking space, but it still needs to function in outdoor weather. Make sure you pick out furniture that can withstand the elements but still complements your aesthetic:
Choosing a Theme
Now that you have a few photos for inspiration, hopefully, you’re on your way to narrowing down your outdoor kitchen ideas into a cohesive look. To achieve consistency in your outdoor kitchen design, you must decide on a theme or style that you are really drawn to.
Consider themes like rustic charm with natural wood elements and stone countertops or modern elegance with sleek stainless steel appliances and minimalist designs. Incorporating a dining table and comfortable seating can create a welcoming atmosphere. These themes can help create a cohesive and stylish outdoor kitchen layout. If you’re not sure what that is, here are a few popular décor themes that look best in an outdoor living space.
Rustic
Rustic is an inclusive term in the design world and can mean anything from a log cabin to something a little more refined, like a charming farmhouse. Typically, in rustic designs, you’ll see a lot of natural elements like wood or stone, but wooden cabinets are not ideal for outdoor kitchens for safety reasons.
Try incorporating elements like fire pits into your design and use primarily natural colors for a more modern outdoor kitchen design. These elements are likely a little rough around the edges, but they can be charming, like the example above, when done right. Adding a bit of greenery will brighten up the space, but the idea is to keep the overall feel warm, cozy, and inviting.
Modern
It’s all about striking a balance between the function of your kitchen and the aesthetics when you choose a modern outdoor kitchen design. Modern aesthetics may be right for your space if you love clean lines and bold color choices. Free of clutter and typically using neutral colors with a bold accent, incorporating a contemporary look into your outdoor kitchen can make a bold statement to all who enjoy your space with you.
In the photo above, you’ll see the red in this outdoor kitchen design since it adds a bit of flair. It’s trendy, has an open concept, and functions as an excellent space for entertaining without sacrificing that modern aesthetic.
ITALIAN
Italian design can lean into two different directions—modern and traditional—but both tend to look very grand and opulent. Opposite to typical modern designs’ minimalism, traditional Italian décor tends to be very ornate. Think terra cotta, granite, and stone for a classic Italian style, with open-air spaces to let in the most light and “airiness.” This style is perfect for those hoping for that classic, sophisticated look.
Slightly rustic but still modern and elegant, an Italian outdoor kitchen design can really help to transform your outdoor space. Plus, a grill area blends seamlessly with this design. Consider adding stone and wood elements for warmth as design inspiration.
TROPICAL
Transforming your backyard into the perfect getaway is one thing, but if you’re looking to turn it into a beach oasis, consider a few design tips. It doesn’t have to be all palm trees and ocean-themed décor (unless you want it to be)! Creating that atmosphere with natural and organic elements instead is just as satisfying visually! If you really want to emulate that beachy vibe, try using crisp colors that are very refreshing to the eye and brighten up a space.
Think rattan furniture mixed with bold patterns and bright colors. Adding greenery or other pops of color to your space will also help create that perfect tropical vibe.
For Help with Your Outdoor Kitchen Design, Turn to the Professionals at LanChester!
No matter what you decide to do for your outdoor kitchen design, it’s important to remember that LanChester will be with you every step of the way. Our design team makes the entire process as easy as possible for you while still providing practical solutions and a pressure-free experience. Contact us today to get started and learn more, or stop by our showroom for a tour!