Transforming your backyard into an outdoor entertainment oasis can make hosting culinary gatherings—from casual family barbecues to elegant dinners under the stars—a delightful and memorable experience.
But while we’re huge fans of elegant, custom kitchens that provide a striking and expansive backyard entertaining mecca, we also know that this size project is not the best first choice for every homeowner. So as an alternative starting point, here are 7 simple outdoor kitchen ideas that will expand your outdoor options and elevate your backyard space:
1. Design an Efficient Work Triangle
In kitchen design, the work triangle concept involves strategic placement of the stove, sink, and refrigerator to achieve optimum food-prep function.
What makes it simple: This doesn't require extensive renovations or a large space, but rather thoughtful planning to ensure that these key elements are well-positioned for ease of use and movement. Design your space with no barriers blocking your paths between these 3 cooking areas, and you’ll make preparing meals and entertaining outdoors more efficient, enjoyable, and user friendly.
2. Select High-Quality Appliances
Choosing the right appliances doesn’t mean going for the most expensive or the largest. Rather, it’s about selecting a few high-quality, durable appliances that meet your specific needs.
What makes it simple: A reliable grill, a compact outdoor refrigerator, and a versatile cooking element like a pizza oven can offer significant cooking capabilities without the need for a full kitchen setup.
3. Create a Dedicated Outdoor Dining Area
Setting up an outdoor dining area can be as straightforward as selecting a durable dining set that complements your outdoor space.
What makes it simple: This one addition creates a functional and inviting area for meals without requiring complex structures or extensive space modifications.
4. Incorporate an Outdoor Fire Feature
An outdoor fireplace can be added in various ways, from portable fire pits to modular or custom outdoor fireplace units that set a beautiful tone of ease and leisure for your outdoor space.
What makes it simple: Fire pits and fire tables are perhaps the easiest ways to add some glow to your outdoor kitchen vibe. These options provide the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace without the requirement for a custom, built-in structure.
5. Expand Your Living Space
Expanding your living space outdoors can start with basic elements like outdoor rugs, weather-resistant furniture, and simple cooking setups.
What makes it simple: This approach allows you to gradually enhance your outdoor area without jumping straight into extensive remodeling or construction. Which means you can get a sense for how much you enjoy cooking and eating in your own backyard—before you decide how much to invest in a custom outdoor kitchen.
Read More: How to Make a Sloped Backyard Usable
6. Optimize for Entertainment
Sure, you may have long-term visions of open-air movie nights and exciting weekends cheering the big game on your outdoor flatscreen, complete with surround sound. But you can also start simpler by considering all your options.
What makes it simple: Simple additions like a bar area or a designated spot for games can significantly improve the entertaining potential of your outdoor space—even with minimal effort. Optimizing your outdoor kitchen for entertainment can start simple—with a Bluetooth speaker system and good lighting—and expand from there.
7. Enhance with Lighting and Shelter
Outdoor lighting + some shelter = truly bringing the indoors out.
What makes it simple: For shelter, consider retractable awnings or a simple pergola that can provide protection from the elements, both of which can be installed with relative simplicity. Adding lighting can also be as straightforward or customized as you like. You might start by simply incorporating solar-powered lights or string lights to up the cozy ambiance.
Bonus Tip: Incorporate Sustainable Practices
Sustainability starts with small steps, like choosing LED lighting, using local professionals, and installing rain collectors and gauges for water conservation.
What makes it simple: These practices are not only easy to implement but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable outdoor kitchen environment.
By focusing on these simplified approaches, homeowners can begin enjoying the benefits of an outdoor kitchen without the immediate need for complex or costly developments, making the dream of outdoor living more attainable and enjoyable from the day your ideas begin percolating.
Have more questions about your future outdoor kitchen? We’d love to discuss the options with you.
For more inspiration, check out the gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.
