Get Inspired By Creative Outdoor Kitchen Floor Plans
Outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular additions to backyards and patios. They provide a dedicated space to grill, dine, and entertain outdoors. With a well-designed layout and creative touches, an outdoor kitchen can be both functional and beautiful.
If you're looking to add an outdoor kitchen to your home, the floor plan possibilities are endless.
Consider the Terrain and Topography
When starting to sketch your floor plan, it's important to assess the terrain and topography of your outdoor area. Is the ground relatively flat or does it have a significant slope? This will impact your layout options.
For yards with varied elevation, a multi-level or tiered design can help you take advantage of the change in height. Prepare foods and cook on one level, then move up a few steps to a dining space overlooking the yard. Or situate the kitchen against a hill and set an elevated dining platform above it.
Single-level layouts tend to work better for flat outdoor spaces. Without changes in grade to contend with, you can create a more open and flowing kitchen area. Just ensure proper drainage is accounted for in the design.
Take Advantage of Scenic Views
Does your property offer any attractive vistas or views beyond the backyard? Work these views into your floor plan to enhance the experience of prepping, cooking, and dining in your outdoor kitchen.
For example, you could position the grill, sink, and work stations to face out toward a vista of woodlands, gardens, or the ocean. Then place a dining table and seating in the ideal spot to soak in the sights as you eat.
Taking views into consideration when laying out your kitchen floor plan lets you fully immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty as you cook and dine al fresco.
Provide Shade from the Sun
Shade and sun protection are important considerations for an outdoor kitchen you'll be using in warm weather. Excess sun exposure while cooking can quickly become uncomfortable and unwelcome.
There are several ways to add shade elements to your outdoor kitchen floor plan. A wooden pergola or trellis are attractive options that allow you to still enjoy open air while blocking direct sunlight. For more flexible shade, install brackets to hold canvas drop shades or umbrellas over the prep and dining spaces.
Strategically place these shade providers in your layout to allow comfort for those chopping, grilling, and enjoying a meal in the heat of summer.
Prioritize Storage Space
Having adequate and convenient storage is key in an efficient outdoor kitchen. Your storage needs will depend on how elaborate your cooking and grilling station is. Even a simple outdoor kitchen will require stowing tools, dishes, cutlery, pantry items, and more.
When planning your layout, be sure to incorporate storage cabinets, shelves, and pantries wherever possible. For large floor plans, consider including a dedicated storage closet or small room off to the side. At minimum, have cabinets near the cooking area and closed shelves for glasses and dishware.
With proper storage designed right into the floor plan, everything you need will be at your fingertips.
Illuminate with Lighting
Outdoor kitchens are often used into the night, making lighting an essential component. Without proper illumination, handling sharp knives and hot pans could quickly become hazardous once the sun goes down.
Consider placing task lighting above major prep and cooking stations in your floor plan. Canned lights or pendant lamps above the countertops provide direct illumination. For overall ambient lighting, install fixtures such as lanterns and sconces.
And don't forget the dining area! Add linen-shaded pendants, candle-style chandeliers, or string lights overhead to set the mood for evening meals outdoors.
Imaginative Floor Plans and Layouts
When designing your ideal outdoor kitchen, don't be afraid to get creative with the floor plan! Here are some unique layouts to spark inspiration:
- U-shaped design for unobstructed multi-person meal prep
- G-shaped layout with wraparound seating and dining
- Outdoor kitchen island for circular flow
- Angled work triangle between sink, fridge, and stove
- Multi-level tiered design for sloped terrain
- Wraparound bar-height seating and surfaces
Don't limit yourself to a basic rectangular footprint. With some thought and creativity, you can come up with a truly custom floor plan tailored to your space and needs.
Creative Materials and Finishes
Choosing creative, eye-catching materials for counters, cabinets, and surfaces also brings unique style to an outdoor kitchen. Mix up textures, patterns, and colors to make a statement.
Combine materials like stacked stone, handmade tiles, reclaimed wood planks, and concrete in interesting ways. Or opt for contrasting countertops and backsplashes, like quartzite counters with vibrant mosaic tile.
Metallics like copper or brass hardware and fixtures bring warmth and a refined look. And don't shy away from color; forest green or cobalt blue cabinets make exciting accents against neutral tones.
With inventive use of finishes and materials, your outdoor kitchen is sure to have plenty of visual appeal.
Personalized Decor Touches
Infuse your unique personal style into the space with special decorative details. This gives your outdoor kitchen a custom, signature feel.
For a sentimental touch, create a photo backsplash using cherished family images sealed under glass. Or add monogrammed tiles at the prep or sink area, using initials of family members.
Woodburned designs in dining table tops or chair backs add rustic flair. Colored cabinets in cheerful hues like sunny yellow or coral pink exude charm. The options for small personalized elements are endless.
With your creative decor personalization, your outdoor kitchen floor plan becomes an expression of you.
Crafting a well-designed outdoor kitchen floor plan and infusing personal flair allows you to create an utterly customized outdoor living space. Consider the terrain, views, storage needs, materials and decorative details as you conceive your ideal layout. Let your imagination run free and don't be afraid to get creative!
The floor plan possibilities for an outdoor kitchen are virtually endless. Use these inspiring ideas as a springboard to envision the perfect flow and look for your space. Dream big, think outside the box, and soon you'll be dining, cooking and entertaining in your own backyard paradise.