Outdoor kitchens have taken on a whole new aesthetic in the 21st century. Earlier versions of
outdoor kitchens were simply an island with a grill in the middle and maybe an old college mini-fridge sitting next to it. But now – THINK BIG! You can create an awesome outdoor space on a budget. You just have to know how.
1. Plan Your Space
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Get out your crayons and put your ideas on paper.
Don’t Stop at the outdoor kitchen plan, extend your design to the landscape. Set up interesting gathering areas such as a fire pit or water feature.
Use your space to your advantage.
You can hide unsightly areas in your yard with the right greenery or decorative structure. Colorful plants not only camouflage they attract beautiful birds and butterflies. Put up a birdhouse or two for observation. Butterfly houses have also become a popular landscape feature.
Sprinkle the space with elegant outdoor furniture. If you want to invest the time, you can find some great deals on patio chairs and tables in places like Habitat for Humanity Restore or Goodwill. Flea markets are another good source for finding a treasure or two.
Refurbish your findings for an upscale feel and provide a cozy space.
2. Let’s Get Ready to Build
You’ve planned and measured your space and are ready to cut your lumber. Once cut it’s time to rough in the enclosure. Build the exterior walls or supports, depending on whether you want an open or enclosed structure. Next, frame in the roof. The theme (to be visited later) of the space will determine the roofing materials.
There is more to the rustic wood kitchen than the choice of wood. Another thing to consider is the patio floor. You can find an assortment of materials for the
backyard patio to fit any décor. With so many colors, sizes, styles, and patterns you'll have an opportunity to put your simple masonry skills to the test.
Recruit, Recruit, Recruit
Working on any home improvement project can be overwhelming, especially if you're doing it alone. It's time to call in all your favors. Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone you can think owes you one! You would be surprised to discover the hidden talents of some friends.
3. Can Shopping Be Boring?
Now that the hard part is over, it's time to get down to the best part of kitchen design; picking out all the appliances and accessories.
The square footage of your outdoor kitchen will determine the size of your appliances. Don't worry; you don't have to break the bank. Big box stores offer scratch and dent appliances at a fraction of the retail price. Many times the item has a small ding on the exterior that can easily be hidden by cabinetry or a wall. Even if you can't hide the defect, try to camouflage it.
Purchasing the perfect grill can be costly. Remember, shop around. Take a look on Craig's List for a used item. Sellers will clean their products to look brand new, and again, you can purchase at a bargain price. It may take a little longer to find the perfect grill, but you won't be sorry. Don't forget; you will spend the majority of your time at the grill. The right built-in grill will fit perfectly in your cabinet. Be sure to extend the work surface with a long counter for prep and serving. Cooking everything from appetizers to deserts. If the grill has enough surface space, have your guests bring their favorite meat to BBQ. Use spices and rubs to concoct an assortment of steak, chicken, ribs, and burgers. Be sure to use a granite style counter for ease of maintenance and sanitary purposes.
One upscale item that will surely turn heads is the outdoor pizza oven. If you want to splurge on something, this would be it. There's nothing like the mouthwatering aroma and the real rustic flavor of pizza cooked in the outdoor oven. One fun activity is providing your guests with a pizza crust and a selection of pizza toppings and let everyone go wild creating their own. The kids will love it, and since you're outdoors, it's ok to get a little messy. Now I know that shopping for a grill or a pizza oven isn't that fascinating so, let's look at some kitchen themes to give it some punch.
4. Pick a Theme
Once you've done the groundwork, it's time to decided on a theme or at least themed decor for your outdoor kitchen. Here are a few popular looks and some tips on how to achieve them. Budget-friendly does not have to look cheap or crafty.
I know a
tropical theme has been around for quite some time, but there is always a way to freshen it up. It doesn't have to be flamingos and hanging hula skirts. Bright pastel colors are a good start to giving your decor a cheerful look. Paint is an inexpensive decorating trick to enhance your structure and inspire a sophisticated tropical feel. Next, you can anchor the seating area with a coordinating outdoor rug adorned with beautiful tropical flowers. Purchasing used casual furniture saves money. Add a new set of cushions to add style and texture. Accessorize with colorful candles and some whimsical strings of lights. Maybe some floral dinnerware and drinkware. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub add some floating lights for some nighttime ambiance.
Don't confuse coastal with tropical. They are two different designs. The coastal decor has a more organic and natural feel than tropical. Colors are subdued' like turquoise water and sandy shores. There is a calmness to this design style. Furniture should be light colored and plush, again achieved with soft cushions. A subtle splash of seashells or sea glass dotted around the area keeps the atmosphere relaxing. Serve up some fish tacos; a great budget-friendly meal accompanied by a mai tai or dacquiri. Light and refreshing on a hot summer day.
Bring Tuscany to Your Outdoor Room
A Tuscan decor has a rustic, old world, refined look. Defined by the darker, jewel-toned colors and the use of terra cotta for floors, counters, and backsplashes give it the aged appearance of early Italy. Adorn your cabinets and pizza oven with faux brick. Give an Italian countryside vibe. Stoneware accessories such as pitchers, plates, candlesticks, or maybe a concrete countertop finished with the appearance of a stoneware surface.
5. Finishing Touches
When you're using your outdoor space, you want to choose weather and fade resistant materials.
A themed planter with a plant that reflects the decor of the gazebo is an inexpensive trick for huge impact. Plants can fill that empty corner or embellish a tabletop. Use a hibiscus for a tropical theme. A butterfly palm or bamboo plant reflects a coastal feel. Put an olive tree or topiary plant in terra cotta pots fo finish the look. Small price, big WOW.
Pillows are a design trick decorators use to change up the decor by swapping them out. Colors, fabrics, sizes, and patterns are endless. Weather resistant fabrics protect pillows from the elements. Mix and match colors, patterns, and sizes for a quick update. Large floor pillows provide extra seating. You can even embellish your pillows by adding some tassels or fabric paint for a personal touch.
Don't confine the outdoor kitchen to the floor space. Extend it to the rest of the yard. Provide shade in different areas to keep people comfortable. Colorful umbrellas make the space functional. There are several outdoor games for guests of all ages. Cornhole has always been a favorite. Ladderball is another good choice. Keeping the kids occupied helps everyone enjoy the day no matter what the occasion.
Conclusion
There are always ways to work around any budget. With some creativity, your outdoor kitchen ideas can become your outdoor kitchen reality. Use the bulk of your funds on items that are hard to scrimp on such as the appliances and building materials. It's easy to get carried away when adding outdoor living spaces. Since the layout is going to dictate your buying power, budget wisely. You're bound to encounter unexpected expenses so be sure you have a contingency budget of an additional 10%. Once you're beyond the point where the big problems could turn up, you can use the remainder of the funds for the finishing touches. Even the extra 10% if there's any left. A nice little bonus for that last item.
