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This post will show you 19 small outdoor kitchen ideas to transform your backyard and bring your entertainment outdoors!
As an Italian, I may be biased, but I strongly believe summer outdoor dinners are one of the best things life has to offer. There is something truly enchanting about consuming the food you love surrounded by nature, and sharing that experience with your loved ones as you lean into the slower pace of summer.
An outdoor kitchen can effortlessly help you integrate such moments into your family’s routine, providing a functional and welcoming environment for you to cook and entertain outdoors just as confidently as you may do inside your home.
Regardless of the budget or the backyard size you are working with, you can create an outdoor kitchen that will inspire and serve you according to your family’s needs. All you have to do is think creatively about how to approach outdoor decor and use the small outdoor kitchen ideas I suggest in this post!
The Foundational Elements of Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Creating and decorating an outdoor kitchen can feel like a daunting task. Especially if you have no experience with outdoor decor, it is crucial for you to understand what the core building blocks of your space will be. Style and functionality choices will need to be built on top of this foundation for a cohesive look that seamlessly extends your home decor and hosting habits into your backyard.
The three elements you will need when creating an outdoor kitchen will be:
- Cooking Appliances: what are you hoping to cook and what budget are you willing to invest in? If grilling is one of your favorite hobbies, then appliances will likely have a heavier weight on the budget than less functional decor items. This is something you should have a good understanding of before moving on with your design and planning.
- Storage Options: will you need plenty of storage options in your outdoor kitchen? Would it be inconvenient for you to keep going back and forth between the house and the backyard or is that something that will not bother you? Once again, having a clear definition of your needs and preferences will help you invest your money wisely and ensure the space is designed according to how you plan on actually using it.
- Prepping Space: what type of cooking do you intend on doing? If you know you enjoy extensive prepping and more complex recipes, then you will need to account for counter space. On the other hand, if all you intent on doing is grilling burgers, then a small grill cart may be sufficient.
Now that you have a clear idea of how to structure your budget and the key elements to focus on, let’s dive into 19 small outdoor kitchen ideas for all the inspiration you may need!
19 Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Shelving Unit to Increase Storage Vertically
High shelves are not often used in outdoor decor. This is usually due to fences being lower than your average shelving unit.
However, if you are looking for an affordable and efficient way to increase storage in your outdoor kitchen, a multi-tiered shelving unit could be exactly what you need.
Leverage existing home walls or the bare side of your shed to provide a better visual context to this piece. Such an approach will guarantee the shelves will not look out of place even next to much shorter furniture or appliances.
Unused Backyard Corner Transformation
Source: Future PLC/Colin Poole
Unused backyard corners are perfect for setting up a small but functional outdoor kitchen.
The existing fence will help give the impression of a separate space. All you will need is a good quality grill and a beautiful outdoor kitchen island.
Be creative and use flowers and plants for an additional touch of decor and there you have it, a ready-to-use outdoor kitchen with just three pieces!
Repurposed Potting Bench
Source: John Granen
If you will only be doing some light cooking like salad prep or simply need outdoor support for the cooking you plan on doing from the main kitchen, a repurposed potting bench could be the perfect match to your needs.
The different shelves and ample counter/working space will provide the perfect set-up for a buffet or drink cart to entertain your guests.
Stock up the cart with drinks and all bartender must-haves for the perfect al fresco summer cocktail party to accompany your outdoor dinners.
Complete Outdoor Kitchen Set to Save Money
Source: Ikea.com
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Outdoor kitchen sets are ideal if you are looking to save time, money, and space.
The pre-made combinations available across most large-scale furniture retailers (Ikea is a great example) will provide a cohesive look with different pieces that can be purchased and combined according to the layout you are working with.
To avoid having your outdoor kitchen look straight out of a furniture store ad, make sure to include a few personal touches like favorite plants and flowers. This will help make the space feel like it speaks of you and your home’s personality!
DIY Console Table
Source: TIDBITS & Company – Cami Graham
One of the best ways to ensure your home is filled with your taste and personality is to dedicate some time to DIY projects.
And when it comes to small outdoor kitchen ideas, a DIY outdoor console could be a fantastic occasion to test your creativity and help your budget out.
Upscale a simple thrifted console table with some paint of your choice and a functional set of wheels for a unique serving cart to complete your outdoor kitchen. Bonus tip: use decor items in your style of preference to tie the whole look together for a cohesive but unique space.
Affordable Utility Cart
Source: Ikea.com
Multipurpose decor is perhaps the best hack to save time and money when investing in your decor.
An affordable, colorful utility cart will be the perfect ally to keep your outdoor kitchen organized, while, at the same time, providing additional storage for your indoor kitchen as well.
Stock it up with your most-used ingredients and utensils for a piece that will transition from your home to your backyard with minimum effort.
Solid Wood Console Table For A Classic Look
Source: Jennifer OBrien – @cityfarmhouse1
For a Hamptons-inspired outdoor kitchen, you will want to invest in classic pieces that will stand the test of time while remaining elegant and filled with character.
A solid dark wood console table will match most grills and outdoor kitchen appliances, with deep tones that scream understated chic.
Such a piece will also serve as the perfect background for stunning decor like outdoor lanterns, crystal pitchers, and cute hand towels. The overall classic look will give you the freedom to let your decor evolve over time without changing the core pieces of your outdoor kitchen for a set-up that is sure to never look outdated.
Window Bench for Multipurpose Spaces
Source: Sue Ferris
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While it may seem counterintuitive, your outdoor kitchen does not need to be outside to achieve its scope. Let me elaborate!
If you are truly working with a limited space that will make it impossible to fit the foundational pieces needed for a functional kitchen in your backyard, then your best option might very well be bringing your current kitchen into the outside.
Sliding windows and a large countertop shared between the inside and outside will provide you with plenty of seating/dining space while giving you the feel of having direct access to the kitchen despite being outside.
Consider this idea if you are evaluating a kitchen re-decoration or if you are in the early phases of building your own space. This is an incredibly smart way of approaching multipurpose design!
Minimalistic Decor
Source: Country Living
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Sometimes less is more, and this holds true when thinking about the design of any space within your home.
When talking about small outdoor kitchen ideas, I often see too much importance placed on finding the perfect set of appliances, filling the space with the perfect decor pieces, or simply trying to replicate the same design as the home interiors.
However, a small space can often remain functional when complex decor gives way to simplicity instead. Choose a grill that serves as a beautiful item of decor in itself, rely on functional items like wood to add some layers to your set-up, and then let your cooking be the start of the show! The space will feel bigger and you’ll save money in the process.
Pattern Tiles Backsplash
Source: Future PLC/Jemma Watts
Patterned tiles are elements that can easily transform any space, filling it with unique personality and color.
If your budget is limited, do not worry – this beautiful look is stills something you can easily achieve! The secret: high-quality peel & stick tiles.
This trick will allow you the flexibility of updating your space down the line if you get tired of the pattern and, simultaneously, provide enough of a decorative element not to overtake your small outdoor kitchen with single decor pieces.
DIY Outdoor Kitchen Island
Source: vtwoven
Another option on the DIY list of small outdoor kitchen ideas: is a home-made kitchen island.
Work with leftovers of previous projects to create a one-of-a-kind, affordable workbench that wills serve as the perfect counter space of your outdoor kitchen.
You can also ask for a quote from local artisans. If you are able to provide the materials, you may find some great deals around you!
Balanced Distribution of Appliances
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Small outdoor kitchens often feel like an unorganized combination of the few appliances that can fit into the limited space.
However, you can ensure your outdoor kitchen remains functional, while also focusing on providing more structure to the space.
Alternating appliances with small working spaces, for instance, can help create a natural flow to the working space and give the impression of a better-designed kitchen. The key is a layout where each appliance is connected to each other, no matter how different they are in design.
Custom Wood Work
Source: @designermumetc
While small outdoor kitchens can easily be created using existing sets, if you are faced with a difficult layout or simply want your outdoor kitchen to be a perfect fit to maximize the space, you may need to consider custom woodwork.
Meet with local artisans to get a few quotes for a custom outdoor kitchen that can use every inch of the small space you have available. Be mindful of your budget and prepare a list of must-haves.
If you are working with a competent studio, they will be able to create a proposal that can fit within your budget and still meet your high-level needs. You will not regret this investment!
Herb Garden For Edible Decor
Source: shootfactory.com.uk
If you are blessed with a green thumb, your outdoor kitchen is a wonderful place to use that skill and create some decor that is just as delicious as it is beautiful.
Create a herb garden to add a touch of green and take your cooking to the next level! For smaller spaces, think of investing in a vertical planter to maximize space usage.
Mediterranean Pizza Corner
Source: @camillestyles
As much as we can universally agree that the perfect outdoor kitchen has a grill, sometimes space limitations do not allow for such a luxury.
However, why not invest in a fun alternative like a pizza oven? Taking up less space than a traditional grill, a pizza oven will allow you to create your own corner of Mediterranean haven and have plenty of fun with family and friends making and baking pizzas all summer long!
Bonus points if you commit to the aesthetic and decorate your outdoor kitchen with wicker baskets and Mediterranean herbs! You’ll never want to cook inside again.
The Vertical Approach
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You may think that outdoor kitchens need plenty of space to remain functional, but this is not necessarily true.
Think of developing your outdoor kitchen vertically, investing in wall-mounted storage and decor to ensure your space can meet all your needs while being a perfect fit for a small area like a balcony or a tiny backyard corner.
You will need to sacrifice some of the counter space, but that is easily replaced by some indoor kitchen prepping.
Bar Stools For Space-Efficient Dining
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Small outdoor kitchen ideas oftentimes ignore dining areas, assuming they will need to exist fully separate from the cooking location.
In reality, a creative solution like an elongated counter space can provide the ideal space-efficient dining option.
Opt for beautiful, modern bar stools to complement your outdoor kitchen. You will find it easier than ever to entertain while cooking!
Murphy Desk for A Hidden Bar
Source: @livelaughrowe
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It would be irresponsible of me not to show you how to incorporate a cocktail bar even in the smallest of outdoor kitchens. After all, summer evening cocktails are a basic human right (my favourite is the Hugo Spritz!).
Invest in a foldable Murphy desk to always be prepared for a cocktail night. You’ll have everything you need right there and then!
Tiled Floor
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Visual separation of spaces can be challenging to achieve when designing an outdoor kitchen, especially if you wish to have it seamlessly integrated with the surrounding outdoors.
A creative way to provide some visual separation with minimal effort for landscaping or garden renovation and peel & stick floor tiles. Choose a fun pattern that resembles patterned ceramic or stone to create the perfect floor for your outdoor kitchen.
To Conclude
Designing an outdoor kitchen is all about creating a space that allows you to relax and entertain outside as comfortably as you do inside your home.
The benefits of an outdoor kitchen are endless: the ability to switch up your diet and eating routines, having a chance to slow down and have fun family dinners, and being able to enjoy the spring and summer outdoors even after a long day of work without leaving home.
Don’t be afraid to be creative and remember that no matter the size of the space you are working with, there are plenty of small outdoor kitchen ideas that can help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!
