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Cooking and eating outdoors is a real pleasure in the British summertime. If you’re looking to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, here are some great outdoor kitchen design ideas.
An outdoor kitchen can really add the wow factor to a new garden design. From pizza ovens to in-built barbeques, there are many options to choose from. A good garden installer will be able to advise what will work best for you and your family.
Below are some great designs created and built by Marshalls Registered Installers – our network of over 1,000 independent businesses across the UK who we have vetted and accredited for their quality of work and use of our products. Product and installer details are below each photo.
Leicestershire Garden Design created this garden, with a fantastic outdoor kitchen under a canopy – meaning the family can use it even in the rain. The paving is Sawn Versuro, which is an ethically sourced natural stone.
Landscape by Design and Classic Paving both collobrated to create a beautiful family garden, with an outdoor decking perfect for a seating area. The paving used here was our Symphony Urban in Steel.
Urban Earth transformed this large patio area using our ethically sourced Casarta Slate paving in Silver Grey. This outdoor kitchen features a gas grill with an outdoor sink.
This contemporary outdoor kitchen with bespoke dining area was created by Jordan and Sons using our Arrento porcelain paving.
This stunning contemporary grey outdoor kitchen was designed by Signature Landscapes Design and Build, using our Alvanley Pavers in Silver Blend.
A beautiful garden design by Walker Landscape & Design created using Symphony Urban in Ash.
Waterdale Landscapes created this outdoor space using our Symphony porcelain Planks in Cherry, with a stunning canopy over a fully-fitted kitchen.
Why get an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen invites guests to enjoy your garden space and takes it to the next level. While a BBQ come summertime may sound appealing, it's nothing compared to having a fully fitted kitchen space in your garden the whole year-round.
With outdoor canopies and heating solutions, come rain or shine, you and your guests can enjoy your outdoor kitchen area, even when the Great British summertime is not looking so great!
One of the main limitations of relying on a BBQ is that you've got to do most of the food prep indoors, away from all the fun while your guests entertain themselves. With an outdoor kitchen, you can keep the conversation in full flow while you prepare a delicious meal for your dinner guests.
There's no limit to what you can kit out your outdoor kitchen and dining area with. Contemporary outdoor kitchens pull out all of the stops: expansive countertops, refrigerators, sinks, barbeques, warming drawers, and side burners - pretty much anything you'd think of having in your indoor kitchen, outside!
The benefits of getting an outdoor kitchen
If that doesn't convince you, here are some further benefits that'll likely sway you towards upgrading to a beautiful outdoor kitchen space:
Get the guests involved
With an outdoor fridge, wine cooler or even an ice machine in your outdoor kitchen area, guests can help themselves whenever they like, and you can keep the conversation flowing whilst you prep the food.
Additionally, creating an extra spacious outdoor kitchen could encourage your guests to help you prepare the meal whilst you chat. Dressing salads, marinading meats, and even making cocktails - if you’re a host who likes an abundance of helpers, make sure you create space for them to work! Everyone knows that party-goers always congregate in the kitchen, so why not make your outdoor kitchen the new focal point?
It makes cooking easier
Are you preparing something that requires plenty of cooking space? Or food that causes a smell or is likely to set the smoke alarm off?
In an outdoor kitchen, cooking in the open air makes prepping and cooking much easier. It also means that no bad smells linger in your indoor kitchen - these will dissipate quickly in the outdoors.
It allows you to expand your kitchen space
Maybe you don't have space in your indoor kitchen for a pizza oven, but you will in your outdoor kitchen! You'll likely be able to include any appliances that you can't fit indoors in your outdoor kitchen. The options for outdoor utilities are endless, and you can add a dishwasher, kitchen sink, flat-top grill and ice machine to really get your guests talking.
It increases your property value
With the outdoor kitchen trend on the rise, you'll be able to add to your property's asking price and desirability.
It stops you from eating out
Why spend money eating out when you can dine al fresco in your back garden? With an outdoor kitchen space, you’ll have a beautiful space to create memories and have fun in the comfort of your own home.
10 outdoor kitchen ideas
Make the most of your outdoor space with these 10 outdoor kitchen ideas that Marshalls can help you achieve:
Keep it waterproof with a canopy
British weather can be unpredictable; prepare for the best and worst. Don't let a drop of rain or the blistering sunshine spoil your garden party; buy a bioclimatic canopy. These structures can be easily adjusted to suit any weather, with interchangeable shutters running along the roof.
Make it distinct with luxury paving
Elevate your outdoor kitchen and dining area with garden paving and patio slabs. With rich paving throughout your outdoor kitchen, you can really enliven the space and distinguish it from the rest of your garden.
We have a wide range of patio floor options to suit your outdoor kitchen ideas, which would give the area a contemporary, industrial, and clean look. If you’re worried about spills and stains, consider a porcelain option. Porcelain paving absorbs very little water, making it easy to keep clean.
A number of our paving options, including Fairstone Slate Casarta® and Arrento® Porcelain Paving, have slip-resistant properties. So if you spill anything in your outdoor space, you won’t have to worry about creating a hazard for your guests.
Make a U-shaped countertop
If you're creating a smaller outdoor kitchen space, make the most of it by designing a U-shaped outdoor kitchen. This way, you can fit plenty of counter space for an outdoor sink, grill and any other kitchen appliances.
If you're struggling to fit in a seating area to match your outdoor kitchen, why not line up some stools on the opposite side of the countertop, doubling up the space as a food prep space and dining space.
Get weather-resistant seating
Kit your garden with a seating area made of graphite, resin wicker or aluminium. This will give your outdoor dining table ample seating options the whole year-round. Spruce them up with pillows, potted plants and outdoor lighting to create a comfortable space for your guests.
Block out the neighbour's view
Keep your seating area private by investing in a wooden canopy, pergola, or gazebo. Alternatively, you could invest in extra-high fencing, garden screening battens, or add some greenery with climbing plants.
Pick from our garden walling selection to elevate your outdoor kitchen area or maintain privacy in your outdoor space.
Give your outdoor kitchen a detailed edge
Our Alvanley® Pavers are not only suitable for paving the way to your outdoor kitchen, but they can also be fitted up the sides of your cabinets, giving your kitchen a solid and attractive edge. Choose the silver blend colour to match with silver cooking appliances and contrast with black countertops.
Go all-out on the cooking appliances
Don't limit yourself to a charcoal barbeque; take your time to select high-quality appliances and create a space that you simply won’t want to leave. Here are four must-have outdoor cooking appliances:
Pizza oven
Bring the taste of Naples to your back garden with a wood-fired pizza oven. Being the quickest way to prepare a pizza, you can delight your guests within minutes with few ingredients.
Fire pit
A fire pit is more than just a cooking appliance - it's an ambience setter, body warmer, and certified crowd-pleaser.
Outdoor refrigerator
Don't rely on an ice bucket to keep your food and drinks cool; invest in an outdoor refrigerator to grab chilled supplies quickly and easily.
Warming drawer
If you’re expecting plenty of guests over to enjoy your new outdoor kitchen area, a warming drawer can take the stress away by keeping cooked food warm and tasting fresh.
Fill extra wall space with hooks
When planning your outdoor kitchen space, take time to consider storage and decide where best to keep items safe from the outside elements. While it's a good idea to have plenty of drawer space to store pots and pans throughout the year, you could also use available wall space for convenient hooks.
Keep the party going with outdoor heating
An outdoor kitchen is a perfect way to enjoy the summer weather and make precious memories with loved ones. You can enjoy your outdoor kitchen late into the night by fitting heaters or a fire pit to keep you warm - or even during the day in the colder months.
Install a sink
Go the extra mile by adding a kitchen sink to your outdoor kitchen area. Adding a standard sink will make cooking outside considerably easier, especially when preparing fruit and vegetables, but also for washing-up purposes!
There are also plenty of waterproof materials you could use to make your sink match your outdoor aesthetic. Soapstone, granite, and marble are all top picks for your outdoor kitchen sink. Alternatively, if you've got a stone counter space, why not create an integrated sink for that sleek finish.
FAQs
Do I need a sink in an outdoor kitchen area?
A sink is one of the best outdoor kitchen ideas as not only does it makes food prep and cleaning cooking utensils easier, but it also doubles up as a place for guests to wash their hands before and after meal time. Additionally, it's handy if someone needs a quick glass of water.
Will I need to cover my outdoor kitchen in the winter?
It would be a good idea to cover your outdoor kitchen area in the winter if you're not using it, as this will help to maintain it. However, with an outdoor kitchen space created with top-quality materials, you won’t have to worry about your outdoor kitchen area throughout the winter.
Final thoughts
Adding an outdoor kitchen space to your garden can truly transform your home into a space perfect for having fun and making memories with loved ones. Marshalls are here to create better, meaningful spaces that people love. Our products are ethical, beautiful and functional, so you can create a space that makes lives better.
Transform your outdoor space with sustainably-sourced stone garden paving or kerbs and edging to create a lasting impression for visitors and add value to your home.