Bringing the outdoors into your kitchen doesn’t always mean knocking down walls or adding more windows. Sometimes, the best way to blur the line between indoor and out is to move part of your kitchen into the garden. Whether you’re working with a small patio or planning a complete landscaping project, creating an outdoor kitchen space can transform the way you live and entertain.
Here are some inspiring ideas to bring nature closer, and take your kitchen experience outside.
Cook Under a Pergola
An outdoor kitchen under a pergola is both practical and visually stunning. The structure offers just enough shelter to keep you cooking come rain or shine, while still keeping the open-air feel. Add climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine, and you’ll be surrounded by scent and greenery while flipping burgers or tossing a salad.
You can keep it simple with a built-in grill and prep space, or go all out with a sink, fridge, and storage. Choose natural materials like wood or stone to help the kitchen blend beautifully into the garden setting.
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Build a Garden Room Bar
A garden room with a kitchen bar brings a touch of luxury to your outdoor space. Think of it as a cosy hideaway where you can prep food, mix drinks, or just chill out with friends, all without heading back indoors.
Glass doors or sliding panels let the light flood in while giving you the option to close things off in bad weather. Add bar stools, a mini-fridge and some festoon lighting, and you’ve got yourself a year-round entertaining spot right in the garden.
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Surround Yourself with Greenery
If you want your kitchen to feel like part of the garden, start by designing it to work with nature rather than against it. An outdoor kitchen surrounded by planting beds, pots, or vertical garden walls can feel like it’s growing out of the landscape.
Herbs are a no-brainer, not only do they smell great, but they’re also practical. Pick fresh basil, thyme, or mint just steps from your prep area. Use natural screens like tall grasses or shrubs to create privacy without blocking out the fresh air.
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Incorporate a Kitchen Into Your Decking
Planning a new garden layout? Consider building a kitchen right into your decking. Raised or sunken, this kind of design gives a sleek, built-in feel and makes the space feel purposeful and connected.
Deck kitchens work well with modular units, outdoor sinks, and built-in BBQs. Add a dining area or even a built-in bench nearby so guests can relax while you cook. The flow between zones is key — keep walkways clear and layouts simple so you can move around easily.
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Bringing the outdoors into your kitchen doesn’t always mean more windows and skylights, sometimes, it’s about bringing the kitchen outdoors. Whether you’re adding a full cooking space under a pergola, a stylish bar in a garden room, or a natural oasis on your deck, outdoor kitchens are a smart way to make your garden more liveable, sociable and enjoyable year-round.