Outdoor kitchen plan: ideas, tips and inspiration for a successful layout

Since the various lockdowns, requests for outdoor kitchen installations have skyrocketed. Many households have decided to turn their home into a true cosy haven. But how can you be sure you’re choosing the right summer kitchen model among the countless options? We help you see more clearly.

Where to install a summer kitchen?

Unsurprisingly, installation should be on the terrace or directly in the garden. But for a successful outdoor kitchen layout, certain essential rules must be followed. So, you should ensure it is installed:
• on a flat surface;
• near the main kitchen to facilitate the link between the two;
• in a corner of the terrace or garden to save space and optimize the layout for storage, countertop and cooking stations;
• in an area of at least 10 m²;
• near water and electricity points for necessary connections.

Does the outdoor summer kitchen have to be covered?

Although summer generally means good weather, storms and bad weather can still appear and spoil things. It’s better to choose a covered outdoor summer kitchen to protect it and guarantee its longevity.

If you don’t have an outdoor roof or it doesn’t offer optimal protection in bad weather, you can turn to a garden shed or a modular cabin to shelter the summer kitchen.

How to set up an outdoor kitchen?

Before embarking on such a project, it’s necessary to ensure its feasibility. Designing a summer kitchen plan and a 3D simulation allows you to create a functional, well-arranged space. For this, you can rely on free and accessible tools such as the HomeByMe design software.

Steps to use the HomeByMe 3D planner

Here’s a quick guide to mastering the HomeByMe solution and thus finding the best configuration for arranging an outdoor kitchen.

Top trends in outdoor kitchens

Among the many existing models, some have stood out for their practicality and customisation freedom.

Summer kitchen with bar

The main advantage of this format lies in its two-in-one dimension. Indeed, the summer kitchen with integrated bar can both serve as a tasting corner and a work surface. A plus if you need to deal with a small area. It also brings a very appreciable convivial touch and can recall – in a seaside style – the shacks found along beaches.

Garden shed becomes outdoor kitchen

While a garden shed traditionally holds wheelbarrow, shovels and utensils of all kinds, nothing prevents from giving it a new life by installing a spacious, warm summer kitchen. That’s the solution chosen by many.

To go further, increasingly transformable cabins are emerging. These take up little space, resist bad weather and can turn in seconds into a perfectly equipped outdoor kitchen. These cabins generally consist of a foldable central awning and side doors acting as storage.

Modular outdoor kitchen

Cheaper, easy to install and adaptable to all your wishes. That’s the promise of the modular outdoor kitchen. Often equipped with wheels, the different modules have the advantage of being easily moved if needed. This type of outdoor kitchen also offers a wide choice in its composition. Thus, it is possible to integrate the following modules:

• a barbecue;
• a plancha;
• a sink;
• a washing machine;
• a pizza oven;
• etc.

Summer kitchen: each material its style

The choice of materials plays a key role in giving personality to a living space. The outdoor kitchen is no exception! Among the most popular looks, we find:

• industrial style, which cleverly combines metal, stainless steel and wood for a raw yet vintage side;
• bohemian style, which features natural materials and light tones, completed by colourful decorative touches for a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere;
• mediterranean style, which relies on a mix of white and blue tones with subtle wooden touches. Installing a ceramic-tiled splashback is most effective to reinforce the Mediterranean aspect!

A true trend for several years, the summer kitchen has much to seduce many households. Warm, sociable and aesthetic, it invites itself to our terraces for our greatest pleasure.