Outdoor kitchen decor ideas can instantly transform your plans for summer. Just because your cooking space is in the garden doesn't mean you can't add a few items that give it a homey feel. Adding a few of your favorite décor pieces can bring that extra joy to the area.
There are plenty of ways to spice up your outdoor kitchen ideas this year. Whether you have an outdoor kitchen diner where decor connects two spaces or you simply want to add some personality to a small outdoor scheme, decorating is a quick and easy way to make it happen.
Whether you want to keep it natural with a plant or floral display or bring your interior design style outdoors with eye-catching pieces, these outdoor kitchen decor ideas are a staple for interior designers this year.
5 outdoor kitchen decor ideas
From rustic outdoor kitchens to sleek, modern designs, decor is a welcome addition to any outdoor space. Don't forget to consider how well your chosen decor will stand up to the elements. Unless you have a covered outdoor kitchen, you may need to make sure you have enough storage space to protect your decor during colder months.
1. Get a statement lantern
(Images courtesy of Barrett Oswald Designs/Kyle Caldwell)
Decorating your outdoor kitchen with décor that adds style and functionality will help keep the space from feeling cluttered. Installing decorative outdoor lighting is a great option, as it will illuminate the space at night and add to its visual appeal.
“As homeowners are showing renewed interest in outdoor kitchens, we're often asked what the best way is to decorate these spaces, and lanterns are a great way to accentuate an outdoor kitchen area,” says Barrett Oswald, principal designer at Barrett Oswald Design.
“The Pottery Barn Taylor Lanterns are a lovely accent piece and can also provide extra light for evening barbecues,” she adds. Opting for an extra-large lantern will ensure it's not only bright enough, but won't get lost in the space.
Lavish Home Solar Lantern
LumaBase Traditional Black Solar Lantern
2. Create a border with planters
(Images courtesy of Barrett Oswald Designs/Kyle Caldwell)
The natural décor for an outdoor kitchen is flowers and greenery. Plants seamlessly blend your outdoor kitchen into the natural environment, adding color and privacy to the space.
“Outdoor kitchen décor should blend in with its surroundings, and we love surrounding our outdoor kitchens with large planters to accentuate the greenery around us,” says Barrett, who designed this outdoor kitchen.
Take it a step further and create a border of flower pots filled with shrubs and native plants, which will create a natural wall around your kitchen, dividing up the space and accentuating your outdoor kitchen layout.
3. Add pattern tiles
(Images by Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer)
Outdoor kitchen decor can be built into the framework of your plan. As you will need more waterproof materials, tiles add color, pattern and many functional elements too.
In this outdoor kitchen, patterned tile was used to create a backsplash that's not only a practical design feature, but also adds a pop of blue that matches beautifully with the color scheme, and the repeating pattern draws the eye and adds visual interest.
This style of outdoor kitchen decor works especially well in this space because it's all white, but it can work just as well in a more colorful outdoor kitchen if you choose the right patterns and colors.
4. Stack baskets and trays
(Images courtesy of Michelle York Interior Design/Miranda Estes)
When adding the final details to your outdoor kitchen design, it doesn't have to be functional. Take inspiration from your home decor to inject personality and unique style into your outdoor kitchen. Think about your favorite décor items and how you can express them outdoors.
“I like to decorate my outdoor kitchen with materials and finishes that accentuate the design aesthetic of my outdoor space, and layer it with baskets and trays that are perfect for transporting items from indoors to my outdoor kitchen,” says Michelle Yorke, principal designer at Michelle Yorke Interior Design.
“Trays or baskets can be easily moved by placing them near the kitchen for prep and grilling and then moving them to a nearby table or seating area for serving,” she added.
5. Add a pop of color
(Image courtesy of Little Greene)
Adding decorative touches to your outdoor kitchen is easier than you might think. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that all elements have to be durable and practical, but you can also add purely decorative features.
Adding a little color can completely change the entire look and feel of your outdoor kitchen. Choose an outdoor kitchen color that blends in with the natural environment and coordinates with the exterior of your home.
This outdoor kitchen features a red brick chimney, which gives the back wall a deep red hue – a vibrant colour that instantly brightens the space, adding a lot of character while still blending in with the other elements.
Outdoor kitchen decor comes in many different styles and forms, and whether you prefer decor that enhances functionality, blends with the natural environment, or brings your interior design style outdoors, these designer-approved outdoor kitchen decor ideas are a great place to start.
