How to Create an Outdoor Living Space You Love
An outdoor living space opens up your home – and your everyday life – to a world of possibilities. It’s a chance to enjoy fresh air and sunshine without giving up the comforts of stepping inside. From hosting friends by the fire pit and cooking family meals to unwinding with a glass of wine as the sun sets – there’s so much more your backyard can offer than you might realize!
But what makes an outdoor living space special? It all starts with the kitchen. Outdoor kitchens become the heart of your backyard, bringing everyone together in one area and setting the tone for the entire space. And with today’s designs, there are endless ways to make it fit your style. Stick around and we’ll show you how to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen and turn your backyard into a living space you’ll love every day.
What to Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to follow a basic template – whether you want something simple and functional or a full-on luxury setup, you can truly make it your own. Need a few ideas to help you get inspired? Here are a few features you can add to your outdoor kitchen design:
Pizza Oven
Who doesn’t love fresh, wood-fired pizza? A pizza oven is a show-stopping addition to your outdoor kitchen, perfect for family nights or entertaining friends on the weekends. Despite the name, you can make a lot more with these ovens than pizza. You can roast veggies, bake bread, slow-cook a small roast, you name it – they do it all!
With your oven right at your fingertips, there’s no need to dash in and out of the house to check on your food (or serve it to guests!). Cook, serve, and enjoy, all in your own backyard.
Outdoor Kitchen Island
There’s nothing more convenient than extra workspace for prepping meals right where you need it most. Outdoor islands keep everything centralized in your outdoor setup. And why not add some seating around your island? It’ll instantly become a hub for conversation while enjoying appetizers and drinks.
Smoker
Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of smoky ribs or brisket filling your backyard while you relax with a drink in hand. A smoker lets you slow-cook to perfection without running back and forth into your home. Sounds like a dream right? It doesn’t have to be – not with a smoker playing a starring role in your outdoor kitchen. Whether you choose a Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or other smoker brand, a custom outdoor kitchen can be built to house this amazing addition
Grill Station
Including a grill station in your full outdoor kitchen setup keeps everything within reach. You can sear steaks and flip burgers while staying close to prep areas, sinks, countertops, and guests. BBQing has never been simpler!
Outdoor Range Hood
Make cooking more comfortable and your outdoor kitchen look sharper with a built-in range hood. These are ideal for covered outdoor patios, keeping the air clear so your guests enjoy the backyard without smoke drifting their way.
Custom Cabinets and Storage
Pull-out drawers for your grilling tools, a cabinet for plates and glasses, or a dedicated spice rack – these don’t have to be limited to your indoor space. They can be part of your outdoor setup just as easily. The best part? Everything is fully customizable. You get to pick the style, colors, and amount of storage you need so your outdoor kitchen is as practical as it is stylish.
Other Additions to Your Outdoor Living Space
While the kitchen acts as the focal point of your outdoor setup, you don’t have to stop there. Here are a few more features that work alongside your kitchen space to make your outdoor living space incredibly appealing:
Outdoor Dining Area
Every great outdoor kitchen deserves great outdoor furniture to sit and enjoy the amazing food you create. A dedicated dining area brings everyone together, no matter the occasion. You could go with a long table for big gatherings, a cozy bistro setup for smaller family meals, or mix it up with bench seating and coffee tables for a more casual feel. Don’t forget to add umbrellas or a pergola for shade – it makes the space even more inviting, rain or shine.
Outdoor Fireplace
Make your outdoor living area the coziest spot in your home with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit table. Both add instant warmth, a welcoming glow, and that irresistible ambiance that keeps friends and family lingering long after the sun goes down – perfect for those cool evenings relaxing under the stars.
An outdoor fireplace creates a striking focal point, while a fire pit table is ideal for gathering around with drinks, snacks, and conversation. Don’t forget to add a door or glass panels to your fireplace to control the flame, improve safety, and stop smoke from drifting into your seating or dining areas.
Aesthetic Features
If you’ve got a little open space left in your yard, adding decorative features can transform your outdoor space and make it feel complete. Think garden beds bursting with flowers and native plants, a small vegetable or herb garden for fresh ingredients, or hardscape features like stone pathways, retaining walls, or weather-resistant decorative planters.
Ready to Design an Outdoor Kitchen Designed for Your Unique Space?
Creating an outdoor kitchen you love should be almost as fun as the memories you’ll make in it. Here at Stoll Industries, we live and breathe custom kitchens, offering a wide range of features for your new outdoor space that look great and require minimal maintenance.Whether you have a backyard, patio, rooftop, or even just a balcony, we can design a kitchen the exact size–and style–to fit your space perfectly!
With our ProFit 3D design software, your Stoll dealer can work with you to map out your outdoor kitchen, letting you visualize every detail until it's exactly what you want. Before you know it, you'll have a stunning outdoor kitchen built to last, and ready for any upgrades you might dream up down the road.
With over 50 years of experience, we believe your outdoor kitchen should reflect your style and your needs, and our process makes it simple, fun, and completely customized.