More people are choosing outdoor kitchens for their luxurious and practical benefits as they remodel their outdoor living spaces. While the interest is there, not everyone has the space, budget, or desire for complicated designs.
A common misconception is that a functional outdoor kitchen design must be large, complex, and include every appliance and amenity. In reality, you can create a signature outdoor kitchen for any space, large or small. When done correctly, understated designs can create the most impact and the most bang for your buck.
Trex® Outdoor Kitchens™ stainless steel cabinetry gives you the freedom to build an outdoor kitchen that suits your needs. For smaller outdoor footprints, we offer the capabilities to create a simple outdoor kitchen that is long-lasting and fully functional. Consider the following small outdoor kitchen ideas to make practical use of your outdoor living space.
Simple Outdoor Kitchens
A simple outdoor kitchen is often smaller in size. Minimal design elements, straightforward layouts, and limited appliances define a simple kitchen design. If you are seeking a simple outdoor kitchen, important considerations are layout, color, style, and appliances.
Layout
In a small outdoor footprint, consider a straight run or small L shaped layout. These shapes work best for simple designs. A straight run can be as long or as short as needed. L shaped layouts are great for cooking areas, as the shape creates a natural work triangle for food prep and cooking.
We offer hundreds of cabinetry sizes and dozens of styles, making it easy to create a seamless fit in your space. You can include fillers, back and end panels, and more for a fully finished outdoor kitchen in nearly any configuration.
Color
The beauty of a simple kitchen design is that you can choose virtually any color for your cabinetry. With our range of powder coats, you have the option of bright colors, neutrals, and more.
Bold Colors
Bright colors like our orange “Clementine”, yellow “Autumn”, and turquoise “Sea Spray” make a bold statement. Many customers use our bright finishes to add a bright pop of color to a small island or small cabinetry setup.
Warm Neutrals
Apart from bright finishes, we offer plenty of warm neutrals that have been gaining popularity in outdoor decor. Finishes like “Sandstone”, “Ash Grey”, and “Truffle” create a warm and inviting outdoor kitchen area.
Nature-Inspired
For transitional spaces, nature-inspired hues can seamlessly blend the indoors with the outside. Consider our textured deep blue “Chromica Baltic” and deep green “Chromica Feroe” for this purpose.
Black and White
Black and white will never go out of style, remaining staples in both indoor kitchens and outdoors. “Seashell White” will offer a white satin finish to your outdoor kitchen. “Midnight Matte” is a deep matte black that pairs well with any aesthetic.
Door Style
Streamlined door styles with clean lines work best in simple outdoor kitchen layouts. We offer your choice of three stainless steel door styles, each of which highlights a sleek design intent.
Hampton
Hampton is our flat slab door style, which is remarkably versatile for a variety of designs.
Key West
Key West is a shaker style that is one of our most popular. It gives a timeless feel to your space.
Venice
Venice is a modern take on the classic shaker style. It is a refined version of the shaker style with an added touch of elegance.
Appliances and Amenities
A simple outdoor kitchen will usually include the must-haves for appliances. Some of the most common must-haves include an outdoor grill, sink, fridge, and trash.
A grill is necessary for a cooking space, while you might choose a sink and fridge for a bartending center. You can also consider a pull-out trash for easy prep and cleanup. Add any (or all!) of these amenities for a functional outdoor space with the outdoor kitchen cabinets you need.
We offer a variety of grill cabinets and appliance cabinets to seamlessly house your favorite appliances and amenities. Our appliance trim kits will house your favorite appliances with expert fit and finish.
Explorer Series
Our Explorer Series is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a turn-key application of our products. This series includes simple cabinetry setups using some of our most popular powder coat finishes.
Choose from the following configurations, all including storage space:
Trip
A grilling station with a grill cabinet and pull-out trash.
Voyage
A cooking and entertainment area with a grill cabinet, pull-out trash, and refrigerator space.
Oasis
An entertainment space with a sink cabinet, pull-out trash, refrigerator space, and wine cooler space.
Whether small or large, it is easy to create a functional and durable outdoor kitchen when you have the necessary tools. If you are seeking a simple outdoor kitchen design, there are several considerations to achieve the look you want. Choosing Trex Outdoor Kitchens gives you many cabinet colors, styles, door options, and ready-made designs to make decision-making easier.
Let us be your expert guide for your next outdoor kitchen project.