Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas for Small Spaces

In New Orleans, you really can’t underestimate the luxury of outdoor living spaces. No matter the size of your backyard, some great outdoor living is possible. Our city hosts an ideal climate for outdoor living and entertainment spaces–and what is living and entertainment without food? That’s where the joy of a functional outdoor kitchen comes in handy. Even with a relatively small backyard, a well-designed outdoor kitchen can do wonders for your lifestyle and even your property value. 

With a small space intentionally designed to harvest an outdoor kitchen, you have the potential to cook, dine, and entertain in the compact area, and Blue Lizard Services is here to help. We have spent more than 15 years specializing in designing space-efficient kitchens that prioritize utility while also giving you a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor leisurely activities. So, today, we’re diving into a few creative design ideas that will morph your small space into an outdoor kitchen!

Let’s get started.

Understanding the Challenges of Small Space Outdoor Kitchens 

Just because you’re designing an outdoor kitchen in a small area, doesn’t make it an easy feat. This project will come with its own set of challenges. It’s no secret that less space means fewer options for your appliances and storage. That’s why being intentional about your planning is vital, here. As a homeowner, you need to consider your layout carefully so that each inch of space is optimized as efficiently as possible. 

Don’t let any of these limitations deter you from creating your dream functional outdoor kitchen. With mindful design strategies and features, easily, you can turn even the smallest area into a stunning and functional cooking and entertainment area.

Compact Cooking Stations 

A small outdoor kitchen needs compact cooking stations. Portable grills, induction cooktops, and built-in compact ovens will allow you to optimize your space properly all while delivering the functionality of a traditional kitchen without overwhelming your small outdoor space. 

Did you know that modular kitchen units can be folded away when you’re not using them? These versatile little babies can include anything from a mini-fridge to a sink, making for a fully functional kitchen.

Vertical Storage Solutions 

Your small space outdoor kitchen will rely heavily on vertical storage and make a huge difference when it comes to optimizing your space efficiently. When you utilize shelving, hooks, and wall-mounted racks instead of just cabinets you can do more. 

Incorporating open shelving delivers some sweet and easy access to your cooking go-to’s, all while adding a sleek aesthetic to your outdoor kitchen. When you take advantage of your vertical space, you free up more countertop space for cooking.

Multi-Functional Furniture

When you dive into furnishing your small space outdoor kitchen, you need to think about how you can utilize multi-functional furniture to your advantage. Consider purchasing benches that offer built-in storage support or tables that can expand when needed. 

Integrating Landscaping 

Do you have beautiful landscaping? Don’t let that natural beauty go to waste. Implement it into your small space outdoor kitchen. When you allow your outdoor kitchen to blend seamlessly with the existing natural landscape you’re elevating the space’s functionality and visual aesthetic.

Think about how you can design natural barriers that deliver both a layer of privacy and a frame to your cooking area. Planters are also able to double as seating if done right, all while displaying some plush greenery, making for a beautiful backdrop during al fresco dining. 

Creative Layouts

If you haven’t been keeping the layout of your backyard during the planning of your small space outdoor kitchen, you’re losing the plot. Its natural layout will play a vital role in the design of your small space outdoor kitchen. Be sure to explore different arrangements before determining which is best suited for your space. 

Benefits of a Small Space Outdoor Kitchen 

While there are challenges that are associated with building out a small space outdoor kitchen, having a dedicated space for outdoor cooking comes with a ton of advantages, even if the space is small–especially if it’s well-designed.

Outside of having a dedicated space for cooking outside, your home’s property is subject to a boost as well. Outdoor kitchens are highly coveted in the home-buying market. If you’re looking for an easy way to set your home apart from the rest, a small space outdoor kitchen is a great start. 

The Role of Blue Lizard Services

The Blue Lizard Services team has specialized in delivering custom outdoor kitchens that are tailored to meet the very unique needs our very unique New Orleans clients. That’s why we understand how to totally optimize and maximize all the space that your backyard has to offer. 

We work with you closely from the initial consultation all the way through to the final walk-through of your project. We’ll carefully guide you through choosing the materials that will align best with your design goals and lifestyle, providing you with a space that will exceed your expectations. 

When it comes to designing a small space outdoor kitchen, there are a lot of exciting opportunities to completely elevate your outdoor living experience. With mindful design practices and selecting features that align with your home in even the smallest of areas can deliver beautiful small space outdoor kitchen results. 

Are you ready to start designing your dream small space outdoor kitchen? Get in touch with the Blue Lizard Services team, and we’ll get schedule a consultation with you to understand your needs. Click here to get started!