How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Bar & Kitchen

You know what makes any delicious meal or satisfying cocktail all the better? Relishing such delicacies in the comfort and convenience of your backyard!

Outdoor kitchens and bars have become one of the more popular luxury landscaping design trends in recent years, and it’s easy to see why once you can officially marvel at your own backyard dining experience. But it takes more than purchasing a state-of-the-art grill or stylish bar stools to assemble a truly unique outdoor bar or kitchen.

You want an outdoor living space that’s bursting with personality—something that mirrors your energy and interests while still making a grandiose statement. Creating your own culinary oasis requires a vision for encompassing all the visual and aesthetic elements that make you you, so you can build a serene environment that accentuates your tastes and preferences.

Here are a few tips and ideas for creating the perfect outdoor bar and kitchen to make your backyard the talk of the neighborhood.

Consider Your Skills

When first envisioning your new outdoor kitchen and bar, you need to consider your culinary skills. More specifically, think about what type of kitchen and dining accessories will give you the most potential to make precious memories.

For example, does a woodfire oven tickle your fancy, or does a more modern outdoor kitchen environment with luxury countertops and an L-shaped bar sound more accommodating to your dining preferences? You should try to assemble an outdoor kitchen and bar that caters to your tastes and interests.

If you’re truly a grillmaster, then obviously, constructing a more grilling-focused culinary environment is important. However, if serving up one craft cocktail after another is more of your aim, you’ll want your exterior designs to focus on building more elaborate bar surfaces.

Consider the Mood

Once you’ve got all your architectural and accessory ingredients squared away, you’ll want to start thinking about the mood you’re trying to set with your outdoor kitchen and bar.

Do you want to host large dinner parties with friends and family? Then you’ll want to build kitchen countertops that are adjacent to your outdoor dining deck, patio, or pergola.

Leaning more toward something more soothing, sophisticated, yet subtle? Then perhaps combining your outdoor bar with a terrace and brick fireplace will serve as the ultimate experience in culinary relaxation.

The furnishing and designs of your outdoor kitchen and bar must match the energy and vibe you’re trying to create with each meal or cocktail you serve.

Consider Your Terrain

What truly makes any outdoor bar and kitchen arrangement unique is the accommodating landscaping you choose to surround your living space with. With custom hardscaping and softscaping designs, you can achieve thematic backyard kitchen spaces that you won’t find at any neighborhood bar and grill!

Here are a few specific themes and terrain ideas for creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience.

Rumble in the Jungle

Exotic plants and shrubbery will set the perfect scene for any outdoor meal or happy hour! From waterfall countertops to enchanting floral arrangements, assembling your backyard jungle can create a more intimate ambiance that will create a truly breathtaking dining experience.

Lush greenery not only serves as an exotic backdrop for your outdoor bar and kitchen but also creates a more private setting for you and your guests to reside within. Be sure to check with your luxury landscape designer on which elaborate softscaping designs will encapture the tropical feel of having your own private jungle!

Bring the Beach Home

Anyone who’s ever spent time at a beach bar knows how tranquil and scenic such an experience can be. That’s why implementing a beach-themed outdoor kitchen and bar is one of the most soothing backyard landscaping designs to take advantage of!

A great way to inject more beach vibes into your outdoor living space is by assembling your own traditional tiki bar aesthetic. A bamboo or wooden hut sheltered by a thatched grass roof will make you feel like you’re sipping a cocktail right next to the ocean, no matter where your home is!

You can also compliment your outdoor kitchen and bar with serene, beach-inspired scenery, such as a beautiful pond or majestic waterfalls, giving you that extra sense of coastal magic.

Dine in the Desert

There’s something so majestic about the desert that’s hard to put into words, but one thing is for sure: A desert-themed outdoor dining and lounging area is just about as breathtaking as it gets!

You can incorporate a variety of drought-tolerant shrubbery to give your outdoor kitchen and bar a more rustic, Southwestern feel, bursting with wilderness scenery and energy.

Consider Your Appliances

Choosing the right appliances for your outdoor bar and kitchen is crucial for function and style. Consider factors such as the size of your space, the types of food and drinks you will typically be preparing, and the number of people you plan to entertain.

Look for appliances specifically designed for outdoor use, such as stainless steel grills and refrigerators, to ensure they can withstand any and all weather elements. Here are some essential appliances to consider for your luxury outdoor bar and kitchen space:

• Stainless Steel Grill: A high-quality outdoor grill is an essential appliance for any outdoor kitchen. It should have a large cooking surface, multiple burners, and be made from durable materials like stainless steel.

• Outdoor Refrigerator: An outdoor refrigerator is essential for keeping drinks and food chilled. Look for one with weather-resistant features, such as a sealed compressor and a built-in freezer.

• Outdoor Sink: An outdoor sink is essential for cleaning up during and after cooking. Look for one made from stainless steel and with a built-in faucet and drain.

• Ice Maker: An ice maker is essential for keeping your drinks cool. Look for a built-in ice maker that can quickly produce a large quantity of ice.

• Outdoor Pizza Oven: An outdoor pizza oven is an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen. Look for one made from durable materials like brick or stone that can reach high temperatures for the perfect pizza every time.

• Outdoor Wine Cooler: An outdoor wine cooler is an essential appliance for the wine enthusiast. Look for one that can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level to keep your wine in the best condition.

• Outdoor Dishwasher: An outdoor dishwasher is an essential appliance for any outdoor kitchen. Look for one with a stainless steel interior and multiple wash cycles for efficient and thorough cleaning.

Consider the Space

In addition to creating an inviting atmosphere, designing with functionality in mind is key to creating the perfect outdoor bar and kitchen. Make sure to create a functional flow of movement between the appliances, sink, and bar. This will ensure you have the space and resources to prepare, cook, and serve food and drinks.

Another point of emphasis you must consider with your outdoor living space design is how to incorporate storage. Outdoor bars and kitchens can become cluttered quickly without proper storage. Consider adding cabinets and shelves to keep all of your cooking supplies and utensils organized and within reach. Additionally, storage space for a cooler or a trash bin will keep your outdoor area clean and tidy.

Inspired Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Designs From MH3 Design Group

We here at MH3 Design Group believe that every outdoor kitchen and bar we design and install should capture each client's essence and spirit. Our luxury outdoor living space designs are intended to create the most inviting environment possible, perfect for creating one memory after another.

For luxury outdoor kitchen and bar designs that are bursting with flavor and personality, contact MH3 Design Group today to schedule a consultation with our luxury landscaping experts!