An outdoor kitchen can turn an abandoned garden into a 5-star retreat, especially when you integrate it well into its surroundings. Here are a few quick ways to turn a tired space into a plush sanctuary fit for hosting guests:
Use reclaimed timber on a budget
Reclaimed timber can be used to create rustic countertops and work surfaces, and is a great budget option compared to buying fresh wood, especially for large counters. Make a traditional butcher block using salvaged timber or cheap offcuts, trimmed to the same size. Then it’s simply a case of sandwiching them tightly together in a carpentered wooden frame.
Add a herb garden
You’ll need ingredients for your outdoor cooking—so why not grow them within arm’s reach? A vegetable patch needs ample space and is best placed at ground level. However, a small herb garden can be planted in a counter-height container to bring some natural greenery to your outdoor cooking station. It’s also a great way to spice up your recipes at the same time!
Finishing touches
Don’t forget to add a few finishing touches for maximum comfort and to crank up the cosy factor to eleven:
Floor Rugs
Floor rugs are an excellent addition to define the space and change the look of your patio. They bring colour and are soft underfoot. Just be ready to run inside with your rugs if the rain comes, or have some handy rainproof patio storage nearby to toss them inside in seconds. If you opted for one of the canopies we previously mentioned, you’d save yourself the panic.
Cushions and blankets
Soften your patio furniture with weather-resistant cushions and throw blankets so you can snuggle down if the evening drops cold. Again, patio storage chests are designed to hold a good number of outdoor cushions, so you can keep weatherproof pillows in easy reach and don’t make room for them inside your home.
Jar candles
Jar candles burn for hours, and their shape helps protect the wick against blowing out in a summer breeze. The natural flickering light adds a beautiful vibrancy to outdoor areas and will work even better with gently swaying foliage and the trickling sound of any garden water feature.
Enjoy your outdoor kitchen
We hope we’ve given you food for thought with these simple outdoor kitchen ideas. Whether you’re on a budget, building an outdoor cooking area to overlook a stunning scenic view, or creating a rustic outdoor space from reclaimed materials, there’s even more inspiration for your project in the HSS Hire Blog.
It’s your space, so choose your favourite materials. Once you’ve got the plan ready, we’re here to support you with the tools needed to get the job done faster. So browse our hire store today to see what we’ve got available. And good luck!