Outdoor kitchen colors can transform the look and feel of your scheme. And while your first considerations might be the cabinets, countertops, or appliances, the color is the finishing touch that adds personality to the design.
Whether your design style leans simple and neutral or you prefer vibrant hues, outdoor kitchen ideas range from natural materials and finishes to spaces filled with pattern and vibrancy. But how can you achieve the right look without compromising on the practical necessities of an outdoor kitchen?
No matter the size of your space or the design style you gravitate toward, these outdoor kitchen ideas seamlessly blend style and function, and there's something to suit every backyard space.
7 outdoor kitchen colors to try this summer
Choosing your outdoor kitchen colors is one of the most exciting parts of the design process. From bright, summer shades to sympathetic neutrals, there are plenty of options to infuse your scheme with personality.
1. Introduce natural hues
When you're designing an outdoor kitchen, it's important to ensure it works in harmony with the natural surroundings, while almost remaining resilient to the elements. Sticking to a color palette that reflects the natural environment is a practical and stylish option.
'I would still use natural colors as you want them to blend in more with nature than stand out. You also want it to weather well. Whites and really dark colors will show more marks and dirt,' says Sallie Lord, of GreyHunt Interiors.
As well as the surrounding landscape, other garden structures play a part in choosing a color for your outdoor kitchen. 'If you have a pool, you want to ensure you create a visually cohesive look with the decking and kitchen,' she adds. If there is a color theme already running through your yard, whether it's neutrals or green hues, carry this through the rest of your scheme.
2. Keep your outdoor kitchen neutral
If you prefer a more understated outdoor kitchen color, sticking to neutral hues works wonderfully. Pairing with plenty of other colors and finishes, this more muted color palette is versatile and enduring.
'Neutral colors like beige, gray, or taupe can create a timeless and elegant look. They also tend to complement various materials such as stainless steel appliances or natural stone countertops,' says Burcu Garnier, co-founder at Color Atelier.
'If you choose neutral tones for your outdoor kitchen, pairing them with stainless steel appliances and fixtures can create a sleek and modern look. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and complements a wide range of colors,' she suggests.
3. Introduce the color palette from your home's interiors
An outdoor kitchen promotes the concept of indoor/outdoor living, so creating cohesion and harmony between your interiors and yard decor is key. Bringing the same color palette to your outdoor kitchen brings the scheme together, even if the shade variations are different.
'Outdoor kitchens are an extension of the home, so it is important that there is cohesion as you move from inside to outside. Look to colors that work with your home’s current color palette,' suggests Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore.
'Because it is outdoors, I would reach for mid-tones and darker hues since colors often cast lighter in the warm sunlight. If you are hesitant to use deeper hues inside your home, an outdoor kitchen is a great opportunity to experiment with something a bit bolder,' she adds.
4. Choose colors that compliment surrounding materials
While there are plenty of color palettes that work beautifully for an outdoor kitchen, make sure you factor in the existing materials – whether it's the fencing around your yard or the type of stone used for the house, ensuring the colors you choose complement these components will go a long way to ensuring your outdoor kitchen feels in-keeping.
'For an outdoor kitchen, choose colors based on the surroundings. For example, try stronger colors for homes with brick and stone and lighter colors for homes with painted masonry,' suggests Charlotte Cosby, creative director at Farrow & Ball.
'Do not be afraid to go bold by selecting a color that is a shade or two darker than you would use inside the home. Exteriors are often flooded with natural light which will prevent the space from becoming too dull,' she adds.
5. Keep things simple with natural stone
From a more practical perspective, certain outdoor kitchen colors and finishes prove more resilient. 'When considering outdoor kitchen materials, masonry is the best for durability and longevity. This could be stone veneer, stucco, or a decorative block/brick,' says Jordan Clough, associate principal at Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture.
'The other durable option is a fiber-cement board that can be painted. I would suggest a darker finish color, as it will hide the wear and tear of the outdoor environment, as well as grease or other cooking stains, better than a light finish,' Jordan adds.
While these options are more practical, they still look aesthetically pleasing and can blend beautifully in a yard. To give them an elevated, bespoke feel, opt for a statement outdoor kitchen countertop, and introduce luxe hardware.
'There's a wide range of options for countertop materials, and it's important to choose one that will hold up to the freeze-thaw cycles in your area. Typically it's nice to have some contrast between the counter color and the rest of the outdoor kitchen structure,' suggests Jordan.
6. Add a pop of color with summer hues
For an outdoor kitchen that becomes the focal point of your yard, introducing a more vibrant hue can make a real statement. Opt for colors that are associated with summer, such as blues and pinks.
'Consider a hue that becomes a conversation piece. Bright teal, bright pink, or a bright red pizza oven are all colorful additions to one’s outdoor kitchen,' suggests Jessica Petrino, educator & appliance expert at AJ Madison.
If an outdoor kitchen drenched in color feels a bit daunting, introduce smaller elements to bring in unexpected pops of color. 'Bright colors are stunning but can be a really big commitment. Consider one wow-factor piece such as a colorful pizza oven or grill while keeping the rest of the design more subtle,' adds Jessica.
7. Create harmony with earthy hues
Earthy shades are fitting outdoor kitchen colors to ensure your scheme blends seamlessly with the nature and hues that surround it. There are plenty of earthy colors to consider, whether you prefer a muted scheme or something more saturated.
'Earthy tones such as terracotta, olive green, or rust can help blend the outdoor kitchen with its natural surroundings. Earthy hues can be paired with natural stone materials like granite or slate for countertops and backsplashes. These materials add texture and visual interest to the space while enhancing the organic feel of the earthy color palette,' explains Burcu.
Choosing the right shade depends on your surroundings, says Jessica. 'Blending earth tones like the Weber Copper finish, Lynx Desert Sage, or Hestan Grove would mix well with surrounding forests or mountains. Consider contrasting colors against the surroundings such as cool tones against a dessert background, or warm tones in a coastal design. Our team favorite is Hestan Froth, a bright white finish that looks beautiful against stainless and chrome details which could look amazing on a Miami penthouse roof deck,' she explains.
There are no rules when it comes to outdoor kitchen colors, but opting for hues that feel harmonious and in keeping with the surroundings is always a good idea. Whether you opt for warm neutrals, earthy hues, or a pop of vibrant color, there are plenty of timeless suggestions here.
