17 Small Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas You'll Love

An outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to make your backyard the true heart of your home—a place for everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend barbecues. The key to making it a truly usable space is a cover, providing essential shade and protection. But you don’t need a huge area to create your dream setup. We’ve put together our favorite small covered outdoor kitchen ideas to help you design a space that is efficient and stylish. You’ll see how a simple patio with outdoor kitchen pavers can be transformed into a functional culinary corner, proving a small covered outdoor kitchen can be perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on a functional layout, not just square footage: A well-planned small kitchen with a smart work triangle, multi-use features, and vertical storage will feel more spacious and efficient than a poorly designed large one.
• Choose materials designed to last outdoors: Protect your investment by selecting durable, weather-resistant surfaces like granite for countertops, stainless steel for cabinets, and interlocking pavers for flooring to ensure longevity and easy maintenance.
• Define your style and plan the details early: Whether you prefer modern, rustic, or coastal, establishing a clear design direction and mapping out essentials like plumbing and lighting beforehand ensures the final result is a cohesive and functional extension of your home.

Is a Small Covered Outdoor Kitchen Right for You?

If you think an outdoor kitchen is a luxury reserved for sprawling backyards, it’s time to reconsider. A small, covered outdoor kitchen is one of the smartest and most versatile additions you can make to your home, regardless of its size. It’s about creating a functional, beautiful space that extends your living area and lets you enjoy the Southern California lifestyle to the fullest.

A permanent cover does more than just protect your grill from an unexpected rain shower; it creates a reliable, comfortable space for cooking and hosting. It shields you and your guests from the intense sun, protects your investment in appliances, and ensures your outdoor dining plans are never canceled due to weather. This simple addition turns your patio into a true year-round destination.

The beauty of a compact design is that it can fit almost anywhere. A thoughtfully planned outdoor kitchen installation can transform a small corner of your patio, a narrow side yard, or a section of your pool deck into a highly functional culinary hub. You don’t need a massive footprint to include the essentials. Even small kitchens can easily accommodate a high-quality grill, a mini-fridge, a sink, and valuable counter space for prep work.

Best of all, a small outdoor kitchen is completely customizable to your style and budget. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a warm, rustic feel, the design can be tailored to you. With 2D/3D designs, you can visualize the entire project before construction begins, ensuring it perfectly complements your home and enhances your outdoor living experience.

Finding Inspiration for Your Project

Once you’ve decided to move forward, the fun part begins: gathering inspiration. Don’t let the “small” part of the project limit your imagination. A compact outdoor kitchen can be just as high-quality and useful as a larger one; it’s all about smart design. Start by thinking about the overall vibe you want. Do you lean towards a modern, sleek look, or is a rustic, traditional feel more your style? A great way to get ideas is by looking at what others have done. Browsing through a gallery of completed projects can help you see different layouts and material combinations in real-world settings, making it easier to pinpoint what you love.

Think beyond just cooking. Your outdoor kitchen can be the centerpiece of a multifunctional entertainment space. Consider how you can incorporate features that encourage gathering, like a built-in bar with seating or a cozy fire pit nearby for evening conversations. By planning for these elements from the start, you can create a cohesive and inviting area that serves as a true extension of your home, perfect for enjoying those beautiful Southern California nights with family and friends.

Key Features for Your Small Outdoor Kitchen Design

A great outdoor kitchen, no matter its size, is all about smart design. It’s not just about plopping a grill on your patio; it’s about creating a functional and beautiful space where you can cook, entertain, and relax. Thinking through the key features from the start will help you build a compact kitchen that feels spacious and works seamlessly. A well-planned outdoor kitchen installation blends perfectly with your home’s style and your lifestyle, making it an investment you’ll enjoy for years. Let’s walk through the must-haves to consider for your small-space design.

How to Pick the Perfect Grill and Appliances

The grill is the star of the show, so choosing the right one is your first big decision. Think about how you like to cook. If you host large gatherings, a built-in grill with multiple burners might be essential. But for smaller spaces, you have some really interesting options. Compact, specialty cookers like a kamado-style barbecue or a wood-fired pizza oven can become a stunning focal point without demanding a lot of room. Beyond the grill, consider what other appliances will make your life easier. A small outdoor-rated refrigerator is perfect for keeping drinks cold and ingredients handy, while a side burner can be great for heating sauces or side dishes.

Specialty Cookers as a Focal Point

In a small outdoor kitchen, making smart choices is everything. Instead of a standard grill, consider making a specialty cooker the star of your space. A vibrant kamado-style grill for smoking meats or a classic wood-fired pizza oven doesn’t just cook incredible food; it becomes a stunning focal point. These unique appliances pack a lot of personality and function into a compact footprint, instantly drawing guests in and starting conversations. It’s a brilliant way to reflect your personal cooking style. By designing your outdoor kitchen installation around a single, impressive feature, you create a space that feels intentional, stylish, and perfectly suited to how you love to entertain.

Creating Functional Prep and Counter Space

One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a small outdoor kitchen is underestimating the need for counter space. You need room to prep ingredients, plate your food, and set down hot pans and grilling tools. A good rule of thumb is to plan for “landing zones” on either side of your grill. This gives you a clear, functional workflow. Even 18 inches of dedicated prep space can make a huge difference. When choosing materials, opt for durable, weather-resistant surfaces like granite, concrete, or quartzite that can handle the Orange County sun and are easy to clean after a barbecue.

Smart Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

In a small kitchen, clutter is the enemy. Smart storage is key to keeping your countertops clear and your cooking essentials organized. Think vertically to maximize your space. Wall-mounted shelves are perfect for storing plates and glassware, while hooks can keep your tongs, spatulas, and other tools within easy reach. Consider including cabinets with weatherproof seals to protect your items from the elements and keep pests out. A pull-out drawer for trash and recycling is another brilliant feature that keeps things tidy and out of sight. The goal is to create a designated spot for everything so your kitchen is always ready for action.

Planning for Plumbing and Electrical Needs

While it’s not the most glamorous part of the design process, planning for utilities is critical. Having a sink in your outdoor kitchen is a game-changer for food prep and cleanup. However, adding plumbing can be complex and depends on local building codes, so it’s important to work with a professional. The same goes for electrical. You’ll need properly installed, outdoor-rated outlets for lighting, a refrigerator, and maybe a rotisserie. Thoughtful 2D/3D designs can help you map out these technical details early on, ensuring your kitchen is both safe and fully functional from day one.

Creating a Luxurious Feel in a Compact Space

A small footprint doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. In fact, a compact outdoor kitchen is the perfect opportunity to invest in high-quality materials that create a truly luxurious feel. Think of it as quality over quantity. Instead of spreading your budget over a large area, you can focus on premium finishes that make a big impact. Choosing durable, beautiful materials like granite for your countertops and stainless steel for your cabinets not only ensures your kitchen will withstand the elements but also gives it a polished, high-end look. A well-designed outdoor kitchen installation can transform even a small corner into an elegant and inviting space, perfect for enjoying those beautiful Southern California evenings with family and friends.

Adding a “Wow-Factor” Feature Wall

One of the best ways to make a statement in a small space is with a feature wall. This single design element can serve as a stunning focal point, drawing the eye and adding a ton of personality to your outdoor kitchen. You have so many creative options here. Imagine a beautiful tile backsplash behind your grill, a vertical garden filled with fresh herbs, or a unique stone finish that complements your patio pavers. This “wow-factor” feature is what separates a basic setup from a custom-designed space. It’s a chance to show off your style and create a backdrop that makes your entire kitchen feel more intentional and luxurious. For some visual ideas, you can browse a gallery of completed projects to see how different materials come to life.

Small Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas to Match Your Style

Once you have the functional elements planned, it’s time for the fun part: choosing a style. Your outdoor kitchen should feel like a natural extension of your home. Whether you love clean, modern lines or a cozy, rustic feel, picking a clear design direction will make your compact space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully designed. Let’s look at a few popular styles that work beautifully in smaller backyards.

Go for a Sleek, Modern Look

If you love a clean, uncluttered look, a modern design is a perfect choice. This style is all about simplicity, featuring straight lines, a neutral color palette with shades of gray, white, and light brown, and smooth textures. Think stainless steel appliances, polished concrete countertops, and sleek, handleless cabinetry. The focus is on high-quality materials and functionality without the fuss. A modern outdoor kitchen installation creates a sophisticated, resort-like feel, making your small patio seem more spacious and organized. It’s an excellent option for complementing contemporary home architecture and minimalist landscaping.

Create a Warm, Rustic Retreat

For a cozier, more inviting atmosphere, a rustic style is a fantastic option. This design uses natural materials to create a warm and welcoming space perfect for intimate gatherings. Imagine a grill island built with textured stone veneers, countertops made of durable granite, and accents of reclaimed wood. This style embraces earthy tones and textures that blend seamlessly with the outdoors. You can enhance the cozy vibe by adding a matching firepit installation nearby. A rustic kitchen feels grounded and timeless, turning your backyard into a comfortable retreat for relaxing with family and friends.

Channel Coastal and Mediterranean Vibes

To create a breezy, vacation-like feel, consider a coastal or Mediterranean design. This style is light, airy, and inspired by life near the sea. Use light-colored pavers, white or light gray stucco for the kitchen structure, and add pops of color with vibrant blue or turquoise tiles for a backsplash. A wooden pergola can provide shade and a place for climbing plants to grow, adding a touch of greenery. This design often mixes modern stainless steel grills with natural elements like stone and wicker barstools. It’s all about creating a relaxed and beautiful paver patio space where you can unwind and entertain in style.

How to Maximize Your Small Outdoor Kitchen Space

Even the most compact backyard can house a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen. The secret isn’t about having more square footage; it’s about making smart, intentional choices with the space you have. A well-designed small kitchen feels inviting and efficient, not cramped. By focusing on layout, multi-purpose elements, and clever design tricks, you can create an outdoor cooking area that feels spacious and serves all your needs for entertaining and family dinners under the sun (or stars). It’s all about working with what you’ve got to build the outdoor oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

Choosing the Right Layout for Your Space

The flow of your kitchen is everything. Think about how you naturally cook: moving from the fridge to a prep counter to the grill. Arranging your appliances and surfaces in a logical work triangle will make the space intuitive and prevent you from feeling boxed in. Also, consider the elements. Where does the sun hit in the afternoon? Is there a spot that gets a nice breeze? Planning how much shade and shelter you need ensures you can enjoy your kitchen comfortably all year. A great first step is to visualize your layout to see how everything fits together before breaking ground.

L-Shaped Designs for Corner Spaces

An L-shaped layout is a brilliant way to handle a tricky corner spot on your patio or deck. Instead of leaving that space empty, you can tuck your kitchen right into it, which instantly makes your yard feel more organized and intentional. This setup naturally creates an efficient workflow, allowing you to move easily between your grill, a small sink, and your prep counter. It also helps define the cooking area, separating it from your dining or seating space, which makes for a cozier and more inviting atmosphere for guests. A well-planned outdoor kitchen design like this proves you don’t need a huge area to create a highly functional and stylish space.

Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture and Features

When every inch is prime real estate, each piece should work hard. Look for elements that can pull double duty. For instance, a countertop with a generous overhang can serve as both a prep area and a casual bar for guests to sit and chat. A rolling cart can be a portable island, a serving station, or extra storage that you can move out of the way. Choosing versatile furniture and compact, high-performance appliances means you get all the function without the bulk, which is perfect if you have a tight budget or prefer something easy to maintain.

Creating a Dual-Use Dining or Lounge Area

Your outdoor kitchen should be more than just a place to cook; it should be a destination for relaxing and connecting. To make the most of a small footprint, design the space to serve multiple functions. A simple way to do this is by extending your countertop to create a bar-height seating area. This gives guests a comfortable spot to sit and chat with you while you grill, keeping them part of the action without crowding your workspace. You can also use pavers to create a distinct but connected zone for a small dining table or a couple of comfortable lounge chairs, turning your paver patio into a cohesive, multi-purpose outdoor room.

Integrating Entertainment Options

Making your outdoor kitchen the go-to spot for fun is easier than you think. Entertainment features can be seamlessly integrated even in compact designs. Consider mounting a small, outdoor-rated TV under the cover for watching the game while you barbecue. Built-in speakers connected to a sound system can set the mood with your favorite playlist. For year-round enjoyment, nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a fire feature. A small, custom firepit installation built into your patio near the kitchen creates a cozy gathering spot for cool evenings, extending the hours you can enjoy your backyard retreat.

Use Vertical Space for Smarter Storage

Don’t forget to look up! When floor space is limited, vertical storage is your best friend. Wall-mounted shelves are perfect for holding plates and glassware, while hooks can keep grilling tools organized and within easy reach. You can also incorporate tall, narrow pantry cabinets into your kitchen’s design to store dry goods and cleaning supplies. Using vertical space draws the eye upward, making the area feel larger, and keeps your countertops clear and ready for action. This approach keeps all your essentials organized without sacrificing valuable prep surfaces.

How to Choose the Best Cover for Your Kitchen

A cover does more than just protect your grill from a surprise rain shower; it defines the kitchen as a distinct “room” in your backyard. A permanent structure like a pergola or a solid roof creates a reliable, comfortable space for cooking and hosting, no matter the weather. It provides welcome shade on hot Southern California days and can support features like ceiling fans or overhead lighting. Integrating a cover is a key part of creating a custom outdoor kitchen that feels like a true extension of your home, extending its usability through different seasons and times of day.

Attached Roofs for a Seamless Look

If you want your outdoor kitchen to feel like a true extension of your home, an attached roof is the perfect solution. This style of cover extends directly from your house, creating a smooth, cohesive look that blurs the line between indoors and out. It makes the patio feel like another room, providing a seamless transition that’s ideal for entertaining. Guests can move easily from the living room to the outdoor dining area without feeling like they’ve left the main event. This design also offers practical benefits, often making it simpler to run utility lines for plumbing and electrical from the main house. It’s a fantastic way to create a unified and highly functional outdoor living space.

Freestanding Pavilions for a Destination Feel

For a more distinct, resort-like atmosphere, a freestanding pavilion can turn your outdoor kitchen into a destination. This separate structure establishes the cooking and dining area as its own special zone within your backyard. A timber frame wooden pavilion, for example, can provide a rustic and strong feel, making your outdoor kitchen a standalone destination perfect for placing beside a pool deck or in a quiet garden corner. This approach adds architectural interest to your landscape and can help define different areas for different activities, separating the lively cooking space from a more tranquil lounge area. It’s an excellent choice for creating a dedicated escape right in your own yard.

Set the Mood with Strategic Lighting

Good lighting is both practical and magical. For cooking, you need clear, direct task lighting over the grill and prep areas so you can see what you’re doing after sunset. For ambiance, the options are endless. Consider installing LED strip lighting under your counters for a warm, modern glow. String lights draped across a pergola can create a festive, café-like atmosphere, while subtle landscape lighting around the kitchen’s perimeter adds depth and ensures safe footing. The right lighting plan transforms your kitchen from just a cooking space into an inviting destination for evening gatherings.

Creative Locations for Your Outdoor Kitchen

When you picture an outdoor kitchen, your mind probably goes straight to the backyard. But what if the best spot for your culinary setup is somewhere you haven’t even considered? Thinking beyond the traditional patio can open up a world of possibilities, especially for homes with unique layouts or limited space. A narrow side yard, an enclosed courtyard, or even a portion of your front yard can be transformed into a highly functional and stylish cooking area. The key is to look at all your available outdoor space with fresh eyes and imagine how a custom-designed kitchen could fit seamlessly into the landscape, creating a new destination for cooking and entertaining.

Rooftop and Courtyard Kitchens

Some of the most charming outdoor kitchens are tucked into unexpected nooks. An interior courtyard, for example, can become a wonderfully private and intimate cooking and dining space, reminiscent of a European bistro. It’s the perfect spot for a compact grill station, a small sink, and a cozy seating area. For homes with the right structure, a rooftop kitchen offers an incredible “wow” factor, letting you cook with a view. While these locations require careful planning for things like structural support, plumbing, and safety, they prove that small outdoor kitchens can be built almost anywhere, turning underused areas into your favorite part of the house.

Front Yard Entertainment Spaces

This idea might sound a bit unconventional, but a front yard kitchen can be a fantastic way to create a welcoming, social hub. Instead of being isolated in the back, you can interact with neighbors passing by, turning a simple barbecue into a community event. Of course, privacy is a consideration, but it can be easily achieved with tasteful landscaping, a low garden wall, or a decorative screen. Before you start, it’s essential to check local zoning laws and any HOA guidelines. With the right design, you can turn an existing structure or a corner of your yard into a beautiful and functional space that enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Budget-Friendly Strategies for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Creating your dream outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. While it’s a significant home improvement project, there are plenty of smart ways to manage costs without sacrificing style or function. A beautiful and efficient outdoor cooking space is achievable on a realistic budget. It all comes down to clever planning, prioritizing the features that matter most to you, and making savvy choices with materials and design. With a thoughtful approach, you can build an inviting kitchen that adds incredible value to your home and lifestyle, giving you a perfect spot for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend celebrations.

Repurpose Existing Structures

One of the best ways to save money is to work with what you already have. Before you start planning a brand-new build, take a look around your backyard. Do you have an underused structure, like a sturdy lean-to against the house or a covered corner of your patio? You can often transform an existing feature into a personal barbecue area or garden pub. This strategy can significantly cut down on costs for framing and roofing, which are often major expenses. Plus, incorporating an existing structure can add a unique character and a sense of history to your new kitchen, making it feel like it has always been a part of your home.

Smart Cabinet and Feature Choices

Your choices in finishes and features can have a big impact on the final price tag. Instead of splurging on a massive feature wall, you can create a simple, rugged look with open-fronted cabinets, which also saves on material costs. For essential storage, focus on durability. Including a few high-quality, weather-tight cabinets is a smart investment to keep your cookware, dishes, and grilling tools protected from the elements and pests. A professional outdoor kitchen installation can help you balance these budget-friendly ideas with the high-end, functional features you need, ensuring your space is both affordable and built to last.

What Are the Best Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen is an investment in your home and lifestyle, so choosing materials that last is non-negotiable. Unlike your indoor kitchen, this space is exposed to direct sunlight, temperature swings, and moisture. The right materials will not only look great for years but will also save you from costly repairs and replacements down the road. Think of it as building a foundation for countless future cookouts and family gatherings.

Your material choices impact everything from safety to maintenance. For instance, a slick floor can be a hazard around a pool or after it rains, while porous countertops can stain easily from spills. By focusing on durability from the start, you ensure your kitchen can handle everything from a dropped barbecue fork to an unexpected downpour. A well-built outdoor kitchen installation relies on a smart combination of materials that are tough, safe, and beautiful, creating a space that’s as functional as it is inviting.

Finding the Right Weather-Proof Countertops

Your countertops are the primary work surface of your outdoor kitchen, so they need to be tough. Look for non-porous, UV-resistant materials that won’t fade, crack, or stain. Granite and quartzite are excellent natural stone choices because they can handle heat and resist bacteria. Concrete countertops offer a modern, industrial look and can be customized to your exact specifications. When making your selection, it’s wise to choose durable materials that can stand up to the weather, ensuring your prep space remains pristine season after season. This is the key to a low-maintenance and long-lasting outdoor cooking area.

Choosing Cabinetry That Can Handle the Elements

Outdoor kitchen cabinets must be able to withstand moisture and pests without warping or rusting. Stainless steel cabinets are a popular choice because they are strong, last a long time, and can handle all kinds of weather. They don’t rust easily and are simple to clean, making them a practical and sleek option. Another great choice is marine-grade polymer (HDPE), a type of high-tech plastic that is completely waterproof and won’t fade in the sun. These materials ensure that your storage stays secure and protected, no matter what the elements throw your way.

Why Cedar is a Great Wood Choice

If you love the warm, organic feel of natural wood, cedar is a fantastic choice for features like a pergola or accent paneling in your outdoor kitchen. It’s not just beautiful—it’s also incredibly tough. Cedar comes with its own built-in defense system: natural oils that fight off moisture, decay, and insects, making it a perfect match for our Southern California climate. This natural durability means you can enjoy that gorgeous, rustic look without constantly worrying about weather damage. As a renewable resource, it’s also a sustainable choice that adds beautiful texture to your outdoor living space, and it pairs perfectly with stone and pavers.

The Best Flooring Options (Including Pavers!)

The flooring in your outdoor kitchen needs to be durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean. Spills and grease are inevitable, so you’ll want a surface that can handle them. Interlocking concrete pavers are a fantastic option because they are incredibly strong, provide excellent drainage, and come in countless styles and colors to match your home’s aesthetic. A professionally installed paver patio creates a stable and level foundation for your kitchen. Natural stone like flagstone also works well, offering a rustic and robust surface that can handle heavy foot traffic and weather with ease.

Exploring Structural and Accent Materials

Beyond the big three—countertops, cabinets, and flooring—the materials you choose for your kitchen’s structure and decorative accents are what truly define its character. These are the elements that tie the whole look together, creating a seamless transition from your home to your outdoor living space. Think of the base of your grill island or a backsplash behind the sink; these are opportunities to add texture, color, and personality. Choosing the right structural and accent materials ensures your kitchen is not only beautiful but also built to last, complementing your overall landscape design and creating a cohesive, inviting atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy.

Brick for a Classic Foundation

There’s a reason brick has been a go-to building material for centuries: it’s timeless, durable, and adds a sense of warmth and permanence to any structure. Using brick for the base of your outdoor kitchen island creates a classic, sturdy foundation that pairs beautifully with almost any style, from rustic to traditional. Beyond its good looks, brick is incredibly practical for an outdoor cooking space. It’s non-combustible and highly resistant to fire, which is a major safety advantage when you have a hot grill in operation. It also stands up to the elements, ensuring your kitchen structure won’t warp, rot, or fade over time.

Ceramic Tiles for a Pop of Color

If you want to inject some personality and color into your outdoor kitchen, ceramic tiles are your best friend. They are perfect for creating a vibrant backsplash behind your grill or sink, or for adding a decorative accent to your countertops. Tiles come in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to express your personal style and create a truly custom look. Functionally, they are a great choice for an outdoor setting because they are moisture-resistant, durable, and incredibly easy to wipe clean after a messy barbecue. A beautifully tiled accent wall can become the focal point of your kitchen, tying all the design elements together.

Common Material Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

A few common missteps can undermine the functionality and safety of your outdoor kitchen. One of the biggest mistakes is a lack of counter space, especially “landing zones” next to the grill for platters and utensils. Another critical error is building with flammable materials too close to your cooking appliances. Proper planning is essential to avoid these issues. Working with a designer to create 2D/3D designs of your layout can help you visualize the workflow and ensure you have enough prep area and proper clearance for a safe, enjoyable cooking experience.

Related Articles

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much space do I actually need for a functional outdoor kitchen? You might be surprised by how little space you truly need. A functional and stylish outdoor kitchen can be built along a single wall, often requiring a stretch of only 10 to 15 feet. The key isn’t having a massive yard, but rather a smart layout that creates a logical workflow between your grill, a prep counter, and a sink or fridge. A small corner of your patio or a narrow side yard can easily be transformed into a highly efficient cooking station.

What’s the most important feature to prioritize if I have a limited budget? If you have to choose, invest in two core elements: a high-quality built-in grill and as much counter space as you can comfortably fit. The grill is the heart of your kitchen, and a durable, reliable model will serve you well for years. Ample counter space on either side of the grill is what makes the area truly functional for prepping food and plating dishes. You can always add other features like a mini-fridge or side burner later on.

Is a permanent cover really necessary in Southern California? While our weather is beautiful, a cover is one of the smartest investments you can make for an outdoor kitchen. It does more than just offer rain protection; it shields you and your guests from the intense sun, making the space more comfortable for daytime use. It also protects your expensive appliances, countertops, and cabinetry from sun damage and fading, extending their lifespan and keeping your kitchen looking new for much longer.

How can I ensure my new outdoor kitchen doesn’t clash with my home’s existing style? The best way to create a cohesive look is to borrow design cues from your home’s architecture and your backyard’s landscape. Use materials, colors, and textures that are already present in your home’s exterior, such as matching the stone veneer to your fireplace or choosing pavers that complement your siding. Planning the design with a 2D or 3D rendering is also incredibly helpful, as it allows you to see exactly how the new kitchen will look next to your home before construction even begins.

What are the best low-maintenance materials for countertops and cabinets? For a kitchen that can withstand the elements with minimal fuss, you want to choose non-porous and weather-resistant materials. Granite and quartzite are fantastic for countertops because they resist heat, stains, and fading from UV rays. For cabinetry, stainless steel is a classic choice because it’s incredibly durable and won’t rust, while marine-grade polymer is a high-tech plastic that is completely waterproof and won’t warp or fade.