The very nature of an outdoor kitchen is honestly pretty charming. Who doesn’t love the chance to eat a fresh meal in the sunshine, surrounded by their garden, overlooking the swimming pool?

However, with a few smart design strategies, you can take your outdoor kitchens and patios to the next level. With a keen eye for color and a creative imagination, anyone can turn simple outdoor kitchen designs into even more colorful and wonderful realities.

If you’re starting to draft plans for new outdoor kitchens and patios, or looking for ways to spruce up your existing outdoor dining area, read on. Here are three design tips to make your backyard oasis stand out from the crowd:

1. Include Clever Storage Spaces

One thing all magazine-worthy outdoor kitchens and patios have in common is cleanliness. Just like indoor spaces, outdoor spaces should be kept neat and clutter-free. With good design, you can prepare an outdoor kitchen that’s a piece of cake to maintain. Simply ensure that the kitchen has plenty of clever storage solutions for hiding away would-be clutter. Include a few different sheltered trash and recycling receptacles under the counters, and use drawers to store utensils, cleaning supplies, and flatware. A refrigerated drawer is a great way to store drinks, and an under-the-bar cabinet can be a place to store extra beach towels.

2. Add a Firepit

Outdoor kitchen spaces are meant to be enjoyed both day and night. Including multiple light sources can help make the space more useful after dark. However, you can take your lighting one step further by adding an outdoor fireplace or campfire pit. This step will encourage guests to gather ’round the flickering firelight for drinks and storytelling. Adding a fire pit can keep you warm on chillier autumn evenings, and it might even keep pesky mosquitoes at bay.

3. Use Unexpected Paints and Patterns

Many homeowners opt for simple outdoor dining spaces, but why not take your kitchen’s personality up a notch with fun colors and patterns? Save the formal dining for indoor events, and use your outdoor eating area to express creativity and flair. Choose a bright accent color, unusual seating choices, or a vibrant collection of plants to decorate your space. After all, it’s yours to use as you please, so go wild!

In a 2014 Houzz Spring Landscaping Trends Study, 83% of respondents considered the backyard “an ideal entertaining space.” With these tips, you can take any outdoor kitchens and patios from “ideal” to “fun and fabulous!” For more outdoor construction inspiration, contact us at Challenger Pools today.