Our outdoor spaces have become even more valuable to us over the last couple of years and with the sunshine finally here, we look to outdoor living room ideas to ensure we make the most of it.

No matter size of garden, patio or outdoor space you have, you want it to feel like an extension of your home and still have that comfortable, relaxing vibe to it. Start with seating and thinking about how you’re going to be using your space. If you’re big on entertaining, a dining set could be a good choice, or perhaps a large built-in banquette. If you’re more of a solo sun worshipper, then maybe a day bed or sun lounger will suit your space better. Whatever you choose, be sure to adopt similar planning and researching time as you would to your living spaces inside. Hopefully,  this will be the area of your home you will use the most this summer.

Outdoor living room ideas

From outdoor kitchen ideas to garden seating ideas, all it takes is a little planning, design know-how and expert advice to transform your garden with an outdoor living room idea.

Whether you’re looking to extend your living space, divide what you have into zones or update the furniture, our relationship with our gardens has never been more important. Any change, big or small, can be transformative, so we asked the experts to share their insider tips and advice on where to start…

1. Layer up seating with soft furnishings

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

Just like you would in your living room, layer up your benches and armchairs will plenty of cushions for the ultimate spot for sundowners. A natural palette of neutrals and terracotta touches will work in almost any outdoor space, and will have a soothing, calming affect. Floor cushions are great for impromptu visiting friends and will add to the relaxed vibe.

2. Open up the space with a mirror

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

Mirrors are a great addition to any size garden, with the power to totally transform the space. Not only does it open up the space to make it seem bigger, it will reflect areas of garden that you might not be able to see from your seating spot, so allows you to enjoy more of it. Just like you would in your indoor living room, hang a mirror at a central point above your seating, or in the middle of a slim space.

3. Lay a rug over decking to add colour

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

If our outdoor space is lacking slighting on colourful plants and flowers, a great way to introduce more, is with an outdoor rug. While a heavier blanket will work better on a lawn or grassed area, a rug is the perfect addition to a patio or decked space. Outdoor rugs are made with different fibres to their indoor counterparts, so they should with stand most weathers through-out the summer, but will need to be rolled up and stored over winter.

4. Combine a dining and living space

Image credit: Matalan

Buy now: Ibiza shell texture planter, £15, Matalan

Let’s face it, as soon as the sun makes an appearance, we want to spend as much time outside as possible, whether its at meal times, working in the shade or chilling with a good book. So create a space to combine all these things with an open-plan living and dining space. Bench seating is great for squeezing on several small bums, so ideal for family meal times. Armchairs and coffee tables will bring a reading nook vibe and layered rugs will keep toes cosy come sunset.

5. Utilise a parasol to keep things cosy

Image credit: Future Plc/Claire Lloyd Davies

While a parasol will be great for blocking out direct sunlight during the day, it will also help to keep things cosy and intimate come the evening. It acts as a little ‘roof’ to your outdoor living space, keeping in the warmth of candles or patio heaters and will also act as protection should an evening shower hit. It’s one of the most simple but effective outdoor living room ideas.

6. Choose outdoor furniture that can be used inside too

Image credit: QVC UK

Buy now: Faux bamboo indoor/outdoor armchair, £240, QVC UK

Just because outdoor furniture has the word ‘outdoor’ in it, doesn’t mean you can’t use it inside too! Mary Bunting, buyer at QVC says, ‘Go for furniture that wouldn’t look out of place in a living room or a conservatory. Outdoor suitable materials are key as they are more durable and suitable to be left outdoors, but can also be used inside too.’

Rattan, cane and woven furniture are all popular choices for both inside and out and will work in both spaces through out the year.

7. Break up the space with levels

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘If you have existing level changes, it’s best to work with these rather than fight them,’ says landscape and garden designer Tom Massey, director of Tom Massey Studio.. ‘Retaining walls can be very expensive. If your garden is flat, adding levels will add costs, but also interest and excitement to the space. If you were going to excavate a pond, then you could use the spoil to create a mound. Thinking creatively and limiting material taken off site is a good way to save money and lower the environmental impact of the build.’

8. Create a seamless flow

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘Connecting different links between spaces enhances the sense of rhythm and flow. Try using a limited palette of hard materials, or drifting key plants between different areas of planting,’ says Tom.

Stylist Selina Lake adds: ‘I’m not sure they always need to connect visually – you could decide on a different planting scheme for each zone – think scented herbs for somewhere to sit and relax, wild grasses and wildflowers for a charming dining space, or a Scandi-style seating area with all-white flowers.’

9. Extend the interior decor

Image credit: John Lewis & Partners

Extend your indoor space by dressing your outdoor living area with thoughtful furniture choices and accessories – such as armchairs and cushions. Woven rugs, like the jute rugs pictured above, are a great decor option for grassless garden ideas.

10. Define with edges and boundaries

Image credit: Future Plc/Annaick Guitteny

‘A mixed boundary with some planting, some screening and perhaps some features like integrated sculptural elements can add interest,’ says Tom. ‘Boundaries can end up costing a lot of money, especially in larger gardens where the linear meter rates stack up.’

11. Illuminate with an outdoor lighting scheme

Image credit: Future Plc/Joanna Henderson

‘Festoon lights can be left out all-year-round and provide an easy and inexpensive way of adding magic to any outdoor space, while solar stake lights or path markers are a great solution of lighting your garden without plugs or wires,’ Tom adds.

‘The most simple and effective thing to do is to uplight trees – this looks dramatic and gives an ambient level of light. Too much lighting though and your garden can feel tacky and overblown.’

12. Enjoy alfresco mealtimes by creating an outdoor dining area

Image credit: Dobbies

‘Start with location,’ says Tom. ‘Ask yourself if you want morning or evening sun? Do you need shade/prefer to dine in the shade? What about proximity to the house? You could put the dining terrace at the end of the garden, rather than right outside the house, meaning you go on a journey to get there, making it more of an event and experience.

Selina adds: ‘The very nature of dining al fresco evokes a relaxed, informal mood – I’d always choose a lovely spot in the garden over a practical decision. I have a mini meadow area near the bottom of my garden, and I happily carry all the tableware there as it’s such a charming spot.’

13. Add shade to make the space more versatile

Image credit: Dobbies

Get more from your outdoor living room by incorporating an element of garden shade, such as awnings and pergolas. Being able to shade the space during the hottest parts of the day will mean the area is available to use throughout all hours of the day.

‘Always ask “do I need it”,’ advises Tom. ‘In a shady garden, one will just add more shade, but on a sunny terrace, a pergola can make it useable in hot weather. It’s not always nice to sit in direct hot sun’.

14. Be thoughtful with hard landscaping

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘Hard landscaping is a good idea for connecting areas,’ says Tom, ‘but this can be loose and informal, such as a planted gravel pathway, stepping-stones or floating timber boardwalk. Think beyond paving – it’s not always the best solution and it is high cost too.’

15. Purposely use paint outside

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘If you have an existing fence, painting it black makes it recede and can make the space feel bigger,’ says Tom. ‘Planting is also offset by the dark backdrop. Painting is cheap and can make a big difference, but remember if you paint it once, you will need to paint it again and will result in ongoing maintenance.’

‘Exterior paints and wood stains are great for revamping tired furniture – try painting black for a Scandi feel’ advises Selina. ‘For walls, a newly-built wall painted white is a great way of reflecting light, but I’d never paint an old, weathered wall – that would be a shame.’

16. Create a sense of calm with a water feature

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

‘The sound of running water is so relaxing. Look for one that is just “plug and play” without any complicated set-up needed, or even an outdoor tap,’ says Dani Taylor, creative director at Cox & Cox

17. Give your outdoor space a focal point

Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson

‘Tables are great for adding interest,’ says Selina, ‘but I’m not talking about a dining one, rather a side table that can be used to create displays with planters or collections of gardenalia. I love a vintage metal folding table, which can be moved to the perfect spot each season, ready for a new display.’

Tom suggests a tree; ‘One can be a fantastic sculptural element and cost a fraction of the price of an actual garden sculpture. Look for trees with multi-stem form and seasonality, such as hawthorn, crab apple or Amelanchier species.’ Dani adds; ‘A fire pit also makes a great focal point.’

18. Add a fire pit to make the space suitable for all seasons

Image credit: Future Plc/Colin Poole

Whether you choose to build a permanent solution or buy a moveable design a fire pit makes an outdoor living room more versatile. No matter how chilly the evenings get, sitting around a warming fire makes the space more useable throughout the entire year. ‘A fire pit is great to sit around with the family, toasting marshmallows or cooking sausages, and is the perfect excuse to get everyone outside,’ says Dani.

How do you make a good outdoor living space?

Image credit: Rei Moon

‘I’m not a huge fan of the term “outdoor room”,’ says Tom. ‘A garden is an outside space, and in my view, the main focus should be on plants and planting. Gardens obviously need to perform a range of functions for the human users, but I believe should also cater for local wildlife, and help support biodiversity.’

‘When thinking about a garden I always consider balance between hard and soft landscaping, too much hard and it can feel cold and sterile,’ Tom explains. ‘A garden should be full of life.’

Start big, says Selina, ‘Think about the bigger items of furniture, like you would with your indoor spaces. Invest in something comfy that can be easily stored away at winter. Then add your accessories, and a few pots with flowering plants that grow quite tall, like delphiniums, foxgloves or verbena bonariensis, which can be positioned around the furniture, helping it to feel more embedded into the garden.’

For Dani, it’s about shelter and heat. ‘If you’re going to spend money on an outdoor room, then it’s about using it as much as possible. You don’t need to add a permanent structure – pergolas or a sail shade look fantastic – but a large parasol can work just as well for a smaller space. And for evenings, consider a fire pit.’

What is garden zoning and why is it a good idea?

Image credit: Colin Poole

‘Zoning is a design trick used inside and out,’ says Selina. ‘It basically divides up a space into different areas, eg in a garden you’d have somewhere to dine, relax, entertain or sunbathe. Zones work particularly well for families as you can create a hang-out area for teenagers, a stylish sofa space for coffee mornings and a family table that’s perfect for al fresco dining and bringing everyone together.’

Tom adds; ‘All too often I see gardens that have a large-paved terrace outside the house, a huge lawn and tiny borders with a few drab shrubs. This doesn’t offer any mystery or excitement – there’s no reason to explore as the whole space is revealed immediately. Zoning and screening can provide intrigue and destinations to draw you out into the space.’

‘You can use festoon poles and lights or even solar path lighters in planters to create pathways’ advises Dani for defining the space.

What furniture materials are best for outdoor living room ideas?

‘If you are looking for wood, then acacia is a good-wearing option,’ says Dani, ‘it’s used in ship building. For a metal option, choose aluminium as it’s light, lasts a long time and doesn’t rust. Most cushions are waterproof – or showerproof – but you should try to bring them in over the wetter months and cover the frames of your furniture with a breathable outdoor furniture cover.’

‘If you want low maintenance, thinking about how materials weather well is important. Choose timber that will fade naturally to a nice silver or corten steel that rusts to a deep dark brown,’ says Tom.

How do I make an outdoor living room feel cosy, inviting and comfortable?

‘It’s about layering and coordinating,’ says Dani. ‘Keep furniture neutral and add colour and personality with things that are easily changeable, such as paint, textiles and lighting. Think about where you’ll store everything when the weather turns though, with sheepskins and cushions that work inside as well as out.’

Mary says, ‘Choose a centre piece and build your space around it, this could be a low coffee table, an indoor/outdoor rug or a fire pit that can keep you cosy when the sun goes down. Think about covering up your gas cylinders that are used to fuel your firepit, and go for a cover that can double up as a side table.’

‘Complete the look with mature architectural plants that bring instant impact and drama to your space, compliment with indoor/outdoor basket effect planters as these give that indoor vibe and can be used outdoors all year round. It’s important to add ambiance too. Lanterns and festoon lights can transform any outdoor space and create a welcoming glow so that you can continue to entertain and enjoy your space well into the evening.’

What interior design tips I can use outside too?

‘I love to see jugs, vases and buckets filled with freshly-cut flowers,’ says Selina. ‘They will instantly jolly up a space.’ Dani suggests a statement piece of furniture, ‘like a hanging chair positioned at the bottom of your garden to give you something to draw the eye. Or an outdoor mirror on a wall to give the illusion of more space. And if you need occasional extra seating, then use a daybed just as you would a bench inside.’

‘Your garden should be an extension of your home and style. Don’t compromise on garden furniture or accessories that you would never have inside,’ says Dani. ‘All-in-one solutions are really exciting, like a corner set with a built-in fire pit. They provide a real luxe feel to your garden and are super practical as you can lounge and dine.’

Additional words: Holly Walsh

The post Outdoor living room ideas – 18 ways to make the most of your garden appeared first on Ideal Home.

Rishi Sunak today announced that VAT on energy-saving devices for the home will be cut to zero. This change, revealed in the chancellor’s spring statement, will reduce the cost of installing solar panels.

It will also make it cheaper to install other energy-efficient measures such as insulation, wind and water turbines, and heat pumps. Sunak laid out his plans today in a mini-budget amid rising energy, food, and fuel costs.

Image credit: Getty images / Leoniek Van Der Vliet / EyeEm

Rishi Sunak slashes VAT on solar panels

‘As energy costs rise, we know that energy efficiency will make a big difference to bills,’ Rishi Sunak told MPs today. ‘I can announce for the next five years, homeowners having materials like solar panels, heat pumps, or insulation installed will no longer pay 5% VAT– they will pay zero.’

As Martin Lewis said in a tweet, this is great for those who can afford it, but not a help in the immediate crisis. The cost of living crisis has left many looking for ways to save energy at home.

While it will encourage some homeowners to go green, eco-home improvements like solar panels will remain out of reach for the majority.

Image credit: Simon Whitmore

What does this mean for the cost of installing solar panels?

A premium panel, the LG NeON R costs £3,180 for ten panels, plus installation. They would cost £159 less than this, at 3,021 without the 5% VAT.

If you opt for a small area of solar panels, such as a 1kW system, which takes around eight square metres of roof space, this will cost around £1,840. That amount of power this produces is likely to cover bills for a person living alone.

Data published by Ofgem showed that the average UK energy bill was £95 per month, or £1,138 a year in September 2021. Prices are set to go up on April 1st when the energy price cap rises.

This means an eco-alternative like solar panels and a heat pump could mean huge savings.

Which energy-efficient measures does the VAT cut affect?

1. Heat pumps
2. Insulation
3. Wind turbines

Improving our home’s ability to retain heat with insulation is one other way to reduce bills.

The post Rishi Sunak cuts VAT on energy-saving devices and it could save homeowners hundreds appeared first on Ideal Home.

Knowing what can invalidate your home insurance is essential to make sure you are fully protected by your policy. Almost one in five claims on such policies are rejected according to the Association of British Insurers. Often, that’s because when the insurer came to check out the claim, it discovered a problem that invalidated the insurance.

If you end up in that situation, you’re losing out twice over. You won’t get the money you’d hoped for when you made the claim, and you’ve wasted all the money you spent on the home insurance policy in the first place.

So why do so many claims fail? And how do you avoid getting caught out?

1. Honesty is the best policy

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

Avoid telling fibs when you buy or claim on a policy. For example, failing to declare a criminal conviction will invalidate your insurance.

Even careless information can cost you. For example, you might have made a casual calculation about how much your home contents are worth. But if you’ve over-estimated, an insurer might consider it fraud. Or you might have inadvertently submitted false information about your security – the types of lock you have, for example. In which case, the insurer can reject your claim.

Tot up the contents carefully and honestly. List items of high value separately. Be honest and accurate from the start to avoid financial woe later.

Make sure you read our contents insurance guide if you aren’t sure what it is or why you need it.

2. Anybody home?

Image credit: Future PLC/Matt Cant

Leaving your home unoccupied for a long stretch could invalidate your home insurance. A holiday is fine. You can usually be away for around 30 days and still keep to the terms of your policy.

Longer absences could spell trouble, so check with your insurer.

Being away from home and leaving it unlocked could also nullify the policy. You need to keep your home reasonably secure. Don’t leave the door open for burglars. Keep keys safe, and make sure locks are in working order.

Equally, if there is someone home because you’ve taken in a lodger, keep your insurer in the loop about that too.

3. Renovating in secret

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Structural changes increase risk of damage, but could also increase property value. Both of these factors affect potential claims, so your insurer needs to know.

Tim Downes, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance says social media has become a ‘hub of inspiration’ for home renovations. But he adds: ‘Many enthusiastic amateurs are making a hash of these DIY hacks.’

Downes warns that even if your insurer covers you for accidental damage, failing to declare changes could invalidate your cover.

Downes says: ‘Ahead of any renovation, it’s important to understand your insurance policy and know what cover you have. And sometimes, it’s better to just call in the professionals.’

If you’re only adding a lick of paint, you can keep that to yourself.

4. Using home for business

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

If you have stock, equipment or visitors to your home for business reasons, there’s more chance of an incident. In turn, it’s more likely you would claim on your home insurance.

Insurers need the opportunity to calculate risk and offer the right policy.

Sarah Poulter, senior media relations manager at insurer Aviva, says: ‘Most policies will allow you to do office-type work at your house. But if you set up a business and run it from your home, this may require a separate business insurance policy.’

Contact your insurer if you have visitors, equipment, or have adapted the property for work use.

5. Letting your house freeze

Insurance only works if you take reasonable steps to prevent future disasters, and therefore future claims. For example, keeping the house at a minimum temperature in winter. Doing so helps prevent pipes from freezing, expanding, and then bursting, causing water damage.

Small print might be dull but it’s best to read it to understand what your home insurance covers and its limitations. Contact your insurer as soon as possible if your home or belongings are damaged or destroyed.

The post What can invalidate your home insurance? How to protect your policy appeared first on Ideal Home.

It’s difficult to be the hostess with the mostess when you’re stuck cooking inside while guests enjoy the summer in your garden. Outdoor kitchen ideas allow you to bring the prep, cooking and dining outside, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice practicalities or fun.

Outdoor entertaining has risen dramatically in popularity in terms of garden ideas – and for good reason. Exterior spaces are prised and can add serious value to your home, so the more set up your space for hosting, lounging and living, the more you’re adding to your home. And if you’re not planning on selling, having a properly planned outdoor area will make your garden more enjoyable year round.

‘Barbeques and outdoor ovens are an amazing way to bring the kitchen outside right into the comfort of your garden,’ notes Ash Read, home and property expert and founder of Living Cozy. ‘They can be used all year round to cook up a storm no matter what season it is.’ Indeed, alfresco cooking is popular worldwide, with the Scandis embracing it even in the coldest months.

Outdoor kitchen ideas

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to outdoor kitchen ideas – not only are barbecues available everywhere you look, so are pizza ovens, cabinets, worktops, and sinks.

And you can go as elaborate or modest as you fancy. From building one yourself, to buying an off-the-peg design or paying a professional company to install high-end appliances, an outdoor kitchen can vary wildly in price and finish.

1. Keep everything to hand

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

The last thing you want to be doing when cooking for a crowd and sorting garden party ideas is faffing around trying to find everything you need. Since we tend to use our outdoor kitchen ideas less than the main indoor kitchen, we’re not as familiar with where everything is.

Keep life simple for yourself by rigging up a space to hang your oft used utensils. Open storage and labelled drawers will also cut down on your time searching for what you need.

2. Save space with a narrow design

Image credit: WWOO

Most of us are limited with our outdoor space, so save precious square footage by plumping for a slimline design. Really consider what you need to include, rather than just adding in all the mod-cons ‘just because’. You’ll be surprised what you can do with only a multifunctional barbecue and sink.

Remember most of the items, like condiments and glassware will be stored indoors most of the time, so you don’t need as much worksurface space as you might think. As long as you have room enough for a chopping board then you’re good to go.

3. Include a multifunctional trellis

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

Garden trellis ideas are perhaps a surprising, but definitely welcome, addition to outdoor kitchen ideas. The structure will firstly add a pretty backdrop to your cooking space, meaning you’re not just looking at a brick wall or old fence. Paint in a pretty shade or train climbing plants upwards for extra impact.

Secondly, the gaps in a trellis are perfect for hanging utensils, chopping boards and other essentials. You could even hang small pots of herbs so you have them to hand for cooking or adding to cocktails with your garden bar ideas.

4. Fake it till you make it

Image credit: Tom Howley

Blur the lines and fake an outdoor kitchen. Design your home with an indoor-outdoor feel with matching or similar flooring running between the two. A wall made up of sliding or bifolding glass doors will disrupt the distinction between indoors and out, meaning you can get the best of both worlds without adding a new space.

Find the right garden seating ideas which work just as well with your interior design as your garden space.

5. Go for an all in one design

Image credit: Future PLC/Nicola Stocken

Some modern designs have everything you could want – and more – in one structure. To make sure you get what you want, go bespoke, or make your own if your DIY skills are up to scratch. That said, unless you’re a professional, do bring in someone to rig up any electrics and water that are needed.

6. Go casual with rustic vibes

Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson

Think cottagecore for a charming take on outdoor kitchen ideas. Rustic brick pizza ovens or the best BBQs will add old-worldy appeal. A big plus of this is the more rough around the edges the better, so you can get away with minimal upkeep. Ensure you keep your surrounding planting in tip-top condition to stay on the cottage garden ideas side rather than run down.

7. Get creative with old kitchen tiles

Image credit: Future PLC

If you only have a small garden, you can easily zone out a small garden kitchen with the aid of a few tiles. Whether you have some leftover from your own kitchen or picked some up on offer, attach them to a wall or wooden board attached to a fence to create striking outdoor wall decor ideas for your barbecue.

8. Consider low maintenance materials

Image credit: Lundhs

‘Opt for a material that is easy to clean and is maintenance-free’ advises Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs. ‘The key to this is choosing a material that is 100 per cent natural. A completely natural stone will be used to the elements and notoriously only require very little maintenance – a simple wipe with a damp cloth will suffice!

9. Position in the perfect spot

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Find the perfect spot on your patio ideas to place the kitchen area, ensuring you have enough space for all your cooking needs.

‘The outdoor kitchen should not be fully exposed to sunlight, and if possible find the least windy area,’ advises Hege from Lundhs. A secluded spot within the garden, preferably closer to the house should cater well for most garden layouts.

10. Take the indoors out

Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Reaside

Take inspiration for the the layout of your existing kitchen. Set the kitchen and cooking elements of the design to one side and keep it contained, only a short distance away from a dining area. this hub of social interaction will feel familiar to the kitchen you know and love indoors. Placing your outdoor kitchen directly outside on the patio is a mirror reflection of the interior.

11. Consider an overhead covering

Image credit: Morso

‘While barbecuing has been popular for a long time, we’ve seen demand for covered outdoor kitchens soar in recent years,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD at Morsø UK. The beauty of a solid structure overhead is that you can plan garden parties without consulting the weather forecast.

‘The best outdoor 
kitchens provide ample food preparation space and worksurface for pots, crockery and utensils, as well as seating,’ adds Declan. A long chimney will funnel smoke away from both the structure and your eyes.

Buy now: Morsø hut (small), 
including Forno 
oven and accessories, four stools with cushions, from £6,595, Morsø

12. Entertain at an outdoor cocktail bar

Image credit: Landform Consultants

Give your entertaining a cocktail-bar buzz, without leaving home. ‘I would recommend a garden bar to make greater use of outside space,’ says Rhiannon Williams, landscape architect and project manager at Landform Consultants. ‘A bar takes up a lot less space than a dining area.’

Select key fittings, such as an outdoor wine fridge or sink, then build the bar around these. ‘Choose materials that can withstand year-round exposure. I would recommend a well-sealed natural stone top and treated wood cladding,’ Rhiannon adds.

13. Build a budget outdoor kitchen

Image credit: Ikea

Once you’ve worked out your budget, shop around to find a range that’s right for you. Ikea has a fantastic range of affordable outdoor kitchen products, including this charcoal barbecue with a detachable trolley and storage cabinet. They also, of course, have matching garden furniture to complete the look.

14. Narrow down your cooking style

Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd-Davies

Are you more of a barbecue buff or a grilling guru? Whatever your preferred cooking method, there’s something for you. Choose from an outdoor kitchen BBQ, the best pizza oven, hob, grill or a combination of them all.

15. Dedicate a place for food prep

Image credit: WWOO

Make sure that you have ample space for food preparation. You won’t want to have to walk back and forth to the kitchen or garden table with all your food in tow. Be sure to keep cooked and uncooked food separate so as not to contaminate one another.

16. Choose a weatherproof countertop

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Your outdoor kitchen is going to be exposed to all weather conditions, so it’s important to choose a suitable material for your work surface. Avoid wood, and go for concrete or stainless steel instead.

You could use stone tiles, slabs or flagstones, too, but they should  be treated with an acrylic sealer. This will make them more weather resistant and easier to clean.

17. Include storage for essentials

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

As with any kitchen space, it’s important to ensure you have enough storage. This doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple shelves fixed to a fence can work as a place to stack herbs, spices and marinades, and you can hang tools from dowling rods. A fold-out table provides extra workspace when it’s needed, but can live in the shed in the winter months.

Make sure you’re able to close and lock things away so that they are safe from the outdoor elements.

18. Install an outdoor sink

image credit: Garden House Design

For the full al fresco experience, include a sink in your outdoor kitchen so you can do your washing up in the open air, too. However, installing the plumbing required can be costly. You could look to positioning your sink on an external wall of the house, below an existing outdoor tap to minimise the cost, but you’ll still need to consider a hot water supply.

Make sure you have a way of covering your sink in winter to protect it from bad weather, and remember it will require more cleaning that a regular indoor sink! Make sure you plan accordingly for any water or electricity access, as this will play a big part in planning.

19. Take shelter

Image credit: The London Tile Co.

Given the endearing unreliability of the British weather, it’s a good idea to think about how to create shade in your garden for your outdoor kitchen. Go for a fold-away option to take advantage of the glorious sunshine (when it comes!). Be safe though – for example, a grill will need to be properly ventilated if it’s to be sited under a covered area.

20. Put safety first

Image credit: Future PLC/David Hiscock

When choosing the design and layout of an outdoor kitchen, put safety first. ‘Take safety into consideration when planning your kitchen’ says Hege from Lundhs. ‘If you are planning on installing a grill for example, make sure you avoid flammable materials and choose a worktop and surfaces that can withstand high temperatures of up to 300C.’

Take safety into consideration when planning the layout, make sure there’s a safe flow from cooking area to dining space.

21. Grow your own herbs nearby

Image credit: Future PLC/Alun Callender

Wherever you site your outdoor kitchen, plan in a planting space for herbs not too far away. A joy of cooking in your garden is that you can pick rosemary for your lamb, or basil to top a pizza, fresh and instantly. Rosemary is relatively easy to grow, as are mint, sage and chives.

22. Keep it cool

Image credit: Bradstone Luxury

When you’ve got guests round on a summer’s evening, you’ve got to keep the drinks flowing. Install an outdoor fridge or wine cooler to keep bottles within arm’s reach.

Just remember, you can’t install any fridge in your garden – look for a models designed for outdoor use and consider that you’ll need an electrical supply to power it.

23. Stay warm with an outdoor fire

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

When dinner is finished and you’re relaxing with full tummies, what better way to keep the evening going strong than by cosying up under blankets and lighting the fire? Store a selection in baskets that you can bring out in one lot for your guests when the sun goes down.

Liberal numbers of lanterns and other garden lighting ideas will help make you feel extra cosy, too.

Things to consider before buying an outdoor kitchen

Whatever your space, start with a barbecue with a work surface/countertop beside it. Choose between a gas or charcoal barbecue, bearing in mind that gas will be easier to keep clean and gives you the option of using it year round. If your budget allows, look for a design that features a rotisserie for slow-roasting meats – great for summer barbecues or Sunday lunches. Storage cabinets are always a handy extra for stashing utensils and cookware, while other optional add-ons can include pizza ovens, outdoor sinks with taps and even fridges.

Where’s the best place to install an outdoor kitchen?

As a rule, outdoor kitchens are best situated fairly close to the house and always on level decking or a patio. Look to position yours against a brick wall (not wooden fencing for obvious reasons) and try to keep it away from walkways.

How much does it cost to put in an outdoor kitchen?

How much it costs to put in an outdoor kitchen depend on your budget and how ambitious your plans are. If you’re a keen DIYer, here’s nothing stopping you from building your own cooking area, incorporating a new barbecue (or your existing one) into the design, with cabinets, worktops and shelving made from weatherproof materials such as wood, stainless steel and brick. Heatproof tiles are a good addition if you want to add a decorating edge.

To keep costs down, consider purchasing a pre-made island or bar-style structure, as this will save you buying what could be expensive custom additions, such as concrete worktops and stone bases. Or why not try building your own as part of an upcycling project, using reclaimed wood and bricks?

Outdoor fridges tend to be quite pricey as they need to be watertight and weatherproof, so they aren’t really an option for those on a budget – plus you’ll need an electrical supply. However, if you have space, a sink or a cooler filled with ice is just as effective for parties.

If money is no object, there are now quite a few companies that will design and install a whole outdoor kitchen for you, as well as looking after any necessary wiring and plumbing. According to Bradshaw Luxury, you should expect to pay around £9,600 for an outdoor kitchen complete with gas grill, fridge and sink.

What is the best surface for an outdoor kitchen?

The best surface for an outdoor kitchen, if you have the budget is a durable stone – that withstands the elements all year round. Stone is 100 per cent natural and is one of the most durable and resilient materials in the world.

‘When it comes to material and in particular worktop surface choice for an outdoor kitchen, the most important consideration is the weather and the climate,’ advises Hege Lundh, Marketing Director, Lundhs. ‘Make sure you choose materials that will withstand changes in temperatures, exposure to the sun’s UV rays and also to the moisture of rain and dampness. The key to a long-lasting outdoor surface is something that will stand the test of time against these elements. The features you should look for are a material that has low porosity, low absorption and a resistance to UV.’

It is thanks to its exceptional durability and resilience to the elements that stone makes the ideal outdoor kitchen worktop surface. ‘Resistant to water, heat, UV rays, stains and scratches, real stone can be used outdoors without worry and is guaranteed to be every bit as beautiful as it is practical.’

How do you weatherproof an outdoor kitchen?

Look at investing in good-quality covers to protect your kit from the elements. Wooden surfaces need to be cleaned and treated once a year and, if you have the space (and money), consider a well-ventilated gazebo to shelter your kitchen year round.

Like loft conversions and kitchen extensions, we see outdoor kitchens becoming increasingly popular, as we all try to get the most from of the space available to us. So why not build one of these outdoor kitchens, and turn your backyard into the hottest eatery in town…

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