It’s not just ‘outdoor living’ that’s a current trend, there’s a whole ‘outdoor kitchen’ thing going on as well. The outdoor kitchen is somewhat more sophisticated than a bbq spot. It’s not just dedicated space to outdoor entertaining it also has proper provision for cooking and serving (after all, who needs all that running back and forth from the inside kitchen!). Here are some of our ideas and suggestions as to how you can keep things operating smoothly this summer…
All White
Enhance the feeling of space in your outdoor kitchen by choosing pale coloured tiles. These are our Castleford White Slate Effect Outdoor Slab tiles, measuring 595mm x 595mm – so suited to pretty much any size garden. These porcelain tiles have the look of natural slate, and we recommend that they are given a coat of LTP Porcelain Tile Protector which will help with the easy and swift removal of any organic matter – such as leaves, soil and grass cuttings, etc. We think the White colour option is a great choice, especially if leading into a white tiled interior floor…
Taking it Seriously…
For those who are very serious about their outdoor kitchen facilities, the Cane Line Drop Wide Kitchen Unit from Naken is rather desirable. They’re made to order by Danish brand Cane-line, in Lava Grey aluminium.
A Simple Bar
It’s nice to have the drinks and cooking arrangements separated, so there’s plenty of space for mixing cocktails as well as grilling and basting … make sure there’s room to do both with the Palm Outdoor Garden Bar & Stool set from Danetti. The sharp, clean lines of these designs will sit perfectly with a newly paved terrace that looks crisp and neat.
A Perfect Backdrop
If you’re looking for a light-coloured porcelain tile to provide a pale and interesting backdrop to your new terrace, take a look at one of our latest designs, Icarus Grey Outdoor Slab Tiles. These 600mm x 900mm tiles have the appearance of natural stone with textured veining and a matt finish, plus that all-important anti-slip rating of R11.
Modular Options
Aim high for your outdoor kitchen by designing a personalised layout with options from Grillo. There are pre-designed layouts available, as was as tailor-made options. Constructed from steel, with options including bars, fridges and bin units, as well as log store, pizza oven and grills.
Everhot Outdoor Grill | Everhot
Cooking Clever
Hone your outdoor cooking skills to the max with the Everhot Outdoor Grill, cook at different heights, and choose between wood or charcoal. It can be built in – perhaps with tiled shelves and surfaces or used as a freestanding item on a sturdy, heat-proof surface.
A Warm Shade
Bridge the gap between timber-style and the popular dark greys with our Basalto Beige Modular Outdoor slabs, which are supplied in packs of different sizes. This warm colour option is a lovely choice for the outdoor space that perhaps has wooden outdoor furniture and traditional brickwork nearby. Basalto is supplied as a project pack, covering just under 20 square metres.
Green Choices
Prepare an elegant outdoor table with vegetable-themed dinnerware – perfect for a summer lunch celebration. Find cabbage-style plates and platters, alongside artichoke and aubergine serving platters, as well as fruity ideas such as melon bowls, at Micucci Interiors.
Good Presentation
Serve those drinks on a stylish tray, such as the Lavish Leaves tray, from Gabrielle Good.
Stylish & Elegant
Colourful glassware looks perfectly at home for outside entertaining, we love a multi-coloured theme. These are from the Bicos collection at Micucci Interiors.
Eyes on the Floor
Get the look (and the colours) of natural slate with our Castleford Grey Slate Effect Outdoor Slab tiles. These are large format, measuring 595mm x 595mm and have beautiful shade variations, which means they can blend happily with warm shades of ivory and beige as well as darker shades or grey. They have rectified edges, for a crisp and clean look once they’re installed. I
Cooking Up A Storm
For a complete outdoor kitchen that doesn’t need building in and which has an integral serving surface, as well as cooking surface, hanging cook bowl, warming oven and log storage space, take a look at the Complete Outdoor Kitchen from Firepits UK. A good choice if you’re looking for a slightly more traditional style of cooking equipment to complete your outdoor scheme.
A Good Background
Go for darker shades for your outdoor tiles if you think that there’s going to be ‘heavy traffic’ in the outdoor entertaining/cooking/relaxing area. These are our Surface Outdoor Night Black Porcelain Slabs. They have the appearance of concrete slabs, but are very stain resistant, and have a high anti-slip rating of R11.
Cheers M’Dears
Look swish and all ready to party with a stylish outdoor drinks trolley. This is the Metal Outdoor Drinks Trolley from Vonhaus. Just the thing to keep the party rolling along!
A Decorative Touch
As much as we like large expanses of plain tiles – especially if you’re going to town on the outdoor accessories, we also like a decorative look for a new terrace. Our Hardblue Light Grey Porcelain Outdoor slab tiles have a circular motif that can be used all-over or just for particular sections. These tiles are a good choice if you would like to ‘zone’ the cooking and eating areas on the terrace – it’s a design idea that’s often used indoors, and can be equally as successful outdoors …
Sitting Pretty
Outdoor seating does get a bit not-quite-comfy sometimes, especially if you’ve got contemporary built-in bench seating. Have a quick look at Wilko for an ever-changing choice of patterns and plains. Great value, too!
And…Relax
However you’re arranging your outdoor dining-cooking-entertaining area, there should always be a sunny corner spot for a cheerful morning coffee. We love the combination of natural rattan-style furniture with the great contrast of darker tiles. These are our Ohio Outdoor Anthracite Porcelain Slab tiles, adding a modern look to any outdoor scheme. And if you want further outdoor inspiration hop on to Instagram and take a look at @carlyshomeideas – featuring lots of our tiles, of course!
Do tell us about your latest projects…especially if they involve any of our latest designs. Hit us up on Twitter @TileMountainUK or on Instagram, @tilemountainuk – we look forward to seeing your photos!
You might also enjoy these posts on the Tile Mountain blog…
Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.