Create your perfect outdoor kitchen
During the summer, there is nothing better than being able to extend your living space into your garden. Whether you are hosting drinks with friends or a big family brunch, an outdoor kitchen gives you the freedom to entertain your guests whilst being able to relax in the sunshine.
Explore four inspiring ways to create a versatile outdoor kitchen using our hard-wearing, hard-working exterior paints, available in the complete Little Greene colour palette…
1. Complement greenery with an elegant pink island
There are so many colours that sit comfortably in exterior settings, from bold accent shades to classic neutrals. But for a tried and tested combination, choose a gentle pink like Masquerade. This inviting shade pairs effortlessly with garden foliage, plantings and flowers.
With its earthy muted hue, Masquerade is also a smart colour choice to add a softer element to the the hard surfaces usually found in an indoor or outdoor kitchen. Paint your kitchen island in Masquerade and accessorise with black metallic accents for a harmonious, contemporary finish.
2. Create a sociable atmosphere with vibrant painted walls
If you want your outdoor kitchen to be a sociable entertaining space that really draws people in, choose a palette of vibrant, contrasting colours. A combination of two strong shades like Mazarine and Yellow-Pink is ideal, giving you an opportunity to embrace colours that might be more difficult to incorporate in your interior schemes.
For maximum impact, you can juxtapose these colours by painting two adjacent walls. This will allow you to zone your space into different areas – for example, a relaxed sitting area and a drinks bar – creating an immersive setting that celebrates colour and captivates your guests.
3. Evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere using Tuscan Red
Many of us will associate outdoor kitchens with warm and tranquil Mediterranean settings, where summers are spent basking in the beauty of the outdoors. These kitchens are characterised by the use of traditional, natural finishes, which create connection with the surrounding landscape for a scheme with real longevity.
Our chalky red, Tuscan Red, is the perfect shade to evoke this relaxed, peaceful atmosphere in your own outdoor kitchen. Used to paint exterior walls, it provides a characterful, elegant backdrop for wood, stone, marble and decorative tiles, bringing a sense of richness, intimacy and warmth.
4. Make use of a small space with bold colour blocking
It certainly isn’t true that you can only create an outdoor kitchen in very spacious gardens. With the clever use of colour, even the smallest patio area can become a charming space where you can dine al fresco on summer evenings!
A great way to maximise space is by painting walls in a bright, reflective white like Loft White. Consider installing a pizza oven or barbecue, then introduce a fun pop of colour on a smaller wall space to bring some added personality. The sumptuous red, Arras, is a fabulous shade to create a statement contrast.
What finish should I choose?
For painting exterior walls in your outdoor kitchen, our Intelligent Masonry Paint is ideal. With a quick-drying, low-odour, water-based formula, it is extremely robust and durable. Intelligent Masonry Paint is available in most Little Greene colours, so you can create beautiful harmony between your interior and exterior schemes.
If you are painting woodwork or metalwork in your outdoor kitchen – such as your dining chairs or tables – use Intelligent Exterior Eggshell. Available in all our shades, this highly practical, water-based finish makes it easy to bring colour to your exteriors. It combines a subtle sheen of 15% with a tough, water-resistant finish that can protect against the elements. Touch dry in 2-4 hours, Intelligent Exterior Eggshell is also self-priming on woodwork, meaning you can complete your project over just one weekend!
