Inside out

Bring Your Interior Style To An Outdoor Kitchen Area With These Expert Tips

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

The next level up from your basic barbecue, an outdoor kitchen is not only a functional addition to a serious entertaining space, it can also make a design statement! The best way to dress your alfresco kitchen zone to impress is to look to your interiors for inspiration as a starting point.

Identify your style

Interior architect Sally Rhys-Jones (sallyrhysjones.com) suggests you begin with the style of your home. “The outside is an extension of the indoors and should flow through,” she says. “Is your style classic, coastal, Hamptons or modern and sleek? For example, if you have shaker-style joinery in your kitchen, replicate it outside. Or choose a colour that is used internally.”

Also look at the textures and colours your outdoor kitchen space will be sitting alongside. Landscape design expert Jason Hodges, of Adbri Masonry, recommends complementing the existing area by matching the colour of pavers to roof tiles, guttering, bricks or render.

Choosing cabinets

The big issue with outdoor kitchens is finding materials that can handle the elements. “A lot of materials are not suitable to be used externally, especially if you don’t have full cover to protect from the rain and sun,” says Sally.

Opt for cabinets specifically designed for outdoor use. AlfrescoPlus outdoor kitchens, for example, are built from solid PVC panels and a patented aluminium framing system. “Our cabinets are impervious to water, as are the compact laminate doors and end panels,” says Jon Gumley of AlfrescoPlus.

While their materials may differ, colour can help to link indoor and outdoor cabinetry. “AlfrescoPlus’ contemporary colours – Arctic White, Cadet Grey and Black Onyx – suit the styling of most homes,” says Jon Gumley.

Benchtop options

Visually consistent benchtops between the interior and exterior is a great look, but even the hardiest benchtop materials are often not recommended for exterior spaces –check with the manufacturer if unsure.

Porcelain is a great solution and is durable enough to carry through outside. Engineered stone products are tricky as some are more suitable than others. ”AlfrescoPlus’ black acrylic quartz benchtops are highly resistant to scratching, aggressive chemicals and high temperatures,” says Jon.

Tiles are another hardy bench option. “I like to choose a colour that we have used inside and tile the whole barbecue area in that,” says Sally Rhys-Jones. “It’s durable and you can hose it clean!”

On the ground

Continuing the same floor tiles from inside to out, or using pavers or tiles of a similar colour and size, instantly creates a sense of flow and helps to blur the boundary between inside and out. However, first consider practicalities such as slip rating and level of use. “The heavier the traffic, the thicker the paver should be,” advises Jason Hodges.

If you have timber flooring inside, match it with decking timbers running in the same direction and stained in the same colour for a cohesive look.

Finishing touches

Smaller elements can really bring a space together, so don’t overlook the finer details. Replicate tongue-andgroove wall panelling inside with a water-resistant panel outside, select a similar style of lighting or outdoor ceiling fans and use your indoor dining setting as inspiration for bar stools, outdoor table and chairs. Even having the same colour fabric on cushions can create a feeling of continuity.

Treat alfresco spaces as a continuation of your home’s interiors, linked by colour and texture. To get a similar look on your exterior walls, try James Hardie ‘Stria’ cladding

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1 Matador stainless steel double door bar fridge, $1,190, I/N: 3171042. 2 AlfrescoPlus WELS 6-star 4.5L/min single sink module in Arctic White, $1,550, I/N: 0119427†. 3 AlfrescoPlus 895mm barbecue module and air frame in Arctic White, $1,120, I/N: 0208307†. 4 Whites ‘Garden Up’ outdoor herb planter, $11.48, I/N: 2940995 (plants not included). 5 Jumbuck barbecue locking tongs, $6.40, I/N: 0281490. 6 Matador ‘Titan II’ LCC27 6 burner gas barbecue kitchen, $2,699, I/N: 0356047†. 7 Davis & Waddell collapsible mesh food cover with bamboo tray, $39*, I/N: 0357748. 8 Parkside Timber 135mm x 19mm standard decking in Spotted Gum• 9 Wildtrak ‘Tritan’ 444ml stemless plastic wine glasses, $45*/set of 4, I/N: 0371457. 10 Adbri Masonry ‘Boulevard’ 600mm x 300mm x 40mm paver in Cream. 11 Adbri Masonry ‘Euro Classic’ 400mm x 400mm x 40mm paver in Cyprus†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

A little nurturing will reward you with a well-kept lawn underfoot