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If you loved my dream kitchen reveal, you’re going to love this feature of the outdoor kitchen and patio that we renovated. We had some exciting remodeling work completed to renovate the space outdoors and make it a comfortable practical place to cook and relax! Check out all the details below in this outdoor kitchen virtual tour and some details about my favorite featured products included in the space.
the before
When we purchased the home, there was a deck that opened up from the kitchen near a breakfast nook. This deck was small, worn out and, for me, the door took up valuable space that could be used to expand the kitchen. The builder recommended removing the deck to add an entire new wall and counter space for the kitchen and to build a patio through the dining room.
the after
The dining room small window was transformed to a large door and the ground was brought up to the level of the door to create this new patio space on the side of the house. It was so hard to imagine at first a patio coming out from the side of the house, but it’s been a great solution to create more space in the kitchen and expand out outdoor seating.
THE DESIGN & BUILD
I worked with Kenowa Builders to remodel the home and the the adjoining outdoor space that now opens up from the dining room. I never would have thought to even change the window in the dining room to a door that opens up to this patio, so I love the creativity in maximizing the space and functionality. They are leaders in West Michigan for construction and remodeling of fine custom homes.
Helena Hudson was the designer for the space. She has a beautiful way to taking a space and bringing it to life using key furniture pieces, decor items and her timeless and elegant styling tricks. She truly turned the space into one we wanted to spend time in daily.
the details
The patio area has three parts to it: the outdoor kitchen, the lounging area and the eating area. There are two levels to it with the kitchen and lounging area coming off the dining room and then the eating area a few steps down. The hope is that we will continue building the backyard space behind the house so it wraps all around the house.
Below is a description and photos of the areas with links to some of the most asked about products featured.
kitchen area
Outdoor Cabinets: We ordered the 6-set cabinet but it’s no longer available. The site offers a few different options for these fully-assembled cabinets made with heavy gauge stainless steel. They are weather-resistant cabinets that protect from the elements and can be configured in many ways and formations. I also love that the stainless countertop are removable to add stone countertop.
Quartz Countertop: Since we were able able to remove the stainless steel countertop, we were flexible to add any stone countertop we wanted. Like my main kitchen, I chose quartz from Caesarstone in their Outdoor Midday color. Their innovative technology makes these surfaces easy to clean, very durable and stain resistant. And because they’re meant for outdoor kitchens, they an withstand all the elements – rain, snow or heat!
Outdoor Beverage Cooler: This single zone outdoor beverage cooler from Zephyr is perfect for our outdoor entertaining. I get a lot of questions on how this holds up in the winter. It is actually built with corrosion-resistant 304-grade stainless steel, so the cooler is durable enough for outdoor use all year long.
We keep our favorite beverages in it and I love the full-extension wire rack on the top to hold prepped veggies for the grill or snacks for the kids.
Grill: We installed the Napoleon grill on top of one of the cabinets to complete our outdoor kitchen. It has a built-in propane gas grill with an infrared rear burner and even a rotisserie kit, which I have to take for a spin soon!
Bar Stools: On the kitchen counter, we have 6 backless bar stools from Target. They are light, comfortable, easy to move around and work great for seating at the kitchen counter but also for extra seating next to the lounge area.
lounging area
This area is on the same level as the kitchen, and I love that it’s quick access from the dining room for entertaining. We went with neutral tones here to flow with the rest of the house and allow the greenery to shine. When it rains, I pack the pillows and blankets in the outdoor cabinet area but everything is for outdoor use.
Low Outdoor Grand Sofa: This is part of the West Elm Portside collection, which is a mix of rustic and refined look with soft neutral cushions for the ultimate outdoor lounging spot.
Wicker Chairs: This is the Eliot 2pk wicker chair from Target Threshold collection, but it’s unfortunately sold out now.
Decor: The rug, table, candles, pillows, ottomans and throws were selected by the designer. She sourced them from Target, Pottery Barn, Home Goods and At Home and I love her eye for putting together the most beautiful places.
dining area
A couple steps below the kitchen and lounging area is the dining area. And we also added a few more seats here for added seating. This is great for large family barbecues so that everyone can spread out between the two areas.
Dining Table Set: This set is also part of the West Elm Portside collection. It has a weathered finish for an elevated coastal look to match the decor outside and the wood blend is very moisture-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
Lounger Chairs: The loungers, which are called Outdoor Adirondack Chair, are also part of the West Elm Portside collection to match with the dining table and the sofa.
Umbrella: This umbrella is from Crate and Barrel, and it is their 10′ black and white Cabana Stripe round patio umbrella perfect for outdoor dining. It matches with the second umbrella Cantilever umbrella in the lounging area.
Decor: Again, the decor here is sourced from a few places like Target, At Home, Home Goods and Pottery Barn.
We have been loving this outdoor space this summer. It feels modern, refreshing and casual. The quick access to the dining room and the kitchen area has been great for summer grilling and the easy access from the side of the house is wonderful for entertaining. I’m so thankful for Caesarstone and Zephyr for helping sponsor the space with the quartz countertop and outdoor beverage cooler, respectively.
Thanks for taking a tour of our outdoor kitchen and patio! If you have any questions about the space or if I missed linking to any product you’re curious about, please leave a comment and I will be sure to follow up! And don’t forget to check out all of my latest recipes.
