Outdoor kitchens are much more than just a second home cooking space.

The best outdoor kitchens are an extension of the living space that support a homeowner’s lifestyle and enhance their home’s aesthetic appeal.

Choosing the right outdoor kitchen colours is a crucial step in the design process. Any room’s colour scheme plays a huge role in shaping its identity and look.

Why outdoor kitchen colours matter

Well-chosen colours can elevate an ordinary outdoor kitchen aesthetic into something that looks truly extraordinary.

For an outdoor kitchen, the colours chosen should primarily accomplish these four things:

• harmonize with its surroundings
• be visually appealing
• reflect the owner’s personality and style
• enhance the outdoor living experience

We’ll show you how to make the right choices for your outdoor kitchen colours by explaining what factors to take into consideration and what the most popular colour schemes are.

6 outdoor kitchen colour considerations

While there are general theories and guidelines about picking proper design colours, it’s a subjective choice. If a certain design theme and colour palette is aesthetically pleasing to you, that’s all that matters.

Several factors will influence which outdoor kitchen colour choices you should make.

1. Complement the surrounding environment

Most people who add an outdoor kitchen to their backyard choose a design theme that complements their home exterior’s overall aesthetic.

Along with the home’s walls and roof, the colours of features like decking, patio stones, fences, landscaping, an overhead covering, and even outdoor furniture should be taken into account.

The natural colours used for this kitchen’s cabinetry beautifully complement the home’s exterior and furniture finish, as well as the scenic setting.

2. Climate and deck/patio location

The climate you live in and the kitchen’s location on your property also play an important role in your colour choices. Consider how the kitchen colours will interact with the environment throughout the year.

Bright, reflective surfaces might be too harsh in a sunny backyard without a kitchen roof, while dark colours will absorb more sunlight and heat up the area faster.

3. Outdoor kitchen materials

A kitchen’s materials and finishes will impact your colour choices. The most popular outdoor kitchen materials are stainless steel, marine-grade aluminum, PVC, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and masonry.

Each one has its own natural colour tone, texture, and reflectiveness and using the right contrasting colours can enhance the beauty of these materials. Many outdoor kitchen products offer an array of stylish colour and finish options.

4. Durability and maintenance

Outdoor kitchen products are designed to withstand the elements, but their durability is dependent on what materials they’re made with and what the quality of those materials is.

Lighter colours may show less wear from UV exposure compared to darker-coloured cabinets. In terms of maintenance, darker colours hide stains and spills more effectively, but both they and lighter-coloured cabinets tend to need more frequent cleaning to remove marks and smudges.

5. How your kitchen will function

If you want a cooking space where functionality is more important than aesthetics, a simple colour theme is probably what you’re after. On the other hand, outdoor kitchen and living spaces have become a part of the home we use more for entertaining.

If you plan to host a lot of backyard cookouts and summer gatherings, you may want your kitchen to have more of a luxury look that has the kind of “wow factor” that impresses guests.

Also consider that outdoor kitchens that incorporate features like a dining space, bar, and outdoor living room will naturally require more planning to create a cohesive design aesthetic.

This outdoor kitchen features natural colours, but has a thoroughly modern look. It’s a spectacular home showpiece that is guaranteed to wow guests.

6. Whether or not you want an indoor-outdoor living space

Indoor-outdoor spaces are one of the biggest trends in outdoor living right now. This concept creates a seamless transition between a home’s interior and an outdoor living space.

If you’re after that type of design, the décor of the indoor area that transitions to your outdoor kitchen provides a logical design blueprint for your colours.

Popular outdoor kitchen colour themes

Outdoor kitchens are a long-term investment, so it’s important to choose colours that will age well. Classic neutrals and natural tones tend to stand the test of time better than trendy, high-saturation colours.

Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider when choosing your outdoor kitchen colours, let’s explore some popular colour themes that can inspire your design.

1. Biophilic/nature-inspired colours

Many of us are paying more attention to our wellness and self-care these days. The spaces we inhabit play a role in aiding our well-being, which is what the increasingly popular biophilic design concept is all about.

Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like greenery, organic materials, natural light, and natural colours into a living space. Research shows this can be beneficial for our mental and physical well-being because creating a stronger connection to nature helps us feel more relaxed.

Earthy colours like brown, tan, and beige are ideal for a nature-inspired outdoor kitchen colour scheme, as well as kitchens with a rustic design style. Whites are also effective when combined with secondary organic tones and natural decorative features like a living green wall with vining plants or some potted plants and flowers.

Using natural colours may be preferable if you live in an urban location where you’re surrounded by large homes and don’t have much yard foliage. A nature-inspired outdoor kitchen colour scheme also blends in well with the surroundings of a rural home that’s surrounded by an abundance of nature.

Elements like the foliage in this colourful outdoor kitchen make us feel more connected to nature.

2. Monochromatic colours

A monochromatic colour scheme uses varying shades of the same colour to add depth and visual interest to a space. Using a palette rooted in one colour helps designers create a balanced, cohesive look.

Monochromatic colour schemes have plenty of versatility and can be used with any hue, whether they’re neutral or vibrant.

Here are some examples of the colour combinations that could comprise a monochromatic colour palette:

• sky blue, blue-gray, navy blue
• charcoal, light gray, slate
• olive green, teal, forest green
• off-white, ivory white, alabaster

3. Neutral and muted colours

Neutral colours are favoured for their design versatility and timeless appeal. If you prefer a sophisticated, understated aesthetic, shades such as white, taupe, black, and gray are excellent choices. Minimalist design themes typically use neutral colours.

If subtle shades appeal to you and you want a few more options, consider using muted colours. These are colours that are desaturated, which gives them a more subdued appearance. Primary colours like reds, greens, and blues can be muted to soften their intensity.

4. Adding pops of bold colour

While using a neutral colour scheme is safe and versatile, there’s still room to inject a touch of personality into your design. Tastefully adding playful splashes of bold colours in spaces with predominantly neutral colours creates a striking contrast.

This design strategy may be appealing to those who entertain regularly and want their outdoor kitchen to be a backyard focal point and a conversation starter. The key is not to overdo it, however. You don’t want the vibrant colours you’re using to overwhelm the kitchen space.

Adding pops of colour to an outdoor kitchen can be achieved by buying products with colourful finishes. Some outdoor kitchen appliance manufacturers are catering to the increasing demand for products with colourful finishes. Here are some examples:

• Alfresco’s premium ALXE grills come in a variety of vibrant primary colours
• Hestan grills feature stylish bold colours on their front accent panels
• some pizza ovens come in colourful finishes

Outdoor cabinet and countertop colour ideas

Although we’ve briefly mentioned outdoor kitchen cabinets, this essential part of an outdoor kitchen’s design warrants a little more attention. After all, cabinets have the biggest impact on an outdoor kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

Outdoor cabinets can be found in a wide range of colours and distinctive finishes. Whether you want the natural look of stone, the earthy warmth of wood (using synthetic materials that perfectly replicate wood’s colour and texture), or the sleek, modern aesthetic of stainless steel and aluminum, there’s a style to suit your taste.

Invest in high-quality outdoor kitchen cabinets to give you more colour customization options and to ensure they retain their beautiful appearance for a long time.

Outdoor kitchen countertops, which typically have a solid or stone look, also factor into your colour choices. The countertop colour can boldly contrast the colour of the cabinetry it’s installed on or have a similar or slightly different hue to the cabinets to subtly support the colour palette.

Remember that the countertops and cabinets don’t just have to complement the predominant surrounding features like the flooring and home exterior. They also have to account for how things like appliances and a sink will work aesthetically within the space. Fortunately, stainless steel appliances tend to pair well with most cabinet and countertop colours, adding visually appealing metallic accents.

This dark countertop contrasts nicely with the white cabinets. The grill, side burners, and fridge add tasteful metallic accents.

Make your outdoor kitchen stand out with style

Outeriors carries everything you need to create a dynamic outdoor kitchen space that will become a centrepiece for your home’s outdoor gatherings.

We specialize in designing bespoke outdoor kitchens that give our clients ample creative freedom to choose the colours and design features that will make their backyard space stand out with style.

Schedule a free design consultation with us to begin planning your custom outdoor kitchen.

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See also:

• Outdoor Kitchen Design: 9 Common Questions and Answers
• 9 Spring Backyard Decor Ideas to Spruce up Your Space

Consider how important an indoor kitchen’s cabinets are. Without them, kitchens couldn’t function nearly as efficiently, and the room would have a much different aesthetic.

Outdoor kitchens are no different. Outdoor kitchen cabinets provide essential storage functionality and help define what outdoor cooking spaces look like. That has a big impact on our enjoyment of using outdoor kitchens.

When designing an outdoor kitchen, one crucial element that demands careful consideration is the choice of cabinetry material. High-density polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets have emerged as an excellent option.

Cabinets made with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offer many benefits that can enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and longevity of an outdoor kitchen.

We’ll explore the top benefits of high-density polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets and why they’re the ideal choice for your backyard cooking space.

What is high-density polyethylene (HDPE)?

Most people have never heard of high-density polyethylene, so let’s briefly explain what it is. HDPE is a type of petroleum-based polymer that was invented in the 1930s. The material is used to make many of the things we use every day like:

• water bottles
• cereal box liners and other food packaging
• outdoor furniture
• shampoo bottles
• toys
• playground equipment

High-density polyethylene is known for its durability and application versatility, especially for outdoor use. Outdoor-use HDPE products are typically made with marine-grade HDPE. As the name implies, the material was created specifically for marine applications, such as making decking, boats, and boat parts.

Marine-grade HDPE is specially formulated to provide higher resistance against damage caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. It’s also stronger than standard high-density polyethylene and won’t rot, or rust like metal can.

For all of these reasons, you can see why it’s so well-suited for making outdoor kitchen cabinets. Outeriors carries two lines of Station Grill outdoor kitchen cabinets that are made with marine-grade HDPE.

Until recent years, most plastic outdoor kitchen cabinets and other plastic outdoor living products like furniture had a reputation for being low-quality. That’s no longer the case, however.

Technological advancements have significantly improved the quality, durability, and stylishness of outdoor living products made with HDPE, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and other synthetic materials.

7 benefits of polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets

Anyone who is having an outdoor kitchen designed will have four main priorities. They want their outdoor kitchen to:

• look amazing
• provide all the functionality they need
• last a long time
• be low-maintenance

Marine-grade HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets check all of these boxes. That’s why synthetic outdoor kitchen cabinets made with high-quality materials like HDPE are increasingly becoming a smart option for anyone looking for alternatives to traditional cabinet materials like stainless steel and aluminum.

HDPE has similar attributes to these cabinet materials and a few that set them apart as well. Here are seven benefits you’ll enjoy if you invest in high-quality polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets.

1. Polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets are weatherproof

Outdoor kitchens face non-stop exposure to the elements. The backyards of Ontario homes experience just about every type of weather there is, ranging from scorching heat and intense UV rays to heavy rain to snow and freezing temperatures. That’s why outdoor kitchen cabinet materials have to be so resilient.

Moisture exposure takes the biggest toll on outdoor kitchen cabinets. Marine-grade HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets like Station Grill’s Pur and Classic models are weatherproof and water-resistant. They’re designed to withstand exposure to water and humidity, which prevents moisture-related issues like corrosion, mould, mildew, swelling, and warping.

Sunlight is also harsh on outdoor living products. The best high-density polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets are specifically engineered to prevent the discolouring and deterioration that can occur from ultraviolet light damage.

Because HDPE is a high-strength, weather-resistant material, it can also handle the extreme hot and cold temperatures of Ontario’s climate.

2. HDPE outdoor cabinets are extremely durable

The superior weathering resistance of synthetic outdoor kitchen cabinets made with HDPE ensures longer durability. Exceptional cabinet durability isn’t just important for weather-related reasons, it’s also important for outdoor kitchens that get used a lot. If you choose a high-quality cabinet brand like Station Grill, your investment will remain in pristine condition for years to come.

HDPE’s high-strength properties allow products made with the polymer to be lightweight, yet extremely sturdy and resilient. Here are five examples of the durability that marine-grade HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets offer:

• HDPE is resistant to dents, scratches, and impacts
• cabinets are resistant to stains, odours, and most chemicals because HDPE is non-porous
• the flexibility of HDPE prevents cracking, warping, and other types of structural damage
• higher-quality cabinets made with UV inhibitors prevent the product’s colours from fading
• HDPE is coloured during the manufacturing process, so there’s no paint finish to peel or flake off

Stainless steel and aluminum are two of the most popular types of outdoor kitchen cabinet materials for many good reasons. However, even the highest-quality cabinets made with these materials can’t provide all of these benefits.

Be aware that not all HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets are of the same quality. You’ll find lots of cheaper HDPE cabinets for sale that aren’t marine-grade, for example, which will shorten the product’s life.

3. Design flexibility and a high-end look

An outdoor kitchen’s main function is to provide homeowners with an additional cooking space, but it should look nice and boost a backyard’s curb appeal, too. An attractive outdoor kitchen makes a home feel more comfortable and becomes a dynamic part of your living space you can’t wait to show off to guests.

The cabinets may stand out more than any other feature in an outdoor kitchen, so it’s important to make the right design choices for them. That’s why you’ll want more than one or two colour choices to effectively coordinate with the rest of the kitchen’s design, as well as your deck, patio, or other exterior home features if desired.

Many HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinet brands are available in an array of styles and finishes, allowing you to customize your outdoor kitchen to suit your unique taste and design preferences. To create a high-end outdoor kitchen look, invest in a high-quality HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinet brand like Station Grill.

Station Grill’s Pur collection of cabinets is available in six colours with a stylish lightly-textured finish and v-shaped edges. Their Classic cabinet line also comes in six colours with lightly-textured finishes and doors and drawers that have a shaker-style look with distinctive “V” grooves.

4. Polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets are cost-effective

Building an outdoor kitchen is a significant investment, so more budget-conscious homeowners may want to find an area or two where they can keep project costs down without sacrificing the quality of the products they’re buying.

High-density polyethylene is one of the most affordable types of outdoor kitchen cabinets. Because of their resilience, reliability, and ability to give outdoor kitchens a luxurious look, HDPE cabinets offer great long-term value for your money.

Even if you spend a little more to get higher-end HDPE cabinets, it’s still a practical, cost-effective investment. Marine-grade HDPE’s excellent durability will require less time and expense to keep the cabinets maintained and you won’t have to worry about replacing them for many years.

5. HDPE cabinets are low-maintenance

One of the most compelling advantages of HDPE outdoor cabinets is that they require virtually no maintenance. That means you can spend more time using and enjoying your outdoor kitchen and less time trying to keep it clean.

Marine-grade HDPE won’t smudge and show fingerprints easily like metals can, nor does it require annual applications of a protective sealant. Outdoor cooking can naturally get a little messy, but the non-porous surface of HDPE cabinets prevents grease and food stains from setting in.

The cleanup process with polyethylene outdoor kitchen cabinets is a breeze. Spills and splatters can be easily wiped up and some mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush will keep the cabinets looking like new. Because marine-grade HDPE is waterproof, a hose can even be used to give them a quick cleaning if needed.

You can cut down on your outdoor kitchen cleaning time even more by keeping the space covered. Although outdoor kitchen cabinets, appliances, and countertops are weather-resistant, having a cover will extend the life of everything in the kitchen and allow you to grill and stay dry when it’s raining.

6. Outdoor kitchen storage and more

When anyone thinks about backyard grilling, it’s the cooking process that comes to mind first. Someone who doesn’t know much about outdoor kitchens may be wondering if it’s really that essential to include much storage space, or why they might need more than just two or three storage cabinets.

We’ve already mentioned how they can be used for decorative effect and cabinets also obviously have valuable functionality for storage. Here are four more important functions outdoor kitchen cabinets provide, most of which are directly related to the storage space they provide:

1. Organization: lots of things get used in outdoor kitchens, especially if you’re a skilled cook and have an outdoor dining space. Cabinets keep your cookware, utensils, dishes, glasses, and other items well-organized and hidden away.
2. Design functionality: built-in outdoor kitchen appliances save space and create a seamless, integrated kitchen look. Custom cabinets accommodate built-in appliances like a grill, warming drawers, and side burners, as well as a sink.
3. Convenience: the more storage space an outdoor kitchen has, the fewer trips you’ll need to make indoors to get things for cooking or taking care of your guests. That makes your outdoor kitchen more convenient to use.
4. Efficiency: an organized kitchen that has all the amenities you need to cook and host get-togethers elevates the functionality of the cooking space, which means you’ll enjoy using it more.

7. HDPE cabinets are more eco-friendly

Plastic may not be the most environmentally friendly material, but eco-conscious consumers who are looking for the best plastic outdoor kitchen cabinets will find HDPE cabinets appealing for a few reasons.

HDPE is considered one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. HDPE is a category 2 recyclable material (indicated by the number two recycling symbol) and most products made with the material are 100% recyclable. This contributes to less plastic waste ending up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Recycled materials are used to make most HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets, which reduces the environmental impact during the manufacturing process. Recycled high-density polyethylene is also used to make things like:

• outdoor furniture
• composite lumber
• recycling bins
• storage containers

Additionally, the longevity of HDPE outdoor cabinets means they won’t need to be replaced for a long time, which minimizes waste and conserves resources.

Enjoy the benefits of owning HDPE outdoor kitchen cabinets

If you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen, HDPE cabinets offer a host of benefits that can elevate your outdoor cooking space.

Make a great investment in your home and choose high-quality Station Grill outdoor kitchen cabinets, which are made right here in Canada.

Let’s dive into designing your dream outdoor kitchen. To get started, schedule a free design consultation with Outeriors today.