Outdoor kitchens have become a popular trend in the last few years. They are now more than just a place to cook and eat; they are used as an extension of your living space and entertainment area.

Adding retractable protection to your outdoor kitchen will make the space more comfortable and usable, especially during the hot summer days.

Here are eight covered outdoor kitchens that differ in style, location and size but are sure to inspire your outdoor kitchen redesign.

1. Modern Rustic in Toronto

A major backyard renovation in Toronto, Ontario, included an outdoor kitchen with a rustic-modern design. The new cooking area is equipped with beautiful lighting, a farmyard sink, an elongated stone bar top and a reliable retractable shade. Working with Curbz Landscaping, a rope-operated walnut brown tweed canopy was specified for the reclaimed wood structure. The natural shades from the wood, canopy and appliances work together with the pop of lime green bar stools.

2. Traditional Stone in Quebec

Homeowners in Terrebonne, Quebec needed a weather solution for their outdoor kitchen and dining area. Measuring a total of 24’x13’, ShadeFX manufactured a motorized retractable canopy to fit the traditional wood and stone pergola. The handy homeowners installed the neutral Sunbrella Silica Dune canopy to retract away from the BBQ so that the retracted stack won’t hang over the chef while cooking.

3. Mediterranean Blue in New York

An outdoor kitchen in New York was designed to be both modern and functional. It has a state-of-the-art grill, a mini stainless steel fridge and a sleek wine cooler. ShadeFX customized a 16’x14 retractable canopy in the bold Sunbrella Mediterranean Blue Tweed fabric. Our partners, New Dimension Construction, installed the system on their custom-built white pergola.

4. Outdoor Living in King City

As experts in the field, Pro-Land Landscape Construction seamlessly redesigned an entire backyard in King City. An outdoor living room extends into a versatile kitchen and dining space. The team installed a 14’x14’ retractable roof, giving homeowners the option of ultimate protection when desired. The Harbour Time Putty fabric ensures that neither rain nor sun can damper the family’s outdoor festivities.

5. Effortless Living in Cambridge

Adding a deck to your outdoor area is a great way to extend your living space. Homeowners in Cambridge utilized the services of Blue Dog Exteriors to outfit them with a cozy outdoor kitchen. A 14’x10’ custom pergola and manual canopy protect a sink, counter space, a large BBQ, and the chef from sun and rain.

6. Shaded Cooks in Ridgeway

A pergola attached to a pool cabana in Toronto needed a custom shade over its outdoor kitchen. Toronto Landscaping contacted ShadeFX for a solution to the unique project. A retractable canopy was manufactured to cover the area under and beyond the pergola posts so the homeowners, family and friends could sit at the bar and still be protected from sun and rain. The Sunbrella Westfield-Salsa fabric fits nicely with the space’s aesthetics.

7. Arched Canopy in San Jose

Overlooking the Santa Clara Mountains, an outdoor kitchen and dining area is covered with an impressive arched pergola. Two ShadeFX motorized canopies and curtains were specified for the curved structure, complementing the iconic space. The Northwolf Group was keen on aesthetics and functionality, creating a usable outdoor area year-round.

8. Bold Red in North York

For Solda Pools, this backyard renovation in Toronto aimed to combine minimalism with maximization. Simply put, a minimal design with maximum functionality and usability. For this, they needed ShadeFX’s two-post freestanding canopy. The 16’x8′ sleek structure covers the family’s custom-built barbeque station while standing out as a focal point in the backyard.

The heart of the home is often the kitchen, and it’s even better when you have a fully protected version outside.

Thinking of adding a kitchen to your outdoor living space? We can help provide you with shade options. Contact us today.