Hello, all, and thank you kindly for stopping in for a visit today! Do you enjoy cooking outdoors? At my home, especially during the summertime, outdoor cooking and grilling is an absolute must! However, it can be tedious and cumbersome carrying items back and forth, inside and outside while meal prepping for outdoor enjoyment, especially for a large family like mine.
To alleviate this problem, I wanted to build an area where I could perhaps perform small preparation, have a bit of storage, and/or add an area where I could set things where they would be at the ready. I decided to build a small countertop with storage and a mini fridge. Today, I am sharing my process. I hope you enjoy the post!
First, I decided how large of an area I wanted the storage to be. I designated the area between my two sliding glass doors on my back porch. I figured that a counter height approximately halfway down the wall would be the perfect height. Once I measured and decided, I added a mosaic tile to the wall.
First, I decided how large of an area I wanted the storage to be. I designated the area between my two sliding glass doors on my back porch. I figured that a counter height approximately halfway down the wall would be the perfect height. Once I measured and decided, I added a mosaic tile to the wall.
I chose to use more of this mosaic tile,
I used an adhesive grout to attach the tile to the wall, creating my backsplash...building it down the wall only to the point where the storage and countertop would be.
The tiles I selected were very easy to install, because they were large, and did not require a lot of cutting.
For the final step of my "mock" kitchen, I added a decorative antique candelabra.
which coordinated with the other elements I have added in the area such as my hand-built pizza oven (See post here)
All tiled and grouted.
Once the tile wall was set and grouted, I set about building the storage. I built a box between the two sliding doors using 2X4 wood. After the frame of wood was built, I wrapped the whole area with Hardiebacker.
Prior to building the box, I took note of the fact that the outdoor wall outlet would be enclosed upon its build, so cut out a small area to leave room for an surge-protecting cord to be fed through, giving me access to electric if needed.
Next, I decided to enclose the space more by building decorative doors from scrap wood I had handy.
The mini fridge was plugged directly into the wall before I pushed it into place.
This mini fridge manufactured by Daewoo was the perfect fit. I adored its vintage style and loved the color. I found it via Amazon. You may view it here.
To fill the small gap between the box and the wall, I troweled in a bit of premixed all-purpose stucco patch.
Once the fridge was in place, and the patch was cured, I skip-troweled the outside of the sides of the Hardiebacker, which achieved the Spanish style I wanted, and also coordinated with the other elements I had added previously.
Closeup.
To create the skip-trowel effect, I used a combination of Quikwall
and a bit of CementAll as a bonding agent.
Inside the box on either side of the fridge, I added some cabinets in a blue I felt was complimentary to all of the elements I have added in the backyard space.
Not only did they match the blues in the mosaic tile, they also contrasted nicely with the fridge, meaning they match the rug and throw pillows I've added, making the whole space cohesive.
The cabinets I used are Sandusky Lee cabinets. They are heavy-duty, made of metal, lockable and sturdy, which I figured would hold up well against the elements, making them perfect for outdoor storage! I purchased these from Amazon. You can see them here.
I had two of these antique brass drawer pulls that would work fine as door pulls.
I also had this ornate faux window for years, and I decided I could dismantle it and use the decorative iron.
I removed the mounting screws. If you look closely, you see one of the mounting holes in this photo.
I laid all the elements out to see how the cabinet doors would look before building. They are imperfect, because as previously stated, I was using scrap wood I already had available.
I unscrewed the decorative iron pieces from the faux window, and once removed, I spray painted them an oil rubbed bronze.
Completed door, painted. Note I have sanded down any uneven edges, whilst still allowing a bit of imperfection for rustic charm.
The color I decided to paint the doors was a lovely grey chalk paint made by Country Chic. The color is called Cut a Rug.
After the paint dried, I painted the doors with a clear coat, also from Country Chic. Both were ordered via Amazon.
For additional protection from the elements, I also added a coat of clear semi-gloss by Rustoleum.
I only attached the bottom and top mounts (a total of four mounts for each decorative piece).
I attached the cabinet doors to the hardiebacker frame using decorative hinge brackets.
On the cabinet door.
On the skip-troweled wall.
Completed makeshift doors and fridge.
Closeup shots of the right
and left cabinet doors.
Once that was completed, I added a simple white tile to the top of the hardiebacker, creating my countertop.
The tiles were added using the same adhesive grout that I used to create the backsplash.
I liked the fact that the tile was slightly reflective. I also chose them because they were slick, which is perfect for a prep area; this tile will allow for easy cleanup.
For the final step of my "mock" kitchen, I added a decorative antique candelabra.
I happened upon this gorgeous piece in a small antique shop when I was showing my kiddos some of the old haunts my grandmother and I used to visit when I was little.
Stunning detail!
The piece included a rather large pendant and several lengthy connecting chains. Although quite beautiful, I decided not to use them because of the space constraint. If I were to use the complete piece, I would need a much larger space with a very high ceiling. I didn't want to cut the chain or do anything else that could alter the integrity of the piece (We don't alter antiques here, lol!!), especially if I decide to sell it later.
This photo is from WorthPoint. You may see it here. It is manufactured by Syroco. You must be a member of the WorthPoint site in order to access the pricing details.
I felt it fit perfect with the vintage vibe I wanted and the piece compliments the Spanish style mosaic quite well.
Finally, for more aesthetic appeal, I added some faux candles.
These candles are amazing! They look extraordinarily realistic, and are re remote-controllable!! I found them via Amazon. You may see them here.
Do you like to cook or entertain alfresco? Until next we meet,
--Y
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