Converting an Old Cabin Into a Cozy Outdoor Kitchen: An Incredible Before & After
Hey friends, you won’t believe this incredible before-and-after transformation! We almost tore down a dilapidated old cabin on our property, but at the last minute, decided to convert it into a cozy outdoor kitchen. I am so glad inspiration struck in the nick of time.
Today, this rustic outdoor living space is our favorite spot for entertaining friends and family here at The Ponds Farmhouse. Let me take you on a step-by-step tour of the progress so you can see exactly how we brought this old building back to life.
Turning An Old Cabin Into An Outdoor Kitchen?
So, let’s get this tour started! To truly appreciate what this area was like before, I thought some before-and-after photos would help.
This property, known as The Ponds, has a long history, and my husband and I have been working to restore it to its former glory for over 12 years. Our first DIY project was to transform the dilapidated cabin into an outdoor entertainment area.
Before: Below is a photo of the cabin just after it was built in 1957.
Before – Almost 50 years later…
After years of neglect, the cabin was very dilapidated, as you can see in the photo below. The only salvageable items were the screen door and the cinderblock walls.
The cabin was originally a cinder block structure that my dad built in the mid-1950s. You can easily see why it was thought to be beyond repair. The above photo shows the cabin’s condition from 12 years ago. Just ignore that photographer in the mirror! LOL
Fortunately, the idea for an outdoor kitchen took form before the structure was torn down.
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Outdoor Kitchen Transformation
The outdoor kitchen transformation has evolved over time. Here is a photo of the DIY outdoor kitchen just after the original renovations were first completed.
Demolishing the front of the building was the first order of business. Next, the treated 6×6 posts were added to support the pergola-style roof. At this point, the Ponds property was just being used as a weekend getaway. However, we loved having friends and family over for cook-outs, and everyone enjoyed this rustic setting.
If you look closely, you will notice the screen door now hangs on the wall of the outdoor kitchen.
Unfortunately, the pergola-style roof provided no shelter. So a metal roof was added to the rafters a few years later.
As a result, the DIY Outdoor Kitchen can now be used without worry of inclement weather. In addition, a couple of sets of string lights were added to create subdued lighting for evening entertaining.
The Interior View – DIY Outdoor Kitchen
Since this was an old cabin, the outdoor kitchen has plenty of room for appliances, grills, tables, and unique finds. As we continued repurposing the old cabin into an outdoor kitchen, we began searching for vintage items to fill the space. My husband wanted a refrigerator. He didn’t care if it worked; he just wanted airtight storage. As luck would have it, a 70-year-old Hot Point Refrigerator was gifted to us; believe it or not, it is still running perfectly, and it’s much quieter than our new refrigerator.
Stainless Steel Cabinets and a DIY concrete countertop create a perfect serving area when we entertain.
Also, in keeping with the vintage theme, a cast-iron sink was rescued from an antique shop’s backyard and refurbished for the outdoor kitchen.
I decided to create a DIY Vintage-Inspired Sign, inspired by The Ponds’ history of allowing the public to fish all day for $1.00.
Repurposed Windows Kitchen Cabinet
Most recently, Brad repurposed the old windows from our beach cottage renovation into a storage cabinet. Can you believe these old windows are from the 1940’s? The window cabinet is a wonderful addition to the outdoor kitchen, and you can see how Brad built it in the “Repurposed Window Shabby Chic Kitchen Cabinet“.
The Patio Outdoor Entertaining Area
The area outside the kitchen was used for entertaining friends and family. We originally added pavers and sand around the fire pit. When we realized how much we enjoyed entertaining in this area, we added a concrete pad to expand the seating area and include a fire pit.
Therefore, more tables and chairs were added, all of which are interchangeable. This allows the seating arrangement to be adjusted according to the number in attendance.
Since the expansion, the casual entertaining area has hosted an engagement party, a wedding, birthday celebrations, and more.
The Boat Dock – Refreshment Bar – Before & After
Just to the side of the outdoor kitchen was an old covered boat dock. There was no water as it had filled in with years of leaves and other debris. The area was very overgrown, and you can barely see the dock in the image below.
We decided to use the covered area as a refreshment bar. We filled in the area where the boat originally docked and then built a bar using rock gathered from the property and cedar posts pulled from the pond.
The middle pond originally had a pier that had fallen into the pond by the time we started renovations. Brad had waded into the pond to pull out all the old wood. He also pulled out the posts that had been the pilings for the original pier because they were perfectly preserved underwater, and we didn’t want to throw them away. When we built the bar, we added the old posts to the front.
Next, an awning and fun string lights were added to update the original structure cover. Also, the bar area provides additional seating for alfresco entertaining.
We recently updated the awning with old slate roofing tiles and used them to cover the concrete countertop.
Decorating the Dining Tables
I thought that since I was sharing all the before-and-after images, I’d also share one of my tablescapes when we entertain in this space. Today’s table is a fun mix: a jute table runner, bamboo plates, and terra cotta saucers, napkins, and sparkling water served from fun Bee Glasses.
We are serving watermelon with sea salt on terra-cotta saucers just for fun.
In addition, the interior tables and chairs are nestled together and styled with a macrame table runner and fresh herbs today.
My aunt’s original vintage Victor Junior Wood Cook Stove is a great serving area and also a great place for storage.
You may also notice the boiling pot, which gets a workout annually at our Low Country Boil Party! Check out this chippy addition to the outdoor kitchen from a recent thrifting trip.
My husband loves to cook for our guests. As a result, he has a multitude of cooking tools in the homemade outdoor kitchen, including a boiling pot, a DIY wood-fired smoker (built from an old grill), an electric smoker, a grill, and a pizza oven.
Evening View Of Outdoor Kitchen
Once the sun starts to sink behind the mountain, the patio entertaining area becomes even more enjoyable!
As you can imagine, the fire pit becomes a favorite spot once a fire is started, and marshmallows and roasting sticks magically appear.
Many fun gatherings have ended, sitting around the fire, eating sticky sweets, and laughing with friends.
In conclusion, this is the perfect spot to end the day.
It is hard to believe how much has changed here at The Ponds over the past 15 years. It was fun to reminisce and see the old photos again. We are constantly in project mode, so take a look at some additional outdoor inspiration.
Resources
More Outdoor Projects and Outdoor Kitchen Projects
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the transformation of the old cabin into an Outdoor Kitchen Entertaining Area, and the Before & After will inspire you to preserve those old structures. I enjoyed putting it all together for you.
Please feel free to leave your comments and questions below.
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Rachel your refreshment bar stole my vintage living heart🙌🏻
Ann,
I’m so glad you like it.
Rachel
It’s amazing how much you did! It’s gorgeous!!! xoxo
Stacy,
I really appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.
Rachel
This is fantastic! Love all your ideas and creativity.
Lynda,
Thanks you so much for stopping by.
Rachel
Rachel your tour was beautiful and I am so in love with your outdoor kitchen makeover!!! I need to find a space for one now! Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Kelly
I appreciate this so much. I loved your tour as well.
Rachel
The transformation of your outdoor kitchen is amazing Rachel! Thanks for joining our summer outdoor spaces blog hop.
AnnMarie,
I appreciate you allowing me to participate so much. This was very inspiring.
Rachel
I love how you made this spot come alive Rachel! I’ve always wanted an outdoor kitchen, and yours is the perfect inspiration. And your view is pretty spectacular! Love it all my friend!
Kim
I appreciate you so much. You always lift me up.
Rachel
You are so talented I enjoy you stories so much such an inspiration love you!
Allison,
Wow this is such a great compliment. Thank you for stopping by.
Rachel
Hi Rachel
Wow is all I can say, the before and after is just amazing. You both did such an incredible job. Just showed my husband and he loves it also. I love all of your outdoor space though* its all fabulous
Deezie,
Thank you for these sweet compliments. I appreciate your support.
Rachel
What an amazing transformation! This space is so beautiful and perfect for entertaining! So glad to be hopping with you Rachel!
Kristin,
Thank you for your sweet comments and your support.
Rachel
Very interesting ideas you have shared with us. Very helpful and interesting to try this as well. Visit us at homeflamestore.com and check out different brands that you would love according to your preferences for outdoor appliances. Order now!
thanks.
Your kitchen looks so amazing, I just lvoe the vintage vibe you gave it.
Wendy,
I really appreciate this. Thank you for your kind words of encouragment.
Wow! I had no idea what all went into this space. You truly transformed it into something amazing!
Anne
Thanks for stopping by. It’s been a labor of love for several years.
Your spaces are all fantastic and ready for a party! And my goodness, y’all could host a church full of people! I’d love it and use it all the time. Love all of your tablescapes and decorating pieces as well. That green stove/serving area of your aunts is amazing as is the refrigerator! Enjoy.
Cindy,
I appreciate you for stopping by. We have really had some great parties in that space. We hosted my daughters engagement party with 75 people.
This is such a great idea. I love it.
Thank you Renae