These Outdoor Kitchen Ideas Practically Sizzle with Style
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There’s so much to love about sunny summer days—lazy afternoons lounging by the pool, out-of-office replies, and vacation, to name a few favorites. None, however, can quite compare to the simple pleasure of having a meal outside. Of course, dinner alfresco is best conducted with a dedicated outdoor dining setup, whether that’s on a small patio or a sprawling garden terrace. The most coveted amenity of all, however? A tricked-out outdoor kitchen.
In fact, according to a report from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, 71 percent of Americans said that if they were to invest in an outdoor living space, they’d want to prioritize the outdoor kitchen. “I’ve seen more clients focusing on elevating their outdoor spaces now than ever before,” says designer Cara Woodhouse, who provided commentary for the brand’s report.
But how, exactly, should you go about setting up the sunny scullery of your dreams? “For me, what makes a great outdoor kitchen and lounge space is the same thing that makes a great restaurant, or a hotel lounge—a space that can transform from day to night and has elements of modularity and portability,” shares architect and Tony Award–winning set designer David Rockwell, pointing out that the place you enjoy your solo morning coffee will inevitably differ from the one where you bust out your “kiss the chef” apron for barbecues with family and friends.
Rockwell advises approaching your outdoor space to be a multipurpose series of “rooms-within-rooms.” He continues: “Even in a small space, dining and lounge furniture, plantings, trellises or screens, and grills can create different programmatic areas and direct the flow of movement and activity.”
Ready to create the outdoor entertaining space of your dreams? Read on for 38 beautiful outdoor kitchen ideas that really bring the heat.
Rooftop Outdoor Kitchen
David Rockwell’s spectacular roof terrace may boast one of the best outdoor kitchens we’ve seen, with cabinetry by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, customized with a blue lava stone top. Lush plantings create separate zones for a lounge, dining table, and—yes—a hot tub.
So how did Rockwell achieve this level of alfresco flawlessness? “I took my own advice!” he says. “I wanted a place that felt magical day and night, alone or with company. My apartment is above the High Line, and my terrace allows me to still be a part of the city and the urban fabric as well as apart from it. I get a reprieve from the hustle and bustle while still being able to ground myself in my neighborhood.”
Petite Grilling Zone
Even the smallest of backyards can still accommodate a red-hot cooking space. Here, on the terrace of a San Antonio home designed Lake | Flato, a dedicate outdoor shelving unit facilitates a Primo ceramic grill, vessels, and a cactus. A viny pergola and plenty of potted plants further delineate the space for a look that’s made in the shade.
Party-Ready Outdoor Kitchen
Designers Eric Hughes and Nathan Turner transformed their gazebo into a full-blown party paradise, complete with an outdoor kitchen, an antique chandelier, and a dining table. It’s the sweet details, though, that really make this outdoor kitchen stand out, from the festive striped tablecloth to the undersink skirt to the cactus paddles nailed to the wall. Talk about California dreamy!
Airy Outdoor Kitchen
In this rural Mexican retreat, the kitchen takes it inspiration from traditional open-air cooking spaces. The star is the kitchen island, which has a volcanic stone base and is topped with a thick butcher block. The sink area, meanwhile, is clad in pure white Portuguese tiles. All in all, this look is the perfect combo of brawn and beauty!
Tiled Outdoor Kitchen
Pretty tile backsplashes aren’t only for your indoor cooking spaces, as this grilling getup proves. Shannon McLaren Wilkins completely transformed this spec house in Newport Beach, California into an entertainer’s paradise with an L-shaped bank of cabinets and a killer outdoor range. And don’t forget to style your countertops; here, McLaren Wilkins incorporated terra-cotta pots to tone down some of the space’s more hard-working qualities.
Decked Out Deck
While tricked-out grills can help you achieve the juiciest of burgers, they’re often hulking and have the potential to dominate your otherwise-chic patio. Behold a masterclass in blending in, courtesy Stephen Eich of Hollander Design and designer Heather Wells. On this terrace, you barely notice the cooker, thanks to a similarly-scaled banquette and tons of plants. Here, Eich incorporated colorful shrubs, herbs, and trees like lavender, agastache, and sedum.
Industrial-Chic Outdoor Kitchen
This beach house was designed to look like an Industrial Revolution-era factory. But there’s nothing Dickensian about this sprawling backyard dining haven. Architect Andrew Bartolotta teamed up with interior designers Amanda Jesse and Whitney Parris-Lamb on this series of concrete terraces, which features a professional-grade outdoor kitchen in the back, complete with its own wood-fired pizza oven. “Our client loves to host large groups of people for as many seasons as possible in Connecticut, so of course they had a fire pit designed,” adds Parris-Lamb.
Minimalist Outdoor Kitchen
If you live in an area as stunning as this, the last thing you’d want is the outdoor kitchen to create any visual distraction. Here, in the pool terrace of a California desert retreat, designer Nicole Hollis discreetly tucked the cooking away beneath a shaded overhang. Because why make a splash when the view is this good?
Tuscan Outdoor Kitchen
Still starry-eyed from your trip to Tuscany? Bring those rustic, sun-soaked vibes home by designing your outdoor kitchen to emulate the real thing. Here, a perfectly worn-in, marble-topped island anchors the space and is accessorized with antique cooking implements, baskets, and—of course—cases of dried herbs. All that’s missing in this scene is you.
Appliance-Packed Outdoor Kitchen
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make while you design your outdoor kitchen is which appliances you’ll want to add to your space. Fortunately, unlike a traditional kitchen, there are no wrong answers. While some dwellers might keep it simple with a grill, designer Mel Bean added the works, like a beverage fridge, to the mix.
Pergola-Shaded Outdoor Kitchen
Deborah Krasner, author of The New Outdoor Kitchen, advises budgeting for your outdoor space according to what’s most important to you. It may be best to invest in the setting (like a patio or decking) if you’re planning to stay in your house for the long haul, and start with modest cooking equipment and appliances that can be upgraded over time. If you think you may move, buy the equipment of your dreams in portable form so you can take it with you.
Plant-Filled Outdoor Kitchen
Though you may not accessorize your outdoor kitchen with paintings and wall tapestries, foliage is still on the table. Santa Barbara-based Hearth Homes Interiors lined the wall of this open, airy eating space with vining plants—adding a hint of texture and adding some cozy warmth to the sleek space in the process.
Textured Outdoor Kitchen
Selecting the perfect palette for your outdoor kitchen? Black and white might be an unbeatable color combination—not to mention it can really make the surrounding greenery pop—but it doesn’t have to be one-note. A variety of textures in this space from Design West—such as the dimensional backsplash and wooden oven hood—keep this outdoor kitchen from looking sterile.
Marble-Topped Bar
Avid hosts who are planning to spend the majority of their time grilling for their family and friends will need plenty of meal-prepping space. So why not make it double-duty? Kara Thomas of Studio KT added a lengthy island that’s suitable for cooking and entertaining. (The marbled finish on the countertops racks up some major style points too.)
Weathered Wood Outdoor Kitchen
As this outdoor kitchen from Margaret Donaldson proves, the devil is in the details. Case in point: The oven hood that hangs above her client’s grill. Not only does this addition offer a stylish touch—especially when imagined in a lightly weathered wood—but it can also filter out that grease and oil-clad air and keep your appliances looking fresher for longer. Yes, a hood is still important even with Mother Nature’s generous circulation.
Perfect Cooking Nook
Outdoor kitchens might elicit visions of easy, breezy, and open spaces. However, if you want to make the most of yours, it’s a good idea to add walls and a ceiling to your setup. Brandon Architects teamed up with Brooke Wagner to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor space, complete with large serving windows.
All-Seasons Outdoor Kitchen
Though outdoor kitchens are often associated with the summer, those who live in warmer climates might utilize this space year-round. But if you’d like to differentiate your space for each season, add some textural touches as Allison Babcock did here.
Poolside Outdoor Kitchen
A kitchen is one of the most trafficked areas of any property, so it makes sense to position it next to your backyard’s “wow” factor. For ultimate convenience, Ten Plus Three placed this simple setup right next to their client’s pool. Dinner entertainment has never been so fun!
Sunken Outdoor Kitchen
If square footage comes at premium, consider adding a kitchen to your property’s underutilized areas. For example, Studio Schicketanz created a gorgeous outdoor kitchen in this side yard. Areas that need a lot of attention frequently turn out to be the best location for privacy and give you an opportunity to add some atmosphere to an underused space.
Chic Shelving Outdoor Kitchen
When designer Linda Hayslett was tasked with creating an outdoor kitchen, she wanted to make it as functional as possible. So she added upper cabinetry. “Every interior kitchen has cabinetry that houses these items, but most people don’t think of that for an outdoor kitchen,” she shares. “It can be cumbersome constantly going in and out when cooking on the grill, so having the same amenities outdoors can really make using an outdoor space feel more comfortable.”
Do-it-All Outdoor Kitchen
Make meal prepping alfresco as simple as possible with a long countertop, just as L’Atelier Paris did here. With a sink and stovetop flanking each side, it’s possible to go from washing produce to grilling in a snap.
Fireplace Outdoor Kitchen
A built-in fireplace lends to the ambience and keeps guests comfortable on cool nights. While a traditional hearth will warm up a kitchen, Andrew Mann Architects put foodies first with this sleek pizza oven.
Farmhouse-Inspired Outdoor Kitchen
Have your outdoor kitchen blend with its lush surrounding by using materials that would naturally be found in the wild. Designer Mark Langos dressed up this covered kitchen with wooden cabinets, stone countertops, and a woven pendant.
Wood-Clad Outdoor Kitchen
To bridge the gap between form and function, consider thinking beyond the kitchen appliances. Traci Connell compartmentalized this outdoor kitchen in style with zones for meal prepping, cooking, eating, and socializing. That way, there’s ample room for hosts and guests alike.
Deckside Outdoor Kitchen
If a culinary corner is a new addition to your backyard, consider building it off your existing structures. In this place from Artepatio, a sunken kitchen is nestled nicely between a pool and deck. Danver cabinets complete the space, striking the perfect balance between practical and picturesque.
Bold Cabinetry Outdoor Kitchen
Just because an outdoor kitchen serves a practical purpose—and must be able to withstand the elements—doesn’t mean that it can’t look good too. Designer Heather Hilliard flexed her maximalist muscle with bright blue cabinets and a wall of vibrant vertical plants. (The “more is more” aesthetic is a particularly good match for terrace in a concrete jungle.)
Layered Lighting Outdoor Kitchen
For a kitchen that can put out meals all day long—from scrambled eggs in the morning to s’mores at night—layer on the lighting. Take a cue from designer Roger Higgins, who combined sconces outside of the kitchen, pendants in the structure, and string lights in between.
Netflix-Ready Outdoor Kitchen
Looking for dinner and a show? Hang a flat-screen television in your outdoor kitchen, as Mary Patton did here. That way, you can kick back and relax long after the last course is served.
L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens (like most indoor ones) are as much about socializing as food prep, so you’ll need to allow for both activities. L-shaped configurations are a common choice, with the chef at one end and the guests at the other.
Weathered Stone Outdoor Kitchen
For just about every indoor kitchen appliance, there’s a weatherproof counterpart—and it's absolutely worth investing in them, even for relatively covered outdoor kitchens. Bear in mind, though, that you may need to pay to run additional gas, electric, and water lines outside before installing such items.
Country Fresh Outdoor Kitchen
Nature is unpredictable, and it’s important to be prepared for everything from pollen on counters to spider webs in burners and wildlife visits, says Krasner. Beyond sponging down pre-cooking and scrupulous clean-ups post-meal, don’t forget to designate an easy-to-reach spot in the outdoor kitchen for a trash can.
Perfectly-Styled Sink Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens greatly benefit from a sink, which is good for washing up as well as for rinsing fruits and veggies before tossing them onto the grill.
Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen
Use a portable grill, table, and chairs to create a temporary set-up that lets you see what it’s like to cook and eat in your space, Krasner says. Mark your path to the site, noting how it feels to carry things there. Assess the site for its ease and enjoyment, and repeat until you find the best arrangement.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen
Cabinetry, countertops, and floors should be weatherproof and coordinate with their surroundings. Stainless steel storage resists rust—plus, it’s likely to match the appliances. Stone countertop options, such as granite, wear well and play up the natural setting.
Pop of Color Outdoor Kitchen
While stainless steel is tough enough to withstand the elements, it can run the risk of feeling a tad too industrial. To warm up your steel space, inject a pop of color that naturally occurs in the great outdoors. Just look to designer Marie Flanigan, who worked wonders with these sky blue cabinets.
Luminous Outdoor Kitchen
Think beyond the perimeters of the kitchen: An up-light in a tree extends the entertaining area, but keep the wattage low so as not to detract from the night sky.
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