There are few better ways to update your yard space for summer than an outdoor kitchen. Not only do they create an easy way to prepare food for alfresco dining, but they also form a lovely social area for casual dining.
While there are so many kitchen ideas to inspire your inside space, designing an outdoor kitchen requires some extra considerations. The materials you use need to be durable and weather-resistant, and the storage you require will be much less than indoors.
From an integrated kitchen and dining space to a fully functioning scheme with a kitchen island, these schemes will elevate your backyard ideas to make outdoor living more enjoyable this summer.
19 outdoor kitchen ideas to elevate your backyard
If you need inspiration, look no further than these expert-approved outdoor kitchen ideas. From space-saving designs to sleek, modern schemes, there’s something here to suit every style and space. So, if you’ve been wondering ‘How do I add luxury to my backyard?’, an outdoor kitchen is your answer!
1. Add a joyful color
An easy way to add interest and personality to an outdoor kitchen is by introducing a splash of color. Adding the right hue can really elevate your outdoor kitchen and give it a more bespoke feel, and there are plenty of outdoor kitchen colors to choose from.
In this space, a pastel green shade has been used for the outdoor kitchen cabinetry and cladding on the side of the house. This not only creates cohesion, but it instantly makes the scheme feel brighter and more welcoming.
2. Embrace natural materials
When designing an outdoor kitchen, consider introducing more natural materials that feel at home in your backyard. Whether you introduce wood, brick, or concrete, choose something that matches the space you’re utilizing.
‘In terms of style, we love outdoor kitchens that complement their surroundings. Brick is a natural material that works well aesthetically and functionally in these areas,’ says interior designer Barrett Oswald.
3. Opt for a covered outdoor kitchen
If you’re located in a state or country that receives a fair bit of rain during the summer (or you simply want to use your outdoor kitchen all year round), introducing a roof or cover to your outdoor kitchen is a practical solution. It's also a great choice if you want an outdoor kitchen that stays a bit cooler during the height of summer.
This outdoor kitchen idea is a great example – removing any walls ensures the space still feels like it's outdoors, while a shelter made from natural materials protects the outdoor kitchen from the elements while still allowing sunlight to filter through.
4. Create cohesion between your outdoor kitchen and yard design
Ensuring your outdoor kitchen blends in well with the rest of your backyard space will ensure your scheme feels cohesive and elevated, rather than your kitchen sticking out like a sore thumb around the rest of your outdoor space.
‘This home was designed to balance a modern aesthetic with warm, natural materials, focusing on the connection between the interior and the outdoors,’ says Eddie Maestri, architect and designer at Maestri Studio.
‘With a surface of honed absolute black granite and a face of Lueders limestone, the outdoor kitchen island is easy to care for and resilient, a perfect match for the outdoor elements,’ he adds.
5. Consider the appliances you want to include
When designing your outdoor kitchen, curate the scheme around the appliances that make sense for you and how you use your kitchen space. 'Consider how you like to cook indoors and build it to be functional and practical,' suggests Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors.
If cooking and preparing food is going to be at the heart of your outdoor kitchen, splurge on the cooking appliances and be smart with how you integrate them. 'You also want to be forward-thinking with technology and wiring,' adds Sally.
6. Consider a DIY outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be a huge project – creating a DIY scheme is not only more affordable, but it makes your outdoor kitchen feel more unique and tailored to your backyard.
There are some great DIY ways to create a stylish and practical outdoor kitchen, including the GRILLSKÄR range from Ikea, which has all the bells and whistles you’ll need to take cooking outside.
If you do take a DIY approach, ensure any appliances are integrated safely and you add enough storage and surface space to make it practical for alfresco cooking.
7. Add an outdoor kitchen island
If you have the space, introducing an outdoor kitchen island to your scheme adds luxe appeal. It will add extra storage and surface space and give you the option to add stylish bar-style seating, too.
French interior designer Stéphanie Coutas says the island in this outdoor kitchen is a crucial part of the scheme. ‘Outdoor kitchen islands are the perfect design for open spaces. It brings family and friends together, allowing some to sit with a glass of wine at the island and others to cook but still feel present in the conversation.’
8. Make serving easier with a portable island
Whether you need a solution for serving food and extra surface space, or simply don't have space for a built-in island, a portable alternative can instantly add function and style. Opt for something small but stylish – matching it with the rest of your kitchen scheme ensures it feels a part of the design, rather than an afterthought.
‘A movable outdoor kitchen island is the ideal food and drink preparation surface for alfresco entertaining,’ says Hege Lundh of Lundhs. ‘Thanks to its flexibility and design, you can move it from the shade to the sunshine when needed and move it under cover if the weather turns.’
9. Build a pergola for an outdoor kitchen
If you don't like the idea of a fully covered outdoor kitchen, a pergola is a wonderful alternative. Offering shade from direct sunshine but still creating an open and airy feeling, it's a smart, less permanent solution.
‘If your garden doesn’t have a covered spot that offers protection from the sun, you can create a pergola and grow wisteria and vines that will provide beautiful dappled light and relief from the heat,’ says Wayne Cocker, director of South Hams Fencing and Landscaping.
10. Plan enough storage
The key to a successful alfresco cooking space is sufficient storage to stash everything where you need it, especially in a small outdoor kitchen. Ideally, you should factor weatherproof (leak and frost-resist) storage for crockery, glassware, and outdoor decor, as well as cooking utensils and fuel into your outdoor kitchen cost.
‘While textiles suitable for outdoor use should be capable of surviving the odd shower, it’s wise to include somewhere to store seat cushions overnight,’ says Peter Humphrey, design director and founder of Humphrey Munson.
Many garden furniture ranges include storage under the seats. An airtight container inside outdoor kitchen cupboards will work, too.
11. Add a dining table to your outdoor kitchen
If you're cooking outdoors, you're most likely eating outdoors. To create a social space and create ease, introducing an alfresco space that includes your outdoor kitchen and outdoor dining table is always a good idea.
This outdoor kitchen has a one-wall layout, so adding a large dining table in the middle not only fills the space nicely, but it makes hosting much easier – you don't have to carry the food far and you can continue socializing as your prep.
12. Include a garden bar in your outdoor kitchen
If you are investing in an outdoor kitchen, you will likely be cooking for guests, which presents you with two problems: how will you keep them out from under your feet while you cook, and how will you make them feel comfortable, without seating them too far from where you are cooking?
The solution to both is to look at garden bar ideas for inspiration. Laid out like a kitchen island, it will separate the cook zone from the social zone, but still allow the two spaces to work closely together. Plus, it creates a wonderful multi-functional space.
13. Create a grow zone next to an outdoor kitchen
If you want to create a distinct cook zone for your backyard, using garden screening ideas will allow you to design a now-you-see-me-now-you-don't outdoor kitchen. The screening can be a solid wall, but using plants and greenery is softer and more at home in a yard.
The benefit of using foliage to screen an outdoor kitchen is that you can plan to include kitchen garden ideas into your borders, meaning you can sow, grow, harvest, and cook all in one spot.
14. Make the most of a small yard
Small outdoor kitchens can be just as functional and stylish as larger schemes. Consider how you can introduce appliances and features that maximize the space rather than making it feel full.
Outdoor grill station ideas work for small yards, and can be included in larger ones in addition to a fixed outdoor kitchen. See our best grills and best gas grills to enhance your outdoor kitchen with only the best appliances.
‘A barbecue that can be moved around is great for tracking the sun and – pitched close to the table – allows the cooking to become part of the entertainment,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD of Morsø.
15. Go for a freestanding outdoor kitchen
Not every backyard fits or suits a built-in outdoor kitchen, so consider a freestanding or modular design instead. A modular outdoor kitchen system, like this one from Frontgate, can be added to over time.
Starting small means you can assess whether features such as a pizza oven, sink, drinks refrigerator, and so on are worth including alongside the barbecue and counter. It also means you can expand and reduce your outdoor kitchen size overtime, depending on how you utilize the space.
16. Find the perfect place for an outdoor kitchen
Choosing the location for your outdoor kitchen solely based on views can impact the enjoyment for both the chef and guests. ‘It’s best to position your outdoor area near the kitchen – for ease of access – and in a sheltered spot, to prevent smoke blowing on guests or back into the house,’ says barbecue expert and chef Paul Yates.
Locate the cooking area with your back facing the prevailing winds, and think about how it will affect items nearby. ‘Place your barbecue on fire-resistant blocks to prevent high heat from damaging your garden kitchen furniture,’ advises Paul.
17. Create a casual atmosphere
An outdoor kitchen doesn't require the same amount of storage space as an indoor one would, so you can really get creative with your design and make the space feel more open and casual. Open shelving provides a laid-back look in a concrete outdoor kitchen – created by Piet-Jan van den Kommer, this outdoor kitchen comes in modules that can be linked to create your desired width.
‘You can include a cooking facility such as a Big Green Egg grill, plus a sink and dining furniture to really take the indoors outside, ‘ says Simon Hawkins, director, WWOO. The lack of built-in cabinetry gives this outdoor kitchen a curated yet casual style, which works beautifully in an alfresco setting.
18. Invest in handy appliances
Convenience is key when planning an outdoor kitchen, and while the focus is often on a barbeque or grill, there are plenty of appliances that can make hosting more enjoyable an convenient. ‘Most people only focus on the grill, but we’ve installed fridges, pizza ovens, cocktail bars, and teppanyaki griddles,’ says Tom Evans of Gaze Burvill.
‘Decide your amenities list early to ensure the necessary pipes and cables are laid correctly. Appliances must be rated for outdoor use. A warranty is also useful as they will be exposed to the extremes of heat and freezing. A good outdoor kitchen designer will provide a utility drawing, detailing plumbing and electrics,' he adds.
19. Decorate just like you would indoors
An outdoor kitchen can include the same beautiful design features as an indoor kitchen – just because it's outside doesn't mean you should compromise style. Consider how you can add your interior design style to an outdoor kitchen in a way that marries aesthetics and function.
'There's no reason why an outdoor kitchen shouldn't be as beautifully decorated as the one you have inside,' says Homes & Gardens' Lucy Searle. 'Although you will have to choose materials that can withstand temperature fluctuations at the very least, you can still include good looking outdoor kitchen countertop and backsplash ideas. Paint can be used, too, to unite the scheme and perhaps even link to the color scheme you have indoors.'
What is the best outdoor kitchen?
The best outdoor kitchen is one that includes all the essentials. Whatever your space, start with a barbecue with a countertop beside it. Choose between a gas or charcoal barbecue, bearing in mind that gas will be easier to keep clean and give your the option of using it year-round.
If your budget allows, look for a design that features a rotisserie for slow-roasting meats – great for summer dining or Sunday lunches. Storage cabinets are always a handy extra for stashing utensils and cookware, while other optional add-ons include pizza ovens, outdoor sinks with taps, and even a range of outdoor fireplace ideas.
How do I build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
For a flexible solution that’s budget-friendly, put together a temporary outdoor kitchen by being creative with off-the-shelf outdoor trolleys and a portable BBQ.
Choose lightweight furniture with wheels to make it easy to stash everything away in winter. ‘Trolleys are great for stowing away plates and accessories for serving, with space on top to prep and dish up, ‘ says Lisa Bradshaw of IKEA.
There are so many outdoor kitchen ideas to inspire your alfresco design. The most important details are location and safely integrated appliances – once that's sorted, it's all about designing a scheme that fits into your backyard space and reflects your style. The right design will be stylish and functional, no matter your desired aesthetic.
