24 outdoor kitchen ideas that blend practical design and stylish decor

An outdoor kitchen is the most coveted backyard feature this year, and for good reason. Functional, stylish, and totally luxurious, there's really no reason not to have one in your own space.

Taking your kitchen ideas and letting them influence your outdoor design is the best way to create a functional and stylish design. But it's also important to consider how your outdoor kitchen will work with the size and flow of your backyard ideas.

So, to help you make the best design decisions and to give you the best advice on elevating your al fresco cooking space, we've turned to designers to discover their favorite outdoor kitchen ideas, whether your yard is large or small, modern or traditional.

24 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 and rustic outdoor kitchens 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. Use stone to create cohesion between your outdoor spaces

We often talk about ways to create flow between open-plan spaces in the home, and the same approach applies in your outdoor space. In this outdoor kitchen, the same stone flooring has been used here and around the pool to create a seamless connection between the two zones.

'This project beautifully demonstrates how natural stone can anchor an outdoor kitchen in its surroundings while creating a sense of flow and continuity. By using the same outdoor tile in both the cooking and poolside zones, the space feels cohesive and intentional,' says Sally Cutchie, creative manager at Artisans of Devizes.

'Limestone works particularly well here, not only for its durability and grip underfoot, but for the way it picks up the play of light and shadow throughout the day. It’s a strong yet subtle backdrop that lets the architecture and landscaping breathe.'

2. Personalize your outdoor kitchen with decor

No outdoor kitchen is complete without decor, and it's a step many people forget about as this does have to be a very practical space, perhaps even more so than your indoor kitchen. It can be as simple as elevating your countertops with pretty kitchenware and wooden accents, which will instantly make an outdoor kitchen look more expensive, like in this space.

'Complete the look with accessories – a colourful outdoor rug looks stylish and helps to blend your indoor and outdoor spaces,' suggests Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. 'I also recommend displaying fresh herbs in terracotta pots on the countertops – not only will these ingredients enhance your cooking, but they also add a touch of greenery to your outdoor kitchen.'

There's no reason why an outdoor kitchen shouldn't be as beautifully decorated as the one you have inside. 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.

3. Make a pizza oven the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen

Designing an outdoor kitchen is about creating a space that caters to your needs and how you use it. And is summer dining for you means home-made pizzas in the backyard, why not add a pizza oven?

In this outdoor kitchen, a red pizza oven is at the heart of the design. It not only creates a fun focal point, but it also makes pizza nights so much easier. A grill has been added to the side in the same colorway for extra function.

4. Introduce a breakfast bar

All too often, people get so caught up in the cabinets and grill decisions, they forget to think about seating. While you might already have an outdoor dining area, sometimes it pays to have the option of a more informal seating area.

A breakfast bar is a great option for this. In this outdoor kitchen, an L-shaped layout has been created, with the taller breakfast bar area complete with two bar stools, perfect for perching on while you enjoy a snack or keep the family chef entertained.

5. Add a partial wall for vertical storage

An outdoor kitchen doesn't have the same wall space as an indoor one, but adding a partial wall or tall backsplash can instantly give you more vertical space for storage, decor, or even outdoor lighting for al fresco evenings, like in this design.

'The tall backsplash, crafted from timber, is the perfect place for a hanging rail to store utensils or even a wine rack. We also added discreet lighting so that when dusk falls, the chef can still see what they’re doing,' says Mark Latchford, director of landscape design at HollandGreen.

6. Locate your outdoor kitchen near a herbaceous border

When you're thinking about where to locate your outdoor kitchen, ease of access and plenty of space are usually at the top of the list of considerations. But why not consider locating next to your herbaceous border or even a kitchen garden?

Not only does it create the most picturesque surroundings, like in this whimsical space, but it also means you are right next to all the ingredients you need to cook up delicious alfresco meals. Stylish and practical.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 covered 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 also 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.

13. 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.’

14. 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 kitchen island 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.’

15. Build a pergola for an outdoor kitchen

If you don't like the idea of a fully covered outdoor kitchen, pergola ideas are 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 backyard 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.

16. 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.

17. 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's an outdoor dining idea that makes hosting much easier. You don't have to carry the food far, and you can continue socializing as you prep.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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, outdoor 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 over time, depending on how you utilize the space.

22. 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 outdoor furniture,’ advises Paul.

23. 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.

24. 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 and 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.

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.