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Rooftop outdoor kitchen
David Rockwell's spectacular rooftop terrace boasts one of the best outdoor kitchens we've ever seen. The cabinets are from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and customized with blue lava stone tops, and lush plantings create separate zones for a lounge, dining table, and of course, a hot tub.
So how did Rockwell achieve this level of outdoor perfection? “I followed my own advice!” he says. “I wanted a place where I could feel magical, day or night, alone or with others. My apartment is on the High Line, and my terrace allows me to be part of the city, but also detached; I can escape the hustle and bustle, yet be rooted in my neighborhood.”
Petit Grill Zone
Even the smallest backyard can accommodate a hot cooking space. On the terrace of a San Antonio home designed by Lake | Flato, a Primo ceramic grill, bins and cacti are housed on a purpose-built outdoor shelving unit. A climbing pergola and plenty of potted plants further accentuate the shaded space.
Outdoor kitchen perfect for parties
Designers Eric Hughes and Nathan Turner transformed the gazebo into a full-on party paradise, complete with an outdoor kitchen, antique chandelier, and dining table. But what really sets this outdoor kitchen apart are the lovely details, from the gorgeous striped tablecloth to the skirting under the sink and the cactus paddles nailed to the wall. It's the epitome of a California dream!
Airy outdoor kitchen
In this Mexican rural retreat, the kitchen takes inspiration from traditional outdoor cooking spaces. The focal point is the kitchen island, with a thick butcher board resting on a volcanic stone base, while the sink area is covered in pure white Portuguese tiles. Overall, the look is the perfect combination of strength and beauty.
Tiled outdoor kitchen
A beautiful tile backsplash isn't just for indoor cooking spaces, as this grill outfit proves. Shannon McLaren Wilkins completely remodeled this spec house in Newport Beach, California, into an entertainer's paradise, complete with L-shaped cabinetry and a stunning outdoor range. Don't forget the countertop style, either; McLaren Wilkins incorporated terra cotta pots to soften the space's harder nature.
Decorated Deck
Fancy grills make the juiciest burgers, but they're often so big they can overwhelm an otherwise chic patio. Check out this blending masterclass from Hollander Design's Stephen Eich and designer Heather Wells. On this terrace, the cooking equipment is barely noticeable thanks to a similarly sized banquette and plenty of plants. Here, Eich incorporates colorful shrubs, herbs, and trees, including lavender, agastakes, and sedum.
Industrial Chic Outdoor Kitchen
This beach house was designed to look like an Industrial Revolution-era factory, but this spacious backyard dining paradise has nothing like a Dickens novel. Architect Andrew Bartolotta teamed up with interior designers Amanda Jessee and Whitney Paris Lamb to design the concrete terrace, which includes a professional outdoor kitchen out back, complete with its own wood-fired pizza oven. “The clients want to be able to host large groups in as many seasons as possible in Connecticut, so of course we had them design in a fire pit,” adds Paris Lamb.
Minimalist outdoor kitchen
When you live in such a great area, the last thing you want is for your outdoor kitchen to be a visual distraction. On the pool terrace of a vacation home in the California desert, designer Nicole Hollis discreetly tucks the cooking area under a shady overhang. With views this great, why bother splashing around?
Tuscan Outdoor Kitchen
Still feeling the effects of your trip to Tuscany? Bring a rustic, sun-drenched feel into your home by designing an authentic outdoor kitchen. Here, a well-worn marble-topped island serves as the focal point of the space, decorated with antique cookware, baskets, and of course, cases of dried herbs. The only thing missing from this scene is you.
Fully-equipped outdoor kitchen
One of the first decisions you'll need to make when designing an outdoor kitchen is what appliances to add to the space. Luckily, unlike traditional kitchens, there's no wrong answer. While some homeowners might keep it simple with just a grill, designer Mel Bean added amenities like a beverage fridge to her kitchen.
Outdoor kitchen shaded by a pergola
Deborah Krasner, New outdoor kitchenrecommends budgeting for your outdoor space depending on what's most important to you. If you plan on staying in the home for a long time, it may be best to invest in the environment (think patio or deck). Start with modest cookware and appliances that you can upgrade over time. If you think you might move, buy your dream equipment in a portable form so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Plant-filled outdoor kitchen
While you might not decorate your outdoor kitchen with paintings or wall tapestries, you'll find plants above the table. Santa Barbara-based Hearth Homes Interiors covered the walls of this open, airy dining space with climbing plants, adding texture and cozy warmth to the sophisticated space.
Textured outdoor kitchen
Picking the perfect color palette for your outdoor kitchen? Black and white may be an unbeatable color combination, as it not only highlights the surrounding greenery, but it doesn't have to be drab. In this space from Design West, a variety of textures, including a dimensional backsplash and a wooden oven hood, keep this outdoor kitchen from looking drab.
Marble Bar
As an avid host who plans to spend a lot of time inviting family and friends over for barbecues, you'll need plenty of space for food prep. So why not make it double duty? Kara Thomas of Studio KT added a long island perfect for cooking and entertaining. (The marble finish on the countertop also adds style points.)
Weathered Wood Outdoor Kitchen
As this outdoor kitchen by Margaret Donaldson proves, the devil is in the details. Case in point: the oven hood suspended over her client's grill. Not only does this addition provide a stylish touch, especially when made from lightly weathered wood, it also filters grease- and oil-laden air, keeping your appliances fresher for longer. Yes, the hood is still Mother Nature's bountiful cycle is important too.
The perfect cooking space
When you think of an outdoor kitchen, you might imagine a relaxed, airy, open space. But if you want to get the most out of your kitchen, adding walls and a ceiling is a good idea. Brandon Architects worked with Brooke Wagner to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor space with a large serving window.
All season outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are often associated with summer, but those who live in warmer climates might make use of the space year-round. However, if you want to differentiate your space for each season, add textured touches, like Alison Babcock did here.
Poolside outdoor kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most trafficked areas of any property, so it makes sense to place it next to the “wow” factor of the backyard. For ultimate convenience, Ten Plus Three installed this simple setup right next to their client's pool. Dinner entertainment has never been so fun.
Sunken outdoor kitchen
If square footage is at a premium, consider adding a kitchen in an underused area of your property. For example, Studio Schicketanz created this amazing outdoor kitchen in a backyard. Areas that need attention are often the perfect place for privacy and give you the opportunity to add ambiance to an underused space.
Chic outdoor kitchen with shelves
When designer Linda Hayslett was tasked with designing an outdoor kitchen, she wanted it to be as functional as possible, so she added overhead cabinetry. “In an indoor kitchen, you always have cabinets to store these items, but most people don't think of cabinets in an outdoor kitchen,” she says. “When you're cooking on the grill, it can be a pain to keep going in and out, so having the same amenities outdoors makes using the outdoor space that much more comfortable.”
As Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, Anna Fixsen is focused on conveying the best of the design world through in-depth reporting and online storytelling. Prior to joining the staff, she held positions at Architectural Digest, Metropolis and Architectural Record magazines. elledecor.com
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist covering shopping and bargains. Good Housekeeping, Women's Healthand Elle Decoretc. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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