By Rachel Blindauer | Updated for 2025

There’s something quietly radical about an outdoor kitchen done right. It’s not just about putting appliances under open skies—it’s about designing for rhythm, connection, and the sensory pleasures of cooking without ceilings.

Whether you’re a seasoned host or a dreamer with a sketchpad, designing your outdoor kitchen and bar area is a chance to soften the boundary between structure and nature. With the right mix of layout planning, material sensibility, and a few meaningful details, your backyard becomes more than functional—it becomes magnetic.

Start With Flow, Not Fixtures

Assessing Space and Location

Before diving into cabinetry and countertops, take time to understand your landscape. Where does the light fall in the evenings? Is there shelter from wind or rain? Designing around your natural environment—not against it—sets the tone for everything to come.

Establish the Outdoor Work Triangle

Just like inside, outdoor kitchens benefit from the “work triangle”: the grill, prep area, and sink should form a smooth, intuitive layout. But here, it’s also about how guests move through the space. Where do they pause? Where do conversations spark?

Zoning: The Secret Ingredient

The most successful outdoor kitchens don’t function like standalone spaces—they flow. Use outdoor rugs, planters, or even varying flooring textures to define zones for cooking, dining, and lounging without closing off the space.

“Think of it not as a kitchen, but as a garden room—one with a soul, not just a sink.”

Functional Beauty: Essentials with Style

The Grill

This is your anchor. Choose a high-quality grill—gas, charcoal, or hybrid—that matches your cooking style. Look for smart add-ons like rotisseries or side burners that allow for full meals without retreating indoors.

The Countertops

Outdoor countertops should be durable, weather-resistant, and effortless to clean. Granite, when done with a honed or leathered finish, offers a beautiful, natural feel—especially when paired with teak, slate, or patinaed metals. Stainless steel remains a timeless option for modernists.

The Sink

A stainless steel or marine-grade sink isn’t just practical—it’s essential. It extends your prep zone, allows for easier cleanup, and subtly elevates the experience of cooking outdoors.

Styling Tips: Where Outdoor Design Finds Its Soul

Accessorize with Intention

The best outdoor accessories work hard and make it look effortless. I recommend:

• Stone or concrete serving boards that double as sculptural decor

• Smoky or amber glassware that catches the light beautifully

• Rattan or teak trays for texture and mobility

• Hurricane lanterns or pillar candles to create ambiance without overhead fixtures

“Accessories don’t just fill space—they shape the way it feels.”

You’ll find my go-to entertaining pieces at the Shop.

Lighting: Let There Be Layers

A single floodlight won’t do. Blend ambient, task, and decorative lighting: think string lights over dining, a soft sconce by the prep area, and flickering candles on every table. The goal is to invite people to linger.

Greenery & Natural Materials

Mix wood with stone. Let plants climb. Design your outdoor kitchen like a space that’s grown there over time—collected, not staged. Consider herbs in terra cotta, potted citrus, or oversized ferns that blur the edge between kitchen and garden.

Comfort Meets Durability

Invest in weather-resistant seating with upholstered cushions that look as good as they feel. Consider soft layering—pillows, throws, or even a well-placed rug under the table—to bring the warmth of indoors outside.

Safety & Seasonal Care

Fire Safety

Ensure proper ventilation, maintain space around heat sources, and keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

Maintenance

Outdoor kitchens thrive on rhythm. Wipe down countertops. Clean the grill regularly. Store away accessories during heavy weather. Beauty and longevity go hand in hand.

Final Thought: Design That Breathes

An outdoor kitchen is more than a culinary station—it’s a declaration of how you want to live. Designing for the outdoors means loosening control, allowing materials to weather, and creating spaces where beauty isn’t just seen—it’s felt. And if you need help, I’m here for you.

“Designing outdoors isn’t about replicating the indoors—it’s about loosening the edges and letting your space exhale.”