As interior designers, we’re always looking for ways to help our clients live more fully in their homes, and when the weather’s beautiful, that living often spills outdoors. Enter the outdoor kitchen: one of the most exciting ways to extend your living space, elevate your entertaining game, and soak up every last drop of sun-drenched seasonality.
Whether you’re dreaming of weekend cookouts, sunset dinners, or effortless entertaining with friends, designing a well-functioning, stylish outdoor kitchen requires thoughtful planning. From layout and materials to lighting and storage, every detail counts. Here’s what we consider essential when designing an outdoor kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Think Like a Chef—Outside
When it comes to outdoor kitchens, layout is everything. Think about how you cook inside: there’s likely a flow between prep, cooking, serving, and cleanup. Outdoor kitchens work best when they follow this same intuitive sequence.
Our go-to layout essentials include:
Grill or cooktop zone: Your main heat source—whether it’s a gas grill, charcoal smoker, pizza oven, or all of the above.
Prep space: Generous countertops for chopping, mixing, and staging.
Cold storage: A compact fridge or beverage cooler keeps drinks and ingredients close at hand.
Sink: If plumbing is an option, an outdoor sink is a total luxury and makes cleanup so much easier.
Dining or bar seating: Keep guests nearby, but out of the chef’s way.
Pro tip: if space is limited, prioritize the appliances and features you’ll use most. You don’t need a full restaurant setup to make it fabulous.
Materials Matter
Outdoor kitchens are exposed to the elements year-round, so every material—from the countertops to the cabinet doors—needs to stand up to sun, moisture, heat, and temperature changes.
Our favorite outdoor kitchen materials:
Countertops: Natural stone like granite or engineered options like Dekton or Neolith are incredibly durable and UV-resistant.
Cabinetry: Powder-coated stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, or teak are all smart, weather-friendly choices.
Flooring: Slip-resistant tile, stone, or composite decking provide durability with style.
We love to tie the outdoor aesthetic back to the home’s interior palette for a cohesive look—while adding a few natural or rustic touches that feel right at home in the open air.
Shelter and Shade
Sun is lovely—until you’re squinting into your plate or scrambling to cover the grill mid-sizzle. A good outdoor kitchen design includes thoughtful protection from the elements.
Depending on your site and budget, this could be:
A pergola for filtered shade and architectural interest
A retractable awning for flexible coverage
A roof extension that blends the kitchen into a larger outdoor room
Umbrellas or sail shades for simple, stylish sun protection
Adding a ceiling fan, outdoor heater, or fire feature can also extend the season and keep your outdoor kitchen comfortable into the cooler months.
Let There Be (Good) Light
Lighting is often an afterthought—but it’s one of the most important features of a well-designed outdoor kitchen. You need enough light to safely prep and cook after dark, but you also want to create an ambiance that feels inviting, not harsh.
We recommend layering three types of light:
Task lighting over work areas (like under-cabinet or pendant lights)
Ambient lighting to set the mood (think sconces or string lights)
Accent lighting to highlight landscaping or architectural details
Solar-powered options and LED fixtures rated for outdoor use can keep your energy costs low and your setup stylish.
Storage: The Secret Ingredient
Storage isn’t the most glamorous part of kitchen design—but it might be the most appreciated. No one wants to run in and out of the house for tongs, paper towels, or that one seasoning you forgot.
Plan for weather-proof storage where it counts:
Cabinets for grilling tools and serving platters
Pull-out trash and recycling bins
Dry storage for napkins, utensils, or extra dinnerware
Bonus points for adding an outdoor drawer fridge for drinks, or a warming drawer to keep food hot during long dinners.
Make It a Destination
Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to just be utilitarian—it should feel like a place you want to spend time. Consider the atmosphere you want to create and incorporate elements that bring the space to life.
Some of our favorite finishing touches:
A built-in fire pit or fireplace nearby
A bar-height counter for mingling and margaritas
A cozy lounge zone adjacent to the kitchen
Potted herbs or vertical garden walls for beauty and function
Outdoor speakers or a projector for backyard movie nights
Designing for all the senses—taste, sight, sound, smell, and touch—makes the space memorable and fun.
Know Your Zones
If you’re planning a larger backyard remodel, don’t forget to think of your outdoor kitchen as one “room” in a bigger outdoor plan. Creating zones—dining, lounging, cooking, play—helps organize your space so it works smarter and feels more intentional.
We love using hardscape changes, plantings, and furniture groupings to define zones without building physical walls. And when everything flows naturally, your backyard becomes a true extension of your home.
Designing Your Own Outdoor Kitchen? We’d Love to Help
At Studio SQUIRE, we’re passionate about creating spaces that bring people together—and an outdoor kitchen is one of the best ways to do just that. Whether you’re looking for a full-scale backyard transformation or just a smart spot to grill on weeknights, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life, beautifully and practically.
Let’s make outdoor living your favorite part of home.
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