Outdoor Kitchens: Beyond the Barbecue

The trend toward outdoor living has been going on for quite some time, and for many designers, it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. And these days, it’s about more than setting up a grill and a couple of patio chairs. Today’s versions of outdoor living often include elaborate kitchens with built-in appliances that are joined by expansive lounging areas with fire features that encourage guests to hang out outside with the chef.

In support of what many designers have experienced, according to a Houzz survey conducted last year of more than 1,100 U.S. homeowners, one in eight was interested in upgrading or adding an outdoor kitchen to that outdoor living space. Often that includes plumbing for sinks, electrical or heating systems, countertops, storage, roofing and appliances, the latter of which includes everything from grills and cooktops to refrigerators and ice makers. Pizza ovens and smokers or deep fryers and even warming drawers are factoring in as well.

This month, KBDN asked designers to share recent renovation and new-build outdoor living projects that reimagine what it means to cook outside.

‘Waves’ of tile steal the show

As part of a whole-house renovation for their second residence, Bianca Fathauer’sclients wanted to add an additional 1,000 square feet to its footprint…all allocated to outdoor living, including an outdoor kitchen.

“These clients love to entertain,” says the principal designer for Splendid Home Design in Stuart, FL. “They wanted their house to be the party place where they could welcome friends and family.”

Living thousands of miles away in Canada, the couple entrusted Fathauer to create and execute their dream. Because they aren’t full-time Florida residents, they needed their outdoor space to feature easy-to-maintain finishes and materials. 

In that regard, weatherproof NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry’s cabinets in a louver door style and driftwood colorway sets the tone for a coastal design theme, which is supported by the whitewashed tongue-and-groove ceiling and Silver Travertine tiled floor. Fathauer accented the cabinetry with Ashley Norton brass hardware and topped it with Mont Blanc quartzite countertops. Stainless steel appliances – including a Coyote Outdoor Living grill, ventilation hood and beverage cooler – blend seamlessly given their similar hue. A stainless steel sink and stainless steel Franke faucet make clean-up a breeze. 

This outdoor kitchen, designed as part of a large outdoor living space by Bianca Fathauer, features weatherproof…

This outdoor kitchen, designed as part of a large outdoor living space by Bianca Fathauer, features weatherproof cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops. Fathauer showcased her client’s favorite color in the ‘wave’ backsplash where multiple shades of blue tile combine with gray, taupe and white.

Photos: Above & Beyond Real Estate Photography

Each component is also sited to enhance functionality and promote guest interaction.

“Even though it’s an outdoor kitchen, which is typically smaller than a main kitchen, I still consider zones,” she remarks. “For instance, the beverage cooler is placed at the end of the run near the pool. It’s hinged appropriately so someone can easily run up from the pool and grab something to drink, without getting in the way of someone who is grilling. 

“It’s also important to consider zones and how it influences entertaining,” Fathauer adds. “A host doesn’t want to have to step away in the middle of a conversation to go inside to get ice because that stops the rhythm of a conversation. So, anything that makes the space self-sustaining, i.e., proper appliances, lighting, prep space, etc., is important to maintain a connection with guests.”

Because her client loves the color blue, Fathauer showcased it in a focal-point moment as the backsplash where Mercury Mosaics’ handmade Moroccan fish scale tile in multiple shades of the hue, complemented with gray, taupe and white, flows in a wave across the wall.

“We worked with the company to create this one-of-a-kind backsplash,” the designer explains. “It’s completely custom. Each tile is strategically placed, and each color is hand selected to complement the other finishes in the house to give it a curated look.” 

Fathauer flanked the custom tile with white subway tile.

“They die into each other, creating a perfect transition,” the designer points out. “Including the subway tile is unexpected, and a little avant-garde. It’s also extremely difficult to make those cuts perfectly, but we wanted our clients to have something that is one-of-a-kind…something they won’t see anywhere else.”

Extending short summers

Given Minnesota’s relatively short summers and oftentimes brutal winters, it may seem illogical to invest much into outdoor living. However, Becca Bastyr advocates that the state’s weather is exactly why outdoor spaces – even extravagant ones – are so important.

“A lot of people think, well…it’s Minnesota,” says the senior designer for Mom’s Design Build in Shakopee, MN. “And, yes, our summers are short. But that’s why we appreciate being outside, and why we sometimes make those spaces elaborate. We know our time is limited so we enjoy it to the fullest while we can.”

That philosophy guided a recent renovation where Bastyr turned a previously underutilized space into an entertaining masterpiece. 

The homeowners, who have four kids in a broad range of ages, initially felt they just needed a pool house as a way to corral related supplies. But the designer encouraged them to consider a more functional solution that included converting the existing covered patio into an outdoor kitchen, which was part of a grand outdoor space with multiple lounging areas, a pool and a hot tub.

“The area that became an outdoor kitchen was actually quite large with a tall ceiling, but it was very awkward,” she recalls. “It was too big and too small at that same time. It also included a fireplace in the corner. My clients had a few random pieces of furniture strewn about, but it just wasn’t fitting their lifestyle.”

For Becca Bastyr’s Minnesota clients, she converted a previously underutilized space into an entertaining…

For Becca Bastyr’s Minnesota clients, she converted a previously underutilized space into an entertaining masterpiece. Focal to the outdoor kitchen is a fireplace and a book-matched marble backsplash behind the traditional barbecue grill, side burner and flat top grill.

Photos: Spacecrafting Photography

Focal to the new kitchen is the fireplace, which Bastyr maintained in its original location.

“I love having a fireplace in a kitchen because it is nice to have that extra bit of ambiance,” she explains. “Also, it helps draw people into the space so the chef isn’t alone.”

As well, a secondary focal point is the book-matched Blue Fantasy marble backsplash.

“Normally, marble isn’t recommended for outdoor use in our climate,” she says. “But this particular one can be used, as long as it is in a covered space. It makes a beautiful statement and I was excited to be able to use it.”

Bastyr complemented it with a massive ventilation hood above the Blaze grill and side burner and Coyote Outdoor Living flat-top grill. All are sited next to each other and built into stone veneer that matches the fireplace.

“Architecturally it’s more efficient; plus, it makes sense from a cooking perspective,” she notes. “Whoever is doing the cooking doesn’t need to travel all over the kitchen to use multiple appliances.”

An added luxury item is a pot filler, which Bastyr included in lieu of a sink.

“Sinks are a big maintenance item,” she indicates. “Some cities want them to be tied into the sewer system, which is expensive and invasive. And, since there is typically less prep work in an outdoor kitchen, there is less need for a sink.”

Additional amenities include plenty of counter-height seating as well as drawer storage and trash and recycling pullouts. An undercounter refrigerator and double-drawer refrigerator address cooling needs.

Bastyr took advantage of the ceiling height and tucked wiring for can lights, spotlights and pendant lights into coffers.

“They only had one light previously so it was a very dark space,” she says. “Lighting is so important, especially in places like Minnesota where it gets dark early in the fall. In October, it can be dark at six o’clock, so it’s nice to have plenty of lighting to extend our outdoor time in those shoulder months.”

Designed for four seasons

As avid animal lovers who live next to a nature preserve, these homeowners wanted their residence to be a place where they could fully enjoy the environment. To that end, Rachel Nelson created an outdoor living space where they could cook an incredible meal, then relax in the adjacent lounging area, all while being steps away from the great outdoors.

“The outdoor living space was incredibly important to them from day one of the design of their home,” says the CEO/principal designer for Concetti in Detroit, MI. “Since COVID, so many of our clients are embracing outdoor living and reimagining what their outdoor spaces can be.”

Because of her clients’ Great Lakes location, Nelson was cognizant to design a space that could be enjoyed nearly year ’round. 

“We have four very strong seasons, so the space was thoughtfully conceived to be as flexible as possible,” she says. “It is open, yet there is some protection from inclement weather.”

Rachel Nelson created an outdoor living space where her clients could cook an incredible meal, then relax in the…

Rachel Nelson created an outdoor living space where her clients could cook an incredible meal, then relax in the adjacent lounging area to enjoy the environment of the nature preserve next door. Because of her clients’ Great Lakes location, she covered the area and equipped it with durable finishes, including a porcelain backsplash and countertops, stainless steel cabinetry and stainless steel cooking appliances.

Photo: Brett Mountain Photography

For example, a high vaulted ceiling covers the entire outdoor kitchen and lounging area. One wall features two windows that can be open and closed to control air flow. A second wall is shared with the interior living space, with the main kitchen and dining area just steps away. Because these interior spaces are within such close proximity to the outdoor kitchen, her clients purposely omitted any dining table outside. The remaining two walls are almost completely open with retractable screens to minimize pesky bugs. Heaters and ceiling fans make the space more enjoyable on inclement days and nights.

Nelson also paid special attention to finish selections. For example, porcelain for the countertops and backsplash emulates weathered wood and coordinates seamlessly with the cultured stone used on the walls and the exterior of the home.

“Porcelain is incredibly durable and can weather the freeze/thaw cycle that we have here,” she indicates. “Considering that it can be used in extreme applications such as pool surrounds, it makes a great choice for countertops.”

Porcelain joins an abundance of stainless steel cabinetry from John Michael into which a stainless steel Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerator and Wolf cooking appliances – including a grill, ventilation hood and side burner – are built.

“Ample storage is incredibly important,” Nelson emphasizes. “And these stainless steel cabinets are sealed off nicely to securely store cooking utensils, plates, serving platters, etc. We also included a pullout trash. We located it next to the prep sink, which is another incredibly helpful feature for an outdoor kitchen.”

Moving the party outdoors

A group of teenagers can easily overtake a home, so when these homeowners decided to demolish an existing deck and transform it into a luxurious outdoor living space, it gave them the perfect opportunity to move the party outside. As well, the new kitchen and outdoor lounging space serve as a place where the homeowners can entertain their own friends, or sit quietly with a glass of wine and a book after grilling supper.

“It’s a universal, transformative space that is well suited to a number of activities,” says Anabel Hering, founder/principal designer at Black Salt Home Design in Northwest DC/Bethesda, MD, who worked in collaboration with Blue House Gardens. 

At its heart are Hestan outdoor cooking appliances, including a pizza oven and grill. A matching ventilation hood assists Mother Nature in removing smoke created while barbecuing. All are positioned around the outside perimeter, along with a Hestan beverage refrigerator and stainless steel storage built into white-painted brick that matches the home’s exterior and complements the white beadboard ceiling.

Creating this outdoor living space gave Anabel Hering’s clients a place where they could entertain and their kids…

Creating this outdoor living space gave Anabel Hering’s clients a place where they could entertain and their kids could hang out with friends. Cooking appliances are positioned around the exterior perimeter, while a ‘buffet’ area on the interior wall provides storage and ample workspace on the concrete countertop.

Photo: Peak Visuals

Hering created additional storage in the ‘buffet’ area – i.e., the shared wall with the home’s interior – via multiple stainless steel drawers. Floating shelves on the wall and open shelving beneath the countertop provide easy access to dishware and related serving pieces. A sink is ideal for cleanup and a quick hand wash, and an abundance of work surface space is provided by concrete countertops, which are not only durable, but also add an organic look to the space. A centrally located dining table provides abundant seating and a view of the wall-mounted TV.

“We wanted to create a space that could work independently of the interior kitchen,” she relates. “The sink is especially useful so the homeowners don’t need to go back and forth between the inside and outside.”

To make the space more conducive for year-round use in its Mid-Atlantic location, Hering included screens to keep out pesky insects during the summer. In-ceiling heaters add warmth for the winter and cooler shoulder-season days and evenings, and ceiling fans facilitate movement of both cool and warm air. The adjacent lounging area features a pair of couches and several stools, all of which face a gas fire table.

“When these clients first came to me, they said they wanted a place where their older teens could hang out with their friends,” she adds. “They also wanted a place where they could enjoy being together as a family, so this multi-functional space suits them perfectly.”

More space to make memories

With two children at home and several extended family members living nearby, it isn’t unusual for Amy Fregosi’s clients to have a host of people flowing in and out of their home. After making renovations to its interior a few years ago, upgrading the exterior’s entertaining area gave them extra space to accommodate their loved ones while enjoying California’s favorable climate.

“These clients have a very large family and they are very family oriented, so it isn’t uncommon for them to have a lot of people at their house,” says the designer/AKBD/ASID Allied, Mondolfo Interior Design in Burlingame, CA. “Having a great space outdoors gives them more places to share food and make memories.”

With a sophisticated design style for the home’s interior, the homeowners wanted their exterior space to not only be functional, but also stylish. 

“This family has a very lux vibe so I wanted to make sure it extended to the exterior with sleek finishes,” she says in reference to the outdoor kitchen as well as the adjacent lounge area with couch-style seating, fire table, patio heaters and a television that is recessed into a custom niche that can be covered in inclement weather.

In that realm, Level’s Crystal Diamond porcelain serves as the outdoor kitchen’s countertop surface, which falls in elegant waterfall edges on the island. Fregosi continued the porcelain as the wall behind the Lynx stainless steel sink and the Hestan built-in grill and double-side burner. Extending the porcelain into an overhang on the ceiling gave her a place to discreetly tuck a recessed ventilation system.

The wall is multi-functional, serving as both an aesthetic design element and as a ‘fence’ that offers privacy.

“They are fortunate that only one side of their house borders any neighbors,” she relates, “but that side was also where we wanted to locate the kitchen, so creating this wall gives my clients – as well as the residents in the neighboring house – some privacy.”

Including LED lights at its juncture with the ceiling gives it a radiant glow for added ambiance in the evenings. Pendant lights above the island also set the mood and supply necessary task lighting.

“Lighting is so important to a space, even one outside,” Fregosi indicates. “You can create the most tasteful design, but if it isn’t well lit, no one is going to notice.”

Cladding the island’s façade in Emser Tile’s Mythos ceramic mosaic tile in an Arabesque pattern and gray colorway furthers the sleek design vibe. Open shelves on the working side of the island provide a place to set serving platters and related necessities. Fregosi also included a beverage refrigerator, stainless steel storage drawers and a pullout trash bin.

Building upon great backyard ‘bones’

This backyard had great ‘bones’ for entertaining. The lower- level, blank-slate patio was plenty spacious for accommodating an outdoor kitchen, and the sunlit grass lawn had perfect potential for being converted to a swimming pool with a roomy deck for lounging.

“These clients were looking for an entertaining space that was all tied together,” says Micah Rogers, lead designer with Boyce Design + Build in Atlanta, GA. 

Because the outdoor kitchen is not sited within easy access to its interior counterpart, Rogers focused on designing it with functional independence. 

“It is on the lower level of the house, so it isn’t close to the main kitchen,” he explains. “My clients didn’t want to have to run upstairs every time they needed something, so this outdoor kitchen needed to be a standalone entity.”

To address cooking needs, Rogers included a Big Green Egg ceramic oven and a built-in NewAge Products grill. Since they are both located beneath a porch above, a Fire Magic ventilation hood helps to remove smoke. A generously sized sink makes clean-up a breeze and weather-resistant NewAge Products aluminum cabinet frames with glossy tempered- glass doors create a sleek aesthetic, which is enhanced by a granite countertop.

This outdoor kitchen by Micah Rogers includes a ceramic oven, a built-in grill with ventilation hood and a sink in one…

This outdoor kitchen by Micah Rogers includes a ceramic oven, a built-in grill with ventilation hood and a sink in one island. A second island has an undercounter refrigerator and ice maker as well as abundant storage provided by the aluminum cabinetry with glossy tempered-glass doors and drawers.

Photo: Ryan Norton

“We’re seeing more people moving towards granite as a countertop surface in their outdoor kitchens…as long as there is some protection from the elements,” Micah relates. “Compared to some other natural stones and to concrete, granite can have a bit thinner profile…usually about 1-1/2″ rather than 2″ with some other stones and 3″ to 4″ for concrete.”

The two-tone, split-material wall behind it all was both intentional and happenstance, Rogers relates, noting that the lower brick portion was the existing wall for the original patio while the wood was added as part of the new design.

“We weren’t able to source the exact brick from the house,” he says. “We didn’t want to introduce any new ‘hard’ material like a stone or brick because we thought it would get too busy and compete with the Blue Stone pavers on the floor and the cabinetry. Bringing in the wood was the perfect solution and it adds a tertiary design element to the space, which we also extended to the ceiling above.”

Since storage is such an important element to the outdoor kitchens that Micah designs, he included additional door/drawer storage along an adjacent wall of the patio. This second island also includes a NewAge Products undercounter refrigerator and a Fire Magic ice maker, the latter of which is especially useful since the indoor kitchen isn’t located nearby.