5 Tips for Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen, Pros Share

If you're looking to design an outdoor kitchen that's both functional and stylish, we've got you covered with expert advice. From what kind of materials are worth the investment to what layout factors to consider, we asked designers to share their best tips.

Below, we've highlighted 5 designer-approved tips for creating a dreamy and timeless outdoor kitchen.

The Plan Collection

“Think about how you want to utilize the space and how you will actually use the area," Bobby Berk, an interior designer and a TV personality, says. «This will definitely help to inform the layout and what type of furnishings you should invest in.»

When Berk was designing his own backyard oasis, he incorporated a prep sink and under-counter refrigerator, so he could have everything he needed for easy al fresco cooking and entertaining.

Laurel Vernazza, home design expert, chief marketing officer, and director of content for The Plan Collection, emphasizes looking at objectives as well.

“What do you plan to use it for? How many guests will you host? These questions can lead you to a simple design for occasional outdoor dining to a full-sized kitchen with every amenity from the grill, cabinets, and refrigerator to a pizza oven and plenty of bar seating," she says.

The Turrett Collaborative

“Your region’s climate should have a more significant impact on creating the ideal kitchen than anything else,” Vernazza says.

Vernazza explains how you'll need an outdoor kitchen with plenty of shade such as a pergola if you live in the Southwest. If you're located in the Northeast or Midwest, you will have to think about what materials will survive significant temperature fluctuations, she says.

«And if near a beach, you need to consider the impact of