Take cooking and dining outside with these gorgeous spaces.
Interior designers often turn to the tried-and-true decorating trick of “bringing the outdoors in” to incorporate natural elements into their designs. But these days more and more, designers are flipping the script and “bringing the indoors out” to create spectacular outdoor living spaces that are just as special as what’s inside, like these incredible outdoor kitchens, dining areas, bars, and more.
Some favorite ideas for terraces, poolside patios, and more include durable outdoor kitchens that rival even our best indoor kitchens of all time. With these creative backyard ideas, the spaces are both beautiful and functional with top-of-the-line grills, sinks, state-of-the-art appliances like wine fridges, and pizza ovens, which happen to be one of the top features that can make your house sell faster—and for more money.
Here are 16 genius ideas for creating the outdoor space of your dreams, from classic and modern outdoor kitchen ideas to rustic outdoor kitchen ideas too. Whether you want a simple grilling station by the pool or if you fancy elaborate covered outdoor kitchen structures, you can transform any outdoor space into an entertaining haven where you can enjoy sips by the outdoor bar and alfresco dining all year long.
1. Greenhouse-Inspired Outdoor Kitchen
This greenhouse-inspired space has it all and more—a full kitchen setup, a large dining table and chairs, and a fan overhead, thanks to the glass-roofed pavilion. We especially love the subway-tiled inset on the expansive island and the oversize pair of basket light fixtures. A variety of plantings surround the space and lead to the pool beyond.
2. Modern Outdoor Kitchen
A sleek built-in stove top, sink, and under-counter refrigeration all get sleek treatment on this side deck. Large sliding doors blur the lines between indoors and out.
3. Party Barn Kitchen
The newly restored barn at this Block Island retreat by architect Gil Schafer was reimagined as a party-ready poolhouse complete with a kitchen for summer dinner parties overlooking the water.
4. Midcentury Kitchen
Seamless Douglas fir paneling transitions from the interior to the porch of this midcentury Dallas residence by designer
Meredith McBrearty. The generous seating arrangement invites guests to converse with the chef during grilling sessions.
5. Poolside Kitchen
At this Sea Island home designed by Ellen Kavanaugh, the poolside cabana featuring a bar guarantees that any day spent by the water is a celebration. Custom cabinet hardware by Patterson’s of Palm Beach is paired with a Brizo faucet.
6. Accordion Window Kitchen
The accordion window in this Georgia home’s kitchen smartly opens out to the outdoor space, effortlessly merging indoor comfort with alfresco entertaining.
7. Open-Air Outdoor Kitchen
This pavilion-like outdoor kitchen is completely open-air and boasts maximum floor space for entertaining a crowd. A wine fridge is built into the extra-long island, painted a deep blue-gray hue. Sliding glass doors frame landscape views. Rustic beams add architectural interest.
8. Indoor-Inspired Outdoor Kitchen
Houston-based designer Marie Flanigan says she designed this outdoor area to be an extension of the home’s interior space. A grill, sink, and fridge are right at your fingertips, while the rest of the kitchen is just a few steps away behind the glass. An antique bronze hood range and limestone wall complement the interior design.
This setup not only helps you perfect outdoor living, it’s also ideal for those desiring more space for cooking, eating, and entertaining year-round.
9. Louvered Doors
Folding louvered doors cleverly conceal a bar and mini kitchen until times for poolside refreshments at Ceara Donnelley’s Charleston home. The green paint color and glazed-tiles speak to the verdant surroundings.
10. Waterside Terrace Outdoor Kitchen
With a covered level featuring a full-service kitchen against a stone wall and a lower level for sunbathing and soaking in the water view, this terrace makes for the ultimate entertaining space.
11. California Garden Outdoor Kitchen
Designer Scott Shrader’s main mission as a landscape designer is to get people out into their gardens and keep them there. For this Santa Monica home, Shrader designed a series of garden rooms that seamlessly connect to the interiors. The home’s family room opens to a bamboo dining room, which is equipped a 12-seat dining table, pizza oven, and bar.
12. Small Space Outdoor Kitchen
While this patio is small on space, L.A.-based designer Kishani Perea transformed it into the ultimate outdoor entertaining spot. This cozy kitchen has just enough space to serve up a summer barbecue and feels as luxurious as the rest of the home with its marble countertops and double sinks.
13. Seaside Outdoor Kitchen
This fully equipped outdoor kitchen in Asharoken, New York, is perfect for entertaining outdoors all summer long. Designed by Q Design Group, this lovely cook space is equipped with chic yet ultra-durable cabinetry from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, making it feel like an extension of the interiors.
14. Upper East Side Outdoor Kitchen
This dreamy outdoor space was designed by Hollander Design for the 2016 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City. This private oasis on the Upper East Side features Danver stainless steel cabinetry for a modern look and plenty of cozy outdoor seating to enjoy the view—and many meals!
15. You Can Have It All
Designer Marie Flanigan designed this space for a family of five who loves to entertain and spend as much of their free time poolside as tpossible. It features a sunken bar, full kitchen, hibachi grill, and a crawfish station. Thanks to concrete counters and natural wood cabinetry, this space holds up to heavy traffic and the elements.
16. Room to Linger
This Dallas patio belongs to designer Ann Sutherland, who wanted her outdoor space to be comfortable yet stylish for frequent entertaining. A grill, large pantry, ceiling fans, and long table with comfortable chairs helped Sutherland accomplish her goal.
Veranda by Lauren Wicks and Amy Mitchell May 3, 2024