An outdoor kitchen is more than just a cooking space – it’s a gathering place, a spot to enjoy the fresh air, and an extension of your home.
As we step into a new year, outdoor kitchen design trends for 2025 are all about making these spaces more versatile, comfortable, and tailored for year-round enjoyment.
No matter the season, your outdoor kitchen can be a place to create delicious meals and lasting memories. Whether you’re planning to add a few updates or completely re-imagine your space, these ideas will help you design a setup that feels both functional and inviting.
A Quick Look: Outdoor Kitchens
A growing trend from the beginning of this decade, the modern outdoor kitchen is becoming a staple of the home.
To be sure, the outdoor kitchens we're referring to aren’t glorified outdoor grilling areas (think: a grill with a few lawn chairs around it). Rather, they're a fully functional cooking space that brings many of the amenities of the great indoors outside. In addition to ample food preparation space and equipment, as well as a dining area, modern outdoor kitchens feature comfortable areas to congregate and relax.
What's more, contemporary outdoor kitchens take enjoying being outside to new levels — it's not uncommon to find outdoor kitchen spaces boasting some of the latest home entertainment technology.
10 Outdoor Kitchen Design Trends & Ideas
Essentially an extension of the inside of a home, the outdoor kitchen is a great way to add value and create an inviting atmosphere to any home.
Looking to this year's warmer months when contemporary outdoor kitchens see the most use, here are 10 outdoor cooking space ideas and trends to consider incorporating into yours:
- Modular design
- Multifunctional spaces
- Defined areas
- Pizza ovens
- Appliances & fixtures
- Storage
- Outdoor kitchens as year-round spaces
- Sustainable & durable materials
- Technology
- Minimalist Aesthetics
1. Modular Design
For as much as an outdoor kitchen can be a permanent fixture in a home, its layout can be subject to change.
Modular designs are becoming the go-to choice for many outdoor kitchens because they make it easy to reconfigure and upgrade the space. Don't like how the space flows? Is the kitchen island in the way? Or perhaps you’re seeking a clearer distinction between the seating and cooking areas?
Changing things up isn't a problem.
In essence, modular design allows for on-demand customization as frequently as needed.
2. Multifunctional Spaces
The kitchen inside a home is rarely used for just cooking. In most homes, it’s a place where families spend time or where kids do their homework.
The same applies to outdoor kitchens – they shouldn’t be used just for cooking or entertaining but provide a space for many different activities. For example, adding bar stools around an outdoor grill allows people to sit and enjoy drinks and snacks while grilling.
Similarly, a firepit or fireplace can provide an atmosphere of warmth and welcome. A large patio table with comfortable chairs creates a space for family dinners and gatherings.
3. Defined Areas
Designed to be both practical and peaceful, an outdoor kitchen should avoid a cluttered or awkward layout.
Defined areas are a growing trend in outdoor kitchen design because they create a cohesive and organized space.
Outdoor cooking spaces can be large, but defining areas makes them more accessible and inviting, yet functional and practical. They can also create a sense of privacy, making outdoor cooking and dining experiences more intimate and enjoyable — when you're having a conversation with friends in a sitting area, you won't feel in the way of the person grilling.
4. Pizza Ovens
One of the latest trends in outdoor kitchen design this year is the inclusion of pizza ovens.
It's hard to argue with this trend.
First and foremost, they allow outdoor enthusiasts to create high-quality, delicious, and authentic wood-fired pizza in the comfort of their own backyard. Secondly, cooking Neapolitan-style pizzas happens at extremely high temperatures (in ovens reaching 900℉), something that's not well suited for indoors.
Pizza ovens come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen design. They can be built into an outdoor countertop, standalone, or even portable.
Speaking of portable pizza ovens, have you seen our TG Series Grill? With a few quick adjustments, you'll be making pizza in no time.
5. Appliances & Fixtures
Just like indoors, an outdoor kitchen is nothing without its appliances and fixtures.
More outdoor kitchen owners are looking for appliances that stand out without being seen. Hidden hinge refrigerators, grills, and other smaller appliances can be installed to blend in seamlessly with cabinetry and countertops around them. To the untrained eye, it's like they're not even there. This helps maintain the outdoor kitchen's aesthetic while adding to its functionality.
Beyond aesthetics, there are several appliances and fixtures that have become must-haves for any outdoor kitchen:
- Warming drawers
- Propane stovetops and griddles
- Sinks
- Smokers
- Wine fridges
- Patio heaters
6. Storage
What’s the #1 thing that ruins an outdoor kitchens' sense of peace and relaxation?
Clutter.
With ample storage, you'll have a place for everything and create an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to gather and stay awhile. Additionally, ample storage can help protect your backyard kitchen from the elements, ensuring that all your items remain in good condition throughout the year.
7. Outdoor Kitchens as Year-Round Spaces
Outdoor cooking spaces aren’t just for the warmer months anymore.
In 2025, homeowners are embracing designs that make outdoor kitchens comfortable and functional all year long.
How is this trend taking shape?
- Infrared Patio Heaters: These sleek heaters provide targeted warmth, making it easy to grill and entertain even on chilly evenings.
- Retractable Awnings and Enclosures: From pergolas to motorized awnings, these options protect your outdoor kitchen from rain and snow, extending its usability.
- Outdoor Fireplaces: Both a focal point and a heat source, fireplaces bring warmth and ambiance, making your outdoor space feel as cozy as indoors.
With these features, outdoor kitchens become true extensions of the home – inviting, practical, and ready for use no matter the season.
8. Sustainable & Durable Materials Selection
Sustainable materials have become increasingly popular in outdoor kitchen design due to their environmental benefits and unique aesthetic qualities. Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing eco-conscious, long-lasting, and low-maintenance materials.
Examples of sustainable outdoor kitchen materials include:
- Countertops made from recycled glass and natural stones
- Composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers
- Bamboo cabinetry
Additionally, homeowners are gravitating towards materials that feature a warm and relaxing color palette to create a cozy and inviting outdoor living space. Popular hues include earthy tones like light browns, tans, grays, and natural materials like stone and wood.
These materials create a backyard oasis that blends seamlessly with nature, providing a calming and tranquil environment to unwind and enjoy with friends and family.
9. Technology
Outdoor kitchen technology has significantly advanced in recent years, providing homeowners with cutting-edge features that enhance the ambiance of their outdoor living space.
Many people choose to install outdoor audio and visual systems to bring home entertainment outside, such as:
- TVs
- Speakers
- Projectors & screens
Additionally, LED lighting is a popular feature to create an inviting and customizable ambiance, with various colors and settings to choose from. Smart home integration is also becoming increasingly popular, allowing homeowners to control their outdoor technology systems from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet.
10. Minimalist Aesthetics with High Functionality
Outdoor kitchens are being designed with a focus on simplicity, blending clean designs with features that make them more practical and enjoyable.
How does this minimalist approach take shape?
- Streamlined Storage: Built-in cabinets and drawers hide away tools and supplies, keeping the space uncluttered and organized.
- Integrated Appliances: Grills, refrigerators, and sinks are designed to blend seamlessly into cabinetry and countertops for a smooth, polished appearance.
- Neutral Colors and Natural Materials: Soft tones and materials like stone and wood create a calm, inviting atmosphere that complements the outdoor environment.
This approach delivers an outdoor kitchen that feels functional, stylish, and perfectly balanced without unnecessary distractions.
It's Your Outdoor Kitchen
There's nothing like having a space that's as functional and utilitarian as it is unique and inviting. Modern outdoor kitchen design trends check all these boxes.
By selecting the right design elements and materials, incorporating technology and sustainability, and following safety guidelines, you can design a beautiful outdoor kitchen that's also practical.
Really Set Your Outdoor Kitchen Apart
Our Smokin' Ugly line of drum smoker accessories and grilling equipment lets you build a one-of-a-kind meat smoker that's sure to start conversations. Browse our catalog: 
(Editor's note: This article was originally published in May 2023 and was recently updated.)