Now might not feel like the moment to think about outdoor living, but autumn is the smartest time to plan your outdoor kitchen ideas for next summer.
As the months get colder and your garden winds down for winter, it becomes the perfect blank canvas to let creative ideas flow. With a little forward thinking, you can spend the quieter months designing, budgeting and planning so that by the time the first sunny weekend arrives, your garden is ready to enjoy.
In this post, I’ll share how you can take things up a notch with my top 9 outdoor kitchen ideas that will transform your garden into the ultimate entertaining space, ready for summer 2026. This post is in collaboration with Cal Flame Kitchens & Firepits whose beautiful kitchen setups inspired this feature.
WHAT IS AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN?
An outdoor kitchen is exactly what it sounds like: a full working kitchen built into your garden. It can range from a simple grill area to a fully equipped space with a sink, fridge and cooker. Think of it as the next step up from a barbecue and instead of a single grill, you have a complete cooking and prep space designed for open-air entertaining. Sounds great right?
So from my experience, an outdoor kitchen might include a built-in grill or pizza oven for everyday cooking, along with generous countertops and storage. You can add a sink or small fridge to make hosting easier. And if you love socialising, then you’ll want to include a bar area, outdoor dining table and relaxed seating space. Many outdoor kitchens also include a firepit or fireplace, which keeps the space cosy and inviting long after the sun goes down.
Outdoor kitchens are no longer just for BBQ enthusiasts. From my years of working on interiors magazines, I have noticed a changing trend in how we use our gardens. Now, most family homes need a functional outdoor space to cook, entertain and host. And installing an outdoor kitchen space will not only improve our social lives, but also our enjoyment of our gardens too.
Why You Should Start Planning your Outdoor Kitchen ideas Now?
Installing an outdoor kitchen is not weekend DIY project because they take a lot of planning, budgeting and a bit of vision. You’ll have lots of things to take into account, and starting in autumn gives you the time to:
- Book in your tradespeople early: Landscapers, builders and electricians get snapped up fast once spring hits. Booking them in now means you’re project will get done in time and at speed!
- Spread the cost: Planning now means you can budget over several months and avoid the summer spending panic. And you can stop the sales too picking up out-of-season bargains for your outdoor kitchen set up!
- Design properly: You’ll have time to think about where the sun falls, how you use your space, and the best layout for cooking, dining and relaxing. And you can factor in all-weather entertaining into your design.
- Order ahead: Outdoor furniture, tiles and appliances can take weeks to arrive, so planning early ensures everything’s ready on time. And you can make sure your tiling and materials are all frost-proof as well.
My top 9 Outdoor Kitchen Design Tips
Now we have covered what an outdoor kitchen is, and why it’s worth designing one before summer, let’s deep dive into my top 9 outdoor kitchen design tips for your garden.
1. Zone your space
Think about how you want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen. Do you see it as a family space for casual weeknight dinners, or as a setting for larger gatherings with friends? Your answer will influence everything from layout to appliance choice. Plan clear cooking, dining and relaxation zones so everyone can enjoy the space without getting in each other’s way.
Work out where you place your outdoor kitchen in relation to your home. You don’t want it to be miles away from your main house, as you’ll be ferrying food back and forth. And you won’t want it too close as you’ll have food smells drifting inside your home.
And you’ll want to factor in the sizing too. Brands like Cal Flame Kitchen & Firepits have made outdoor kitchen design more accessible with modular setups that can be tailored to fit any garden. Even a small outdoor space can be transformed into something practical and stylish.
Once you have considered placement, then you’ll want to define your cooking, eating and lounging areas with decking or planters. You can use them to section off your space to make it feel like a real outdoor kitchen space.
2. Choose durable materials
An outdoor kitchen is going to get a battering from the weather, so you’ll want to make sure that it stands the test of time! Go for weatherproof surfaces like stainless steel, stone or porcelain for your worktops and splash backs for longevity and to survive the tough winter weather. Avoid porous materials that can stain or crack in frost. And if your garden is exposed, or like mine close to the seaside, then choose finishes that resist rust and fading.
3. Light up your outdoor kitchen
Lighting is key to making your outdoor kitchen work after dark. Combine task lighting over prep areas with softer ambient light for dining and lounging. Wall lights, festoon bulbs and rechargeable table lamps create a warm, inviting glow. To keep the space comfortable in spring and autumn, include a firepit, freestanding heater or built-in heat lamps so you can linger outside long after sunset.
4. Install lots of seating
In your kitchen area, you’ll want comfy areas to eat and relax. Bar stools or a banquette will make it feel like an outdoor room rather than a patio corner. Look out for outdoor cushions and rugs to help soften and add personality to this corner of your garden.
5. Consider your utilities
Consider your existing patio or deck space and any electrical or gas connections. You’ll need to factor in outdoor power points for your cooker & appliances. And for plugging in lighting as well.
6. Add in lots of storage
You’ll need to have lots of places to stash your outdoor cushions when the weather turns wet. From boxes, sheds to under counter cupboards, you’ll want several places to stash all your kitchen equipment when not in use.
7. Plan your budget
When budgeting your outdoor kitchen ideas, you need to decide what you can realistically spend and then prioritise where to splurge. Invest in durable, high-quality materials for your worktops and reliable cooking appliances that will last for years.
If you love entertaining, it’s worth allocating more of your budget to comfortable seating and lighting to create atmosphere. Smaller details such as accessories, planters and textiles can be updated over time.
And my top tip? Treat your garden to good quality waterproof covers to protect your outdoor cooking set up from the wind and the rain. And they will help your furniture look good for longer.
8. Think about your appliances
Consider how much you are going to use your outdoor kitchen, and plan accordingly. Do you want a big grill, heat plate or even a fridge. You’ll need to make sure you have the space to fit in all your dream outdoor kitchen ideas.
If you want to make planning your outdoor kitchen stress-free, then take a look at Cal Flame who make modular outdoor kitchen setups that can be customised to fit your garden perfectly. They’re designed to handle all weathers which makes them a great long-term investment, and ideal for withstanding our long wet english summers, and cold UK winters!
9. Heat your garden space
If you want to use your kitchen well into autumn, then you’ll want to think about ways to keep warm outside. That can come from outdoor firepits (Cal Flame a large range I highly recommend you check out), mini heaters that attach to the side of your house or pergola, or even just a stash of blankets.
10. Reflect your personality
This is where you can really have fun! Use painted cabinetry or colourful tiles to bring character to your setup. Layer in textures with woven rugs, outdoor cushions and natural wood accents. A few decorative details such as potted herbs, lanterns or a statement parasol will make your outdoor kitchen feel like a true extension of your home rather than a standalone feature.
What do you think of my Outdoor kitchen ideas?
If you start planning your outdoor kitchen ideas now, you’ll avoid the rush and stress that comes when warm weather suddenly arrives! So, pour a cup of tea, grab your notebook, and start sketching out your dream outdoor kitchen idea right now. Becuase although summer 2026 might feel far away, but your future self will thank you for getting ahead.
Want more? Here’s my top GardeN & Outdoor kitchen idea Blog posts for you:
- 12 Of The Best Garden Igloo Ideas That You Need To Know Right Now
- How To Light Up Your Garden This Autumn With These 4 Ideas
- 6 Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Cosy This Winter
- Create A Magical Garden Room In Time For Winter Guests
- How To Plan A Small Garden Makeover – 10 Garden Design Questions To Ask Yourself
- How to Create An Chic Outdoor Garden Room: 8 Clever Design Ideas
- Your Ultimate Guide To The Best Interior Styling Tips Ever!
Image credits:
Walls and Floors | Whitebirk Sink Company | Sophie Allport | Garden House Design | Bee Holmes