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Dos and Don’ts for Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen: Your Next Superpower to Boost Property Value

Writer's picture: KairosKairos

Updated: Nov 25, 2024


We love cooking outdoors in Australia, and here’s why I think everyone should have an outdoor kitchen.


With beautiful weather all year round, and in warmer months, the sun sets after 7 pm in NSW. Outdoor kitchens let us make the most of this, providing a functional cooking space that keeps the heat out of the main house while allowing us to enjoy the fragrant aromas of cooking by the pool. And what’s better than a hot, freshly cooked meal with a fire going outdoors in winter?


Outdoor kitchens also make it easy to socialise while showing off your cooking skills. They let us cook and entertain at the same time, making gatherings relaxed and enjoyable. A well-designed alfresco kitchen and entertaining area will impress guests, whether for celebrations or everyday meals.


An outdoor kitchen essentially gives you two kitchens under one roof. It’s often viewed as an amenity, so it typically falls under different regulations. As a highly desirable feature for home buyers, it adds property value by expanding usable space and enhancing lifestyle appeal.



Here are 3 Dos and Don’ts to help you create an outdoor kitchen that suits your lifestyle and maximises your return on investment.


3 Dos for Your Outdoor Kitchen


  1. Do Enhance Connectivity and Flow


Design your outdoor kitchen for easy access from indoor living areas, other outdoor spaces like the pool or deck, and a children’s play area to create a seamless, family-friendly flow. Plan practical pathways between these spaces, with pergolas or covered paths to provide shade. Pergolas with adjustable louvres offer extra flexibility, allowing you to control light and ventilation as needed.


  1. Do Create Zones for Cooking, Dining, and Lounging


Set up specific areas for cooking, dining, and relaxing to create a natural, comfortable layout. Define each zone with outdoor furniture, built-in benches, or raised garden beds to create intuitive flow. For added comfort, place the seating area under shade or a pergola with louvres, and consider an outdoor TV or games area to make the space inviting for all ages.


  1. Do Incorporate Climate-Friendly Features


Make the space enjoyable year-round with climate-friendly features. Use a misting system to cool the area in summer, or add a fire pit for warmth in winter. Include a small water feature for a soothing cooling effect. Retractable awnings and louvred pergolas provide shade and protection from the elements, making the space comfortable in any weather.





3 Don’ts for Your Outdoor Kitchen


  1. Don’t Forget Functional Storage and Benchtop Space


Avoid skimping on storage and benchtop space. Include storage for essentials like cookware, utensils, and serving dishes to reduce trips to the indoor kitchen. Opt for durable materials like stainless steel or weather-resistant composites for benchtops and cabinets to withstand outdoor conditions.


  1. Don’t Overlook Lighting for Evening Use


Don’t miss the opportunity to create a safe, inviting atmosphere with lighting for evening use. Use task lighting in cooking areas and soft, ambient lighting in dining and lounging zones. Options like LED strips, pendant lights, or recessed lighting under counters add a warm glow, while pathway lighting enhances safety after dark.


  1. Don’t Ignore the Potential of Fruiting Plants and Insect-Repellent Greenery


Don’t skip out on the benefits of surrounding your kitchen with functional greenery. Raised beds or potted fruiting plants and herbs bring freshness to the space, allowing you to pick ingredients as you cook. Larger trees like olive or lemon can add shade and a Mediterranean feel, while insect-repellent plants like lavender, basil, or citronella help keep bugs at bay.





With these Dos and Don’ts, you’ll create a stylish, practical, and climate-friendly outdoor kitchen perfect for year-round enjoyment.




A well-designed alfresco kitchen combines functionality with style, creating a space where cooking, entertaining, and relaxing come together seamlessly. An interior designer can help you make the most of your outdoor area by tailoring the layout, materials, and features to suit your lifestyle. From weatherproof materials to efficient layouts and proper ventilation, every detail matters. Discover how thoughtful design can elevate your outdoor living experience in this guide by Mel Mar Design.


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