An outdoor kitchen is a sure way to elevate your outdoor entertaining space. But the key to long-term satisfaction with your outdoor kitchen lies in choosing a style that not only functions well but feels like you. Before investing in your cabinetry, countertops, hardware, and more, you should take time to understand which style works best for your family and space.
The Most Popular Outdoor Kitchen Styles
Each of these outdoor kitchen styles has its own unique characteristics—materials, color palettes, layouts, and design details that make them shine. By understanding these nuances, you can design a backyard cooking space that fits your lifestyle and aesthetic.
#1. Mexican Style Outdoor Kitchen
Warm, colorful, and full of life, Mexican-style outdoor kitchens are inspired by traditional haciendas and festive outdoor living.
Key Characteristics
- Vibrant tilework in Talavera or Saltillo
- Stucco walls or adobe finishes
- Rustic wood beams and wrought iron accents
- Bold color palettes: terracotta, cobalt blue, deep yellows
Backyard Kitchen Design
Built-in clay pizza ovens, tiled countertops, and pergola-covered prep areas. Often incorporates open fire grilling.
How to Make It Work
Choose authentic hand-painted tiles, use dark wood cabinetry with iron hardware, and add plenty of built-in seating for casual gatherings.
#2. Spanish Style Outdoor Kitchen
Elegant and traditional, Spanish-style kitchens evoke Old World charm and European craftsmanship.
Key Characteristics
- Arched doorways or alcoves
- Natural stone or stucco walls
- Terracotta roofs or accents
- Wrought iron details and lantern lighting
Backyard Kitchen Design
Large fireplaces or wood-burning ovens, stone counters, and Mediterranean planting beds.
How to Make It Work
Select warm, earthy finishes and use cabinet doors that resemble wood. Integrate fountains or tiled backsplashes for added authenticity.
#3. Asian Style Outdoor Kitchen
Minimalist, balanced, and nature-centric, Asian-inspired outdoor kitchens focus on harmony and clean lines.
Key Characteristics
- Zen garden elements
- Bamboo, teak, or stone finishes
- Soft, neutral color palettes
- Water features and minimalist lighting
Backyard Kitchen Design
Streamlined grills, wok burners, and teppanyaki stations with integrated seating around the cooking area.
How to Make It Work
Use natural materials and simple cabinetry. Incorporate landscaping like gravel paths or koi ponds for a calming atmosphere.
#4. Country Style Rustic Outdoor Kitchen
Comfortable and inviting, this style feels like a getaway in the woods or countryside.
Key Characteristics
- Exposed timber beams
- Stone or brickwork
- Weathered, distressed finishes
- Cozy seating and layered lighting
Backyard Kitchen Design
Oversized wood-fired grills or smokers, large prep islands, and covered pavilions.
How to Make It Work
Opt for natural stone counters and rustic wood cabinetry. Add vintage-inspired lighting and plush outdoor textiles.
#5. Farmhouse Outdoor Kitchen
A nod to classic American farm life, farmhouse kitchens are simple, functional, and charming.
Key Characteristics
- Shiplap or beadboard details
- Properly sealed butcher-block or natural stone counters
- Open shelving
- Soft, neutral colors with black or brass hardware
Backyard Kitchen Design
Large farmhouse sinks, spacious worktables, and open layouts that invite conversation.
How to Make It Work
Use Shaker-style cabinetry for a timeless look. Add galvanized accents and rustic décor for authenticity.
#6. Craftsman Outdoor Kitchen
Celebrating handcrafted beauty, Craftsman kitchens highlight artistry and quality materials.
Key Characteristics
- Detailed woodwork
- Exposed joinery
- Earth-tone palettes
- Stone and brick elements
Backyard Kitchen Design
Built-in grills framed with stone, custom cabinetry, and pergolas with exposed rafters.
How to Make It Work
Choose cabinetry that looks like natural wood. Use decorative brackets and classic hardware to emphasize craftsmanship.
#7. Outdoor Galley Kitchen
Streamlined and efficient, galley-style kitchens maximize space and functionality.
Key Characteristics
- Linear or parallel layouts
- Minimal ornamentation
- Sleek surfaces
- Focus on workflow and accessibility
Backyard Kitchen Design
Narrow setups along a wall or fence, often with built-in appliances and covered storage.
How to Make It Work
Select durable, low-maintenance materials. Keep the design cohesive with matching finishes and concealed hardware.
#8. Hamptons Style Outdoor Kitchen
Coastal luxury meets casual comfort with the classic Hamptons aesthetic.
Key Characteristics
- White and navy color palettes
- Natural stone or marble counters
- Shaker cabinetry
- Wicker and rattan furniture
Backyard Kitchen Design
Open-air pavilions with large prep islands, built-in bar seating, and lounge areas.
How to Make It Work
Use light, weathered finishes. Add coastal touches like lantern lighting and striped textiles.
#9. Mediterranean Outdoor Kitchen
Warm and welcoming, Mediterranean kitchens are inspired by Southern Europe’s relaxed yet elegant vibe.
Key Characteristics
- Stucco or stone walls
- Arched niches
- Earthy, warm color schemes
- Ornate tilework
Backyard Kitchen Design
Wood-fired pizza ovens, built-in grills, and shaded pergolas with climbing vines.
How to Make It Work
Use hand-painted tiles and natural wood finishes. Incorporate abundant greenery and comfortable seating.
#10. Western Outdoor Kitchen
Rugged and adventurous, Western-style kitchens celebrate the spirit of the frontier.
Key Characteristics
- Rough-hewn wood
- Exposed metal accents
- Stonework and open flames
- Leather and hide details
Backyard Kitchen Design
Oversized smokers or open fire pits, rustic bar seating, and corrugated metal accents.
How to Make It Work
Embrace reclaimed wood and weathered finishes. Choose sturdy, no-nonsense hardware and authentic Western décor.
Which of These Outdoor Kitchen Styles is Right for You?
Choosing between outdoor kitchen styles is about more than looks—it’s about how you live and entertain. Here are some tips to help you narrow it down:
- Consider Your Home Architecture: Your outdoor kitchen should complement your home’s existing style. A Spanish-style kitchen pairs beautifully with a stucco Mediterranean home, while a Hamptons-inspired space suits coastal or cottage architecture.
- Think About Your Cooking Habits: Do you want a pizza oven? A smoker? A wok station? The types of meals you love to prepare should guide your layout and equipment choices.
- Evaluate Your Hosting Style: Do you host big parties or intimate dinners? Open layouts with lots of seating work for large gatherings, while cozy designs with lounge spaces are perfect for relaxed evenings.
- Factor in Your Outdoor Space: A galley kitchen suits narrow yards, while farmhouse or country rustic setups often need more room. Consider your lot size and layout.
- Set Your Budget: High-end finishes like natural stone or custom cabinetry cost more but last longer. Define your budget and prioritize the elements you care about most.
How to Bring These Outdoor Kitchen Styles to Life
Durability is a critical consideration when designing an outdoor kitchen. You want cabinetry that will withstand sun, rain, and changing temperatures while looking gorgeous for years.
That’s why Northern Building Supply proudly offers NatureKast outdoor kitchen cabinetry, a trusted brand known for exceptional outdoor performance.
NatureKast cabinets are engineered to withstand weather while allowing airflow to prevent moisture buildup. They’re not fully watertight (which avoids humidity issues in tightly sealed spaces) but keep most water out when properly installed. Plus, NatureKast offers a limited lifetime warranty for peace of mind, ensuring their cabinetry is beautiful and built to last.
NatureKast offers a wide range of door styles to suit your aesthetic:
| Door Style | Description | Style Use Case | Material |
| Slab | Simple, streamlined, slightly softened contemporary | Modern, transitional backyards | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Shaker | Timeless, versatile, classic elegance | Modern or traditional backyards | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Rustique | Distinctive, rustic, elegant with a handcrafted feel | Rustic, farmhouse, classic or eclectic styles | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Louver | Coastal, cottage charm, classic | Coastal, cottage, rustic, farmhouse, shabby chic | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Radium | Contemporary, elegant, soft modern lines | Trend-setting modern or transitional spaces | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Contempo | Hybrid, modern warmth with a designer edge | Modern, contemporary, statement spaces | High-density polyurethane resin |
| Euro | Minimalist, sophisticated, sleek European design | Ultra-modern, contemporary, architectural spaces | High-pressure laminate (phenolic resin) |
| Metro | Practical, clean, urban but adaptable | Suburban, beach, marina, cottage country | Marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) |
Each door style comes with a variety of finishes, allowing you to customize your outdoor kitchen to perfection. NatureKast even offers a kitchen style builder tool, helping you visualize your dream space. You can view customization options and save your favorite combinations.
Talk Outdoor Kitchen Styles with Northern Building Supply Experts
Our team is ready to help you design the perfect outdoor kitchen for your space. From selecting from outdoor kitchen styles to choosing the right NatureKast cabinetry, countertops, finishes, and layouts, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy rustic setup, a sleek modern design, or something entirely unique, we’re here to ensure your space is both beautiful and functional. Have questions? Ready to get a quote? Reach out to us today. Let’s bring your backyard goals to life!