Great outdoors
These outdoor kitchens are as varied as their alfresco settings – what they have in common is a level of function and good looks to rival their indoor counterparts
1. Far away so close
Vibrant chairs draw the eye in this outdoor setting, while a cooktop, barbecue and drinks fridge stand at the ready – and, hey, if you forgot the balsamic, you can always skip indoors to the main kitchen short metres away.
Designed by Darren Jessop, Jessop Architects
Photography by Jamie Cobel
2. By extension
This welcoming al fresco kitchen/dining setting takes its cues from the main kitchen – large sliding glass panels between the two zones give the flexibility of having one continuous cooking and dining area, while still being able to separate them off when required.
Designed by Paul Clarke, Studio2 Architects
Photography by Simon Devitt
3. Come rain, come shine
Whether sunshine, sun showers, or a downpour, this al fresco dining/cooking space can handle anything the weather gods throw at it courtesy of overhead operable louvres.
Designed by Paul Gallagher, Mace Landscape Group
Kitchen and barbecue – Alfresco Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor gas fireplace – Escea 5000, from Stoke Fireplace Studio
Decking – Millboard Smoked Oak, from Forte Refined Timber
4. Mindful of overheads
How would you like your outdoor kitchen/living space covered? This space hedges its bets with a treated copper ceiling, operable louvres and even a sail cloth – together addressing aesthetics, function and a sense of lightness.
Designed by Southern Landmarx
Barbecue station – Buffalo Grills 8 Burner Longhorn Deluxe, from Trade Tested NZ
Patio fireplace – Warmington Outdoor Open Gas Fire, from McIvor Plumbers & Gasfitters
5. Opulent outdoors
At night the stars must work hard to compete with this glittering al fresco kitchen/dining environment – the generously sized pavilion, has a covered and uncovered section, allowing the space to be used throughout changing seasons and weather.
Designed by Carter Williamson Architects
Photography by The Guthrie Project
Fireplace – Escea EF5000
Pizza oven – Calabrese Grande, wood-fired
6. Away from it all
Through clever design and plantings, this well-appointed inner city outdoor getaway achieves a private, get-away-from-it-all feel – seating areas, work surfaces and louvres provide all you need and there's even a spa tucked in there somewhere.
Designed Emma Johnston, Goom Landscapes
Photography by Sarah Rowlands photography
Bar and kitchen benches – Kala, white, from STW
Timber decking – Purple Heart
Louvres – Silencio by Johnson & Couzins
7. Look both ways
With secure glass doors to the seafront outlook behind the camera, this outdoor kitchen is also completely open to the pool and sheltered courtyard the other way.
Designed by Urbane Projects
Photography by Joel Barbitta
Story by: Trendsideas
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