Which outdoor kitchen designs are trending in 2022?

In an outdoor kitchen, a normal routine is transformed into an exclusive experience, so outdoors everything becomes pure luxury.

Luxury cooking spaces have become a must in high-profile outdoor designs.

That is why new trends are emerging from year to year with the most daring designs, the most ergonomic layouts, the most sought-after accessories, and, last but not least, the most high-performance appliances.

To design an outdoor kitchen area, it is necessary to carry out careful research aimed at identifying the best inspirations of style and functionality to create a fully equipped space with excellent aesthetic appeal.

In this article, you will learn about some of the latest and most popular outdoor kitchen designs and more!

Read on to find out what a luxury outdoor kitchen must have in 2022.

10+1 outdoor kitchen designs: the best trends of 2022

The best outdoor kitchen design projects have a remarkable aesthetic character and technical credentials.

The perfect outdoor kitchen is able to combine cutting-edge design and high performance, ensuring a safe and agile experience, as well as an area that is beautiful to look at and pleasant to live in.

Below, we will show you the outdoor kitchen designs that are becoming popular in the luxury universe from which you can draw inspiration for your projects:

1. Bioclimatic pergola or conservatory: where will the kitchen find its place?
2. Corner kitchen for total comfort and ergonomics
3. Linear kitchen: solution of considerable structural and aesthetic versatility
4. U-shaped kitchen ideal for free-standing designs
5. Stainless steel or porcelain stoneware tops
6. Iron or hand-woven synthetic rattan bases
7. Glamorous finishes and details for a kitchen with great stage presence
8. Covers that become work surfaces
9. BBQ, fryer, or grill: symbols of the outdoor lifestyle
10. Wine cellar: an inevitable luxury element
11. Decorative accessories and stylish furnishing accessories

Let's explore each point together.

1. Bioclimatic pergola or conservatory: where will the kitchen find its place?

The key to defining the perfect outdoor atmosphere is to give shape to the space that will host the outdoor kitchen.

Especially outdoors, it is essential to create a protected and welcoming environment so you can move around in total comfort.

To meet this functional need, without sacrificing style, you could design a bioclimatic pergola or conservatory.

Bioclimatic pergolas are the ideal solution for living in and protecting outdoor spaces. The movement of the slats that make up the roof is the most representative technical feature of these structures.

In fact, the motorized adjustable slats guarantee absolute protection from bad weather, allowing adjustment of the solar intensity and favoring natural ventilation.

Conservatories are made of iron and glass and have an excellent aesthetic impact and charm, as well as high resistance and performance.

They allow you to experience an airy and bright environment in both summer and winter and are spacious enough to accommodate living areas, dining areas, and naturally a luxury kitchen.

2. Corner kitchen for total comfort and ergonomics

Once you have created the perfect location for your outdoor kitchen, you need to choose the type of arrangement that best suits the available space.

In this regard, you could opt for a corner kitchen, which is one of the most suitable solutions that offer total comfort and ergonomics, while still allowing yourself ample freedom in furnishing.

Corner kitchens are characterized by an extremely versatile layout because they are remarkably adaptable to large and medium-sized areas. In fact, this type of kitchen can find a place both in large open spaces and angular outdoor spaces.

In addition, L-shaped outdoor kitchens ensure a highly functional configuration of a hob, sink, and refrigerator, thus respecting the rule of the "work triangle".

Finally, it should be noted that L-shaped kitchens allow you to create an even more convivial and livable atmosphere outdoors.

The two contiguous floors arranged in an angular direction leave a large space in the center of the area to be set up with outdoor tables and chairs or even with sofas and small coffee tables.

3. Linear kitchen: solution of considerable structural and aesthetic versatility

In a kitchen area, a linear arrangement of the main task areas such as a hob, sink, and refrigerator could be just as functional.

First of all, a linear kitchen guarantees a more comfortable and easier workflow; moreover, it has considerable structural and aesthetic versatility.

This explains why this layout is also among the most popular outdoor kitchen design trends.

4. U-shaped kitchen ideal for free-standing designs

Ideal for providing large outdoor spaces, a U-shaped kitchen is certainly one of the layout proposals most suitable for free-standing designs.

Given the optimal configuration of the "work triangle", this type of arrangement ensures a comfortable execution of the preparation phases and 360-degree liveability. 

In fact, U-layout kitchens offer the possibility of separating the task areas from the more convivial spaces, that is, areas used purely for the eating meals.

This kitchen model, often preferred for indoor installations, is also suitable for the outdoors. Outdoors, the U-shaped kitchen acquires an even higher aesthetic and functional potential.

5. Stainless steel or porcelain stoneware tops

In order to be efficient and stylistically attractive, outdoor kitchens must be made with quality materials and customized with precious and unusual finishes.

For the kitchen top, select materials with an impactful, durable and resistant aesthetic. Materials such as stainless steel and/or porcelain stoneware, for example, could be ideal choices in terms of design and performance.

Marble-effect porcelain stoneware, in addition to having a great aesthetic appeal, is extremely resistant, hygienic, and easy to clean.

Undoubtedly, this excellent solution will enrich the image of your kitchen, while preserving its integrity.

On the other hand, stainless steel, a highly resistant material of innate elegance, makes its material strength an added, inimitable technical and aesthetic value.

Stainless steel combines excellent structural qualities, which is why it is used in the construction of tops, covers, and appliances.

6. Iron or hand-woven synthetic rattan bases

To complete the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen, it is advisable to identify the base that is more in stylistic and material agreement with the rest of the structure.

If you want to make your client's cooking space more modern, opt for a metal base. While if they prefer a glamorous look, we advise you to choose a bridge structure covered in woven synthetic resin.

This particular material, in addition to elegantly dressing the kitchen, offers high performance outdoors: it does not discolour, resists temperature changes, and eradicates mold and parasites.

7. Glamorous finishes and details for a kitchen with great stage presence

Platinum, gold, bronze finishes, and metallescent or pearlescent effects are the most popular at the moment, because under the sun, they make the kitchen a real design treasure. Furthermore, being bold and unusual, they are able to enhance the visual appeal of the entire composition.

8. Covers that become work surfaces

If you don’t want your kitchen to go unnoticed, opt for sliding or folding covers that can be activated with a remote control.

These hi-tech design tools allow you to protect the area when not in use and, if necessary, can become comfortable worktops or snack tables.

9. BBQ, fryer, or grill: symbols of the outdoor lifestyle

Creating a technically complete kitchen design project involves choosing efficient appliances and cooking tools.

To fully meet the expectations of your clients, select a kitchen equipped with a BBQ, a grill, or a deep fryer.

These tools, in addition to reflecting the true essence of the outdoor lifestyle, complete the kitchen’s technical profile.

10. Wine cellar: an inevitable luxury element

For those who love to indulge in precious moments of relaxation while sipping a good glass of wine at the right temperature, having a kitchen with a wine cellar is ideal.

Inserting a drink cabinet in an outdoor kitchen has become a real trend, as it allows for an additional element of exceptional luxury.

11. Decorative accessories and stylish furnishing accessories

Designing an outdoor kitchen offers the possibility of extending the same comforts to outdoor spaces that only indoor places can provide.

To complete the outdoor location, choose sofas and armchairs, tables, chairs, and outdoor lights to extend the unique and welcoming atmosphere of the living area outdoors.

Another widely used option this year is a bar counter with swivel chairs and lights, which can recreate an authentic lounge area outside, where you can entertain guests.

Finally, to refine the entire environment, select decorative, luxury outdoor accessories, like vases and flowering plants in bright vitamin colors, to enrich your conservatory or pergola.

Outdoor kitchen designs: get inspired by the latest trends

When it comes to conceiving a designer outdoor kitchen, it is important to create the perfect outdoor space to host it. To do this correctly, let yourself be inspired by the latest trends in outdoor kitchen designs.

Outdoors, it is essential to be able to enjoy the high performance of a structurally complete kitchen and at the same time an element with a glamorous and elegant design.

Select the kitchen that best reflects your client's needs, as well as the right compromise between technique and style.