Outdoor kitchens have become a popular feature in modern homes over the years, providing a space for family and friends to spend time together (when the weather allows), breathe some fresh air, and reconnect with nature.
In 2023, we’ll see some exciting new trends in outdoor kitchen design that are guaranteed to shape the summer. From smart appliances to eco-friendly materials, these trends are all about functionality, innovation, and caring for the planet. If you’re planning on installing an outdoor kitchen or revamping your existing one, these outdoor design ideas are guaranteed to inspire you to create a space that’s visually appealing and practical.
Taking place in the floating city of Venice from May 19 to June 18, 2023, the Venice Design Biennial showcases innovative and cutting-edge designs from around the world, and designers and manufacturers use this platform to showcase their latest products and ideas. This year’s theme is “Auto-Exotic”, which represents a call for creators to explore the theme of otherness in design.
Factors driving outdoor kitchen design trends in 2023
First of all, it’s important to understand what’s driving these trends in outdoor kitchen design. One factor is the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces. In recent years, people have been spending more time outdoors for a variety of reasons, and outdoor kitchen and dining areas are a perfect way to extend your living space and create a stylish area where you can cook, entertain, and relax.
Another factor is the advancement of technology. Smart appliances have made their way into outdoor kitchens, allowing for more precise control over the cooking process and the ability to monitor your food remotely. These appliances not only add convenience to people’s lives but also provide a more enjoyable cooking experience and can help users to save on energy costs.
And of course, design events like the Venice Design Biennial also play a role in driving trends in outdoor international and Italian kitchen designs and other interior design spaces.
So, what are some of the top outdoor kitchen design trends to expect in 2023?
Mixed materials
Just like in Italian indoor design kitchens, this year we’ll see a trend toward mixing different materials in outdoor kitchen design. This creates a more visually intriguing and dynamic space filled with texture and contrast. For instance, a concrete countertop could be paired with a stone backsplash or a stainless steel grill can be combined with a wood-panelled cabinet. This outdoor kitchen design trend is a great way to add visual interest to your space and make it pop.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in an outdoor kitchen, and in 2023, we’ll see a trend toward innovative and stylish lighting solutions that mix with natural outdoor elements.
LED lights are a more energy-efficient option and can be used to highlight the different areas of the outdoor kitchen design to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Task lighting is essential in outdoor kitchens for safety and functionality, which includes under-cabinet lighting, pendant lighting, and recessed lighting to illuminate key areas.
Another trend is solar lighting, which is a great eco-friendly option for outdoor kitchen design. Solar-powered lights use renewable energy from the sun, making them cost-effective and energy-efficient. Finally, smart lighting technology is increasing in popularity as it allows you to control your outdoor kitchen lighting with your smartphone or voice-activated assistant. You can set schedules, change colours, and adjust brightness levels all with a few taps on your phone or voice commands.
Eco-friendly design
As with indoor kitchens and other interior design spaces, eco-friendly materials will be a big thing moving forward. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, and recycled glass will be used for countertops and cabinets and energy-efficient appliances will be used to conserve energy and water.
As people become increasingly concerned with their impact on the planet and the rising cost of energy, choosing eco-friendly materials enables you to create an outdoor kitchen design that’s better for the planet. Designers are becoming more focused on incorporating eco-friendly design concepts and techniques into their creations, which resonates with modern, environmentally-conscious consumers.
Integrated appliances
Another 2023 outdoor kitchen design trend we’ll see is the use of integrated appliances. This means that appliances such as grills, refrigerators, and sinks will be seamlessly built into the design of the outdoor kitchen, creating a streamlined and cohesive look that enhances the functionality and maximises space.
Outdoor living rooms
We’ll see an increase in outdoor living rooms that seamlessly blend with the outdoor kitchen. This means that the outdoor kitchen will be designed to complement the seating and lounging areas, creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor living space for everyone to enjoy. Comfortable seating, weather-resistant fabrics, and outdoor rugs will be used to create a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space.
Smart appliances
Smart technology has made its way into outdoor kitchens in 2023. We can expect to see more smart appliances that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or voice commands. Some key appliances and devices that are becoming popular in outdoor kitchen design include smart grills, smart refrigerators, smart lighting solutions, smart thermometers, and smart speakers.
This means you can preheat your grill, monitor the temperature of the meat, and adjust the music without having to leave your seat. Smart appliances also provide more precise control over the cooking process, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every time – which will certainly make an impression on your guests!
Colourful and statement design elements
While neutral earth tones have long-been been a popular choice for minimalist and outdoor kitchen design, in 2023, we’ll see a trend toward more colourful elements that make a statement.
Bold shades of blue, green, and even pink are making a comeback in outdoor kitchen design. These vibrant hues add personality and flair to your outdoor space and create a bright and lively atmosphere that makes a difference – particularly on grey days.
If you’re not ready to commit to a full set of colourful cabinets or other equipment, you can start small by adding bright hardware or painting an accent wall.
Outdoor fire features
Fire features such as fire pits, fireplaces, and fire tables have been a popular addition to outdoor kitchens in recent years, and in 2023, we’ll see even more creative-looking design fire features.
From custom-built fire pits to modern fire tables, these features add warmth, ambience, and a focal point to your outdoor living area. Fire features also provide a natural gathering spot for guests and create an inviting and cosy atmosphere – even when the weather tries to prevent it.
Pizza ovens
Pizza ovens have become a key feature in outdoor kitchen design spaces over the years. These ovens are not only ideal for cooking the perfect, cheesy pizza but also for baking bread, roasting meat, grilling vegetables, and various other cooking tasks. They come in various sizes and styles, from wood-fired ovens to gas-fired ovens and can be different colours to suit the needs of your kitchen design.
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