Luxury outdoor kitchens - Outdoor entertaining spaces

Prepping a meal alfresco with your garden as a backdrop brings a whole new meaning to plant-based cooking. This joy is epitomized by the rise of outdoor kitchens.

One memorable example from last year’s Netflix documentary on former British soccer player David Beckham is his safari-tent-style outdoor kitchen, designed by filmmaker Guy Ritchie.

Launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2021, the WildKitchen combines canvas and hardwood to celebrate year-round outdoor cooking with family and friends. Its fully-retractable roof ensures protection from the elements during sudden storms.

Beckham isn’t the only one enjoying the pleasures of cooking outside. The trend of outdoor kitchens is rapidly growing, spurred partly by the pandemic when people sought to enhance their home environments, and by the added property value of creating another ‘room’ outdoors.

_{WildKitchen, created by movie director Guy Ritchie, houses a barbecue grill, a charcoal and wood fired oven, a dining table, a cast-iron cooking plate, a countertop, a WildHalo overhead storage system and knife set, a log store, and furniture. Credit to Christie's International Real Estate.}

While blending indoor and outdoor spaces isn’t a new concept, the investment in advanced outdoor kitchens with modern conveniences, custom furniture, and specialized grills is a recent phenomenon. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s first Luxury Outdoor Kitchen Report, outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular among homeowners, driven by a wellness trend that encourages connection with nature.

Houston-based interior designer Marie Flanigan highlights the satisfaction of incorporating outdoor spaces into daily life. She advises treating these areas like any interior room—considering functionality, layout, and choosing durable finishes that can withstand local climates for lasting functionality.

Caroline Burvill of Gaze Burvill, a British outdoor kitchen and furniture specialist, shares a similar sentiment. She emphasizes the benefits of spending more time outdoors, inspired by Sue Stuart-Smith’s book "The Well Gardened Mind," which underscores the physical and mental health benefits of being immersed in the garden.

_{Clive Christian Furniture’s Garden Kitchen was originally created for a regular client at a grand mansion in Surrey, England, and was inspired by the process of luxury yacht-making. Credit to Christie's International Real Estate.}

Quality craftsmanship and materials are crucial for year-round use. Burvill notes that their French oak, typically used for wine barrels, handles moisture and weather better than woods used indoors. Michael Sloan, founder and CEO of the South Carolina-based John Michael Kitchens, sees their work as “disrupting the business of the luxury cooking space.” His team are so good at what they do—using rust-proof, marine-grade 316L stainless steel, with immaculate powder-coated finishes and handcrafted construction—that Marcus Wainwright of fashion label Rag & Bone challenged them to recreate the look and feel of their outside designs for his indoor kitchen.

Michael Sloan, founder and CEO of John Michael Kitchens in South Carolina, aims to disrupt the luxury cooking space. His team’s expertise in using rust-proof, marine-grade stainless steel has even inspired fashion designer Marcus Wainwright to replicate their outdoor designs for his indoor kitchen.

Sloan, who started designing outdoor kitchens a decade ago, believes in creating spaces that extend the indoor kitchen’s functionality outdoors. He advises focusing on essential appliances to minimize trips back indoors, while Flanigan suggests ample worktop space and a breakfast bar for convenience and socializing.

_{Sleek style and practical durability are key to outdoor kitchen designs by Marie Flanigan, a designer based in Houston, Texas. Image: Julie Soefer. Credit to Christie's International Real Estate.}

Clive Christian Furniture’s Garden Kitchen, initially a private commission, draws inspiration from superyacht design, using inlaid ebonized iroko and specialist-grade stainless steel. Designed for year-round use, their modular design reflects a commitment to durability and elegance.

Advancements in materials like Dekton, favored by Gaze Burvill for its UV resistance and durability, and non-porous, scratch-resistant surfaces from Caesarstone, enhance the practicality and longevity of outdoor kitchens.

As Burvill notes, the key to enjoying outdoor spaces year-round is preparation: “It’s not the wrong weather, it’s just having the right clothes.” With sheepskin covers and blankets, outdoor kitchens can be cozy and inviting even in colder months, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any home.

_{this article was originally published on Christie’s International Real Estate Blog}