The Evolution of Outdoor Kitchen Design
Once a clunky afterthought, the humble BBQ has evolved into one of the most considered design elements in a modern garden. At Mint, we’re designing outdoor kitchens that function like interiors - only tougher. Think integrated appliances, architectural joinery, seamless finishes and hard-wearing surfaces that look as good as they perform. These aren’t just places to cook, they’re statement pieces that anchor outdoor living zones and extend the lifestyle of the home.
We’ve teamed up with outdoor kitchen specialists OKD Solutions - our go-to collaborators across multiple projects - to bring you expert insights into what makes a truly durable and design-led alfresco space.
Why Outdoor Kitchens Matter More Than Ever
There’s a real shift happening. Clients are now prioritising their outdoor kitchen early in the design process, often before pools, lounges or firepits. These spaces are more than somewhere to cook, they define how the garden is used. Whether it’s a family roast, Sunday pizza night or year-round entertaining, the outdoor kitchen shapes the rhythm and rituals of life outside.
Form Meets Firepower
Designing an outdoor kitchen is all about balance. Beauty meets durability, layout meets lifestyle. We’re integrating pizza ovens, smokers, sinks, bar fridges, even concealed appliances.
“There’s almost an expectation now that the outdoor kitchen is going to match the inside kitchen,” says Mint director Darin Bradbury.
“We’re bringing all the interesting detailing and design language you’d normally see indoors - shaker profiles, integrated handles, custom curves - and making them work outdoors.”
But it’s not just about features. The best outdoor kitchens are intuitive to use, with generous zones for prep, plating, serving and storage. This is where layout matters as much as looks.
Project Spotlight: norsuHOME
The alfresco kitchen at norsuHOME features a custom-curved benchtop in Staron’s ‘Supreme Cloudbank’ finish, bringing a refined, indoor aesthetic to a fully outdoor setting. The cabinetry, in the colour Calandre, was exclusively manufactured by the OKD team for this project.
The Materials That Make It Work
When you’re designing a kitchen to live outside, materials are everything. At OKD Solutions, Justin and Ben have built their reputation on joinery that performs as beautifully as it looks.
“The core of an outdoor kitchen is its cabinetry,” explains Justin. “We use a waterproof PVC board for the carcass, then finish it with Tricoya — a high-performance, modified timber board that’s waterproof, UV-resistant and carries a 50-year external warranty.”
Tricoya’s greatest strength? Its design flexibility. From slim-rail Shaker profiles to custom finger pulls and V-groove panelling, it allows us to create cabinetry that speaks the same design language as the home’s interior — ensuring the outdoor kitchen feels like a true extension of the house.
Benchtops That Go the Distance
An outdoor benchtop has to work harder than its indoor counterpart; exposed to sun, rain and the constant change of seasons. At OKD Solutions, each surface is fabricated in-house from solid surface materials like Staron and Corian, chosen specifically for their ability to perform in the elements.
“They’re robust, waterproof, UV-resistant, and endlessly adaptable,” says Ben. “We can do everything from integrated sinks to curved returns and seamless joins.”
The result is a benchtop that doesn’t just stand up to weather, but elevates the entire kitchen — sleek, tactile, and made to last.
Photography Elise Scott
Worth the Investment
A well-built outdoor kitchen is a long-term investment, both in how you live and in the value it adds to your home. Using premium, weatherproof materials and precision joinery ensures it will perform year after year, without the need for constant upkeep or replacement.
Be wary of any contractors who aren’t using materials with a verifiable warranty you can look up and research yourself. In many cases, a lower price tag means compromises on quality - and in outdoor kitchens, that can mean replacements or major repairs in just a couple of years.
While quality comes at a cost, it’s an investment in durability, daily usability and a feature that elevates the entire outdoor living experience. As a guide, a high-quality 3.5m custom outdoor kitchen typically starts from around $15,000 (excluding design and landscaping), delivering both enduring function and a design statement that will stand the test of time.
Project Spotlight: Charred Peninsula Charm
A recent Mint project on the Mornington Peninsula built in collaboration with OKD, shows just how considered and cohesive these spaces can be. Surrounded by steel arbours and a concrete bench seat, the outdoor kitchen features:
Photography Erik Holt
Slim rail Shaker-style fronts to match the home’s interior joinery
A pocket door system to conceal the fridge, keeping the look clean and minimal
A soft, tonal palette with materials chosen for their tactile quality and long-term durability
Every detail feels intentional and every element works hard.
Done well, an outdoor kitchen doesn’t just complete your garden, it elevates it. With the right materials, the right people, and a sharp design vision, it becomes a space you’ll use, love and show off year-round.
Thinking about transforming your outdoor space? We’d love to help you make it happen.
Our Outdoor Kitchen Highlights
