Outdoor Kitchen Design
What’s Trending in 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 Staron benchtop in the soft, cloud-like finish ‘Supreme Cloudbank’ which brings a refined, indoor aesthetic to a fully outdoor setting.
Custom curved benchtop exclusively manufactured by the OKD team
Cabinetry colour is Calandre
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 big advantage? Total flexibility. From slim rail Shaker profiles to custom finger pulls and V-groove panelling, it lets us create cabinetry that speaks the same language as the home’s interior. The design potential is virtually limitless.
Benchtops That Go the Distance
Today’s outdoor benchtops need to work hard and look good doing it. At OKD, surfaces are fabricated in-house from solid surface materials like Staron and Corian, designed specifically to handle the outdoors.
“They’re robust, waterproof, UV-resistant, and endlessly adaptable,” says Ben. “We can do everything from integrated sinks to curved returns and seamless joins.”
Eaglemont Project
Worth the Investment
Premium materials and weatherproof joinery don’t come cheap but they’re worth every cent.
“We’re often working to a similar price point as indoor kitchens,” says Ben from OKD, “because the performance standards are even higher.”
As a guide, a high-quality 3.5m custom outdoor kitchen typically starts at $15,000 (excluding design and landscaping). But the payoff is huge - longevity, lifestyle value and a feature that adds serious wow-factor to any home.
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:
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.
Some of our favourite kitchens
