Somehow, summer makes me feel like I can cook anything—as long as I don’t have to turn on the oven indoors. Honestly, once we hit those long warm evenings, I’m all about the backyard life. But dragging half the kitchen outside every time we want grilled corn or a last-minute burger? Nope. I’ve been there, and so has every parent who’s tried to balance a tray of marinated chicken with a curious toddler underfoot.
That’s why I love an outdoor kitchen setup. Not the over-designed, $20k ones that look like they belong to someone who owns three homes—but real, lived-in family spaces that just work. A little prep area, maybe a place to stash some drinks, and a spot to cook without making the whole house hot? Dreamy. Plus, it gives us a reason to hang out together in the garden a bit longer (and honestly, it’s easier to clean up).
So, if you’ve been eyeing up your patio or thinking about how to make the most of your side yard this summer, these family outdoor kitchen ideas might be just what you need. Let’s make dinner outside the fun part.
1. Small Outdoor Kitchen Setup with a Grill Station and Counter
If your backyard is more “cosy courtyard” than sprawling lawn, don’t worry—you can still carve out an outdoor kitchen area that’s both stylish and functional. Start with the basics: a sturdy grill (charcoal or gas, totally up to you), a small prep counter, and somewhere to stash your tongs and salt. That’s literally all you need to get started.
Use a corner of your patio or even the space alongside the house. A slim concrete counter or even a reclaimed wood workbench can act as your prep area. Add a metal wall hook rail for tools, and maybe a mini shelf for your spices and lighter. If there’s room, tuck a little stool underneath so the kids can “help” (or just snack early). It’s super doable and doesn’t take over your yard.
2. Rustic Outdoor Kitchen Built into a Brick or Stone Wall
This one’s for anyone who loves that just-a-little-weathered look (me). A rustic outdoor BBQ kitchen setup can be made with old bricks, salvaged wood, or even concrete blocks. Build a simple L-shaped layout with a grill on one end, a surface to chop or prep in the middle, and a spot for trays or dishes on the other. No need for plumbing or power unless you wantit.
Pair it with climbing vines or potted herbs for that cottage feel. And bonus: brick and stone naturally handle heat well, so you don’t need to baby the setup like you would indoor furniture. These kinds of kitchens look better with age and make even a packet of sausages feel a bit fancy.
3. Modern Outdoor BBQ Kitchen with Clean Lines
Prefer things clean, simple, and Pinterest-pretty? A modern outdoor kitchen layout can still feel relaxed and family-friendly. Try a built-in BBQ or freestanding grill, paired with a narrow stainless steel or concrete counter. Mount a couple of open shelves or a sleek overhead cabinet (weather-safe, of course) to keep it organised.
Stick to greys, charcoals, and natural wood for that polished-but-not-showroom vibe. A pair of simple black stools or benches nearby turns it into an eat-and-chat spot. This kind of layout works great in narrow side yards or modern backyards where space is limited but vibes are high.
4. Outdoor Kitchen Patio Under a Pergola
If the sun absolutely bakes your yard all summer, adding some shade is a game-changer. Build your BBQ or cooking station underneath a pergola (or even a simple canopy), and suddenly you’ve got an outdoor kitchen and a chill hangout zone. Bonus points if you string up fairy lights or hang a couple of outdoor lanterns.
This setup is dreamy for longer evenings when you’re cooking while the kids play, or you’ve got friends over and don’t want to disappear indoors. You can use gravel or pavers underneath to define the “kitchen” part, and let the rest of the patio feel more casual.
5. Simple Outdoor Kitchen with Portable Bar and Fold-Out Table
Don’t want to commit to a permanent structure? I get it. A simple outdoor kitchen setup using moveable pieces can totally work. A fold-out wooden table becomes your prep zone. A basic grill (even one on wheels) does the cooking. And a rolling bar cart or side table can hold your drinks, condiments, and maybe a potted basil plant if you’re feeling extra.
What’s great about this one is it’s flexible—you can set it up just for the summer, move it around if the light changes, or take it apart when it’s time to clean the patio. It’s also perfect if you’re renting or just not ready to commit to built-in anything. Works best on patios, decks, or any backyard corner you’re not using yet.
6. Side Yard Grill Station with Gravel Base and Herb Border
A lot of people overlook the side yard, but honestly it’s one of the easiest places to tuck a little BBQ area. If it gets some sun and you’ve got space for a grill and a bit of prep room, that’s all you need. Lay down some gravel to stop things getting muddy and use potted herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil as a natural border. They look cute, smell great, and can go straight into whatever’s cooking.
You don’t need a huge setup—just a bench-height table or crate stack with a cutting board on top. Add some solar path lights to make it usable in the evening, and you’ve basically got a whole new zone without even touching the main yard. Works really well next to white weatherboard homes or brick exteriors too.
7. Backyard BBQ Area on a Deck with String Lights
If your deck already exists, that’s half the job done. Set up your BBQ at one end—ideally near the kitchen door for easy ingredient runs—and add a small prep surface next to it. If your budget’s tight, an old garden table or thrifted metal cart does the trick. The key here is lighting: drape some string lights overhead or fix lanterns to the railing to give it that cozy warm glow once the sun dips.
Add in a couple of folding chairs or a bench, and suddenly it feels like an actual space for gathering, not just a corner where the grill happens to live. Works beautifully with timber floors and lush green backdrops—especially if the garden’s a little overgrown in the nicest way.
8. Courtyard BBQ Area with Built-In Planter Wall
If you’ve got a courtyard setup—walled on three sides or tucked between buildings—you can build your BBQ zone right into the corner. Use the back wall to mount a few shelves, add a bench-level slab or timber plank across the bottom, and build a raised planter along one edge for flowers or kitchen herbs. The planters add life, and the built-in feel makes it all look a bit more designed than it actually is.
Stone pavers underfoot keep the area clean and low maintenance. Terracotta pots or painted metal chairs bring in colour without needing a full makeover. This style blends beautifully with stucco walls, narrow gardens, or any home with a slightly Mediterranean or cottage vibe.
9. Small Patio BBQ Area with Bright Painted Furniture
Tiny patio? No problem. Set up a grill and a folding table near the edge, and bring in colour through your furniture. Bright turquoise, sunflower yellow, or soft mint can make even the plainest corner feel fun. Lay down an outdoor rug if the surface is concrete or tiled—something with a bold pattern makes it feel like a “room” without needing walls.
Add a wall hook rack for tools or aprons, and hang a mirror or framed chalkboard if there’s fencing behind. This one works especially well in suburban yards or smaller back gardens with fences, especially if you’re going for a playful, casual feel that isn’t trying too hard but still looks pulled together.
10. Shady Garden BBQ Spot Tucked Under Trees
If your garden gets dappled shade and you’ve got a tree or two to work with, lean into it. Find the most level bit of ground and pop your grill there, then place a simple slab or paving stone path leading to it. Use stumps or crates as makeshift stools and string bunting or lanterns between the branches overhead. A rustic wood shelf fixed to the fence or an old bench against the trunk works well for prep or drinks.
The vibe here is foresty and a bit wild—in the best way. You’re not hiding the natural mess, you’re using it. Add a few hardy ferns or shade plants around the edge to fill the space, and suddenly your BBQ setup feels like a secret garden dinner zone. This one works best in larger, leafier yards or slightly sloped gardens that need a purpose.
Final Thoughts
Creating an outdoor kitchen area doesn’t mean you need to pour a patio, build a roof, or install a fridge outside. Most of the time, all it really takes is a grill, a place to chop, and a good reason to linger a little longer in the garden. Whether you’ve got a courtyard, a patio, or just a patch of shady lawn, there’s a way to work a cooking zone into it. Try one, tweak it, or mix a couple together. Your summer dinners will taste better under the sky, promise. And if all else fails, toast something on sticks and call it rustic.