The way we cook and host outside has changed radically over the years. Whether sharing family meals in the open air or entertaining guests under the stars, moving your kitchen outside is the perfect way to top up vitamin D levels while adding extra living space. Long gone are the days when the chef would be holed up in a kitchen at the back of the house and even the humble BBQ has given way to pizza ovens, stove tops and smokers as our tastes have grown more adventurous. Now the most desirable outdoor kitchens are fully fitted with integrated appliances, heaps of storage and luxe materials like granite, marble and wood. With options for every budget and garden size, be inspired by these stunning alfresco designs...

Proving that you don't always need a huge budget in order to create a stylish and functional outdoor kitchen, this set-up is entirely handmade using everyday items you can pick up at your local hardware store. Positioned on an underused patio, it features a bespoke pergola made from constructional timber and coated with outdoor paint. The kitchen space features handmade storage units, a wine cooler and a small barbeque, while outdoor lights illuminate the area when the sun sets.

If you have the space, why not dedicate an entire cabana to your outdoor kitchen setup? A foodie's paradise, this open design by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet offers an impressive culinary zone decked out with countertops, a grill, an extractor hood and even a pizza oven. Flanked by a TV zone and an elegant dining area, it has all the ingredients of an incredible entertaininment hub.

In the warmer months, expansive bi-fold doors help this modern home to blur the boundaries between outside and in, by revealing a fully integrated kitchen within a covered terrace. It boasts blonde wood cabinets that create a cool contrast against black Crittall-style window frames. When the weather turns, the doors can simply be closed, providing an extra space for home cooking.

A sandstone patio marks out this elegant outdoor dining and entertainment space, which includes a state-of-the-art granite kitchen. Set at the rear of the garden, the kitchen was designed with everything an alfresco chef could need; a kamado grill, an outdoor fridge, a double barbecue and plenty of shelving and storage for cooking utensils and logs.

For a sophisticated, modern scheme with an industrial-style edge, frame your outdoor kitchen with modular concrete panels. Long, space-efficient worktops offer plenty of room for food prep, while the iconic stove is a quirky and luxurious addition. Wooden pallet boxes and chopped tinder wood stored under the counter add a warming, rustic touch.

A little color can go a long way outdoors. This quirky backsplash in teal and terracotta may look like decorative tiling, but the pattern has actually been painted directly onto the fence with the help of a stencil – you can make your own or buy a premade design. An upcycled copper bowl and piping form a quirky makeshift sink, proving that with a little imagination, a stylish scheme can be achieved on a modest budget.

A garden room fitted with an outdoor kitchen is a great way to add function and form to your backyard. This dramatic black and grey outdoor kitchen features stylish slate-effect units and a louvred canopy that allows light to flood in.

This incredible contemporary pergola sits over a sunken kitchen. Set within a wow-factor outdoor area that features a jaw-dropping swimming pool, complete with a waterfall and cinema screen, the luxury design features unusual circular worktops, echoing the flow of the water. 

Situated in Hampshire, UK, this outdoor kitchen by Grillo boasts a kamado-style barbeque and the Vantage Cabinet, as well as a feature wall with an Iroko shelf. Combining a cooking area with essential preparation and storage space, this compact backyard would be a great addition to a small but well-designed garden. Make the most of the space around the kitchen by creating a cozy dining zone. The addition of a raised patio will help make it a focal feature.

If space is tight but you still want to create a cool kitchen set-up outside, then this outdoor oven is an expensive but very desirable solution. Handmade to order, it provides four appliances in one, with a charcoal oven, a gas grill, a hotplate and a hob, so you can steam, fry, boil, roast, grill and bake all at the same time. It’s slimline, comes with built-in drawers for cutlery and charcoal, and is waterproof thanks to its stainless steel frame. It can even be transported around on an optional wheeled cabinet.

This custom-built outdoor kitchen can be found on the grounds of a modern home in Missouri. It was designed in 2009 by architecture firm, Hufft and features seamless outdoor spaces for entertaining. The open kitchen is stepped down from the wraparound porch but was formed from the same bricks used to make the home's prominent chimney breast, tying the two buildings together. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances, stone countertops, an island and a wood-topped bar.

Even if you don't have a traditional back yard, you can still create a cool and inviting space for cooking outdoors. The ultra-modern Dora barbecue table has a black granite top that can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean. The rest of the trolley is formed from oiled eucalyptus wood and features shelving and hooks for your utensils.

Home décor expert Annabelle Rogers built this stunning garden kitchen during a DIY upcycling project. Located on a narrow pathway against a wall, the units were created from an old desk, while the worktops are made from leftover tiles from a previous project. Annabelle also made open shelving from wood pallets. Finished with a few coats of weatherproof paint, the kitchen is a real triumph of the adage 'reduce, reuse, recycle'.

Split your outdoor kitchen and entertainment space into distinctive living zones, just like you would inside. This incredible backyard in Bridgehampton, New York, offers a barbecue, grill, countertops and kitchen storage, alongside a dining area and an outdoor daybed. The perfect fusion of form and function, we can't imagine a more luxurious spot to while away a sunny afternoon.

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to creating a stylish outdoor cooking space, that you can put to use throughout the year. The ASA-D2, a unique modular kitchen, features flexible units that can be fitted with appliances or storage, while also doubling up as a sleek cocktail bar when it's too cold to cook alfresco. What's even better, it sits on legs and can easily be relocated whenever the need arises.

A sophisticated all-white scheme will look fresh and contemporary when paired with pale floor tiles. Add in stainless steel appliances for a sleek professional finish, while homely touches, such as waterproof-coated wood shelving dressed with plants and decorative wall art, impart an indoor-outdoor aesthetic.

A practical outdoor kitchen needs plenty of watertight storage for your kitchen essentials. Specially designed cabinetry can withstand the weather without warping or fading, plus it can look just as attractive as your indoor kitchen. This sleek grey metal frame with stainless steel doors creates a stylish yet subtle contrast. 

Small gardens will benefit from an outdoor kitchen that can be transported and stored elsewhere when not in use. This kitchen unit on wheels can be rolled into place to make food preparation and serving a breeze. Built-in storage below will keep crockery and condiments within easy reach, while the stainless steel worktop is hygienic and weatherproof. 

Instead of sticking to a traditional grill, why not mix up your outdoor appliances by adding a wood-fired oven? Ideal for pizzas, this attractive white design adds a rustic flourish, while a modern barbecue ensures that the alfresco cooking essentials are covered. Chopped wood displayed in contemporary concrete storage marries the two looks together. 

Go au naturale with a wooden outdoor kitchen that blends beautifully into the garden. A slatted screen is practical for hanging utensils and shelving, while a workbench painted in a tonal hue makes an ideal preparation station. Use baskets and vegetable crates below for storage and hang festoon lighting for vintage charm.

This attractive outdoor kitchen is compact, stylish and highly practical, thanks to its closable lid. The Tilt Outdoor Kitchen by Made by Tait was designed to withstand the strong Australian sunlight and sits inside a contemporary and minimal box that – even when not in use – will make a stylish statement. When opened, the box reveals the kitchen and the front panel becomes a protective awning. It comes with a benchtop, several cooktop options, integrated LED lighting and a sink.

A covered kitchen station in warm characterful wood makes a quirky addition to a garden, as well as providing a handy weatherproof cooking space. If you include a barbecue or wood-fired oven, opt for a long chimney to funnel smoke away from the kitchen and any guests perched nearby.

This contemporary kitchen blurs the boundaries between outdoors and in with a clever built-in design that runs right up the veranda to the house. Offering a mix of seating, storage and preparation spaces, it's the perfect streamlined setup for socializing while you cook up a storm.

If your outside area is snug, you can still create a stylish outdoor kitchen. Tall slatted panels fitted out with shelving can offer space-efficient storage and food preparation zones, while a wall-mounted herb garden keeps fresh ingredients close to hand. 

If a wooden outdoor kitchen tickles your fancy, it's important to make sure it's well protected from the elements. This wooden gazebo, fitted with an electric awning, frames the stylish dining area perfectly and ensures the space stays dry when the weather takes a turn. Cement-effect paving provides a stylish contrast, while a stainless steel grill and extractor hood add a professional edge.

Unless you live in an area blessed with year-round sunshine, your outdoor kitchen will probably not be in constant use, so a protected design is a great way to safeguard its longevity. This streamlined balcony kitchen has been built into an open alcove that has been fitted with a retractable screen, to protect the units from harsh weather.

If your terrace has a killer view, why not make the most of it? This outdoor kitchen with bench-style seating was designed by an Australian landscaping company, to provide a purpose-built entertaining space that frames the waterfront. Dark wood decking reflects the rustic kitchen cabinets for a harmonious finish. 

If you have the space, a galley-style outdoor kitchen is a luxurious addition to a garden. The dark wood pergola offers a warming contrast to the grey stone units, acting as a doorway into the low-level garden. The large dining table in the middle of the space is ideal for alfresco entertaining, warmed in colder evenings by the built-in gas fireplace. 

A DIY island is an easy and affordable way to add an outdoor kitchen to your terrace or patio. Built with reclaimed bricks, this design by My 100 Year Old Home imparts a characterful rustic vibe, while a concrete worktop and bar complement the stainless steel cupboard fronts. A raised breakfast bar provides a handy dining area on the opposite side.

An architectural structure will offer a wow-factor backdrop for an outdoor kitchen, as well as providing shelter when the weather changes. This impressive oak and slate gazebo is a triumph of traditional craftsmanship. The smart space has no shortage of appliances, housing a sink, fridge, hob, barbecue and pizza oven.

If you have a small backyard and only have a tiny corner for your outdoor kitchen, then a compact, portable unit could be the answer. This amazing pizza oven trolley will help you entertain outside, without taking up too much valuable space. Formed from robust, powder-coated carbon steel, the modular unit features two height-adjustable shelves and built-in hooks for your accessories. Plus, the two lockable castors will keep your table steady while you cook.

Open units on wheels can create a brilliant budget alternative. Steel bins, wooden crates and covered plastic tubs will keep utensils and dry ingredients organized and protected, while picnic-style seating adds a homely touch that's perfect for families.

If your home has stunning rural surroundings, a country-style culinary space will fit in perfectly. This L-shaped kitchen island in two-tone stone makes a sensitive addition to this traditional woodland garden. The handy breakfast bar is a great spot to admire the landscape and enjoy a sociable meal in the midst of nature.

When it comes to transforming your backyard into a luxurious culinary space fit for a contemporary cookout, think sleek, stylish lines, open storage and built-in appliances. A wood-fired oven and kamado grill slot seamlessly into this streamlined design, while the back-lit storage alcove adds architectural interest befitting of an elegant eatery. 

Every good chef needs plenty of space for prep and you won't want to be traipsing in and out of the house to fetch ingredients. That's why, if you've got the space, you should consider a kitchen island that doubles as a dining space. This striking kitchen, from Vlaze's ADAPT range, is British-made from durable stainless steel. There's a huge range of colors to choose from, so you can pick one to suit your style. Plus, the units are completely modular and come with wheels for easy rearranging. 

This garden combines stunning textural planting with modern living spaces for cooking and dining. The architectural space includes a wood-fired pizza oven, wooden bench-style seating and LED lighting for late-night entertaining.

This contemporary decked terrace is made for alfresco dinner parties. A sloped roof decorated with festoon lighting shelters the smart outdoor kitchen-diner, complete with a wood-fired oven. Meanwhile, the eye-catching firepit adds an atmospheric touch and is sure to warm your guests well into the night.

White wooden beams and slate grey roof tiles give this incredible outdoor kitchen an instant Hamptons-style vibe. Inside, the elegant scheme continues with coastal-inspired muted grey and white tones. The grill and breakfast island frame an impressive seating area fitted with a fireplace and a wall-mounted TV. 

This DIY outdoor kitchen is another example of how a white color scheme can make your outside area shine. The L-shaped wooden units feature discreet under-counter storage and a sturdy but stylish poured concrete worktop. Lit with vintage-inspired festoon lights and set against a wood pallet backsplash, we're getting serious coastal vibes from this sleek but simple space.

If you have a large backyard and want to create a real focal point where you can relax, cook, dine and socialise, then take inspiration from this amazing outdoor space. Nestled under a well-lit pergola, there's storage space, a grill, a bar with seating, a sink for washing dishes and ample counters for food prep.

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