Your Cart is Empty
Imagine stepping into your backyard and instantly feeling like you’ve checked into a coastal luxury resort. The secret to achieving that staycation-worthy vibe often lies in the Coastal Outdoor Kitchen. A well-designed outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard from ordinary to extraordinary, making every meal feel like a gourmet experience—and every gathering feel like a vacation.
Do you think a coastal outdoor kitchen and outdoor kitchen appliances cannot survive salt water corrosion? Think again! At Riviera Outdoor Décor, we know outdoor kitchens and spaces last when they are engineered for the outdoor climate they will be in. This is why we specialize in coastal outdoor kitchens and outdoor furniture exclusively.
Two important notes about this article....Since most of us do not have an endless budget or space is often limited- when available, we offer a budget and space friendly option. Links for more detailed information or products are also highlighted.
So, without further ado...here’s how to design your ultimate coastal outdoor kitchen for resort-style living.
Begin with the end in mind. A true resort style backyard kitchen feels like part of a larger outdoor oasis. The goal is to create a cohesive space that feels intentional and immersive. A seamless well-planned outdoor space brings one of the highest rates of return for your investment in your home - not only monetary, but the 'fun value' as well.
An outdoor kitchen designer who is certified and with all necessary CEUs, is worth their weight in gold for the highest return on investment. The designer you choose should have experience for your climate.
Enhance the outdoor kitchen experience with:
Positioning the kitchen near a pool or spa
Screens for privacy, mosquitos or inclement weather. These screens can be decorative, retractable or stationary
Surround with lush landscaping that compliments your outdoor kitchen.
Coastal Outdoor Kitchen positioned near a pool, under a covered patio with retractable roll down screens, lush landscaping and ambient lightingThe best resort-style coastal outdoor kitchens balance form and function. Think of your space as “zones”:
Consider the work triangle—the classic design principle connecting the grill, sink, and refrigerator. A thoughtful layout ensures you can cook and entertain simultaneously, just like a resort chef.
Cooking Zone: options to consider are: Grill, flat top grill, pizza oven, pellet grill, or smoker. In coastal outdoor kitchens, all outdoor kitchen appliances should be 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel (preferred) or 304 Stainless Steel when available. Quite often limited space is the problem. Perhaps you do not have space for both a grill and griddle- you no longer have to choose. Here is one of our favorites by LeGriddle and it works great. There are plenty of smoker accessories as well.
Prep Zone: Counter space, cutting boards, and storage. Ensure your trash container is enclosed under the prep zone with a soft close
Dining Zone: Comfortable seating, bar stools, or a full dining table.
Entertaining Zone: Built-in bar, lounge seating, or fire pit or fire dining table
A coastal outdoor kitchen with the work triangle. Sink is to the left of the grill and a marine grade outdoor refrigerator sits under the bar. A flat top social grill 'Evo Grill' lets the grill mater interact with the guest.A resort-style coastal outdoor kitchen should feel luxurious, yet durable. On the coast, or near a salt water pool we recommend marine grade outdoor kitchen cabinets and appliances.
At Riviera Outdoor Décor, we offer four distinct types of Marine Grade Outdoor Outdoor Cabinets with prices ranging from luxury to budget friendly.
Some common appliances to consider include:
Grill: Gas, charcoal, or hybrid—pick one that fits your cooking style. For more information on grill selection, read here
Pizza Oven: Perfect for creating restaurant-quality meals at home. If you do not have room for a Pizza Oven, accessories such as a pizza stone kit are available to create the pizza oven taste. For more detailed information on a pizza oven, read here
Refrigerator & Ice Maker: Keep beverages and ingredients within reach.. For longevity, we recommend marine grade outdoor refrigerators. Be selective when purchasing an outdoor refrigerator and ensure you are getting the correct outdoor refrigerator for your usage. Do you require food safety or beverage cooler? For more information, read here
Sink: Essential for prep and cleanup without running inside.
Materials matter: 316 stainless steel appliances, the correct stone countertop, and weather-resistant cabinetry give your kitchen both style and longevity. Add touches like LED lighting or a tiled backsplash for a polished resort look.
In order to keep your outdoor kitchen free from debris and salt water corrosion, consider using a custom outdoor kitchen cover. At Riviera Outdoor Décor, our custom outdoor kitchen covers are complimentary with each purchase.
Luxury resorts are all about the little extras. Consider adding:
Built-In Bar: A spot for cocktails and conversation.
Warming Drawer: Keeps dishes hot while entertaining guests.
Outdoor Dishwasher: For effortless cleanup.
Under-Counter Storage: Keeps utensils, plates, and serving tools handy.
Fire Features: A fireplace is a nice addition. Or, even better is a beautiful outdoor dining fire table. The reflection of the fire off the glass rocks makes for a beautiful dining center piece.
Coastal Luxury Outdoor Kitchen with warming drawer, ample storage and beverage center 
No resort experience is complete without comfort. Think about:
Pergolas or Awnings: Provide shade and define your cooking area.
Ceiling Fans: Keep your space cool and free of mosquitos during hot summer days. We cannot say enough about getting the right outdoor fan. Do not make the mistake of not getting a marine grade outdoor fan. Or, thinking one fan will do it. At Riviera Outdoor Décor, our engineers run several calculations to ensure our marine grade ceiling fans cool at the highest temperatures.
Outdoor Cushions, Curtains (wind resistant), Rugs and Pillows: Add color, texture, and coziness. Make sure these accessories are marine grade as well or you will be replacing them quite frequently.
Comfortable seating encourages guests to linger, turning every meal into a relaxed, vacation-like experience.
Proper lighting transforms your outdoor kitchen from functional to magical. Use:
Task Lighting: Bright lights over prep and cooking areas.
Ambient Lighting: Soft, warm lights for dining and lounge spaces.
Adding fire features for evening ambiance. Fire table or Outdoor Dining Fire Table (pictured above) is perfect for evening ambiance.
Accent Lighting: Highlight architectural features, plants, or a water feature.
Layered lighting ensures your backyard shines both day and night—just like a luxury resort.
Outdoor Kitchen with Outdoor Dining Fire tableand lighted water feature. A beautiful example of ambient lighting for the eveningIntegrate your outdoor kitchen into your backyard oasis:
Surround with lush greenery, potted palms, or tropical plants.
Add stone pathways, water features, or a pool nearby.
Ensure your kitchen flows naturally with outdoor living spaces.
When the kitchen feels part of a larger resort-like environment, every moment outside feels like an escape.
Finally, consider all-season usability:
Outdoor Heaters, Fire Tables, Outdoor Dining Fire Tables: Extend use into cooler months.
Weatherproof Furniture and Covers: Protect your investment, especially for your outdoor kitchen. Custom outdoor kitchen covers are complimentary with Riviera Outdoor Décor and purchase of an outdoor kitchen.
Smart Outdoor Technology: Wi-Fi-enabled grills, lighting, or speakers can enhance convenience and entertainment.
A year-round outdoor kitchen ensures your backyard oasis never loses its resort-level appeal.
Designing the ultimate outdoor kitchen is about more than just cooking—it’s about creating an experience. With the right layout, luxury appliances, ambient lighting, and seamless integration with your backyard, you can craft a space where every meal feels like a five-star escape.
Your backyard can become your favorite destination—a place where friends gather, laughter flows, and every meal is a mini-vacation. After all, the best resorts don’t just feed the body—they feed the soul.
We are an internationally award-winning team of outdoor kitchen and outdoor living designers, inspired by a lifelong connection to coastal living. The sea, the sun, and the outdoors shape everything we create.
Our own outdoor kitchen is the heart of our home—where fresh-caught seafood meets garden-grown vegetables. We share this passion through our recipes and ideas on our You Tube Channel- Riviera Outdoor Décor
Answer: That depends. Here is one very helpful article on the question of an exhaust fan for an outdoor kitchen. https://rivieraoutdoordecor.com/a/blog/do-i-need-an-outdoor-kitchen-vent
Question: Do I need an an exhaust fan for my outdoor kitchen?
Answer: That depends. Here is one very helpful article on the question of an exhaust fan for an outdoor kitchen.
Question: How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
Answer: For a detailed answer on how much does an outdoor kitchen with different appliances and materials. View our article
