My Pinterest board dedicated to the beach house is bursting with inspiration—1,323 images across 44 categories. There's even a section for kitchen hardware and another labeled "vibes???." After six years of planning and permits, I've had ample time to refine my vision, though the outdoor kitchen remained a blank canvas.
I envisioned a cozy, organic space, seamlessly connecting the prep area, grill, and pizza oven. Teak weathered by the ocean, terracotta tiles with a rustic charm, and stucco walls that blend with the surroundings were key elements. The look draws from both Mallorcan kitchens and a memorable weekend in Oaxaca.
Unfortunately, my research revealed a different trend—outdoor kitchens that all felt the same. Stainless steel appliances, polished concrete, and overly perfect brick dominated the scene. While aesthetically pleasing, they often seemed staged, as if they'd never been used.
So, Adam and I did what we know best: we combed through our travel photos for inspiration.
Our Visual Inspirations
We revisited years of iPhone snapshots—dining at long wooden tables in sunlit courtyards, vibrant tiled kitchens glimpsed through restaurant windows, and pizza ovens casting a warm glow at twilight. We sketched layouts on napkins, compiling a reference folder that blended our travel experiences with design ideas, which we presented to our talented landscape architect, Michael Fioré. He understood our vision immediately.
What's emerging is unlike anything I've encountered before—exactly what we aimed for.
What Are We Building?
The outdoor kitchen will feature three key components: a spacious countertop housing the grill, a dedicated pizza oven area, and a central bar-height teak table that unifies the design. This table will serve multiple purposes—gathering spot, additional prep area, pizza-making station during gatherings, and likely the place where friends enjoy a glass of wine while Adam cooks.
A detail I adore is the Clay Imports terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. They bring a sun-kissed warmth that makes the space feel inviting from the start.
The kitchen will connect to the indoor kitchen through a large window with sliding glass panes, allowing for easy pass-through. I imagine platters moving back and forth or friends relaxing with drinks while waiting for pizzas to bake. The indoor-outdoor flow will be beautifully integrated.
$2,750 at Healthier HomesSora Counter Stool in Outdoor Synthetic
$555 at Casa ZumaThe Grill Selection (And Why)
We opted for a Zwilling Flammkraft Grill, undoubtedly the most beautiful grill I've ever seen. With German engineering, infrared technology, and distinct cooking zones, it's perfect for preparing a full meal simultaneously—a weekend ritual. The built-in gas grill will be seamlessly integrated into the countertop, creating a custom vibe we're excited about.
$12,500 at ZWILLING
The Tile Inspiration
A couple of years ago in Mexico, I captured a photo of a quaint restaurant kitchen with terracotta tiles running along the countertop and backsplash. That moment was etched in my mind, and I've referenced that image countless times during our planning.
For the backsplash behind the grill, we're partnering with Clay Imports to use their terracotta antique matte 2.5×8 tiles. Their warmth and texture will create a beautiful, handmade look that evolves with the light throughout the day. This element will define the kitchen's character.
$2.40 at Clay Imports
The Pizza Oven Dream
Now, the part I'm most excited about: we've ordered a DIY kit from Forno Piombo for a large custom wood-fired pizza oven, capable of cooking 3 to 4 pizzas at once. Picture the pizza parties! It'll sit on the countertop, topped with a smooth stucco dome for that charming Italian farmhouse feel, clearly visible in the renderings.
The Key Feature
In the center, we'll plant a magnificent ornamental olive tree. It's the view I'll greet each morning from the kitchen window—an ancient, gnarled tree surrounded by lavender and terracotta pots of herbs and small citrus trees, letting me grab fresh rosemary or a lemon whenever I cook.
Looking at the renderings, I can already picture the table beneath the tree's branches, a bowl of lemons on display, and lavender in full bloom. This space embodies everything I've searched for over the years. Turns out, it just needed to be created.
Construction is progressing swiftly, with a target completion in June. Summer will bring exciting outdoor cooking adventures! Stay tuned for updates.
