• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
    • Get Your Free Ebook

      This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • DSC_0257Designing Wandarra: Breathing new life into a 1980s homestead
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AUS_TVC_DanishBlue_LadyGreyBT_2025_003_LRThink a beautiful kitchen has to cost a fortune? You’d be wrong!
    • Copy of Gallery Image Greylac KitchenStone Ambassador’s success story goes truly national
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • kuddlava-table-lamp-pleated-white__1416409_pe975547_s5.jpgWhat’s new in furniture and homewares: June 2025
    • 20250516_DinosaurDesigns_SH_13_2035 2Vases the heroes in new Dinosaur Designs Bones collection
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • r+r-coolangatta_rachaeltagg-0343A luxurious slice of Italy on the NSW South Coast
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Easy roast chicken with lemon myrtle, pepper berry, and pepper leaf p. 78Foodie Friday: Easy roast chicken with an Australian touch
    • Muse marrakech Retreats Co Riad Botanica courtyardAussie in Morocco launches design retreat in Marrakech
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Outdoor kitchens: The latest home improvement craze

By Amy Collins-Walker •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

Sponsored by Australian Gas Networks

The COVID effect has been felt across all quarters of the home and the outdoors haven’t remained immune (pardon the pun!). In news that will surprise nobody, given the lockdowns that many endured, Australians are currently all about creating sanctuary-style homes that they never want to leave, and an improved backyard is an important piece of the puzzle.

“There has been a huge explosion in landscape design since COVID and the value of the backyard has shot up. People now see it as an extension of the house and the outdoor kitchen is becoming more important with people wanting to entertain at home much more,” says landscape designer, and Mint Design director, Darin Bradbury.

Mint Design’s Williamstown project. Photo by Daniel Corden

And while the outdoor BBQ, bar fridge and sink setup isn’t new, outdoor kitchen design is becoming much more sophisticated as people seek the same finishes outside that they have inside their homes. “People really see the outdoor kitchen as an extension of the house and there has been a real push to outdoor entertaining. People want a great kitchen and pool and everything at their fingertips,” says Darin.

Image: Kastell Kitchens
Williamstown by Mint Design
A Mint design project. Photo by Daniel Corden.

“The standard outdoor kitchen benchtop size is 2.4 metres long and it will typically house a BBQ, bar fridge and sink. I always try to encourage a sink so that you can wash your hands after handling meat,” says Darin who says who recommends space either side of the sink for platters and the like. The designer has also seen an explosion in interest in different cooking options with smokers, chargrill BBQs and pizza ovens currently the most requested items.

Real Dads of Melbourne project. Photo by Sally Goodall.
Darin favours surface mounted minimalist barbecue designs like this one used in the Real Dads of Melbourne’s holiday home. Photo by Sally Goodall.

“You used to have to buy a DIY pizza oven kit that had to be built into the benchtop but now there are plenty of great pre-fab options that sit atop the bench. They are smaller and don’t take up as much space and most of them have a gas starter so the days of sitting around waiting hours for your pizza oven to heat up are over,” says Darin. The latest pizza oven designs allow you to pre-heat with gas and then add wood.

Gas is still the main energy source for outdoor kitchens with the open flame a must for keen barbecuers. “Plumbed in gas and gas bottles are the standard for outdoor BBQs as there’s nothing that heats as fast and is as hot as gas when you’re outdoors in the elements,” says Darin.

Barwon Heads by Mint Design
Mint Design’s Barwon Heads project

When it comes to cost, many people are shocked to discover that an outdoor kitchen will set them back at least $15,000 but it’s largely due to the materials required. Outdoor kitchen materials have to be able to handle variations in temperature and sunlight and said finishes don’t come cheaply. “If your kitchen is fully exposed you need outdoor grade materials but if it’s under a pergola you will have more leeway with materials,” says Darin. 

When it comes to the bench top, Darin says that Dekton surfaces as well as natural stone or concrete are great options. “A ceramic material, Dekton is very pricey, but you can get a stone-look and it’s very durable and easy to clean. Concrete is a great option, but it must be sealed and resealed over time,” says Darin. 

Keilor East by Mint Design
Keilor East project. Photo by Daniel Corden.

Cabinetry materials are another challenge as you need good durability there too; Darin recommends Tricoya MDF which is a laminated timber that doesn’t shrink or swell. “You can paint that material in any colour that you like,” says Darrin. Cement sheeting is still a popular product for cupboard doors but, alternatively, Polytech has a lot of great outdoor cabinetry finishes which give a timber or stone look. “Again though, that product is expensive. If you want a slick, seamless outdoor kitchen the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can spend.”

As TV interior designer James Treble shared with us recently, the majority of his clients prefer cooking on gas. Thinking about gas at the early stages of a build or reno, and making the most of your gas connection, if you plan to have one, is paramount, he says.

“People need to think about if they’re cooking al fresco and having a gas point there too for their outdoor kitchen or built-in barbecue. You might also want a powerpoint there in case you need it for an ignitor, or perhaps an outdoor fridge, and even plumbing for a single sink.”

Can’t afford that outdoor kitchen right now? Allow for the plumbing, gas and powerpoints now at the build stage, so it’s an easier job later when you can.

Installing an outdoor natural gas BBQ? You may be eligible for a rebate!

Australian Gas Networks have rebates available for customers on their networks who are installing or purchasing new outdoor gas appliances. You can get more information here: Rebates | Australian Gas Networks

For more on Mint Design

Disclaimer: All information was correct at the time of publishing.

TV interior designer shares what to get right first time
Sponsored by Australian Gas Networks Building or renovating a home is fraught with multiple decisions and competing priorities. But TV…
Jason Hodges’ expert guide to a Hamptons style outdoor area
For over a decade, Australians have had a love affair with the Hamptons style, with the trend increasing throughout the…

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

February 16, 2023

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Latest Kmart Home range, coming later this month

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • Kmart’s latest homewares have hit stores: the key pieces

  • I tried the latest robot window cleaner and I’m obsessed!

  • Decor + Design 2025: the trade show countdown is on!

Follow us on Instagram

Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! An Australia's first 3D printed house is complete! And this pair of duplexes look pretty stylish too! Ground floor is printed concrete and the top floor is made from lightweight modular panels.

Want to read all about it and see more pix? Comment '3d" and we'll send the article link straight to your DMs! Or find it on the homepage via link in bio.

#3dprinting #3dprinted #3dprintedhouse #3dprintedhome #3dprintedhomes #houseofthefuture #australianhomes #australianhousing
New @kmartaus home coming later this month and her New @kmartaus home coming later this month and here's a few of the standouts, with pricing and more info on the blog now, via link in bio.

Anything catch your eye?

#kmartaustralia #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #affordablehomedecor
A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangeh A custom look on a budget: we love how this rangehood cover was fashioned from a piece of American oak benchtop!

This fresh coastal kitchen showcases some of @kaboodlekitchen's latest products to achieve a truly individual space, without paying a small fortune. V groove doors, premium wireware inserts and a concrete look benchtop make for a great combination that's at the same time on trend and timeless. 

See more on the blog now via link in bio and stories.

#flatpackkitchen #budgetkitchen #uniquekitchen #bluekitchencabinets #vgroove #kaboodle #kaboodlekitchen
Swipe for before An interior designer shares the Swipe for before 

An interior designer shares the clever ways they took this homestead from tired 80s to a welcoming country retreat for holidaymakers without spending a fortune or starting from scratch.

This fireplace became a beautiful focal point after a lick of paint, for example.

See more before and afters from @wandarra_homestead on the blog now via link in stories/bio.
How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he s How heavenly is AFL star @rhysstanley_'s home he shares with wife @kirstenstanley_ and their young kids?!

When they first set eyes on an expansive acreage on Victoria's Surf Coast, they knew it was the perfect place to build their forever home and embrace working farm life. @studiohallihan helped them bring it all together perfectly!

Take the tour on the blog now, via link in bio and stories.

#modernfarmhousehomes #australianfarmhouse #workingfarm #surfcoastlife #foreverhomes #farmhousestylehome #geelongfootballclub #geelongcats
Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

More from Outdoor & Exteriors

House tour: Jamie Durie’s incredible eco-friendly dream home

Beautiful backyard transformation brings Italy to Bondi

How to get more than just produce from your balcony garden

Kerb appeal: 3-bedder given fresh new look for retirees

Imperfect plates end up in colourful new limited edition pavers

Hot tips on how to seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces

Celebrity gardener shares expert tips to spruce up your backyard

This beautiful home brings the outdoors in through every window

It’s outdoor furniture time and Castlery have delivered!

Promo Area

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in