Michigan summers are beautiful, but they are too short to waste. An outdoor kitchen lets you spend more of that time outside, cooking, eating, and hosting without running back and forth to the house. The outdoor kitchen features you choose will decide how well it works for you and how long it lasts.
At Luxury Resorts Design & Build, we design and build outdoor kitchens as part of our outdoor living services for Michigan homeowners who want a backyard that works hard and looks good doing it. Below are five outdoor kitchen features worth the investment, and why each one earns its place. If you are looking for luxury outdoor kitchen ideas, this is a good place to start. Ready to plan yours? Contact us today.
1. A Custom Grill Island
The grill island is the center of most outdoor kitchens. A custom grill island takes your outdoor entertaining to the next level because it is designed for your space, your style, and the way you like to entertain.
The grill itself matters too. We carry some of the finest outdoor gas grills, available with propane or natural gas, so you can choose the fuel that works for your home. Learn more about what we build on our grill islands page.
2. Stovetops, Refrigerators, and Storage
A good outdoor kitchen is more than a grill. It can also include stovetops, refrigerators, and storage, which make cooking outside convenient and effortless. Everything you need stays close to the grill, so you spend less time going back inside. If you plan to cook outdoors often, this is where the space starts to feel like a full outdoor kitchen instead of just a grill.
3. Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials
Michigan weather is hard on outdoor spaces. The seasons change from snowy winters to warm summers, so the materials you choose matter as much as the layout.
Our grill islands are built with durable, weather-resistant materials and designed for both function and style. It is not the flashiest feature, but it is one of the most important, because it lets your kitchen keep its function and style season after season. A hardscape patio also gives your kitchen a solid, long-lasting base.
4. A Fire Feature
A fire feature turns an outdoor kitchen into a place people want to stay after dinner. A custom fire feature creates a cozy, year-round gathering spot and adds warmth, ambiance, and value to your home. Your options include:
- Outdoor fireplace: A wood-burning or gas outdoor fireplace is a good fit for relaxing or entertaining in any season. It brings sophistication and comfort to your patio or backyard.
- Fire pit: A wood or gas fire pit creates a casual, inviting atmosphere for storytelling, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying cool evenings outdoors.
- Exotic fire glass: If you want a different look for your fire feature, we also offer exotic fire glass.
- Gas fire pit table: A simple option that starts with a push button. It is safety-rated through UL testing and built to handle everything from hot summer days to cold Michigan winters.
5. Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is easy to overlook, but it decides how much you can use your kitchen once the sun goes down. Outdoor lighting is part of our landscape and outdoor living design work, so it can be planned with the kitchen from the start and tie it into the rest of your backyard.
If your space is covered or enclosed, lighting, ceiling fans, and a built-in fire feature are some of the luxury features we can add, so the space stays comfortable from afternoon into night.
Plan the Whole Space Together
An outdoor kitchen works best when it is planned with everything around it. We design pools, hardscape, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and landscaping as one cohesive project. If you want to see how this approach differs from basic design, read our guide on basic vs. luxury landscape design in Michigan.
- Pergolas: Add shade and protection over your cooking and dining area.
- Hardscape: Paver patios, porcelain tile, and brick pavers give the kitchen a solid base and let the patio, kitchen, and pool area work together.
- Pools and pool houses: If you are adding a pool, a pool house or poolside retreat can sit right alongside the kitchen. Our pool house designs are tailored to your lifestyle and built for beauty, functionality, and lasting value.
- Finishing touches: Birdbaths, fountains, planters, grills, and accessories complete the space.
The goal is an outdoor space that feels as comfortable and stylish as your indoor spaces, custom-designed around your lifestyle.
How We Help You Plan
Our process starts with a consultation. We assess your site, talk through your vision, and show you our work. Our in-house design team and licensed architects can then create detailed 3D renderings, so you can see your outdoor kitchen before we break ground.
Luxury Resorts Design & Build is a family-owned, Michigan-licensed builder, founded by Alex Ketty, who brings 30+ years of experience in luxury landscape design. From concept to completion, we guide you through each step, and we back our work with a 3-year warranty on hardscapes and a 1-year warranty on landscaping.
FAQs
What are the most important outdoor kitchen features?
A custom grill island, stovetops, refrigerators and storage, durable weather-resistant materials, a fire feature, and good lighting are the five features covered above.
What fuel can I use for an outdoor gas grill?
Our outdoor gas grills are available with propane or natural gas.
What fire feature options are available?
Outdoor fireplaces (wood-burning or gas), fire pits (wood or gas), exotic fire glass, and gas fire pit tables.
Can I see my outdoor kitchen before it is built?
Yes. Our in-house design team and licensed architects can create detailed 3D renderings.
What warranty do you offer?
A 3-year warranty on hardscapes and a 1-year warranty on landscaping.
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Your outdoor kitchen should reflect your style, comfort, and outdoor lifestyle. We can help you choose the features that fit your home and build a space you will want to use all season. Contact Us Today to start planning your luxury outdoor retreat.
