The Purpose
The homeowners in Boerum Hill wanted to cook, eat, and entertain outdoors without leaving their own backyard. Their goal was an outdoor kitchen that works as well on a quiet weeknight as it does for a full house of friends, and that feels like a natural extension of the home rather than an add-on. We designed the kitchen to be the centerpiece of the yard. A dedicated cooking area sits close to a comfortable dining space, so whoever is at the grill is never cut off from the conversation. Greenery around the edges softens the space, making it feel like a true garden rather than just an outdoor work area. The result is an inviting backyard built for living and entertaining from spring through fall.
The Challenge
An outdoor kitchen has to perform many roles in a single footprint. It requires room for prep and cooking, clear space for people to move around safely, an inviting dining area, and weather-resistant surfaces that hold up to daily use—all within a Brooklyn yard where space is at a premium. The challenge was fitting all of these functional elements together without making the yard feel crowded. We designed the layout around natural movement while cooking and hosting, selected durable, easy-to-clean materials, and incorporated targeted plantings that frame the kitchen without encroaching on the space. The result is a practical, highly functional setup for everyday meals that effortlessly converts into an entertaining space.
what we do
The Four Solutions Behind This Boerum Hill Outdoor Kitchen :
- Cooking Zone
We built a dedicated cooking area with a grill station and prep counter, placed so the cook can work comfortably and stay part of the gathering.
- Dining & Gathering Area
A seating and dining space next to the kitchen gives family and guests a natural place to settle in, so meals and conversation happen in the same spot.
- Durable Hardscape Surfaces
We chose weather-resistant, easy-to-clean paving and finishes that handle heat, spills, foot traffic, and changing seasons.
- Greenery Around the Kitchen
Low-maintenance plants and planters surround the cooking and dining areas, adding color and softness without crowding the working space.