Tie your indoor & outdoor space together.
Especially plan on the exterior of your home to complement the colors chosen for your outdoor kitchen. Maybe you won’t mind that it doesn’t match but most people try to choose complementary retaining walls and pavers for their house.
Create a layout that works for you.
Do you plan on using your space under the summer sun or mostly when the sun is setting? It will help you decide if you will need a cover of some kind for your outdoor space. A gazebo, pergola or awning could give you versatility in your space. Will you be adding this to an existing patio or starting with a kitchen and adding on afterward? These questions define what the primary use of your space will be.
If there are other parts to the patio, make sure that the design choices you make reflect a clear separation of kitchen vs. firepit vs. living space. It is hard to enjoy the space when one is placed on top of the other.
Most outdoor kitchens come with grills but there are many incredible options for the kitchen space. Sinks, ice machines, and refrigerators provide the feeling that you can truly do all things in your outdoor kitchen space that you could do inside. Who needs a kitchen in the house with all of that outside?
Just like interior design, outdoor living needs a little pizzazz as well! Choosing outdoor furniture and pieces that reflect the design you wish to convey will make your outdoor space feel as cozy as the inside of your home. Just try to keep in mind that you want the décor to survive in case of a rainstorm so choose things like outdoor pillows and cushions.