Creating Your Outdoor Kitchen: Hot Tips from Mister G

The season of long evenings and full barbecues is officially here. Whether you're flipping pizzas under the stars or tossing a garden salad while the kids cannonball into the pool, nothing says summer living like an outdoor kitchen.

But hold the basic barbecue—this is your invitation to dream a little bigger.

As a house design company, we’ve seen firsthand how outdoor kitchens can transform a space. So we asked Mister G—Red Seal chef, events caterer, and master smoker—for his top tips on building a space that actually gets used (and adored).

So pour yourself something sparkly, and let’s dig in.

Layout That Flows Like a Dinner Party

Indoor kitchen rules don’t always apply outdoors. The key is flow—you want to move effortlessly from fridge, to prep, to grill, to table without weaving around your guests or the family dog.

🔥 Hot Tip: Think like a host. Where do people naturally gather? Where do you not want them crowding? A bar ledge or a few stools gives guests a place to perch and chat—without getting in the way.

🪵 Rustic Tip: Upgrade your serving game with an oversized cutting board that doubles as a butcher block or presentation platter. We got ours from Dave’s Creations in Ontario and love the rough-cut finish for serving.

Weatherproof—But Make It Cute

Yes, this is a working kitchen—but it should also look amazing. Choose materials that can handle the seasons and still make you want to show it off.

We’ve worked with everything from stainless steel to sealed concrete and wood-look tile. There are plenty of finish options that are functional and stylish.

🌞 Bonus Tip:Cover your space! A pergola, awning, or roofline extension makes a huge difference in how often you’ll actually use it.

Don’t Skip the Sink

Rinsing garden veggies without running inside? Total game-changer. A sink is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have it—and then can’t live without it.

While you're at it, run a gas line to your grill. Because no one wants to run out of propane mid-party. Trust me—been there, done that.

Lighting That Sets the Mood

Fairy lights are cute, but they’re not enough. You need a mix of functional and ambient lighting.

💡 Hot Tip: Layer your lighting. Use overhead pendants for food prep, under-counter lights for ambiance, and wall sconces or path lights to finish the vibe. You want the space to work at 6 PM and feel magical at 10.

The Fun Factor

Here’s where your personality shines. Pizza oven? Yes. Built-in beer tap? Go for it. Even a tiny herb garden beside the prep zone adds life and charm.

"Cooking over live fire with an Argentine grill brings incredible flavour and theatre to your backyard. Learn to manage coal, find your hot spots, and let the grill be the centrepiece.”

🧰 Stay Organized: Add a grill-side toolbox—like the red one below—for all your go-to gear. Toss in a spice rack, tongs, thermometer, and backup lighter. It keeps everything in reach and helps you avoid cluttering up the house.

Thanks for stopping by, Mister G—it’s always a pleasure to chat smoke, steel, and summer dreams with you. Here’s to good design, great food, and outdoor kitchens that bring people together. 🥂

— The Papa Draftsman Team

Need inspiration? Check out Mister G’s custom-built mobile smokehouse— @mistergs.ca complete with dual smokers, a 48" Argentine-inspired grill, propane burner, sink, and enough surface area to feed a village. It’s the kind of setup that proves outdoor cooking can be both serious and seriously fun.

Ready to design your dream space?

We’ll draft it. Then connect you with a trusted craftsman who can bring it to life—grill, sink, smoker and all. Start your outdoor kitchen blueprint with Papa Draftsman