Be inspired by the Cotswold outdoor kitchen trend this summer

Every year, outdoor kitchen ideas get better and better. With more of a desire to dine at home, and alfresco, than ever before, we’ve evolved past the mere BBQ and we’re now wanting fully-equipped kitchen set-ups for our gardens, so we can host and relax outside all summer long.

This trend for outdoor living has blended seamlessly with another kitchen trend for 2026 – lived-in, country homes. While across the pond, coastal New England-style homes are rising in popularity, we’re turning to our British equivalent – the Cotswolds.

The allure of the Cotswolds just keeps growing as celebs like David Beckham have flocked to the countryside and tried their hand at gardening, and this has transpired to an outdoor kitchen trend that is chic and timeless. From limestone flagstones to olive trees that flank an outdoor kitchen, this is how to get the look.

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Outdoor kitchens can sometimes veer towards looking cold and clinical. BBQs and pizza ovens are often made from stainless steel, and weatherproof outdoor kitchen furniture is usually the same. However, we’re big believers that your outdoor living area should feel like as comfortable as the inside of your home, which is why the Cotswolds trend works well in softening the overall scheme.

‘The outdoor kitchen is being reimagined with a softer hand. This year, the mood is less about creating a glossy entertaining space and more about designing an outdoor room that feels connected to the home, the garden and the way people want to live day-to-day,’ explains Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

The heart of a Cotswolds outdoor kitchen is the colour scheme. Soft neutrals, such as taupe and linen shades, create a truly relaxing and pared-back environment, but the key is to introduce texture to add dimension.