19 Poolhouse Kitchens That Make Summer Entertaining So Much Easier

Designer Brooke Crew wanted to make sure this poolhouse kitchen felt connected to the main house, but to give it a more nautical touch, she used rattan and wicker for the barstools. It makes the unit feel fresh while giving it a different intention.

For a more classic kitchenette feel that’s still functional, go with undercounter appliances, like a refrigerator, microwave, or ice maker. Designer Emma Carole Paradis chose to do that here in this blue-and-white space, opting for a bold wallpaper moment rather than hiding the surface as you would with a fridge.

Etch Design Group chose to add brass, nautical-inspired accents, like the pendant light, to this all-white poolhouse kitchen. It gives the area some drama and warmth.

Stephanie Lindsey of Etch Design Group explains that this poolhouse kitchen was “designed to feel less like an ‘outdoor add-on’ and more like an extension of the home.” With neutral tones and natural wood, they created a space that could transition seamlessly from day to night, complete with durable finishes that don’t take away from the elegance.

Lean into the luxury of having a poolhouse and make it feel like a cool lounge. Designer Mary Kate Bedell of Fresh Air Designs used modern outdoor cabinet doors from Danver for their low-maintenance and ultra-durable Cosentino countertops for a sophisticated workspace. In both form and function, this versatile retreat proves that outdoor living can be just as stylish as indoor.

Upon first glance, the cabinets in this poolhouse kitchen by Gladys Schanstra of Drury Design may look fairly normal, but they’re actually so special. Schanstra says that her client wanted a neutral palette and chose beautiful and durable metal cabinetry from John Michael Studio with warm maple interiors. “Even though those cabinets are underneath the roof, when you open the glass doors, they're exposed to the elements and the humidity and everything,” she adds.

“To keep the space a refuge from the hustle of everyday, streamlining and simplifying cooking, serving, and cleaning are key,” says designer Marika Meyer. This poolhouse was designed for ease, with easy-to-access freezer and beverage drawers, a service window to the pool deck, and a spacious floor plan for comfort.

Something every great poolhouse kitchen has is a pass-through window leading from the kitchen to the outside. Designer Melissa Holt added one here via an accordion window, leading directly to the outdoor dining area. It’s intentional and thoughtful, and really captures a cabana vibe.

It’s no secret how we feel about kitchen backsplashes (hint: we adore them), and we think they’re just as essential in a poolhouse kitchen, too. These features add beauty to a space, yes, but they are also easier to wipe down and clean, which is essential for a space that’s going to be used mainly for entertaining, such as this one by Molly Miller. The zellige tiles she went with are just so playful and transformative.

Designer Piper Skillman didn’t want this poolhouse to take away from the appeal of nature, so she opted for more subdued design decisions. “The concrete pendants echo the polished floors, and tucking the appliances behind panel fronts keeps everything quiet,” she says. “It's open, airy, deliberately unfussy—a gathering hub that pulls you toward the pool and the landscape, not away from it.”

If your poolhouse kitchen area is going to be partially open most times, you simply can’t skimp out on weatherproofing. However, we know this can be expensive. In designer Yvonne Harty’s own backyard, she strategically figured out where to splurge and where to save, opting for new NatureKast weatherproof cabinetry and remnant stone pieces for the back bar counter.

No one wants wet feet and bathing suits coming into their home to grab a fresh drink or bite to eat, which is why designer Darci Hether made this poolhouse kitchen design as convenient to get into as possible. It’s set up with a beverage fridge, a paneled ice maker, and cabinets full of treats. That way, it’d be quicker for any swimmer to run into this kitchen for a snack rather than the main house.

Designer Jennifer Clapp’s clients wanted a welcoming kitchen in their poolhouse, complete with open shelves and a glass-front fridge so that visitors wouldn’t have any issue finding anything. “Our clients also liked the idea of living finishes on the plumbing and cabinet hardware, so their friends’ use would be recorded over time, building memories through patina,” she adds.

In this poolhouse kitchen, Yuri Sagatov of ODE Design says the goal was to create an indoor kitchen, just outside. There’s a grill, a range hood, a sink, storage—it can do anything a normal cook space can. “The wood ceiling, the light, and the seating—that's what makes it ours,” he adds.

This poolhouse kitchen might not be sprawling, but it gets the job done and does so with so much character. Plenty of poolhouses have pass-through windows, but this one by Melanie Giordano of BarnesVanze Architects is tall and arched. The blue pyramid ceiling mimics the gorgeous summer sky, and discreet paneled appliances only add to the charm.

Architect Seth Ballard’s clients wanted a poolside hangout spot rather than a traditional poolhouse, and they wanted it to have a full kitchen. “Set beneath a custom timber-frame pavilion, the composition pairs granite countertops with stainless steel casework, selected for durability and long-term performance in an exterior environment while maintaining a refined architectural expression,” he adds.

Lauren Hurlbrink’s clients needed a poolhouse that could handle the multiple events they regularly host at their home, so the designer equipped it with everything, including a long rectangular sink. She says it “functions beautifully as a raw bar or beverage station while also providing everyday practicality.”