Designing an outdoor kitchen isn’t just about choosing the right grill or countertop. It’s about creating a seamless space where durability meets personal style. In 2025, cabinet hardware is making a bold statement, both functionally and aesthetically. And for outdoor kitchens in Austin’s hot, humid climate, hardware needs to be just as tough as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re working with Arete to build a full backyard cooking space or updating your existing setup, these hardware trends blend innovation, craftsmanship, and weather-resistant materials, and are all tailored for outdoor spaces.
1. Mixed Metals with Purpose
Design trends like mixing finishes like matte black with polished brass is perfect for designing indoor kitchens. However when it comes to designing a memorable and luxury outdoor kitchen it is important to focus on choosing weather-resistant finishes, that still play well together.
Popular pairings in 2025:
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Powder-coated matte black with stainless steel
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Brushed bronze with marine-grade chrome
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Aged brass accents for warmth and contrast
Why it works: Mixed finishes offer contrast and dimension, while highlighting different focal points like drawer handles or fridge pulls. This contrast is striking without causing a visual overload.
2. Marine-Grade Stainless Steel: Built to Last
In Austin, outdoor kitchens need to withstand the intense sun, humidity, and even the occasional thunderstorm. Being able to stand up against the unpredictable weather and brutal elements is what makes the 316 stainless steel the go-to material for outdoor cabinet hardware.
Benefits:
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Corrosion-resistant, even in humid or poolside settings
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Matches most grill and appliance finishes
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Easy to maintain and clean
At Arete Kitchens, all our cabinet hardware selections are engineered for the outdoors, with longevity and durability built in for a cohesive and long lasting design.
3. Sleek, Minimalist Designs for Seamless Flow
Modern outdoor kitchens are embracing streamlined profiles. In 2025, handle-free cabinet designs and integrated finger pulls are becoming staples along with soft-close drawer systems.
Why it works: These understated and elegant options keep the space uncluttered and allow the natural textures like stone, concrete, or ipe wood to shine.
Minimalism also pairs well with Austin’s trend toward transitional outdoor spaces, blending the indoor sophistication with rugged materials.
4. Textured Hardware: Grip Meets Design
Smooth handles are taking a backseat to tactile finishes, like knurled metal or ridged matte bronze. These textures are being incorporated for more than their refined look, they provide better a grip, even with wet hands by the pool.
Emerging styles include:
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Knurled matte black T-bar handles
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Hammered bronze pulls
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Ribbed stainless cabinet knobs
Pro tip: Choose textures that won’t trap dirt or moisture. All of Arete’s outdoor-approved hardware undergoes rigorous durability testing to avoid trapping dirt or moisture and helping to keep a clean finish.
5. Warm, Weathered Brass Tones
Brass continues to evolve in 2025, with soft, aged finishes making their way outdoors. When sealed properly, aged brass brings richness to covered kitchen areas while pairing beautifully with natural stone and tile.
Where it works best:
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Under covered pergolas or lanais
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Paired with light oak or teak cabinetry
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With earth-toned countertops and pavers
6. Sustainable & Natural Materials for the Outdoors
Eco-conscious design is expanding beyond just interiors. In 2025, we’re seeing more hardware crafted from sustainable woods, ceramic, and composite resins; which makes them perfect for covered outdoor installations.
At Arete, we recommend:
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Teak or ipe wood pulls (sealed and UV-protected)
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Stone or concrete knobs for a raw, natural edge
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Recycled composite resin handles for eco-luxury
Note: These materials should be installed in partially sheltered areas and maintained seasonally for optimal performance and style.
7. Smart Hardware, Outside the Box
Even outdoor kitchens are getting smarter. Though still an emerging category: touch-to-open drawers, LED-lit handles, and motion-sensing cabinet access are beginning to enter the luxury outdoor kitchen scene.
While still occasionally seen in outdoors, Arete can help future-proof your space with integrated lighting and soft-close mechanisms that align with the growing outdoor automation movement.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Kitchen with Hardware That Lasts
Cabinet hardware may seem like a small detail, but in your outdoor kitchen it’s the daily touchpoint that brings form and function together. with European kitchens, we don’t just follow trends, we engineer them to thrive under the Texas sun.
Ready to start your custom outdoor kitchen design? Book a consultation at our Austin showroom and experience high-end outdoor cabinetry and hardware that’s beautiful, durable, and tailored to your lifestyle.