Creating a space for people to enjoy outside can be a serious undertaking if you have a lot of ideas but are unprepared or underprepared. Consider adding elements that complement each other. If you are planning to build an outdoor kitchen with a serious area for grilling, along with a pool and seating than there are plenty of options to consider with just these three elements. But a well planned area can have several elements without overcrowding the space and overwhelming people.
With your outdoor kitchen, make certain that everything is put together in a way that makes sense and consider covering the area to prevent objects from falling where they would be an issue. Make certain everything matches well and decide if this area will be the focal point of the design. A thought to consider is matching the floor of this area to the area around the pool and in other key spots of landscaping. For example the surface of natural stone is non skid which is good for both the pool area and the cooking area. Cushions of the seating and flower pots of any size can be matched to the stone. The same goes for wood if the flooring is wooden. While wood is not recommended for a poolside surface it could frame the pool area creating a border between the poolside texture and grass.
Adding a water element to a flat pool or even a pool with a Jacuzzi can give it some flash and is easy to install. This offers another place to tie the overall design together. Finally consider your plants as part of your outdoor kitchen, more specifically as your outdoor pantry. Certain flowers work great as meal garnishes an almost anything can fruit, veggie and nut related can be grown depending on where you live. Imagine adding blood orange to a meal or creating a desert, drink or salad with elements out of your yard.