The big picture: For years, outdoor kitchens kept growing — think: bar-top seating, TVs and 15 different appliances. But they mostly sat unused.

• People "didn't magically become great outdoor chefs," Richardson tells Axios.
• Now, clients are "actively de-emphasizing the outdoor kitchen" and instead prioritizing gardens, furniture, lighting and other details that improve the overall vibe.

Between the lines: The shift may reflect a bigger move toward more intimate gatherings.

• The art of hosting — the ambience, the music, how the food is presented — "is starting to make a comeback," Richardson says.

Yes, but: Outdoor kitchens still command a premium.

• Nationwide, they can help homes sell for over 4% more than similar listings, according to a Zillow analysis.