Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek have taken their New England home’s backyard to the next level. The couple partnered with New Hampshire-based RTA Outdoor Living to install a custom, galley-style outdoor kitchen at their Massachusetts residence. It’s a space designed for grilling, pizza making, and family gatherings.
The project came together with surprising speed. Instead of visiting showrooms, the couple worked with RTA’s designers remotely. Virtual consultations helped nail down the layout, appliances, and finishes. A 3D visualization gave Kostek a chance to see the finished kitchen before it was built. “I’m such a visual person,” she said. “I loved that I could see what it looked like before it was set up.”
The resulting design replaces the old collection of coolers and a standing grill. Now, two 12-foot islands anchor the space. One island serves as the main cooking zone with a 42-inch Coyote grill, a 30-inch flat-top griddle, a built-in refrigerator, and hidden trash and recycling. The other acts as a gathering spot with drawers, storage, and a pull-out ice chest. A separate station holds a matte-black hybrid pizza oven.
Kostek picked a bright white plank-style exterior and Thunder White granite countertops, paired with stainless steel appliances. The look echoes the couple’s recently renovated interior. “I wanted the outdoor kitchen to be timeless,” she said. “I knew right away I wanted the white shiplap look.”
Installation was remarkably quick. An RTA Outdoor Living Pro Installer assembled the entire kitchen in just a few hours. “They came here and built it in a matter of hours,” Gronkowski said. “We were grilling that night.” The speed stood in sharp contrast to the 11-month interior renovation the couple had just endured.
Durability mattered, too. The kitchen will face New England’s snow, rain, and sleet year-round. Gronkowski emphasized how sturdy it is. “You don’t have to worry about replacing products every single year,” he said. And with about nine nieces and nephews, Kostek notes the new setup is a game-changer. “Now we have a s’mores station instead of setting everything up on chairs and on the ground.”
James King, vice president of design at RTA Outdoor Living, said the galley layout makes efficient use of the space. “Rob and Camille had a clear vision for an outdoor kitchen that complemented their home and supported the way they entertain,” he said. The project is part of ongoing content featuring Gronkowski, including cooking and durability tests.
