The kitchen isn’t only limited to the four walls of the house especially with the increasing number of outdoor cooking areas being embraced by residents. Plenty of living spaces have welcomed appliances such as, barbecues and pizza ovens that have been utilised at an indoor-outdoor kitchen. The inclusion of an outdoor kitchen in the property can raise concerns on whether it seamlessly matches the interior of the home. These are a few suggestions on how to transform your kitchen inside and out while ensuring the interior and exterior settings complement each other.
Balancing Colours
The benchtop adds spaciousness within the kitchen, therefore, adding the look of a continuing benchtop can assist in building an easy indoor-outdoor flow. In addition, the use of greys, whites and creams for the benchtop and cabinets mixes what can be seen inside and outside through natural colours. Meanwhile, the kitchen floor can display some timber tones to contrast the rest of the minimal look.
Image: Houzz – Darren James Interiors
Framework
The transition between the indoor-outdoor kitchen can be minimised through opting for thin door and window frames that don’t obstruct the view from outdoors. In regard to colour, black frames can be an eye-catching element and can also add a dramatic flair to an all-white kitchen.
Consistency is Key
The connection between the indoor and outdoor areas can be strengthened further by opting to carry through consistent flooring and paint finishes. This can make both spaces feel larger and interconnected as there isn’t a fixed end highlighting where the divide should be. However, there is still the possibility to mix up the finishes if you’re wanting to spice up the kitchen area but it’s important that the materials used are able to cope with outdoor conditions.
Image: Houzz – Dion Seminara Architecture
Being Flexible
For residents and their guests, an indoor-outdoor kitchen should be able to withstand all types of weather. It should be able to be opened up on warm days and sealed off during the cooler weather. The two spaces can become more cohesive by incorporating bi-fold or stacking doors that easily tie the separate areas together. By eliminating physical barriers, the view isn’t restricted and is a practical solution for changing climates.
Needing Space
There is no rigid layout to follow with setting up kitchen areas as every property structure is different. For residents who struggle with not having much space, the indoor-outdoor kitchen can provide room for rotating the area around to be more efficient. For instance, you are able to boost the outdoor section to be more inviting to guests by placing a comfortable sofa set and a dining area close by. You are also able to visually expand the space by building additional storage or prep zones outside instead and including verandas and terraces into the design.
No Limits
When installing a continuous surface that provides a flow from indoors to outdoors, this builds a versatile surface that can be used for a range of purposes such as extra seating or an extended living room that encourages guest to gravitate outdoors.
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