In recent years, we’ve noticed a significant shift in our clients’ priorities towards their connections with the outdoors. By drawing in the sounds, smells and visual pleasures of their garden, they can fully enhance their sense of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle whilst being inside the kitchen.
This philosophy, known as ‘Biophilic design,’ emphasises the integration of natural elements and patterns into the home to enhance our connection with nature and improve overall well-being. In the kitchen, this approach can transform the space into a sanctuary of tranquillity and functionality.
From incorporating organic materials like wood and stone to maximising natural light and views, biophilic design not only enhances the home aesthetically but it also promotes stress reduction, increased productivity, and mood. In this blog, we’ll delve into the three primary ways we can incorporate this indoor-outdoor kitchen design ethos into your project.
An Outside-in approach
If you’re thinking about extending or remodelling the kitchen space, it’s essential to think about how you’ll enjoy the outdoors all year round. That’s why we recommend getting an experienced kitchen designer or interior architect on board early in the process. We’ll start by considering how to make the most of your garden views from the kitchen. Plus, we’ll brainstorm ideas for seamlessly connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces, especially when the weather’s nice and we can entertain outdoors.
In this project, the client opted for a seamless integration with the garden using glass doors that can fully open up the space. We strategically positioned the dining area nearest to the outdoors, making it easy to enjoy outdoor dining right from the kitchen. The outcome is a kitchen seamlessly extending into the garden, and a garden seamlessly blending into the kitchen—a versatile space perfect for the unpredictable British weather!
Another great example of the outside approach is this ultra-modern open-plan kitchen living space that overlooks the client’s swimming pool. With sliding doors that span the length of the pool and the use of reflective surfaces, the indoor and outdoor spaces feel connected. The generous island offers the perfect spot for a poolside breakfast.
EMBRACE NATURE’S COLOURS AND MATERIALS
By maximizing the use of glazing in your kitchen space, you not only invite ample natural light but also infuse the space with the rich colours of nature. Pairing these natural tones with timber accents, earthy matte finishes, and concrete patinas creates a harmonious blend that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside.
In the initial phases of our design process, we focus on creating mood boards featuring a variety of different materials.
Following a biophilic approach, we draw direct inspiration from your outdoor space to lay the foundation for our palette.
We warmly welcome you to explore our kitchen showroom in Winchester, where you’ll discover an extensive selection of samples and receive expert guidance from our seasoned kitchen designers.
Create a Seamless Transition of Materials
Achieving a harmonious interior scheme that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor areas can be accomplished through thoughtful material selection. For instance, combining natural, warm cabinetry with sleek worktops and a mix of materials like slim wooden cladding creates a fluid transition with the materials of the outdoors.
Designer Keith Myers emphasises, “Enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection can be further achieved by incorporating textures that complement the bricks of external walls. Introducing wood elements can elongate the space, while timber brings warmth to cabinetry in cooler shades.”
In addition, level flooring with the outdoors in the same or similar material will create a sense of space and continuity, drawing the eyes outwards towards the garden, even when the doors are closed.
If you’d like to explore how our design team can create more connection with your outdoor space this summer, please get in touch for a no-obligation chat about your project, it’s never too early to engage a design professional!
You can get in touch via our contact page here.
