Kitchens come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and each home brings along with it something unique when it comes to kitchen design. But increasingly modern kitchens are becoming much more than just spaces to prepare and serve food. With the open living plan that is connected with the kitchen and dining starting to become the norm, the kitchen is now a place where friends and family meet, greet and share at the start and end of each day. That is being further extended into a social zone that can accommodate more than a few as it welcomes the outdoors inside! That is right; we are talking about the kitchen that is connected with the backyard, patio or deck outside.
The kitchen that is connected with the backyard or garden is no longer a surprise addition. In fact, rear extensions and additions to aging and classic homes are making them more popular than ever. Some tend to embrace the theme of the living room next to them while others have an aura and appeal of their own. No matter what your style and theme choice, the perfect kitchen entwined with the world outside is one that blends form with function. Check out these top 25 ideas before you settle on a design –
New Trend: The Perfect Family Zone
As we talked about earlier, the social kitchen that is connected with the backyard, pool deck or other outdoor spaces is all too easy to create. The main idea here is to create visual connectivity between the kitchen inside and the deck outside using some common element that can come in the form of color, texture or finishing material. If this is not a style that you prefer, then try out the opposite approach and change the material to fashion a clear boundary between the kitchen and dining area inside and the deck outside. Usually it is wood that is used for the outdoor deck while the kitchen floor is made out of sturdier material.
Working with Limited Space
In case of the small kitchen, opening it to the world outside does much more than just add another dimension to the setting. The garden or the deck brings plenty of greenery to the small kitchen while giving it a much larger visual appeal. Add to this the additional flood of natural light that gives the small kitchen a cheerful makeover and you will realize how a simple change in the floor plan can give the old kitchen a brand new look. Be it the corner kitchen at the end of the open plan, or one just next to the deck that features foldable glass doors; the benefits of combining the two worlds are many.
Modern Kitchens with Ample Light
Wondering how you can open up your existing kitchen to the world outside? Those stuck in an urban setting without the benefit of an expansive deck or garden can use the long window above the kitchen counter to bring in light and freshness. In the more spacious homes with the kitchen in the rear, sliding glass doors, foldable doors and a series of glass windows do the trick. A small dining area, a cozy window seat or even a couch in the corner can complete your dream kitchen with ease.