Kitchen Planning: How to Bring the Outdoors into Your Kitchen
Discover how to bring the garden into your kitchen with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and other design tricks to boost outdoor views
Sophie Baylis
7 October 2015
Houzz UK Contributor: I'm a London-based freelance journalist with many years of experience writing about interiors for leading magazines in the UK and overseas. Follow me at @InteriorsInOut on Facebook and Twitter.
Houzz UK Contributor: I'm a London-based freelance journalist with many years of... More
The outdoor dining season may be drawing to a close but, with clever kitchen planning, you can enjoy your garden all year round from the comfort of your dining table or breakfast bar. Using glass to separate your kitchen from outdoor areas is a great choice – whether you are building a new extension or reworking an existing room. You’ll find it increases the feeling of open space, makes the garden more accessible during the summer months and lets in natural light – and leafy views – throughout the year. Read on to discover more reasons to open up and ways of doing so.
Professional advice from:
Sarah Cooper of Rencraft
Linda Barker of Wren Kitchens
Simon Welch of Tile Supply Solutions
Rebecca Clayton of IQ Glass
Professional advice from:
Sarah Cooper of Rencraft
Linda Barker of Wren Kitchens
Simon Welch of Tile Supply Solutions
Rebecca Clayton of IQ Glass
Consider the advantages of opening up
Large patio doors blend the outdoors with your home’s interior, and they’re a simple option that’s in tune with today’s trend for open-plan living. Sarah Cooper, a designer at Rencraft, explains that patio doors create a sense of space and are practical, too: ‘They’re great for bringing additional light into the room and work from a functional viewpoint as well for summer entertaining.’
Linda Barker, creative director at Wren Kitchens, treasures her morning cup of tea while enjoying a great view of her garden. ‘For me, it’s the most brilliant way to start my day,’ she says. ‘Plants are natural energy providers and the colour green calms us and revitalises our senses. Have you ever wondered why there are “green rooms” in TV studios? Although they are very rarely painted green, the idea is that these are spaces to calm you before you go out to perform.’
Large patio doors blend the outdoors with your home’s interior, and they’re a simple option that’s in tune with today’s trend for open-plan living. Sarah Cooper, a designer at Rencraft, explains that patio doors create a sense of space and are practical, too: ‘They’re great for bringing additional light into the room and work from a functional viewpoint as well for summer entertaining.’
Linda Barker, creative director at Wren Kitchens, treasures her morning cup of tea while enjoying a great view of her garden. ‘For me, it’s the most brilliant way to start my day,’ she says. ‘Plants are natural energy providers and the colour green calms us and revitalises our senses. Have you ever wondered why there are “green rooms” in TV studios? Although they are very rarely painted green, the idea is that these are spaces to calm you before you go out to perform.’
Choose your doors
Assuming your kitchen – or planned kitchen – is on the ground floor and at the back of your home, you can choose from French windows, bifold doors, or plain sliding or clever pocket doors.
‘All options are brilliant escape routes to the great outdoors,’ says Barker. ‘If your budget is restricted, then it’s relatively easy to replace an existing window with an “off the shelf” hinged door. You’ll be surprised at how this simple access to the outside can transform your connection with the garden.’
Assuming your kitchen – or planned kitchen – is on the ground floor and at the back of your home, you can choose from French windows, bifold doors, or plain sliding or clever pocket doors.
‘All options are brilliant escape routes to the great outdoors,’ says Barker. ‘If your budget is restricted, then it’s relatively easy to replace an existing window with an “off the shelf” hinged door. You’ll be surprised at how this simple access to the outside can transform your connection with the garden.’
French windows
These are a wonderful way of creating a link between outside and in. They work particularly well in traditional-style settings, and can be painted to complement or blend into the colour of the cabinetry or work surfaces to create a cohesive look.
‘However, when they’re closed, you will get a double section of framing down the centre of the glass elevation that can be quite chunky,’ says Rebecca Clayton of IQ Glass. ‘You could opt for a double opening pivoting door system for a more minimal and contemporary appearance.
‘Look for systems that have a good track record in terms of performance and durability, as the doors are likely to be opened and closed frequently,’ Clayton continues. ‘Try to see them in person in a showroom or similar to feel how they move and open.’
Discover everything you need to know about making your galley kitchen layout work beautifully
These are a wonderful way of creating a link between outside and in. They work particularly well in traditional-style settings, and can be painted to complement or blend into the colour of the cabinetry or work surfaces to create a cohesive look.
‘However, when they’re closed, you will get a double section of framing down the centre of the glass elevation that can be quite chunky,’ says Rebecca Clayton of IQ Glass. ‘You could opt for a double opening pivoting door system for a more minimal and contemporary appearance.
‘Look for systems that have a good track record in terms of performance and durability, as the doors are likely to be opened and closed frequently,’ Clayton continues. ‘Try to see them in person in a showroom or similar to feel how they move and open.’
Discover everything you need to know about making your galley kitchen layout work beautifully
Bifold doors
These create an almost completely clear opening when all the panels have been folded back, as seen here. They also offer an ease of access that traditional sliding patio doors don’t provide. ‘Where many bifold door systems incorporate a “traffic door”, this is not the case with sliding patio doors,’ Cooper says. ‘A traffic door works like a normal back door and allows quick entry and exit without having to open the whole bifold system.’
However, bifolds do have some drawbacks, one being the amount of frame on display when they’re closed. ‘While sliding patio doors will not create such an impressive clear opening, they do provide the maximum glass area with the minimal amount of frame, making for impressive panoramic views even when they’re closed,’ Cooper comments.
‘Of course, bifold doors will take up more space when they’re open, too, so this needs to be considered for smaller gardens or kitchens,’ she adds.
These create an almost completely clear opening when all the panels have been folded back, as seen here. They also offer an ease of access that traditional sliding patio doors don’t provide. ‘Where many bifold door systems incorporate a “traffic door”, this is not the case with sliding patio doors,’ Cooper says. ‘A traffic door works like a normal back door and allows quick entry and exit without having to open the whole bifold system.’
However, bifolds do have some drawbacks, one being the amount of frame on display when they’re closed. ‘While sliding patio doors will not create such an impressive clear opening, they do provide the maximum glass area with the minimal amount of frame, making for impressive panoramic views even when they’re closed,’ Cooper comments.
‘Of course, bifold doors will take up more space when they’re open, too, so this needs to be considered for smaller gardens or kitchens,’ she adds.
Pocket doors
These are sliding patio doors that have been specially designed to slide into a pocket within a wall. The track and framing for the sliding doors are built into the pocket to allow the door to slide away into the wall, creating a completely open aperture.
The number of panels that slide away into the wall will determine the depth of the pocket that’s required. ‘Each pane sliding away needs to have its own track that is 60mm deep, therefore if you wanted to have three panels of sliding glass moving into the pocket, you would need a pocket that’s at least 180mm deep,’ explains Clayton.
‘Any depth of pocket door is suitable for residential projects,’ she continues. ‘Multiple pane sliding pocket doors are best suited to new builds due to the deep nature of the pockets,’ she adds.
These are sliding patio doors that have been specially designed to slide into a pocket within a wall. The track and framing for the sliding doors are built into the pocket to allow the door to slide away into the wall, creating a completely open aperture.
The number of panels that slide away into the wall will determine the depth of the pocket that’s required. ‘Each pane sliding away needs to have its own track that is 60mm deep, therefore if you wanted to have three panels of sliding glass moving into the pocket, you would need a pocket that’s at least 180mm deep,’ explains Clayton.
‘Any depth of pocket door is suitable for residential projects,’ she continues. ‘Multiple pane sliding pocket doors are best suited to new builds due to the deep nature of the pockets,’ she adds.
The main advantage of pocket doors is that, when open, the panels disappear into the wall, creating a greater sense of ‘indoor-outdoor’ living, especially when teamed with a flush base track that allows for a much neater and more minimal architectural design.
‘Pocket doors need to be planned into a building design in advance due to the space required within a wall,’ advises Clayton. ‘You will need to think about the make-up of the wall to ensure you have the necessary insulation while allowing space for the pocket within it. Also, due to the thick depth required for the sliding tracks, multiple-pane pocket doors are only really suitable for new-build properties or large extensions, where this depth can be designed into the wall structure from an early stage.’
‘Pocket doors need to be planned into a building design in advance due to the space required within a wall,’ advises Clayton. ‘You will need to think about the make-up of the wall to ensure you have the necessary insulation while allowing space for the pocket within it. Also, due to the thick depth required for the sliding tracks, multiple-pane pocket doors are only really suitable for new-build properties or large extensions, where this depth can be designed into the wall structure from an early stage.’
Go with the flow
While the exact layout of your kitchen will very much depend on the space available, it’s always ideal to maximise the view. Avoid blocking sightlines with bulky island extractors, and make sure pendant lights aren’t hung too low.
‘Sometimes it may be more beneficial to swap an island or a peninsula unit for a dining set if you’re planning a kitchen from scratch,’ suggests Barker.
While the exact layout of your kitchen will very much depend on the space available, it’s always ideal to maximise the view. Avoid blocking sightlines with bulky island extractors, and make sure pendant lights aren’t hung too low.
‘Sometimes it may be more beneficial to swap an island or a peninsula unit for a dining set if you’re planning a kitchen from scratch,’ suggests Barker.
Build in strategic seating
A common feature of indoor-outdoor kitchens is a hob and/or sink incorporated into a central island unit. This means the chef can enjoy the view while cooking. You could also consider turning one end of an island unit into an informal dining or seating area so family and friends can enjoy the garden while eating.
‘To enjoy the best of the views, any seating around the island unit should be located at the end nearest the garden opening,’ says Cooper. ‘This way, people can enjoy the fresh air when the doors are open. It’s also a good idea to locate your fridge and wine chiller near to the side of the room with the patio doors, so guests can reach for additional food and drinks without interrupting the chef,’ she adds.
A common feature of indoor-outdoor kitchens is a hob and/or sink incorporated into a central island unit. This means the chef can enjoy the view while cooking. You could also consider turning one end of an island unit into an informal dining or seating area so family and friends can enjoy the garden while eating.
‘To enjoy the best of the views, any seating around the island unit should be located at the end nearest the garden opening,’ says Cooper. ‘This way, people can enjoy the fresh air when the doors are open. It’s also a good idea to locate your fridge and wine chiller near to the side of the room with the patio doors, so guests can reach for additional food and drinks without interrupting the chef,’ she adds.
Find the right flooring
Use the same or similar flooring inside and out to link the two spaces. This works particularly well when the doors are open, as one area will flow into the other. Natural stone is a timeless solution, but more affordable porcelain tiles are a great alternative. ‘Now there are new, exterior-grade porcelain tiles that match interior options, things have got a whole lot easier,’ says Barker.
Porcelain tiles have other pros. For example, they can be made to resemble natural stone without the associated maintenance issues. ‘Some of the Italian manufacturers are making porcelain tiles that are so realistic, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between them and natural stone,’ says Simon Welch of Tile Supply Solutions. Plus, they work well with underfloor heating indoors.
Use the same or similar flooring inside and out to link the two spaces. This works particularly well when the doors are open, as one area will flow into the other. Natural stone is a timeless solution, but more affordable porcelain tiles are a great alternative. ‘Now there are new, exterior-grade porcelain tiles that match interior options, things have got a whole lot easier,’ says Barker.
Porcelain tiles have other pros. For example, they can be made to resemble natural stone without the associated maintenance issues. ‘Some of the Italian manufacturers are making porcelain tiles that are so realistic, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between them and natural stone,’ says Simon Welch of Tile Supply Solutions. Plus, they work well with underfloor heating indoors.
Factor in the weather
Be aware that any outdoor flooring will need to withstand a range of weather conditions, so should be frost- and waterproof. And whether you opt for porcelain tiles or natural stone, always check the tiles you’ve chosen have been treated with a slip-proof coating.
Be aware that any outdoor flooring will need to withstand a range of weather conditions, so should be frost- and waterproof. And whether you opt for porcelain tiles or natural stone, always check the tiles you’ve chosen have been treated with a slip-proof coating.
Call the professionals
Floors that run flush from inside to out are practically and visually the most effective. A professional tile supplier should be able to advise you on which sizes and finishes will best suit your project.
When it comes to installation, Welch recommends using a professional tiler, preferably a member of The Tile Association. ‘It’s always worth asking to view previous work,’ he says. ‘Investing in quality workmanship initially will save you time and money in the long run.’
Ask about techniques, too. ‘The tiles are really only as strong as the surface they’re fixed to,’ he continues. ‘It’s really important that the underside of the tile is completely covered with adhesive: the dot and dab method is not acceptable practice.’
Floors that run flush from inside to out are practically and visually the most effective. A professional tile supplier should be able to advise you on which sizes and finishes will best suit your project.
When it comes to installation, Welch recommends using a professional tiler, preferably a member of The Tile Association. ‘It’s always worth asking to view previous work,’ he says. ‘Investing in quality workmanship initially will save you time and money in the long run.’
Ask about techniques, too. ‘The tiles are really only as strong as the surface they’re fixed to,’ he continues. ‘It’s really important that the underside of the tile is completely covered with adhesive: the dot and dab method is not acceptable practice.’
Be clever with plants
There are many other ways in which you can maximise the sense of continuity between the outside and inside spaces – even if you’re only working with a kitchen in a top-floor flat.
‘I love large interior foliage – literally putting trees inside the kitchen. Look for tall trees with the broadest leaves possible to be totally on trend. The good old ficus is hard to beat and difficult to destroy, even if you don’t have green fingers. People are craving a connection to nature and this is a great way to start,’ suggests Barker.
‘Alternatively, fill two large planters, one with ferns for inside the home and one with ferns for outside. Place them opposite each other – inside and out – to link the spaces.
Explore more ideas for adding plants to your home – with style
There are many other ways in which you can maximise the sense of continuity between the outside and inside spaces – even if you’re only working with a kitchen in a top-floor flat.
‘I love large interior foliage – literally putting trees inside the kitchen. Look for tall trees with the broadest leaves possible to be totally on trend. The good old ficus is hard to beat and difficult to destroy, even if you don’t have green fingers. People are craving a connection to nature and this is a great way to start,’ suggests Barker.
‘Alternatively, fill two large planters, one with ferns for inside the home and one with ferns for outside. Place them opposite each other – inside and out – to link the spaces.
Explore more ideas for adding plants to your home – with style
Exploit mirrors
‘To help blur the physical boundaries between outside and inside,’ Barker continues, ‘position mirrors or garden pictures on the kitchen walls to mimic what’s going on outside.’ You could also consider a mirrored splashback, as in this apparently foliage-filled kitchen.
Tour the rest of this ingeniously converted London Victorian home
‘To help blur the physical boundaries between outside and inside,’ Barker continues, ‘position mirrors or garden pictures on the kitchen walls to mimic what’s going on outside.’ You could also consider a mirrored splashback, as in this apparently foliage-filled kitchen.
Tour the rest of this ingeniously converted London Victorian home
Think ahead…
Next summer may feel a long way off, but planning now means you could create a space that does double duty – by bringing the kitchen to the garden as well as the other way round.
‘The new-look barbecues that feature gas burners and sometimes a running tap and sink are becoming more popular, and will certainly make cooking the whole meal outside a piece of cake,’ says Barker.
She suggests investing in ‘all weather’ dining tables and chairs that can be used as soon as the sun shines, with no need for uncovering or dragging out of storage.
Next summer may feel a long way off, but planning now means you could create a space that does double duty – by bringing the kitchen to the garden as well as the other way round.
‘The new-look barbecues that feature gas burners and sometimes a running tap and sink are becoming more popular, and will certainly make cooking the whole meal outside a piece of cake,’ says Barker.
She suggests investing in ‘all weather’ dining tables and chairs that can be used as soon as the sun shines, with no need for uncovering or dragging out of storage.
…whatever the weather
And with the changeable British climate, an indoor-outdoor kitchen really comes into its own when you’re entertaining. ‘A change of skies simply means moving the party indoors,’ explains Cooper. ‘People can still enjoy the garden while keeping warm and dry. It’s the perfect compromise.’
And with the changeable British climate, an indoor-outdoor kitchen really comes into its own when you’re entertaining. ‘A change of skies simply means moving the party indoors,’ explains Cooper. ‘People can still enjoy the garden while keeping warm and dry. It’s the perfect compromise.’
TELL US…
How have you brought the outdoors into your kitchen? We’d love to hear your tips and ideas or see your photos in the Comments below.
How have you brought the outdoors into your kitchen? We’d love to hear your tips and ideas or see your photos in the Comments below.
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Thanks for featuring our work in your article Sophie - mirrored splashbacks in the kitchen can make a huge impact for very little investment.
Sophie what colour kitchen units would you suggest to bring the garden into the kitchen ? The dividing doors are oak . I was thinking sage green. / grey but wooden worktop isn’t working for me . White would clash with the doors I think so back to the drawing board with a colour to choose . Many thanks N