Making the most of your garden with a carefully considered kitchen extension with an indoor-outdoor connection is likely to bring endless joy – in any weather. Still, there’s plenty to consider if you want to achieve a seamless flow…
Since the Covid-19 pandemic forced us all to stay in our homes, we have a renewed appreciation for our living spaces, and, perhaps even more so, our gardens, says KBB journo Francesca Seden. Many of us have kept some traditions from that strange period, too – choosing to stay at home and entertain in our kitchens rather than heading out to bars and restaurants. Plus, the benefits of being outside are well documented, so, where better to experience that than your own back yard?
Find your goal
If you’re designing a new space or extending an existing one with that connection to the outdoors in mind, consider your intentions for it first. Do you love to entertain? Does your current kitchen lack light and need more? Or do you simply want to extend the living area? And why do you want to have that seamless transition between inside and out?
As Michaela Williams, kitchen designer at the Tom Howley Guildford showroom, advises: “It’s essential to approach the project with a clear and cohesive vision from the outset. Ask yourself how you want to live in the space and let that guide every decision.”
Once you’ve determined your goal, think about the initial practicalities – timeline, budget, positioning of the extension and windows (where possible), as well as the existing position of electrics and plumbing and its implications (which you can discuss with your designer and architect or builder).
On the timeline, Michaela adds that it’s also important to be realistic, as, if structural work or planning permission is required, this will add time to the project. Moreover, certain finishes or materials may have longer lead times, especially if they’re bespoke.
Think about how you want the space to flow, too, the orientation of your home, and be mindful of existing architecture. “The most successful designs are those that feel like a natural evolution of the home, inside and out – not a bolt-on extension,” says Michaela.
Glazing
Glazing is the most essential tool for connecting the interior with the exterior. If practical, consider the positioning of doors and windows to maximise the light coming in and how it flows through the space. Think about where it’s most needed. Nick Learoyd of Formwork Architects says, “For example, if your extension also connects to living spaces in the existing house, then placing a rooflight above where the extension meets the living area will help bring natural light into both.”
Where glazed doors are concerned, the choice also depends on the look you want to achieve. Nick adds that steel-framed glazing can complement a traditional aesthetic, and also work in a considered, modern space, while sliding doors give minimal sight lines.
Bi-fold doors, meanwhile, allow for the widest clear opening, but the frames block off more of the view of the outside space. To enhance the indoor-outdoor connection further, Higham Furniture’s interior designer Veronica Lucey, suggests opting for coloured frames, such as greens or deep bronzes. “The greens enhance the link with the outdoors, and the bronzes work in harmony with the hardware and taps in the kitchen.”
Let the light in
Day True’s senior designer Carla Braun also recommends consulting with a glazing expert early on to explore options that maximise light, while taking into account insulation and weather resistance. “Consider different types of glass such as low-E glazing or acoustic glass, depending on your needs for energy efficiency or noise reduction.”
Another great tip for extending the natural light even further is to use mirrored splashbacks, “especially where countertops run parallel to the garden, to reflect the space,” says Veronica. “Antique mirrored finishes work particularly well here, enhancing the sense of openness and bringing the greenery of the garden into the kitchen visually.”
For illuminating your space in the evenings, try to balance practical task lighting and statement lighting. “For the garden, introduce soft landscape lighting to create a warm, welcoming outdoor environment,” adds Carla. “Perhaps use adjustable spotlights to highlight landscaping or certain features, as well as pathway lights to guide guests safely around the space.”
Veronica also says outdoor lighting creates ambience, and recommends similar wall sconces, which work inside and out, and which can visually extend the room into the garden at night through reflection.
Kitchen design and flow
When thinking about layout and textures, bear in mind how the interior space will interact with the exterior, as well as the flow of the kitchen in both purely practical terms, and in relation to the garden. “At Day True, we always consider how the kitchen layout will be integrated and function within all the different sight lines and perspectives. Make sure the outdoor furniture complements your interior style. Incorporating large windows, glass doors, and a well-positioned island will help enhance the transition and provide views into the garden.”
Experts also recommend coordinating colour palettes inside and outside – for example, you could paint fences or a pergola the same colour as the kitchen furniture, or ensure the same tone of woods are reflected inside and out.
Continuity is key
As Michaela notes, “continuity is key.” She adds: “Soft greens, warm neutrals, natural timber, and stone finishes all help to create a unified look that feels calm and considered. Bringing the outside in can also be done through subtle touches, like built-in planters or green walls that echo the foliage outdoors. These also add texture, freshness, and a sense of serenity.”
The continuity and cohesiveness can be achieved underfoot, too, with the appropriate type of flooring, which will help to enhance flow, while giving a real sense of coherence and openness. In terms of materials, natural stone tiles are a great choice – hardwearing and easy to maintain – but should always be properly slip resistant for outdoor use.
Just add a rug indoors, and perhaps mirrored outdoors, for warmth in the cooler months, or consider underfloor heating for a luxurious but energy-efficient solution all year round. If you’d prefer to have different flooring inside and outside, go for similar colours and textures and avoid too stark a contrast that could visually disconnect the space.
Into the garden
To finish, it’s worth just touching a bit more on the outside space. For example, how far outside should the indoor-outdoor transition reach? Do you want a pergola or other covering structure for more year-round enjoyment of the garden? What about an outdoor kitchen for entertaining? Is a landscape gardener worth the investment?
Carla believes the space should extend just far enough to create a fluid transition, but not overwhelm the outdoor space. “An outdoor pergola, or covered space, offers shelter while extending the footprint of the kitchen, and also defines the boundary between indoor and outdoor.”
An outdoor kitchen is a great place to entertain guests in the warmer months, and can offer a real wow factor, while also enhancing that transition between interior and exterior. If you use the right materials, it’s also possible to almost create a continuous kitchen worktop that runs from inside to out. If you do decide to opt for an outdoor kitchen, it is probably worth investing in an overhead cover to protect it, and you, when the rain inevitably falls.
On the final question, Carla says that a landscape gardener can absolutely make a huge difference in the success of the overall design. “They will not only help with the aesthetic quality of the outdoor space but can also provide advice on the right plants and garden features. They will know how to create a garden that complements the design of your home, ensuring that the outdoor space feels like a natural extension of the indoor area. From patio layout to planting choices and lighting, their expertise can elevate the overall design and enhance the experience of both indoor and outdoor living.”
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