Nothing complements good food quite like a nice breeze. Here are 10 kitchens that truly master that indoor-outdoor feel through prime location and exquisite design.
PRIME PROXIMITY
Photo: R. Brad Knipstein
Here, an oversize accordion window by Kolbe Windows & Doors opens the kitchen to the outdoor dining area. A generous island—fronted with chic Kristalia stools—feature countertops in White Princess quartzite from All Natural Stone provides space for casual dining. The homeowners enjoy alfresco dining at the teak table by Viesso, paired with Pacific teak folding chairs by Harbour Outdoor.
OUTDOOR CONNECTION
Photo: Aaron Leitz
To accommodate large family gatherings, architect Dana Webber conceived an outdoor counter and dining area that connect to the kitchen. White Moroccan zellige backsplash tile by Mosaic House in the kitchen stands out against the darker-hued wood. The weathered teak table is from RH; the wall-mounted lights are from Design Within Reach.
OPEN DOOR
Photo: Brantley Photography
The kitchen, appointed with Gregorius Pineo chairs from Holly Hunt, opens to an outdoor space by landscape designer Keith Williams, who covered exterior walls with chalice and confederate jasmine vines. The David Sutherland table, chairs and sofas are flanked by pots of Eugenia plants.
TUCKED AWAY
Photo: Courtesy Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens
For this modern kitchen, designer Julia Treuel opted for a crisp, monochromatic look that wouldn’t compete with the lush greenery in the backyard. She then installed bifold windows and a servery for a seamless connection to the garden. “Not only is it lovely to have fresh air flowing through this zone, but the house feels larger for it,” says Treuel.
PARTY CENTRAL
Photo: David Wakely
The outdoor dining table from Shed is lined with Caprice chairs from Room & Board sporting red nylon seats. Architect Andrew Mann designed the structure with an alfresco kitchen and a pair of sliding barn doors that conceal a large pantry.
OUTDOOR OASIS
Photo: Courtesy Artistic Tile
In Nancy Epstein’s romantic backyard haven in Tenafly, New Jersey—a mere 5 miles from New York City—Azul Bochira quartzite adorns the floor, while Azul Bahia granite tops the bar counters and Walden tile adds a splash on the wall.
VANTAGE POINT
Photo: Richard Powers
A team collaborated with kitchen designer Mick De Giulio on this kitchen, which opens onto an expansive terrace via a NanaWall door. A satin nickel finish on the Powell & Bonnell counter chairs and a tarnished silver in the Apparatus pendants tie with the metallic finish of the cabinetry.
PRIVATE RETREAT
Photo: Roger Davies Photo/Sotto
The kitchen and bar on this Del Mar property serves as ground zero for the casual indoor/outdoor lifestyle that epitomizes Southern California.
OPEN CONCEPT
Photo: Trevor Tondro
A slab of Calacatta Gold marble tops the kitchen island’s base, which is wrapped in the same weathered brass by Mark Ogburn Enterprises as the hood. The structure allows for a set of Ochre counter chairs on one side and for bookshelves on another. The Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances are from Ferguson; the faucet is Waterworks.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Photo: Sharrin Rees
Sydney’s Smart Design Studio created this open-air kitchen as part of a modern addition to a Federal-style house. Walls of windows and retractable glass doors bring in an abundance of light, which a mirrored backsplash further reflects. As a result, the narrow space feels much larger than it is.
