Create seamless indoor-outdoor flow with modern kitchens, pass-throughs, and greenery for effortless alfresco living.
Dining outdoors traditionally meant gathering friends together and firing up the barbecue with a cold brew, but things have changed. The humble barbecue is often part of an outdoor kitchen that now rivals the indoor one.
At GDAM we love home living that integrates indoor-outdoor spaces, so let’s celebrate the brilliant double openings, the pass-throughs, the kitchen garden integrations, the barbecues, the outdoor kitchens, furnishings and more.
Australians love to dine alfresco style, incorporating indoor-outdoor living. Inspired outdoor kitchens are changing the way we entertain at home, with more emphasis on creating a sense of connectivity.
Good design in an integrated outdoor kitchen goes beyond the aesthetic; it cleverly unites functionality
with charisma and effortlessly creates a sense of flow and harmony.
Paving the way for togetherness
New building innovations have gone a long way to facilitate a greater sense of unity between indoors and out at home. Larger doors, for example, help create a more seamless transition between these living spaces. Luxury builder Kirby Saunders from Saunders Building Company says with new technology, openings can be much larger and also more slimline than in the past. “Doors a decade ago were available in much smaller standard sizing because they couldn’t put big enough beams over the top to take the weight,” he says. “Now building construction can be engineered to support bigger openings; it really comes down to improved technology.”
Go with the flow
The location of an outdoor kitchen is one of the key elements for a conjoined indoor-outdoor space. Architect Alex Porebski from Porebski Architects says when designing an outdoor kitchen, its setting is crucial. “Ideally, you’d want the space to flow out from a family or living area, and that outdoor space should also connect visually with the rest of the garden,” he says. Linking to green spaces introduces the organic; a leafy backdrop reminds us that we are outdoors.
Anders Lawaetz from Seabreeze Kitchens agrees that outdoor kitchens being close to dining and kitchen areas is ideal. “Having the indoor kitchen in close proximity to your outdoor one creates a little bit of banter between the two areas, and that can work well,” he says.
If you don’t have the space at your place for a complete outdoor kitchen that runs from your living or kitchen areas, take part of it around the corner, creating an ‘L’ shape. Alex says wrapping spaces around two parts of the house can work well and also create two distinct yet integrated spaces, each with a different flavour. “For example, a project we’ve done has one outdoor space with a dining table that’s semi-open to the weather, but it joins onto a pool cabana with sitting area, barbecue, TV and fridge. It has sliding doors and can be completely closed off in winter,” he says.
Pass the peas please
A clever pass-through is another way to integrate an internal kitchen. Dishes, drinks and snacks can be popped through the opening to be served outside. It also means those preparing food indoors can feel more connected to all the action outdoors, too.
When creating a pass-through, go bold. Larger pass-throughs form a bigger visual impact and serve to better connect indoors and out.
On the external side, a few bar stools snug against the pass-through create a casual space for extra guests to sit and share a quiet drink or afternoon canapés as the sun goes down. Anders says pass-throughs are definitely a fabulous idea for connecting spaces. “Pass-throughs to outdoor kitchen and barbecue areas can take a space easily from day to night. By day it’s a casual barbecue area, then in the evening it can turn into a bar zone to share a wine or beer,” he says.
Match materials
Another factor that helps to create a sense of harmony is using similar construction materials. Alex says it serves to visually tie the spaces together. “You could use a similar stone inside and out, or a stone threshold that connects you to the outdoor space,” he says. “In a project I completed, we had a timber-lined ceiling that matched the outdoor space with the indoor.”
Reproducing kitchen cabinetry construction materials also works well. Cabinetry is one area that ideally should be replicated, says Kirby, or you run the risk of the indoor-outdoor spaces looking too “busy. “I’m big on duplicating materials to create a sense of unity and flow,” he says. “For example, you might have Shaker-style cabinetry indoors, so replicate that look outdoors as well.”
Kitchen cabinetry used outdoors does need to be constructed for outside. In the past, it was not specifically designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Even if undercover, moisture, drying winds and other elements could wear and warp the cabinetry. Anders says if you envision a beautiful stylish outdoor kitchen but are concerned about its longevity, you can relax. “Choose the right products and it won’t be an issue,” he says. “Unfortunately, I still come across indoor cabinetry outside and it won’t last.”
Blurring the lines
New-look barbecues and modern outdoor furniture also rival those you’ll find indoors. A drop-in barbecue gives an outdoor space an elegant streamlined look as it sits flush with the benchtop. At first glance, it can look a bit like a cooktop indoors but with a slimline lid and optional roasting hood if needed. For those who love tradition, the freestanding barbecue is still popular as you can change its location by simply wheeling it around.
Outdoor furniture is robust, with modern hardwearing fabric that’s designed to go the distance, from sumptuous sofas you can really sink into to comfortable chairs, outdoor bean bags, ottomans and more. There are high-backed bar stools and those without backs in a multitude of colours to match your style. They’re positioned either under a pass-through bench or as a separate outdoor bar-height table and stool setting.
Dining outdoors couldn’t be easier with alfresco settings for four, six or more depending on your needs. If you are short on space, optional bench seats with some settings provide extra seating when needed and can sit flush under the table against the wall when you don’t. Table and chair and lounge combinations are also gaining traction — you essentially have two pieces of furniture in one.
Connectivity to green spaces
That visual amenity between organic outdoor spaces and indoor ones is a huge factor in creating a relaxing area you can enjoy. And with more focus on clean green living, more and more of us are rolling up our sleeves, getting out in the garden and creating beautiful green spaces.
Leafy gardens offer the opportunity to green out your entertaining spots, adding a beautiful organic element. Your guests will love popping over to the garden and being hands on with dinner, gathering herbs or vegetables. You can go vertical, have raised beds, layered garden beds or a potted garden.
Vertical gardens are gaining popularity in an outdoor space as they offer privacy and versatility. You can grow almost anything in a vertical garden and it can be freestanding, or moved around if you choose to reconfigure your garden space depending on seasonal sunlight requirements. With the right plants, a vertical garden becomes a piece of art, a talking point. Many contain watering systems such as drip feeders so they are
low maintenance.
Of course, there are other options, too. Potted gardens filled with herbs or flowering plants can create warmth and style in your outdoor entertaining space. Garden beds or raised garden beds (which are gentler on the knees) in proximity to your outdoor kitchen space are another way to connect.
Article Featured in Grand Designs Australia Magazine Issue 10.3