Five ways to create a seamlessly chic indoor/outdoor living space

As the weather gets warmer and days get longer, the allure of spending more time in the garden and appreciating the joy of fresh air and greenery becomes ever more tempting. When it comes to updating a kitchen/living space, it can be easy to think about the home and garden as separate places. But by considering the areas holistically and employing some simple tactics, you can create a seamless transition between the two spaces.

Benchmarx Kitchens design expert, Julia Trendell, gives six clever design tips for creating a seamless transition between your home and garden:

Patio doors

“Patio doors are a great investment for your home, as not only can they open up the space to create a lighter, brighter living area, but they also create a more functional and versatile way of living. They offer a great way to open up your home to the outdoors and create a seamless transition between the home and garden.

“Bi-fold doors are an ideal option for creating a truly seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. The larger configurations tend to have the greatest impact, as they truly blur the lines between indoor and outdoor space.

“However, a great alternative to bi-folds and one of the most popular patio door designs, French doors can offer a solution to suit any home. The French door is particularly

suitable for small openings, although there is a range of different sizes that can lend it to different applications.

“French doors are also incredibly versatile and suitable for non-patio applications, such as replacing the space where a large window was once installed, or even an office/playroom at the side of the house. Introducing patio doors in this way will create an opportunity to open up the doors on a sunny day, allowing you to enjoy the warm glow and florals that summer offers, without the glare that working on the patio can sometimes bring.”

Roof windows

“Introducing roof windows into an extension, such as the VELUX flat and pitched roof options that we offer at Benchmarx Kitchens, is a great way to allow sunlight to pour into the room and make the space feel bigger. Natural light is one of the most organic ways to let the outside in and creates a more welcoming atmosphere as a whole.

“Roof windows can also allow a natural breeze to flow through the home when open, providing much-needed relief when cooking in warmer weather.”

Flooring

“If you are lucky enough to have a patio area outside, one way of continuing the interior aesthetic is to use the same flooring.

“While a durable material such as stone will be needed to survive the British weather, you have more flexibility indoors. QuickStep luxury vinyl flooring, for example, is a great alternative as it is cost-effective, durable and available in stone and wooden finishes to mirror outdoor surfaces.

“Regardless of the materials used, maintaining flooring on the same level will allow an uninterrupted flow to the indoor/outdoor space to create another seamless transition.

Worktops

“In addition to flooring, extending worktops outside will also give an uninterrupted flow between your home and garden. There are many materials that are durable enough for outdoor use, such as the Apollo Ceramica range available from Benchmarx, which is weatherproof and resistant to UV rays, fire and frost.

Island planter

“An island planter is the perfect way to include greenery in your kitchen and add natural elements that bring some of the outside in. It’s also an incredibly functional feature, giving you space to grow fresh herbs and facilitate easy access while cooking.

“The joy of an island planter is that it doesn’t take up a huge amount of space alongside an island or peninsula, and it is totally customisable. When entertaining or enjoying family time in the garden during warmer months, the herb garden can temporarily be replaced with ice, providing the perfect base to chill drinks.”

Wine cooler

“When spending family time in the garden on warm summer evenings, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a cool drink. Planning a dedicated wine cooler in your kitchen may seem like an extravagance, however you’ll find that it frees up space in the fridge and offers the flexibility to chill anything, from sparkling water through to your favourite wine. Locating the cooler close to your patio makes enjoying a summer’s evening with a beverage more convenient – as well as being perfect for gatherings and barbeques.

“I would advise choosing a wine cooler with a humidifier and temperature alarm to maintain the optimum environment, even on the warmest of days. Benchmarx also offers a slim fit version to allow you to maximise storage where space is limited.”

For further information on Benchmarx Kitchens’ ranges, visit www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk/Kitchens/Inspiration.