Personally, we love a fully glazed glass exterior as not only does it remove visual boundaries but also physical ones by replacing solid materials with clear glass. to increase natural light, improve ventilation, and create a more user-friendly, efficient layout.
Lighting plays a central role in shaping atmosphere within a kitchen, particularly when it moves beyond function into layers of mood and emphasis. It is no longer only about visibility, but about how a space is experienced at different moments throughout the day.
Designer at Et Lorem, Jade Jones, recently designed a luxury kitchen with a strong connection to the outdoors, inspired by the property’ s riverside location and large garden, which is completely immersed in nature. She recommends:
Start with the architecture, inside and out. Consider not only the character of your home, but also its relationship with the landscape beyond. The strongest kitchens feel like a natural extension of both the building and its surroundings, creating a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Think carefully about light and orientation. The direction your kitchen faces, and the quality of natural light will influence how the space is experienced throughout the day. Roof lights, glazing and thoughtful positioning can transform the
atmosphere, allowing the outside world to shape the feeling of the room from morning to evening.
Let the outside world influence the forms within. Shapes, proportions and details inspired by the surrounding landscape and architecture can create a natural sense of flow between inside and out. Whether referencing a nearby bridge, the rhythm of the water or the character of the building itself, these subtle connections help a kitchen feel rooted in its environment.
Choose materials that reflect how you live. Natural stone introduces individuality, depth and the beauty of nature into a kitchen, but it is important to consider the practicalities of everyday life. For those seeking a lower maintenance option, there are many engineered surfaces that capture the character of natural stone while offering greater durability.
Design around the people who will use the space. A connection to nature is about more than views alone. Think about how you want to cook, gather and spend time together, and how those moments can be enhanced by the outdoors. The most successful kitchens create an atmosphere that encourages people to slow down, connect and enjoy their surroundings.
www. etlorem. com
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