6 Tips for Bringing the Outdoors Into Your Kitchen

Whether you’re a true lover of the outdoors or simply crave the feeling of wide-open spaces, Mother Nature has some secrets that can turn your kitchen into a more relaxing, revitalizing space.

So how can you bring the outdoors inside? You might be ready for a major renovation, or a few little tweaks might feel just right. We’ve put together a list of ways to embrace nature, regardless of your time or budget restrictions:

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Ready for a major overhaul?

Tip #1: Enlarge the window over your sink. Windows provide ample access to sunlight, fresh air and an overall feeling of spaciousness. Consider adding one big window to your kitchen, or shift your layout to accommodate a whole wall of windows.

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Tip #2: Open your kitchen up to the dining room (or another adjacent room). Removing walls is a great way to allow more light to flow into the kitchen, giving you that feeling of being more connected to the outdoors. You’ll gain openness along with the added views, light and airflow from the other room.

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Tip #3: Add skylights. What could be better than cooking breakfast, looking up, and seeing the sky? Skylights provide a gorgeous view and brilliant light— which can be especially significant in kitchens where adding more windows isn’t feasible.

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Small changes more your style?

Tip #1: Make plants and fresh flowers a permanent part of your décor. The easiest way to bring the outdoors in is to literally bring the outdoors in:

• Add potted and hanging plants in places where they won’t be in the way.
• Start a new habit of buying or picking fresh flowers for your kitchen each week.
• Keep it simple with succulents. They’re green, gorgeous and incredibly low maintenance.

Want some simple tips on creating a succulent garden? Click here.

Tip #2: Start an indoor herb garden. No more running to the grocery store for fresh herbs when you grow your own! Even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, indoor gardens are a viable option. They require easy care, add greenery to your kitchen and provide a delicious culinary benefit. If you’re ready to start your own little herb garden, House Beautiful has compiled an assortment of ideas to get you started.  

Tip #3: Add in natural materials. If you want your kitchen to have that natural, outdoors-in feel, incorporate materials you would find outside:

• Create a centerpiece for your kitchen island made with a glass bowl and some gorgeous river rocks.
• Change out your painted furniture for items that let natural wood shine.
• If you’re doing minor renovations, consider choosing natural elements like bamboo wood flooring, or a natural stone countertop and backsplash.

Need Help picking out a counter top? Click here.

Surrounding yourself with nature has proven to have benefits far beyond aesthetics. Nature can actually help reduce stress levels and increase happiness. While nothing beats spending time outside, with these changes you can bring the outdoors in—and enjoy the benefits.

If you're ready to bring the outdoors into your kitchen sign up for a free consultation. Any one of our experienced designers can work with you to design a space that lives up to your vision, one that will reflect your style, fit your functional needs, meet your budget and be designed for your life.