Introduction

Welcome to our kitchen of the week, a gorgeous outdoor-inspired space in Ohio that truly brings the beauty of nature indoors. This kitchen features an open, airy design with natural materials and textures that connect it to the scenic wooded surroundings. We’ll provide an in-depth look at the layout, features, decor and more that make this Kitchen of the Week so special. Whether you live in Ohio or anywhere else, you’ll come away with plenty of inspiration for creating a kitchen that feels one with the outdoors. Let’s take a tour!

Layout and Design

The layout of this kitchen is designed to maximize views of the tranquil woods outside. It’s situated at one end of the home, with huge windows along two of the walls. This floods the space with natural light and creates a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. The windows provide views of towering trees, chirping birds at the feeders and more.

In terms of layout, the kitchen features a large square-shaped island at the center. This provides ample prep space and seating while also directing lines of sight towards the windows. The perimeter of the room contains streamlined cabinetry in a warm wood tone and granite countertops. Appliances like the stove and refrigerator are built into the cabinetry for a unified look.

The vaulted ceiling reaches up to the exposed wooden beams above, creating an airy, open feel. The beam detailing relates back to the outdoors, looking like tree branches stretching overhead. The primarily neutral color scheme provides a calm backdrop for the natural views outside. Pops of green from houseplants tie everything together.

Natural Materials

The materials used throughout this kitchen were chosen to complement the outdoor surroundings. Wood, stone, metal and greenery take precedence over more artificial elements like plastic or vinyl.

The cabinets are crafted from quarter-sawn oak, which has an attractive rippled grain pattern. The variation in the wood grain provides organic visual interest. The countertops are granite, a natural stone surface that’s highly durable. While the perimeter counters are polished granite, the island features a honed or matte finish for contrast.

The backsplash behind the stove mixes materials, with stacked stone tiles at the bottom and woven rattan above. The varied textures add depth and relate back to materials found in nature. The rattan brings in warmth while remaining moisture-resistant behind the cooking surface.

Plenty of houseplants can be found throughout the kitchen, from small succulents to trailing ivy. Their greenery enhances the connection to the outdoors. The main light fixture consists of galvanized metal buckets clustered together and suspended from the ceiling. Rustic wood open shelving provides space for display above the counters.

Decor and Details

The decor and details in this kitchen focus on bringing the outside in. Natural artifacts like leaves, acorns, feathers, stones and more are displayed in glass containers scattered throughout. These collections from the surrounding landscape become art objects.

A large chalkboard at one end of the room features a hand-drawn tree design. This allows for a changing display, with family members updating the tree according to the current season. A vase filled with foraged branches or blooming flowers reinforces the seasonal theme.

The kitchen island contains retractable screens on two sides that allow open-air dining while keeping insects out. Weathered wood stools surround the island, their texture and color resonating with the outdoors. The lighting is primarily provided by pendant lamps, flush mount fixtures, and sconces featuring organic shapes, exposed filaments, and natural materials.

While the kitchen itself connects to the scenery outside, the adjacent outdoor living space heightens the experience. A stone patio with teak furnishings leads out from French doors to a pergola-covered dining space. The outdoor area feels like a seamless extension of the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Kitchen of the Week demonstrates how to successfully intertwine indoor and outdoor beauty. The layout provides scenic views while the materials, textures, decor and furnishings relate back to natural elements. It achieves a relaxing yet inspiring feel that immerses you in the surrounding wooded landscape.

Whether you live in rural Ohio or anywhere else, this kitchen offers wonderful inspiration. Integrating just a few of these elements, from expansive windows to organic textures, can make your own kitchen feel more connected to the outdoors. This creates an enjoyable, tranquil space for cooking, dining and relaxing.

We hope you enjoyed this up-close look at a kitchen that truly embraces the open air. Let us know if you have any favorite features or ideas for bringing your own kitchen closer to nature. We’ll be back soon with another Kitchen of the Week!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key design elements that connect this kitchen to the outdoors?

Some key design elements include:

• The layout with windows along two walls to maximize outdoor views
• Vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams
• Natural materials like wood, stone, metal and plants
• Decor with natural artifacts like leaves and feathers
• Retractable screens for open-air dining

What type of look were they going for in this kitchen?

The overall look is airy, open and inspired by nature. Terms that describe it include:

• Organic
• Natural
• Rustic
• Relaxing
• Scenic
• Wooded
• Tranquil

They avoided a slick, modern or overly-sleek look in favor of a more laidback style.

What are some ideas for bringing the outdoors into other kitchens?

Some ideas include:

• Incorporate large windows and glass doors for views
• Use natural materials like wood, stone and metal
• Add houseplants and greenery
• Display natural items like stones, pinecones or shells
• Use colors inspired by nature like sage green, sky blue, etc.
• Incorporate imagery of trees, leaves or mountains in decor
• Install retractable screens or roll-down shades for open-air dining

What are the benefits of connecting a kitchen space to the outdoors?

Benefits include:

• Provides pleasant views of nature while cooking and dining
• Fosters a relaxing, tranquil environment in the kitchen
• Brings positive effects of the outdoors like fresh air and sunlight indoors
• Connects you more closely to the changing of seasons
• Inspires creativity and new menu ideas based on seasonal ingredients

What are some challenges of having an indoor/outdoor kitchen?

Some potential challenges include:

• Increased exposure to insects, requiring screening
• More vigilance needed to keep leaves, dirt and debris out
• Not as temperature controlled, may get hotter or colder
• Outdoor furnishings must withstand weathering
• Potential for increased humidity and moisture indoors

What are the key takeaways from this Kitchen of the Week?

Some key takeaways include:

• Maximizing scenic outdoor views through an open, airy layout
• Using natural materials like wood, granite and rattan
• Incorporating decor from nature like feathers and stones
• Allowing for open-air dining with retractable screens
• Creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas
• Achieving a tranquil, organic and rustic yet relaxed style

Conclusion

This indoor-outdoor kitchen in Ohio provides a beautiful example of bringing natural style and scenic beauty into the heart of the home. Its layout, materials, decor and furnishings all work together to connect the space to the wooded surroundings. Elements like the expansive windows, vaulted ceilings, and organic textures invite the outdoors in. At the same time, the adjoining patio and pergola extend the kitchen outdoors. Seamlessly moving between the two creates an engaging living experience.

While this Kitchen of the Week has a specific wooded setting, many of its design concepts can translate to all types of homes. Using natural materials, foliage and colors are simple ways to relay the textures and hues of the outdoors. We hope you feel inspired to create a closer relationship between your indoor and outdoor spaces. A kitchen open to the outdoors provides the best of both worlds.