OUT in the OPEN

Two fabulous examples of how the heart of the home can be opened up to the great outdoors

- CANDICE BOTHA, NATALIE BORUVKA

Open sesame

By furnishing rather than fitting this kitchen, it blends perfectly with the indoor/outdoor style of the rest of the house

In keeping with the design of this KZN North Coast home, which has floor-to-ceiling glass doors throughout, the living area/kitchen extends naturally into the garden. “There is minimal separation between the indoors and outdoors, and the garden is visible from the kitchen as well as all areas of the house,” says interior designer Lisa Twyman.

The natural flow is enhanced by the fact that the kitchen is not obtrusive. “We designed the island and countertops slightly lower than the standard height and chose non-traditional materials such as dark timber, black finishes and brass, with pieces that look more like furniture than fitted cupboards,” notes Lisa. Her mix of marble, granite, brass and timber has a contemporary look that complements the off-shutter concrete ceilings and walls, and concrete and aggregate flooring.