Photographer: Kyleen DzPloch Photography
To create an indoor/outdoor kitchen, a folding window connects a screened-in porch with the interior. In the former kitchen, several soffits were taking up space, and the placement of the fridge blocked the countertop when the doors were opened. The small peninsula only sat two, which meant one family member was always left standing up during meals.
“The kitchen needed a better layout and flow, and the homeowners wanted a contemporary, clean-lined design with elements of nature,” said designer Monica Boldea of Kowalske Kitchen & Bath.
Café appliances with a matte-black finish fit well into the space without being obtrusive.
Photographer: Kyleen DzPloch Photography
The designer balanced the black-and-white kitchen with some warm wood elements, including shelves the husband made and refinished and a piece of barnwood the wife acquired from a family friend’s farmhouse to adorn the hood. Because the wife wanted to keep her pantry in the new kitchen, the designer did not have enough space to accommodate an island, so instead she installed a peninsula with room for three seats so the family can enjoy meals together.
Photographer: Kyleen DzPloch Photography
Boldea made smart choices to maximize storage and countertop space, including changing the refrigerator location, which allowed her to create a larger and longer peninsula. An appliance garage with a lift-up door hides everyday items when not in use, which eliminates clutter and allows for more countertop space.
Photographer: Kyleen DzPloch Photography
The main goal in this indoor/outdoor kitchen renovation was to open it up to the screened-in porch. A bi-fold window that opens and connects the kitchen to the sunroom accomplishes two things. One, it allows the homeowners to cook while interacting with guests on the patio and pass appetizers and cocktails to them from the kitchen. Two, the indoor/outdoor kitchen provides more entertaining space and connects to the backyard garden