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The ubiquitous open-concept layout took a hiatus during the pandemic, but it's gaining momentum (again), and it's not what you might think. Open floor plans are on the rise, with 40% of homeowners choosing this option, according to Houzz's Kitchen Trends Survey, but people aren't stopping at knocking out interior walls. 20% of renovators are going open concept by moving the kitchen outside as well as into the dining room and living room..
According to our research, the most common method is to add two or more doors leading to the outside world (46% of those who made the upgrade suggested this). The second most popular solution was a single door (29 percent), followed by a pass-through window (14 percent). Here are some of our favorite examples of kitchens that can extend into the backyard and beyond.
Let's slip out and go outside
This originally spacious kitchen designed by Jessica Risco-Smith seamlessly transforms into two cooking zones in just two steps. Accordion-style windows and doors push aside to create an airy walkway to the adjacent grill and outdoor dining space.
give yourself a choice
Brian and Jesse de Rowe's Montecito, Calif., home offers a touch of nature in almost every room, and the kitchen offers two options. Huge garage door windows open to bar seating, with a sliding glass partition directly adjacent to the patio (both made by his Architectural Ironworks).
Please create a path
This baking getaway in Palm Springs was hand-picked by our team. new york times Cook specifically to suit your kitchen layout. The room flows seamlessly from the prep space to the pool area via a concession style window over the sink. Thanks to Genevieve Co, the eat-in bar across the street, new york times “This is one of our team's favorite cookie corners,” says Cooking magazine's deputy editor.
Let's do it for the kids
Content creator Rachel “Rocky” Burns didn't design her LA kitchen with her growing family in mind (she and husband Matthew Cooper have two sons), but she did. The outdoor bar turned out to be comparable to the food. This space is perfect for casual children's meals or for supervising young children as they roam around the backyard.
