This open-plan outdoor kitchen was totally new territory for the designer – but the result is the dreamiest space for summer entertaining

As the warmer seasons approach, our attentions turn to our outdoor spaces. And what was once a place that was perhaps covered in lawn or featured a simple patio has evolved into an extension of our homes, encouraging inside/outside living.

But how can you design an outdoor kitchen and living space that feels like a continuation of your interiors? Designer Rebekah Zaveloff has shown how seamless it can be in this design, which proves even a backyard can be cozy and inviting.

From the neutral color palette to the statement furniture and genius zoning, this space is a masterclass in outdoor decorating – and proves your garden living area can be just as chic as those indoors.

Before the project, the area in question was nonexistent. 'The new addition for the family-meets-dining room created a courtyard effect – before that, it was just an unfinished yard that was part of Mt. Tamalpais,' explains Rebekah Zaveloff, co-founder and creative director of Imparfait Design Studio.

Starting from a blank slate meant the team could really create an outdoor kitchen, dining, and living area that catered to the needs of the client, and maximized all the available space.

Every part of the design felt like a major change from the empty land that preceded it. From installing the new patio to building the statement fireplace, everything was designed from scratch, including the pergola, which bridges the gap between indoor and out, that wasn't without its challenges.

'I had never designed a pergola before, so that was both fun and challenging. I had also never designed a masonry fireplace or masonry outdoor kitchen – the whole project was entirely new territory for me, and it was awesome to see it all come together,' says Rebekah.

But despite many design firsts, you would never know from the finished space. It feels inviting and curated, it's a space you'd want to spend every spare moment in during the summer months. 'It's a serene oasis that feels like a huge outdoor room extending from the house. The seamless flow of indoor/outdoor living has been a game-changer for this family,' she explains.

'Defining the patio with graphic encaustic concrete floor tile makes the space feel like an outdoor room rather than just a patio. The outdoor kitchen was designed to seamlessly blend into the retaining wall, and the fireplace creates a cozy anchor for the lounge space. The pergola defines the dining area and provides much-needed shade on sunny days.'

The flooring choice was key to ensuring the design felt cohesive and liveable, rather than being a rough, plain floor that you'd usually expect of an outdoor space. 'I think the concrete tile floor is really the wow factor. This space would look entirely different if it had solid bluestone instead,' Rebekah adds.

It was also important that the design didn't feel too fussy or busy – the outdoor tile flooring, “Compass Point“ Geometric Cement Tile from Villa Lagoon Tile, brought in pattern, so the rest of the design could embrace simplicity and pared-back style, especially the outdoor kitchen.

'I love the simplicity of the outdoor kitchen. I'm not a fan of outdoor kitchens that are fancier than indoor kitchens. They shouldn't compete with the landscape and nature; they should blend in harmoniously,' she says.

'I wanted the kitchen to feel like it was just part of the wall rather than a focal point. It's convenient and appropriately sized, but not massive or overbearing. I chose brick instead of stucco to give it texture, then used bluestone for the countertops to match the retaining wall cap.'

To help create that more casual look that feels at home with the natural surroundings, Rebekah chose to forgo cabinet doors, instead opting for open shelving with woven storage. 'I was going for a charming, repurposed aesthetic, as if it could have been a potting table converted into an outdoor kitchen.'

The outdoor furniture choices bring interest to the whole design. The knotted design of the sofas adds texture, while the dining chairs bring in a warmer tone to contrast with the neutral colors elsewhere.

Decor forms the final layer of the design, and gives the whole outdoor space a lived-in feel that brings nature into the scheme. Potted plants on the dining table, scattered on the surrounding walls, and framing the outdoor fireplace break up the flow of color and invite the landscape in.

The space is curated yet not fussy, simple yet still filled with visual interest. It proves that any yard can be transformed into an oasis to relax, host, and simply spend time in through the warmer months.

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From the striking patio flooring to the beautiful furniture and cozy fireplace, this design proves that you can create an al fresco haven in almost any outdoor space. It proves sometimes simplicity is the best approach – and allows your garden decorating ideas to evolve as you do.