For many of us in Australia, our outdoor living areas are an extension of our home interior. With clever design, a good outdoor space can provide an additional room that can substantially extend your useable living area. Somewhere that can be used for a large degree of the year, and in some regions, all year round. I was very excited to hear that you can now connect the inside to the outside of your home with Caesarstone and their new outdoor collection. I'm excited because this is an industry first and in the past it has been a challenge helping clients to find a suitable stone, that is contemporary and durable enough for their outdoor kitchen.
Designed, innovated and tested to withstand the sun's rays and the most extreme environmental conditions over the long term, the new Outdoor Collection provides an answer for consumers’ desire to cook, dine and entertain comfortably in an outdoor kitchen, that links to their indoor space. The Industry-first Outdoor Collection is designed with an innovative technology that combines the convenience of stain resistant, easy to clean, highly durable surfaces with properties that withstand all the elements, come rain, snow or shine. It has been shown to outperform other common outdoor surfaces in standardised testing.
These surfaces can also be used inside, so for the first time, a reconstituted stone, with all the benefits we have come to love, can be used to connect the inside to the outside creating a beautiful flow between areas.
Connect the inside to the outside with Caesarstone
Meet the 3 new colours from the Outdoor Collection, which have been launched this week. Be inspired by the range of colours and my recommendations and ideas for interior schemes to link these to.
Caesarstone Palm Shade
Taking the classic look of white marble outside, Palm Shade sits seamlessly next to stainless steel barbecues, a contemporary contrast to a wooden butcher-block, or as a spectacular island by the pool. Its white base and discrete veining are anything but plain; its translucency giving the surface authentic depth. Versatile by design, this beautified stone complements neutral facades and multiple landscaping materials, decking and pavers.
Palm Shade has a lightly textured, smooth Concrete Finish inspired by the tactile nature of polished concrete. This is perfect for outdoor areas where you want to prevent glare.
How to link Palm Shade to an interior style
The soft white background and subtle grey vein in this stone is perfect for a Hamtpons style scheme. The colour palette for this look is a blend of whites and greys with a long lasting classic feel and Palm Shade is perfect to suit this. With it's relaxed textured look, this is great for the laid back Australian take on the Hamptons look which is different to the more formal style of East Coast America, where the climate and lifestyle is quite different.
These are the types of styles that I envisage using Caesarstone Palm Shade with:
Related: Hamptons Style – 7 steps to achieve this look
Caesarstone Clearskies
Contemporary backyards embrace organic materials such as concrete, slate, clay pavers and wooden decks, finished by black garden lighting and metal furniture. These are each complementary to Clearskies, which brings the earthen look of a pebble’s surface to outdoor benchtops, splashbacks and tables. Stovetops in either stainless or black, with steel and brass accents bring a stylish accent to other items such as handles and cookware.
How to link Clearskies to an interior style
The earthy natural texture and colour of Caesarstone Clearskies is perfectly suited to a rustic, country style scheme based on a palette of black, terracotta, green and natural timber. I envisage using this stone in a modern country style home and can see it working perfectly in a vineyard setting. Earthy colour palettes often work too with mid-century design homes with a nod to Scandi style. This isn't a folksy, country style scheme but one that is very sophisticated with warmth and character.
The understated natural tones in this stone will see it connect the inside to the outside seamlessly.
Related: My Guide to Country Style
Caesarstone Midday
Sitting quietly alongside stainless steel cooktops, Midday works equally well next to neutral façades, tiling and stone or light wooden decking. The organic look correlates to the beauty of nature, conjuring up relaxing gardens with metal furniture in white or glass – or more classic seating in wicker. Plant pots in warm grey, beige or terracotta complete the outside setting; the surrounding green foliage creating a play of light and shadows on this stylish benchtop.
How to link Midday to an interior style
The simple soft grey white of Caesarstone Midday will suit many styles as it is the classic neutral. However, I see it working really well with coastal styles that are more contemporary than classic. With the appearance of pale off white concrete, Midday is the classic neutral backdrop for both an interior kitchen and an outdoor kitchen zone. It will complement a sophisticated Scandi style or it can be softened with a more laid back coastal Boho vibe. An ultra contemporary space in a penthouse rooftop would be the perfect spot to use this stone too.
Related: 5 Key elements of Scandi Style
Related: Australian Coastal Style – 7 steps to achieve this look
I hope you are as thrilled as I am to see that you can now use a reconstituted stone outside. To be able to connect the inside to the outside with Caesarstone means that you can now achieve a seamless look for serveries and outdoor kitchens. I would love to hear your thoughts and which style will suit your home.
I have also written two in-depth posts about selecting benchtops and splashbacks for your kitchen.
How to select a kitchen benchtop
How to choose the right kitchen splashback
