Kitchen with garden access

HOW TO CONNECT ROOMS

Here are tips from this project for bridging separate spaces.

Unify
To prevent visual interruption, continue using the same colors, materials, and styles from one room to the next (or from inside to outside).

Unblock
Make small spaces feel larger by removing visual barriers - anything from furniture to walls ― that interrupt sight lines and traffic flow between rooms.

Brighten
Produce a feeling of openness and an outdoor connection by devising ways to bring in natural light and glimpses of the garden.

Resources: General contractor was Gillispie Construction (415/380-9982). Off-white storage cabinets and cherry-wood bar countertop fabricated by Elmack Cabinetry (415/388-1293). Barbara Barry caned barstools ($1,868 each) and caned arm chairs ($1,692 each) from McGuire McGuire (800/662-4847). Satellite bowl designed by Carlo Contin ($48) from MoMA Store (800/447-6662). Honed black granite countertops from Imperial Marble Kitchens & Baths (650/873-3574).