How to Create an Indoor/Outdoor Living Space
Move over, open concept. The latest on-trend home design is a blended indoor/outdoor living space.
Effortlessly combining the beauty of nature with the functionality of modern appliances, these rooms expand the footprint of your home and make it feel bigger.
Are you looking to create this type of environment at your house? If so, it pays to know where to start. Today, we're sharing a few of our top tips to help you bring out the best of both worlds!
1. Start with a Vision
Before you start picking out furnishings and choosing materials, think about how you envision using your new space.
Do you see this as an extension of your kitchen, where you'll cook and barbecue all year long? Or, is it more of a living area, where your family can curl up and watch the game on an outdoor television?
There isn't a right or wrong answer, and you can include lots of different elements in your interior design! However, if you push ahead without thinking about the future, you could wind up spending money on furniture and accessories you don't actually use.
If you're unsure where to start, try searching Pinterest and saving images that speak to you. You can also check home design magazines or scroll Instagram, using tags such as #indooroutdoor to find inspiration!
2. Choose Your Transition
A true indoor/outdoor space allows you to close off one section to fully enjoy the other. For instance, if you want to spend time outside, you should be able to close off your interior, so you aren't pumping AC into the open air.
Knowing this, think about what you want your transition structure to be. A few options include:
- A sliding glass door
- A set (or sets) of French doors
- Sliding glass walls
Depending on the model, certain doors can block your view so choose sliding glass if you want the least amount of obstruction. Keep in mind that these can give your home a more modern look, so opt for the French doors if your style leans more traditional.
3. Keep Flooring Consistent
One of our top decorating tips for creating the perfect multi-functional outdoor room? Keep the flooring consistent with the space that lies right inside!
Of course, this works best if your interior material is weather-resistant, so it can stand up well to the outside elements. Tile is a great all-over choice, as is concrete.
When used in conjoining rooms, seamless flooring helps the look flow. It also makes the area look bigger and helps merge the two rooms together.
4. Bring in Some Shade
There's nothing like catching some rays in your own backyard! Unless, of course, you want to read a book, catch up with friends, or enjoy a meal.
If you plan to use your new space to entertain, then you'll need to add some sort of sun protection to keep your guests comfortable. Depending on your preference, this can be a permanent installation or a temporary one that you only bring out when necessary.
Some of the most common solutions include:
- Pergolas
- Awnings
- Retractable shades
- Patio umbrellas
Choose a type of shade that corresponds with the colors and materials you're already planning to use in the room. This way, everything will blend and look cohesive.
5. Keep It Warm (or Cool)
Unless you live somewhere where it's consistently the same temperature all year, you'll need to think of a way to heat and cool your blended rooms.
If your climate is colder, look for heaters that you can incorporate into your decor. Some of your choices include:
- Fire pits
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Gas patio heaters
From ultra-contemporary to retro and rustic, you can find these items in a variety of styles.
If your temperatures tend to be on the hotter side, consider adding outdoor fans to your room to keep it comfortable when the temperature dial starts creeping up.
6. Enclose the Area
If your property is expansive and private, you might not think twice about grilling out until well past dark. However, if you live in a neighborhood, you might want a little more privacy.
In this case, look for a simple solution that can enclose your space just the right amount. For some, this might mean building permanent walls on a few sides of the outdoor area. Others may prefer curtains that they can draw when necessary and push open the rest of the time.
You can also design your landscaping to add dimension and height around your patio area. Tall-growing shrubs like lilac and forsythia can add a beautiful pop of color, too!
7. Keep a Singular Theme
When you're trying to blend two rooms together, it helps to keep the design theme relatively consistent. For instance, if your accessories and furniture are super modern in your kitchen, then the decor should be equally chic on the attached patio.
Or, if you love a classic, traditional look, stick with furnishings that pair well together, such as a timeless leather recliner in the living room and a wicker outdoor set just steps away.
Enjoy Your Indoor/Outdoor Living Space
Your home is the ultimate expression of your personality. You should be able to create a living space that you love coming home to every day.
Keep the above tips in mind as you start designing this area. Yet, at the end of the day, let your own style choices take precedence. Experiment with different looks, materials, and textures until you strike the right balance and find what works for you.
Along the way, we can help you clear out more room and open up even more space in your home. If you need junk removal services, feel free to book an appointment with our team today.