Have you ever heard the phrase, “indoor-outdoor living?” Essentially, it’s a term used to describe situations where the outside world and indoor living space seem to blend together. Pretty cool concept, but you may be wondering just how to accomplish something like that and ultimately what are some of the benefits that come along with.
Blending indoor and outdoor spaces isn’t as unattainable as you might think. While it may require some remodeling, it’s really more of a mindset. The key is to think about how you want to use the space and plan accordingly.
Here are 10 great ideas for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces:
Eating in Style
In general, the open floor plan movement eschewed the traditional dining room of years past. However, as the wave of open-concept begins to recede, dining rooms are making a bit of a comeback. What they now incorporate, however, is a more open and airy feel, much like the eat-in kitchen dining area. So rather than a set of small windows that made dining rooms in older homes feel too claustrophobic, why not introduce a larger window or series of windows to really enliven the space and make people want to linger in conversation rather than rushing into the kitchen to deal with the dirty dishes.
Let’s get the party started
Entertaining spaces have been around for a while… from an intimate dinner party to a larger gathering, having enough space to feel comfortable is important. One great option is to utilize unused outdoor space (like a patio that doesn’t have direct access to the main area you typically entertain in). By opening up the space between them, two formerly disconnected areas can become one.
Relaxation Zone
Stress is a natural part of our everyday existence, but so should natural light. Studies have proven that daylight can not only change our mood for the better, but it can also have positive effects on our actual health. Large panes of glass, whether via windows or doors, can provide lasting natural light that can make a direct impact on your well-being all day long.
Fresh Air Will Do You Good
Being cooped up all day is no good, especially if the airflow in your home isn’t ideal. A direct influx of fresh air can do wonders. Did you know that 20% of the oxygen you breathe in is used by your brain to function? So if you’re looking to open up, doors that fold open and closed can be a great option. They’re built to collapse into each other, to allow for an unfettered view and free-flowing access. Plus, you can vary how wide or narrow the opening is.
Dine al fresco
Our southern climate is ideal for dining outside. Plus it’s a great way to actually extend your living space. Have you ever considered an outdoor kitchen? Whether a small scale or something more ostentatious, the convenience of staying outside from prep to serving to relaxing is definitely a great way to support an outdoor lifestyle.
Unleash Your Inner Interior Designer
This is a great way to introduce nature into your interior from a cost standpoint and it’s relatively easy to do. By introducing natural elements like plants into your living space, or even including design elements like pillows and window treatments with colors, patterns and imagery that has an outdoor connotation, this is a great way to personalize the space too.
Get Unconventional
The structure of your home isn’t typically something you consider altering, unless you happen to be doing a major expansion. However, there are ways to retrofit without adding on. Moving glass walls are the latest in home design and for regions that lend themselves to this option, it’s definitely a significant makeover.
Increase Your Traffic Flow
For those interested in marrying their indoor and outdoor activities more frequently, utility is an important consideration. A high-performance sliding door will not only make access easy but will stand the test of time.
Migrate Your Indoor Activities Outside
Outdoor rooms are essentially replicas of space you traditionally would have inside. A yoga studio, home theater, a card table for the Friday night poker game… the list goes on and on. Weather is a factor of course, so if you have a covered outdoor area, even better!
Bring the Green Thumb Inside
Looking to meld your love of the outdoors with a functional window? A garden window is a truly unique way to accomplish many things, especially if you’re looking to make more connections between your interior and exterior living space.
If you’re still not sure of your options and want to explore some additional indoor outdoor living design ideas, just reach out to us and we can help provide some guidance so you get exactly what you want. After all, your home is your sanctuary and our mission is to delight homeowners just like you however possible.