6 Ways to Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Living Space
6 Ways to Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Living Space
Contributed by Dakota Hendrix
When we think about a house, we tend to see “indoors” and “outdoors” as two separate areas. People usually pay more attention to indoor living spaces since they spend most of their time there. On the other hand, outdoor space refers to a simple yard or a garden. How often it is used depends on the weather. The only connection between these two is usually a deck or a patio. However, the current trend in interior design is connecting indoors and outdoors. This way, a house looks larger, there is more natural light, and the whole property appears more aesthetically pleasing. If you’re interested in a new home project, consider linking these two areas of your home! Here are six ways to connect your indoor and outdoor living space.
6 ways to connect your indoor and outdoor living space
Before you decide to undertake this project, it’s good to calculate your budget. Keep in mind that linking your indoor and outdoor living space doesn’t have to be expensive. A few simple interior (and exterior) design changes can do the job. However, connecting these two areas can also require serious remodeling, which costs more. It all depends on the approach you choose.
Opening up indoor living space
Houses with large windows and glass doors give a sense of openness. There is always a lot of natural light, and views can be mesmerizing. One of the best ways to connect your indoor and outdoor living space is to “open up” a wall and install a glass door or create a corner window.
Open up a wall
Opening up one side of your home with floor-to-ceiling glass doors will create a connection to your outdoor living space. You’ll have a fantastic garden view even when you keep your doors closed. However, keep in mind that this is more suitable for houses in warm climates. Also, it requires more work and can be very expensive.
Corner Window
If you have a nice view from any room in your house, consider installing a corner window. A standard window placed on a straight wall has a limited view. On the other hand, with corner windows, the viewing angle increases. Also, lots of natural light and inspiring scenery are great for creating a “sun room,” a place where you can relax. It is a less expensive solution and is suitable for homes in any climate.
Use the same flooring
It’s a visual trick. If you use the same design for indoor and outdoor flooring, it will create an optical illusion. Indoor living space will appear larger because the eye will be drawn to the outdoor.
Of course, you have to keep in mind that the design can be the same, but outdoor flooring has to be suitable for use in all weathers. For instance, if temperatures are low in winter, they need to be frost-proof. Also, slip resistance is important for rainy days.
This is also one of the more challenging projects. It’s best to undertake it if you’re moving into a new home and want to remodel it. It’s easier to do this if starting from scratch. Begin with learning how to make a floor plan for your new house before moving. It will give you a general idea of how to connect indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Match the style of interior and exterior design
If your indoor living space has a specific theme and color palette, make sure to use it outside as well. It will create a seamless flow between spaces, and your indoor and outdoor areas will feel more connected.
It’s also a chance for you to remodel your house. If you haven’t given much thought to the interior design of your home, now is the time. There’s a variety of classic design trends which you can use indoors and outdoors. Furniture elements with the same concept will give a sense of aesthetic continuity.
Choose the correct outdoor lighting
One of the most important elements in interior design is lighting. Properly placed lights create a pleasant atmosphere. On the other hand, poorly located ones can make a room feel dark and cramped. The same goes with outside lighting.
Well-positioned outdoor lighting scheme will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are many possible solutions. For instance, you can create lighting paths; put the lights on the edge of garden beds, or hang them on walls, fences, or trees. Choose the right lighting idea for your patio, and your indoor and outdoor space will feel more connected.
Surround yourself with plants
Using greenery is one of the easiest ways to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. In order to blur the line between “in” and “out,” you need to locate plants both indoors and outdoors. Inside, put them by doorways and windows. Outside, position them near the house.
Plants are not only decorative but therapeutic as well. Having them in the house is extremely beneficial for your mental health. As a matter of fact, they are one of the interior design hacks to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing at home.
Create an outdoor room
Most people have standard outdoor furniture that probably doesn’t match the interior design of their home. The chairs and tables we use in our gardens are designed for areas outside the house. Therefore, it’s not surprising that there’s no feeling of connection. Outside simply feels like “outside.”
However, if you bring your living room into the garden, these two areas won’t feel as separated. Of course, this means using furniture which you would typically use inside, like sofas and armchairs. You can use corner sofas and coffee tables to make a comfortable seating area. You can even consider putting out a rug. Another way to go is to design an outdoor kitchen.
Make a seemless connection from the outdoors in!
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to connect your indoor and outdoor living space. Some require more work and a bigger budget, while others are relatively inexpensive and easy to do. It all depends on your preferences! Find what’s best for you and start planning!