How to Create Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living

Let’s put it out there: in Australia, we love open plan living.  It suits our climate and our busy lifestyle.  The concept of ‘free flow’ living zones gives families the freedom to interact easily, while allowing space for individual activities and relaxation. Outdoor entertaining is part of our culture and has become one of our favorite ways to spend time with family and friends – a great way to chill out and unwind after a hard day’s work. 

For many Australian homeowners, their outdoor living space is a very important part of their home.  Last year we spent more time in our own houses than perhaps ever before and as a result, many Australians are re-evaluating the way they use their homes and making changes to maximise the functionality and practicality of their living spaces, both indoor and out.  The concept of multiple blended living zones is one of the most significant shifts in contemporary interior designing, and across the country, many Australians are embracing this growing trend.

Creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living is not as hard as it might seem.  In fact, with careful planning, savvy choices, and a strong vision, you can successfully blur the boundaries between the two, allowing your alfresco to become a perfectly natural extension to your living area. And when it’s executed properly, the indoor/outdoor living zone is guaranteed to be one of the favorite parts of the home!

So, where to start?  Here are a few key points to consider when designing or updating your indoor/outdoor living space:

1. Plan, Plan, Plan

Time spent planning is never wasted.  Think about how you want to use your space: the area needs to be big enough to be able to move about easily, with enough space for your guests/family and your furniture.  If it’s too big it may impact on your garden area; too small and it will look like a half-baked afterthought.    

Take the time to measure and mark out your proposed outdoor area before you put shovel to dirt.  Being able to physically see the area will help to cement your ideas and allow you to adjust your plans until it ‘feels’ right.

2. One Theme

Having a single design theme which carries through from the inside of your home to the outside will help to unify both zones. Choose colors, styles and finishes which will be serviceable in both areas – this will help to break down any visual barriers and create a seamless transition between the two.

3. Bring in the Light

Drenching your home with natural light is key to creating a beautifully blended indoor/outdoor living area.  There are several ways to achieve this light, bright and airy feel:

• Glass Doors

There are many types of glass doors which have become popular for creating a seamless harmony between the alfresco and indoor living areas.  Bi-folds, stacker doors and sliding doors are all great options, each with their individual pros and cons when it comes to allowing for maximum light and airflow.

• Glass Panels

Where physical barriers are needed, glass panels or oversized windows can take the place of bricks and mortar, making the sky and garden views part of the room! 

• Ceiling Windows

Is your kitchen or indoor living zone a bit dark?  Welcome the ceiling window! By flooding your room with light from above you can achieve that warm, inviting, outdoor feel which will help to connect the internal and external zones. 

4. Universal Flooring

Continuous flooring is another great way to create an open living feel.  Choose a material which is serviceable for both zones and use it to bridge the gap between the two areas by drawing the eye from the inside to the outside.  Keeping the floor at the same level is another subtle way to remove barriers between the two areas.

5. Add Some Greenery

Quite apart from the health benefits of plants inside, bringing some greenery indoors will remove the boundaries between the garden and the home.  Allow yourself and your family to connect with nature by introducing some gorgeous indoor plant species: even if you’re not a natural green finger, there are plenty of beautiful, low maintenance species that are guaranteed to liven up your communal living areas.

6. Use Garden Lights

There’s no need to lose the beauty of your landscaping when the sun goes down: stunning garden lighting can be used to turn your garden into a nighttime fairyland!  Our outdoor entertaining areas need to cater for both daytime and evening guests, so make yours the envy of your family and friends with a bit of innovative lighting – you may wish to draw attention to a water fountain, pool area or architectural structure, so get creative and watch the magic happen!

7. Furniture

Matching indoor and outdoor furniture is another great way to celebrate harmony in your open living zones.  Choose materials that are well suited to both environments and that develop texture and beauty with age.  Decorate lavishly with cushions, throws and rugs – these soft furnishings can take your living area to the next level and make your house feel like a home.

When choosing your outdoor furniture, you must consider the specifics of your local climate.  Opt for pieces that are sturdy, well-built and if possible, low maintenance. 

8. Feeling fancy? Add a Jacuzzi!

The addition of a jacuzzi to your outdoor area will help to connect indoor and outdoor relaxation and social areas. Jacuzzi’s are a great option for homes where an inbuilt swimming pool isn’t practical – they’re relatively easy to install and maintain, use less water than pools and provide hours of pleasure for all ages.  In addition to all this, the health benefits of a hot tub or spa are well known – relaxation, improved sleep and calorie burn, to name a few.

9. Install a Fireplace

While summer might be the season for outdoor living, what about those chilly winter evenings when you entertain in Ugg boots and a hoodie?  The fireplace can become a wonderfully cozy gathering point for your family and friends while providing warmth against the elements outside.

Now before you make a start in renovating or creating that perfect indoor/outdoor living space, why not speak to a Love & Co team member today so they can provide you with some insight as to what they are seeing a demand for in the marketplace to guide you in maximising the value of your largest asset, your home!