Inside outside living tips for beginners.
Bring the outdoors inside & the inside outside.
"Outside-inside living," also known as indoor-outdoor living, is a design concept that blends the indoor and outdoor spaces of your home, creating a seamless transition between the two. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:
Large Sliding or Folding Doors: Install large sliding or folding glass doors that can be opened up to create a wide passage between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This helps to blur the boundaries and makes the outdoor area feel like an extension of your home.
Consistent Flooring: Use the same or similar flooring materials inside and outside. For instance, if you have hardwood floors indoors, consider using weather-resistant wooden decking outside. This continuity enhances the flow between spaces.
Covered Outdoor Spaces: Create covered patios or verandas that provide shelter and allow you to use the outdoor space regardless of the weather. Pergolas, awnings, and retractable canopies can also help.
Outdoor Living Furniture: Choose comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture that mirrors your indoor furniture. Outdoor sofas, lounge chairs, and dining sets that are similar in style to your indoor furniture can create a cohesive look.
Lighting: Extend your indoor lighting scheme to the outside. Use similar light fixtures or designs that complement your indoor lighting. Ensure the outdoor lighting is sufficient for evening use but also creates a cozy ambiance.
Greenery and Plants: Bring plants indoors to create a natural feel, and extend your indoor garden to the outdoor area. Large potted plants, vertical gardens, and even small trees can enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas: Set up an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area with a dining table nearby. This setup encourages cooking and dining outside, making the space more functional and inviting.
Decor and Accessories: Use similar decor and accessories inside and outside. Cushions, rugs, throws, and artwork that can withstand outdoor conditions will help create a unified look.
Biophilic Design Elements: Incorporate natural elements like water features, stone pathways, and wooden structures into both your indoor and outdoor spaces to strengthen the connection with nature.
Weather-Resistant Materials: Choose materials for outdoor furniture and decor that can withstand the elements. This ensures that your outdoor living area remains attractive and functional throughout the year.
Outdoor Heating and Cooling: Install outdoor heaters or fire pits for warmth in cooler months and fans or misters for cooling during the summer. This ensures that your outdoor space is comfortable year-round.
Seamless Window Treatments: Use window treatments that can be easily adjusted to control the amount of natural light and views between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Sheer curtains, blinds, or retractable screens can be good options.
By thoughtfully designing your space with these tips in mind, you can create an inviting and functional indoor-outdoor living area that enhances your home's aesthetic and usability.