Five Ways To Unify Your Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

Five Ways To Unify Your Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

Every year, the National Association of Home Builders identifies custom home trends at the International Builders' Show. Outdoor living spaces continue to be a hot trend. This year, designers and builders at the Show focused on improving the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces to create a seamless area for dining, entertaining and relaxing. 

We find this is important in a southern climate like ours, where smart design choices allow you to enjoy outdoor spaces all year long. If you are thinking about a new home or renovation project this year, check out five easy ways to enhance your home's value and functionality with the latest trends in indoor-outdoor space design.

#1: Unify spaces with color and texture.

Repeating the same colors inside and out can join both spaces to create a seamless flow. Our team can help you find visually similar materials and textures to use both indoors and outdoors. Even small touches like throw pillows or accent art can join separate areas into a cohesive retreat.

#2: Think outside the backyard.

Outdoor spaces don't need to be relegated to the backyard. Consider your site and neighborhood. Could you add a porch or patio for a living space in the front of your home? What about a covered space tucked into the side yard? By approaching your site and design with the indoor-outdoor connection in mind, you can expand your options and make your home more livable.

#3: Keep comfort in mind.

Make sure your outdoor furnishings are as comfortable as the ones you choose for indoors. Today's modern fabrics and materials allow you to turn away from utilitarian plastic and add stylish furniture that matches your interior.

In addition, think about how the elements will impact your outdoor space. An overhang allows you to use the space even if it's raining, and shades can block direct sunlight in the early morning or afternoon. Consider installing fans to move air on hot days or heaters to take the chill off of cool nights. By making your outdoor space as comfortable as your indoor ones, you'll be able to move between the two easily.

#4: Pick the right lighting.

Thoughtful lighting choices can help you unify your indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider using the same style of lighting fixtures both inside and out. Adjustable outdoor lighting allows you to match the mood indoors easily. Use strings or strips of lights through both spaces to help them flow together.

#5: Invest in the right doors and windows.

The right doors and windows allow your indoor and outdoor spaces to flow together seamlessly. Today's choices go far beyond the sliding glass patio doors you may be used to. Accordion doors fold away to completely open the space. Think about ways to reduce visual barriers as well as physical ones. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you feel like you're outside when you need to keep indoor spaces climate controlled.