Overall, people are more positive when they can spend time in nature, and home trends indicate that people want to connect their indoor and outdoor lives. New homes have been built in recent years with this desired way of living. However, if you are in an older home, you may be considering ways to tie the areas together – to make the transition transparent and accessible. Consider these questions: How much space do you have to work with, and what do you and your family enjoy? For example, if you love the idea of lounging in a hammock on a sunny Sunday afternoon, consider how you could add one to your outdoor space.
These 5 tips will help you blend your indoor and outdoor areas:
1. Cover your outdoor space.
A covered space offers protection from the sun, creates a defined area, and creates a homier feel. You can do this with a permanent structure such as an extension to your roofline, a pergola, a retractable canopy, or a budget-friendly shade sail.
2. Blend your flooring.
Blending your flooring creates a natural visual flow from your indoor to your outdoor space. You can achieve this by using similar materials, matching the color, or using complementary colored pavers, tile, or tinted etched concrete. Another idea is to use an outdoor throw rug that blends with your indoor flooring color or carpet.
3. Access and openness to the outdoors.
If you have a sliding glass door that opens to your outdoor space, consider replacing it with a center-opening French door. This openness offers the visual of accessibility without any significant construction, as you can find French doors that fit your slider frame size.
4. Blend the indoor and outdoor decor.
An easy option is to use a cohesive decorating style that follows you from the inside to the outside. You can do this with pillows, cushion colors, plants, artwork, and accessories. If you have a piece of artwork on canvas, you can use it outside if you weatherize it; click here for instructions. Using furniture that has an indoor look adds to the feel of your outdoor space. Incorporate elements like outdoor lamps and cozy features like a cushioned ottoman or a throw.
5. Add lighting.
Generally, light gets softer as you go from inside your home to outside. As evening approaches, do you have adequate outdoor lighting? Think of those spring and summer months when you may dine al fresco and have an evening get-together with friends. You can add brightness to your landscape or deck design, add string lights, or use outdoor table and floor lamps.
I encourage you to create a list of what you want to accomplish in your outdoor space and think about what would bring you the most joy this summer! For inspiration, click here to view an IdeaBook I put together for you.
If you need help with your decorating style or if you are looking for a seasonal refresh, give me a call 610-955-8202 for a consultation, as spring accessories are hitting the market now!
By Debbie Correale, Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Feature photo licensed from Shutterstock.