There’s a growing trend to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Perhaps you’ve come across the term biophillic design? It’s an approach to architecture and interior design that integrates natural elements to enhance well-being. It strengthens the connection between people and nature by incorporating materials like wood, plants, and natural light. We love homes that blur the lines between living spaces and nature, and today we’re delving into the top ways to design indoor outdoor living into your home.
In Australia where we can enjoy the outdoors most of the year, it makes sense to design better connectedness between indoors and out. These are 9 of our favourite ways to do just that!
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Living areas that open to outside
Installing glass sliding doors in your living or kitchen areas is the easiest way to instantly create indoor/outdoor connection.
Glass doors have the benefit of removing the visual barrier between these zones, offering easy passage, and allowing more natural light too.
In some homes, almost the entire wall is made from glass doors, allowing the backyard to become an extension of the indoor living areas.
There are more door options than ever before, from commercial-grade sliding doors, to bi-folding doors, stacking doors or even large pivot doors, so why not push the design boundaries.
Internal courtyards
A design idea that allows you to make the most of your outdoor space is to design the house around it. Introducing the internal courtyard.
These can be done on a small scale in the form of an atrium that’s just for looks. For example, an internal garden. Or you can do it on a larger scale where your internal courtyard also features outdoor living spaces and even a pool.
Designing your home around a courtyard allows access from multiple areas, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Outdoor living room
Create the ultimate entertaining zone — outside! Outdoor living rooms are becoming a staple in new homes and for good reason.
You can design these spaces in countless ways, from fully sheltered to semi-exposed. Create an intimate retreat with lush landscaping or an open setting with vast views.
What’s essential is comfortable seating that invites outdoor entertaining and good lighting that allows your gathering to kick on beyond sundown. Complete the space with an outdoor fireplace which will make you want to use this space 365 days of the year. Or add a sense of fun with a hanging chair or swing!
Outdoor kitchen
Elevate your outdoor space to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. Luxe outdoor kitchens feature a sink, hot and cold taps, an in-built BBQ or pizza oven, and possibly an outdoor fridge. However, you can design a budget-friendly version that’s still functional.
Add a table and chairs to complete the alfresco kitchen, and don’t forget some good heaters too!
Bedrooms with outdoor access
It isn’t just your living areas that can benefit with open access to outdoors. Connect your bedroom to your garden or outdoor space as well.
Whether it’s a small balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee, or doors that open directly to an external courtyard, there’s a lot to love about the flow and energy this brings to your bedroom.
Room with a view
If you have a great view, make it a bold design feature. It’s an opportunity too good to ignore.
Our favourite way to maximise your location and connect with nature is using floor-to-ceiling windows — or better yet, moveable glass doors — for unobstructed views. Take your time to strategically place windows to optimise views. For example, we love the idea of a window in a dining room that perfectly frames the view and acts like art in the space.
Firepit
Welcome relaxed outdoor winter gatherings with a fire pit. Setting up this zone is easy — all you need is a fire pit and some informal seating. Logs or large outdoor floor cushions work just as well as traditional chairs.
Check out our round up of beautiful backyard firepit ideas.
Sunroom
A design feature that lost popularity for many years is the concept of a sunroom. But it’s been making an appearance again lately and we’re not complaining about it.
It’s a space that’s protected from the elements where you can appreciate the natural world. It also floods your home in plenty of natural light. Alternatively, a conservatory made entirely of glass is another idea we love. They can offer an architectural edge to your home.
High windows
The final idea to make this list is high windows. As more people are embracing high or raked ceilings, there comes the opportunity to line the walls with high windows. High windows increase natural alight, offer beautiful views to the treetops or sky, and create another connection to nature. Let’s not forget skylights or glass panel ceilings either. Choosing the right home builder can make all the difference in achieving your dream home’s essential features.
We hope these ideas on how you can merge indoor and outdoor spaces has inspired the design of your home. What other ways to design indoor outdoor living spaces do you love? Tell us in the comments!
Check out more design inspiration
This article was first published in August 2019 and continues to be updated with latest information.
