There’s no denying the popularity of indoor-outdoor living spaces in Queenslander homes. The detached, highset houses have become iconic thanks to their traditional charm, but also because of the relaxed lifestyle they offer. This is all because of the indoor-outdoor flow that homebuilders have now emphasized in their floor plans.
Below are our top tips for creating seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces that not only look beautiful but function as true extensions of the indoors.
1. Maintain a matching design
It’s the detail that makes or breaks an indoor/outdoor living space. And it usually comes down to one thing: matching your outdoor and indoor design. A few easy tips to do this include:
Use the same flooring for your outdoor and indoor living areas. For example, if you have tiles in your living room and kitchen, why not consider using tiles for your outdoor area too? Not only will it add style and character but it’ll also give the space a cohesive look.
Use the same colour scheme for all areas of your home, including external spaces like balconies, verandahs and courtyards. Using the same colour scheme creates a seamless look and feel, making your home more cohesive and inviting.
Another way you can achieve a matching design is by choosing furniture that appears as if it could seamlessly move from indoors to outdoors. For example, if you want to make a feature of a sofa on your balcony, use low-maintenance furniture that doesn’t require constant upkeep. This will ensure it blends into the space without any fuss.
2. Provide Shelter
When it comes to indoor/outdoor living spaces, a key design principle is to be able to enjoy the areas at any time of the day. One of the best ways to achieve this is by providing shelter from the elements (such as shade from the sun or cover from strong winds). This keeps your outdoor space usable for longer so you can enjoy it even when it’s not at its peak – in the morning or late afternoon, for example. Some of the ways you can add shelter include:
Use awnings or verandah roofs to provide shade from the sun’s rays. This doesn’t just make your external living space more comfortable in summer, it also makes it more usable. If you’re looking for an option that’s equally as decorative as functional, a pergola is another popular choice.
Provide cover from strong winds with a wall of hedging, overhanging trees or strategically positioned trellis panels.
3. Make the spaces functional
Creating outdoor living areas that look great but don’t function well is pointless. You want to take pleasure in spending time there. When doing this, it’s important to define each space and outline its purpose. While the main function may be an indoor/outdoor kitchen, many homeowners also want a seating or conversation area to complement the space, such as a bar for added functionality. When you seperate the spaces, you create a more appealing environment and traffic flow through the area. Consider separating the spaces with plants, flower boxes, or rugs to clearly define between eating, living, and entertaining spaces.
The ultimate goal of creating an indoor-outdoor living space is to make you happy and to enjoy spending time and using it. One of the best ways to achieve this is by following our top tips for creating seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces in your house!
