With the weather warming up we love to enjoy the outdoors: balmy summer evenings, wine in hand, relaxing with friends and family in the sunshine with a good book and leisurely alfresco lunches and brunches. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why there has been a huge trend in recent years to bring the outside in (or the inside out!) with seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces.
By integrating your indoor/outdoor living spaces not only can you enjoy the outdoors all year round, but you also increase your living space – double win! The great thing is that you can adapt to your budget and available space, with choices from deluxe full outdoor kitchens and cinema screens, to barbeques and simple yet stylish outdoor settings.
Here’s some tips to create the perfect indoor/ outdoor living space:
:: If you’re planning on building or renovating, open up the space as much as you can by installing bi-fold, stacking or pivoting doors that enable you to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoors. You could even consider having a kitchen servery window for a big impact.
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:: Orientation isn’t something we can always change, but you can use it to your advantage with what you’ve got. If it faces west, enjoy sunny winter afternoons, but ensure you install adjustable shade, such as awnings or blinds, to shelter from the late summer sun when required. If you have an easterly aspect, make the most of the sunny mornings. If your outdoor area faces north, enjoy the low winter sun — it provides protection from the high summer sun. For south facing areas, install clear roofing or skylights to increase the amount of light in your outdoor area.
Image credit: insideout.com.au
:: Ensure your space provides protection from the elements with cover from rain and shade from the sun. Café blinds, whether clear PVC or mesh, protect from the wind and keeps flies and mosquitoes out. Outdoor fans and heaters are also a necessity for year-round comfort. There are some really stylish outdoor fires on the market which also make a stunning feature.
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:: Plan your outdoor lighting. Bright, task lighting is essential over kitchen/barbeque areas, as is plenty of light over the dining area. However, you also need subtle lighting to set the mood. You can achieve this through using dimmer lights, or use a combination of bright, outdoor lighting with party lights such as fairy or festoon lights or candles.
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:: Take advantage of the amazing choice of outdoor furniture available at a range of price points. Choose pieces that are comfortable and durable for the outdoors. Select items which complement your indoor pieces for seamless integration.
:: Outdoor entertaining areas are often heavy on the hard surfaces; counteract this by softening with outdoor friendly cushions and greenery such as potted plants or even vertical gardens.
Image credit: insideout.com.au
:: Relax and enjoy!
Tara xx
