Home design trends undergo radical shifts every few years, and certain styles become dominant as more homeowners see their appeal. One trend that is currently a mainstay of modern home design is the blended indoor-outdoor living space. This guide will define what indoor-outdoor living spaces are and include the keys to creating one that offers comfort and style.
What is an Indoor-Outdoor Living Space?
An indoor-outdoor living space, often referred to as a loggia or California room, is a cozy area that blends a house’s interior with its exterior. Typically, an indoor-outdoor living space has a roof to protect furniture from the elements, and/or is surrounded by glass windows and doors. Often, one or more sides of the living space is entirely open and and flooded with natural light. In short, indoor-outdoor living spaces often serve as a transition from the indoors to the outdoors.
The indoor-outdoor living space has been a prominent term in the home design sphere for centuries, but its prominence has surged in recent years. The pandemic has especially made enjoying the serenity and lighting of an outdoor space while maintaining the comfort and amenities of an indoor space all the more appealing to homeowners.
Indoor-outdoor kitchens and dining areas have become exceedingly popular as well. However, this article will focus on living spaces, meaning rooms that are meant for hosting, relaxing, and downtime. They typically include seating and sources of entertainment.
Creating a Dream Indoor-Outdoor Living Space
For homeowners that are hoping to add an indoor-outdoor living space to their home, there are several practical tips that are essential to follow.
Incorporate Matching Styles: The indoor-outdoor living space is intended to serve as a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors. One strategy to maximize the smoothness of this transition is to create a style that matches the home’s exterior. Doing so is not easy, but it will help make moving from one room to the next less abrupt. To achieve this, try using similar decor styles, color schemes, and furniture throughout. Many will choose a specific theme and use it for both the neighboring indoor space and the indoor-outdoor area.
Define the Transition to the Outdoors: While a uniform theme and matching styles will make the indoor-outdoor space feel blended, having a defined zone is still important. The area should be designed so that it is clear where one space ends and the other begins. Many choose to implement large sliding glass doors at the edge of their indoor-outdoor space to make its parameters obvious.
Consider the Climate: The elements are an important consideration when creating an indoor-outdoor living area. Someone living in a dry, year-round warm climate is less constrained by the weather. However, someone living in a climate with cold weather and rain needs a protected space from the elements that includes products that can warm up the area, whether that’s a heating system or a fire pit.
Branch Out with Seating Choices: Homeowners can have fun branching out when creating a style for their indoor-outdoor space. The furniture incorporated into an indoor-outdoor living area wouldn’t be used in an indoor living room, so this is the time to try something new. Incorporating elements of the outdoors, such as picking beige or green colors for an earthy feel, is a frequent and timeless decision.
