5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining Area
Improve the flow and maximise the layout for an indoor-outdoor entertainer's dream space whenever you need it
Wouldn’t you love to double the size of your house for the holidays, or when you’re entertaining a large groups of friends? And when the party is over and all the guests have gone home, have your nice, cosy house back just like that?
It doesn’t make sense to maintain a large entertaining space that gets used only a couple of times a year. That’s why it’s so practical to have a functional and efficient indoor-outdoor space.
It doesn’t make sense to maintain a large entertaining space that gets used only a couple of times a year. That’s why it’s so practical to have a functional and efficient indoor-outdoor space.
1. Create a big opening
Don’t be afraid to invest in big openings between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Large pocket or accordion doors are a great way to blur the visual barriers between the two areas. When weather permits, you can open up the exterior wall and instantly double the floor space.
Don’t be afraid to invest in big openings between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Large pocket or accordion doors are a great way to blur the visual barriers between the two areas. When weather permits, you can open up the exterior wall and instantly double the floor space.
2. Take advantage of the view
There is nothing more impressive than a large, open space that takes advantage of an incredible view. Make sure you orient your interior to look at the vista through the adjacent outdoor space. This way you’ll get to enjoy the view from both inside and outside the house.
There is nothing more impressive than a large, open space that takes advantage of an incredible view. Make sure you orient your interior to look at the vista through the adjacent outdoor space. This way you’ll get to enjoy the view from both inside and outside the house.
3. Make it level
The goal is to remove any visual or physical barriers between the two spaces – including any changes in floor level. Making sure your indoor and outdoor spaces are on the same plane ensures they’ll function as one space when needed.
The goal is to remove any visual or physical barriers between the two spaces – including any changes in floor level. Making sure your indoor and outdoor spaces are on the same plane ensures they’ll function as one space when needed.
4. Create floor flow
Choosing a flooring material that works well inside and out is another great way to make the two spaces feel connected.
Choosing a flooring material that works well inside and out is another great way to make the two spaces feel connected.
5. Keep it covered
It’s always best to have a combination of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces – but be sure to provide a covered entertaining area if at all possible. Essentially, you’ll be creating a series of outdoor rooms that will give you a sense of place without taking away from the fact that you’re outdoors.
It’s always best to have a combination of covered and uncovered outdoor spaces – but be sure to provide a covered entertaining area if at all possible. Essentially, you’ll be creating a series of outdoor rooms that will give you a sense of place without taking away from the fact that you’re outdoors.
The truth is, great design is less about the way your house looks (although it should look remarkable), and more about how it functions. A well-designed house will work better, cost less to build, be more efficient to run and maintain, and get you more for less.
Great design doesn’t cost more to build than good design, but it sure feels a million times better to live in.
TELL US
What do you love about your indoor-outdoor space? Let us know in the comments section below.
TELL US
What do you love about your indoor-outdoor space? Let us know in the comments section below.
Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your indoor-outdoor design.