Like many fashions, interior design trends come and go, but the concept of “bringing the outdoors indoors” is one that shows no sign of disappearing any time soon. This trend is one that can be taken at face value, and simply means blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor to give the illusion of one large, connected space.
This approach is an excellent way to make your inside space feel much brighter, spacious and contemporary hence why it’s become such a sought-after feature of modern homes. Additionally, by easing the transition between indoors and outdoors, your useable living space is increased whilst promoting a more sociable home that’s perfect for entertaining.
Whilst this may sound relatively straightforward, similar to any home-improvement project, it is worth investing a little time and effort to create a high-quality space you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Here are our top design tips to successfully re-create this stunning look:
• Large expanses of glass give the impression of a vast, open space and are a successful way of blending the outside with the inside. Sliding doors are a great choice when it comes to achieving this look. With a greater glass surface area and a compact in-line opening, unlike bi-fold doors, they’re much more streamlined and less invasive when opened.
• It may sound obvious, but now that your outside space will be more visible due to the addition of glass doors, it's crucial it looks the part. Little things make a big difference, such as keeping the lawn trimmed, patio swept and investing in a couple of patio planters to create a simple-yet-effective focal point.
• Another key aspect of this trend is removing any potential ‘barriers’ between the inside and outside. This often takes the form of furniture or miscellaneous decorative items that can obstruct your view to the outside, which in turn, makes the space seem much smaller. Heavy curtains are often guilty of over-crowding this area. To avoid this, sleek external roller blinds prevent hindering the view whilst allowing you to control the amount of light that enters your home.
• Flooring is also a key component to consider when re-creating this look. Using the correct surface can help break down these barriers further whilst easing the transition between the indoors and outdoors. In fact, a clever trick to consider is the installation of the same (or very similar) interior and exterior floor surface to enhance this illusion- a technique adapted by many interior designers.
• The installation of an awning or canopy is another approach that can be used to create a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of your home whilst allowing you to enjoy the continental alfresco lifestyle all year round. Furthermore, as our patio awnings protect and enhance your terrace or patio, you have the freedom to leave doors and windows open in warm weather and even when it’s raining.
An example of our stylish patio awnings that expand your useable living space.
To find out more about our full range of products, fill in an enquiry form today or come and say hello at Grand Designs Live where we will be exhibiting at stand G230 in the Grand Gardens Hall.
