Creating Indoor-Outdoor Connections for Beautiful Home Living
At DK Studio, our Austin-based architects know the value of connecting with the outdoors and balancing bustling city life with peaceful recreation in nature. As humans, we have a desire to connect with the beautiful landscapes of our planet and find rejuvenation in time spent outdoors. In Texas, we also know the value of designing indoor-outdoor spaces to be cool and accessible year-round! Our architects are discussing 6 ways to add design options that capitalize on views and outdoor living as well as 3 benefits to bringing the outdoors in.
6 Ways Create Indoor-Outdoor Spaces in Your Home
Covered and Screened Porches
Covered porches are an amazing way to expand usable outdoor space and create an established transition from the interior to the exterior of the home. By extending the roofline, you not only gaining covered space to use in all types of weather but also add shade for windows. This will help reduce energy costs and you will be able to keep those windows open to outdoor views. Having a space protected by the elements also allows for additions, like outdoor kitchens or TVs, that can serve to create a true second living area.
The High Road, screened porch
Screened porches are another option to create greater usability and function. They offer another shade barrier as well as privacy and protection from bugs. This allows you to enjoy an alfresco dinner during the Texas summer without having to worry about flies and mosquitos. There are many screen options to consider like fiberglass, metal, retractable, sun control, and pet resistant. Adding a fan and a rocking chair rounds out the perfect space to watch the sunset.
Panoramic Doors - Sliding, Accordion, and Pocket Style
Panoramic doors are currently a trending architectural design element that allows for the ultimate indoor-outdoor connection as well as a hyper-luxury feel. They create an expanse of glass in your living space that when opened completely disappears, eliminating any sense of a wall or barrier between your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The High Road dining room / sliding door to pool
Panoramic doors are available in sliding, accordion, or pocket styles. Each style has it’s own benefits, but the main preference will come down to personal style and how much of the door you wish to disappear when opened.
Flush Thresholds
Flush thresholds are another design detail to contemplate when choosing your doors. A flush threshold blends seamlessly into the floor, eliminating the need for a step over and creating a clear visual sightline. This helps to combine the indoor and outdoor spaces by eliminating a visual block between the two. It is important to consider flush thresholds at the start of architectural planning, as they require additional weatherproofing and drainage needs.
Continuous Flooring
Choosing one continuous flooring that flows from inside to outside is another great way to establish visual cues and sightlines that connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. Choosing different flooring for outside spaces will create a choppier feel that separates the space from the interior. Flooring options will be limited, as they will have to be approved for both indoor and outdoor wear. However, some great options include tile, stone, and even brick.
The High Road living room / screened porch
Large and Corner Windows
Windows are the simplest way to bring the outdoors in, especially when there are beautiful views to optimize. When planning windows for living spaces, large expanses or banks of windows are perfect for creating a connection to nature and visually expanding the space. Corner windows are a unique consideration that could brighten a small room and make it feel larger by eliminating visual walls. Natural lighting in the home also has amazing benefits for general wellbeing, such as increased Vitamin D, improved mood, increased productivity, and healthier sleep patterns.
Bend of The River, game room
Consider Framing and Sightlines
When designing a home, it is important to consider framing and sightlines when it comes to placing windows and doors. For example, creating sightlines from the entryway through the home and out into the backyard instantly creates the feeling of a welcoming and inviting space where guests are drawn to enjoy the outdoors. Open sightlines that travel from interior to outdoor areas will create the feeling of larger spaces as well.
Watersedge living room/ porch
When properties have stunning treetop or waterfront views, framing also becomes an important element. Careful placement of windows can frame the best part of the view like artwork on the wall and hide less desirable views as well. It is important to remember to position your home so that the living spaces have the best views for optimal enjoyment.
3 Benefits of Indoor-Outdoor Connections in the Home
Peaceful Connection to Nature
Humans benefit from having natural light and views to the outside world in their home. It allows for a peaceful and tranquil feeling as well as greater connectivity to your location and environment. Simply put, spaces with beautiful light and sights are happier spaces to live in.
Feel of More Space
Views and connections to the outside also give the feeling of expanded space in the home. This is especially important for smaller homes, that without outdoor connections may feel cramped. Larger homes also benefit from outdoor connections, as they create a warm and welcoming element for living.
Expanded Living Areas
Outdoor connections like porches and patios also create expanded living areas and usable space. This is perfect for homeowners who enjoy entertaining large gatherings of family and friends or couples who enjoy quiet time reading on the porch. Expanded outdoor living areas are not only perfect for everyday enjoyment but also are great investments for the home.
The High Road screened porch