By creating an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home, you can increase both its coziness and value. Your personal style can shine through in any sized outdoor area with the right design choices for creating an inviting living space.
With just a bit of ingenuity and a careful selection of design features, you can create an exterior living area that appears as though it belongs inside. Let’s dive in and discover several imaginative ideas and recommendations to convert your outdoor space into a cozy yet chic living area where you and your family can relax all year long.
Tips for Creating Outdoor Living Space That Feels Like an Extension Of Your Home
1. Extend Materials from the Inside to the Outside
You can achieve a cohesive interior design style by extending interior materials to your outdoor living space. Creating a cohesive look helps blend together both indoor and outdoor living areas.
Your living room has hardwood floors? Then think about using the same tone of wood for your outdoor deck or patio. Integrating identical stones from your indoor hearth into an exterior one or keeping the structure the same, could be something worth considering.
The use of these materials facilitates a smooth merging of your indoor and outdoor spaces resulting in a harmonious blend. Of course, be sure to use only high-quality materials which are both durable and resistant. You want them to stand up against rain, wind and the changing weather your region may have.
2. Choose Outdoor Furniture that Looks like Indoor Furniture
Selecting furniture that effortlessly integrates with your indoor decor is crucial when designing an outdoor living area. For a harmonious flow from inside to outside, select outdoor furnishings that have an indoor aesthetic. Decide on objects that are fashioned from strong substances yet still possess identical color tones and patterns like those found in your indoor furnishings.
When choosing seating area options, consider both lounging and practicality for outdoor use. Teak or aluminum can be used as they are both weather-resistant when choosing materials for your dining table and chairs.
A garden is a friend you can visit any time and gardening is an art of the soul. The best outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home, combining nature and design.” – Thomas Church
To unify the space further, you may consider incorporating outdoor rugs and throw pillows. To achieve a cohesive design that’s both stylish and practical all year round, consider choosing outdoor furnishings with an interior aesthetic.
3. Create Multiple Outdoor Seating Areas
To make your beautiful outdoor living space feel like an extension of your home, try creating several seating areas. Catering to various activities, such as socializing or dining, is possible through customized designs for the seating areas. Strategically place them throughout the outdoor space to ensure there is sufficient seating for family and guests.
A harmonious and attractive design can be achieved by carefully selecting coordinated furniture pieces and decor. Rugs and pillows are a great addition for creating a comfortable and cozy outdoor atmosphere. If you would like to make the most of your outside space and have a nice spot to entertain visitors or spend time with loved ones, you should set up many different sitting areas.
4. Add Lighting to Your Outdoor Living Space
Adding lighting to your outdoor living space is a great way to create a warm and inviting ambiance that feels like an extension of your home. With strategically placed lighting fixtures, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and relaxing oasis.
Installing outdoor lighting can be as simple as adding string lights or lanterns in trees or as elaborate as installing a lighting system that can change colors or dim.
“A truly great outdoor space is one that invites the outdoors in, creating a seamless connection between your home and nature.” – Bunny Williams
Path lights can help guide visitors to your outdoor space while also adding an extra layer of security to the front of your home.
Spotlights strategically placed can highlight architectural features, while floodlights illuminate large areas, such as driveways or patios. With today’s technological advancements, there are endless possibilities for creating beautiful outdoor lighting.
Whatever your preference, investing in quality outdoor lighting is an essential element in creating your new outdoor living space.
Want more outdoor lighting ideas? Here’s The Top 15 Outdoor Lighting Ideas.
5. Incorporate natural elements
To create an outdoor room that feels like an extension of your home, it is important to incorporate natural elements. Including plant and floral life in your outdoor design is one approach.
Incorporating greenery not only adds beauty to your area but also helps to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. For a more natural look, consider incorporating native potted plants that require minimal maintenance.
Another way to incorporate natural elements is by using materials such as stone, wood, or brick when designing your outdoor space. These materials create a warm and inviting environment while also blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
By following these tips and incorporating natural elements, you can create an outdoor living space that truly feels like an extension of your home.
“The ultimate luxury is being able to relax and enjoy your home, both inside and out. A well-designed outdoor living space becomes an extension of that comfort.” – Jeffrey Bilhuber
6. Give people something to gather around
When creating the perfect outdoor space, it’s important to give people something to gather around. Whether it’s a fire pit, a water feature, or an outdoor kitchen, having a focal point in your outdoor space will encourage guests to gather and socialize.
A fire pit is a great option for cool evenings and adds warmth and ambiance to the area.
A water feature not only provides a relaxing sound but also creates a tranquil atmosphere.
An outdoor kitchen allows hosts to entertain while cooking and keeps the mess outside.
No matter what feature you choose, it should be functional yet aesthetically pleasing and fit within the overall design of your space.
By giving people something to gather around, you are creating an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home and encourages guests to stay and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Why Is It Important To Make Your Outdoor Living Space Feel Like An Extension Of Your Home?
Increases Living Space
Using your exterior space as an additional living area for entertaining, relaxing, and taking in the great outdoors, makes it inviting and cozy. This addition to your home gives you a chance to increase the usable area of your living quarters while also enjoying the scenery that surrounds your property.
Furthermore, by blending indoor and outdoor living, you can make a seamless transition between the two areas, giving your house a greater, more expansive sense.
“In designing outdoor spaces, my goal is always to create a sense of harmony, blending the interior and exterior worlds into one seamless environment.” – Kelly Wearstler
Boosts Property Value
Another significant benefit of making your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home is that it boosts property value, which is particularly important if you plan on selling your home in the future.
Making your backyard into a relaxing and enjoyable living area that matches the look and feel of your house is like putting in an extra room. This can significantly increase your home’s appeal and, ultimately, its market value.
Creates a Cohesive Design
When you design your outdoor space to match the interior style of your home, it not only adds more visual appeal but also creates a comfortable, fluid transition from one space to the other. This, in turn, allows you to use your outdoor space more effectively, giving it a larger role in your home’s overall design.
“Nature and design are intertwined, and the most successful outdoor living spaces are those that feel like a natural extension of your home, inviting you to experience the best of both worlds.” – Piet Oudolf
Designing an appropriate outdoor area will improve aesthetics and functionality by creating a smooth transition between interior and exterior areas.
Your backyard or patio area has the potential to be transformed into an idyllic retreat for relaxation purposes. By simply adding comfortable seating options combined with practical lighting solutions, you’ll have a smooth transition from inside to outdoor living.
Need a few more outdoor living room ideas? Here are a few more design tips…
“FAQ: Creating an Outdoor Living Space that Extends Your Home”
How much exterior space do I need for an outdoor living area?
This is dependent on your specific needs and the layout of your property. But for a comfortable outdoor living area, at least 100 square feet is recommended.
What kind of patio furniture should I use in my outdoor living area?
Most importantly, your outdoor furniture should be durable, comfortable and made of weather-resistant materials. Some of the popular outdoor furniture materials include:
- wicker
- teak
- aluminum
- wrought iron
Wood can also be a good choice, when finished correctly. If you choose to not use pressure treated wood, you’ll need to apply 3-4 coats of good quality polyurethane to the entire structure. This will help it withstand harsh elements and last longer against inclement weather.
Direct sunlight can be harsh on outdoor furniture. When adding pillows and cushions, be sure to incorporate fabrics that are resistant to moisture and sun fading.
How can I add privacy to my outdoor living area?
There are many ways to add privacy to an outdoor living area:
- tall plants or hedges
- installing a privacy screen
- adding a pergola or trellis
- hanging outdoor curtains or blinds
What are some ways to add shade to your outdoor space?
Features like umbrellas, awnings, pergolas, or even adding trees can add shade to an outdoor space.
How do I make my outside spaces usable in all seasons?
To make your outdoor living space usable in all seasons, consider adding features like outdoor heating, fire pits/fire table, or outdoor ceiling fans to keep the space comfortable. You can also add features like retractable screens or curtains to block wind or rain. This allows the outdoor space to be used as an indoor space at times.
What are some must-have features for an outdoor living space that feels like an extension of your home?
Must-have features for an outdoor living space include comfortable seating, an outdoor dining area, outdoor lighting, and a focal point such as an outdoor fireplace or water feature. Other features may include outdoor cooking equipment, shade features, and privacy screens.
How do I maintain my outdoor living area?
Maintaining an outdoor living area involves regular cleaning of furniture, cushions, and outdoor rugs. As well as removing debris like leaves and branches. It may also involve seasonal maintenance tasks like sealing outdoor surfaces, checking for mold or mildew, and inspecting features like outdoor lighting or heating.
How do I choose the right outdoor living space layout for my home?
Choosing the right outdoor living space layout will depend on the size and shape of your property. Along with considering your budget, take into account your personal preferences for features like seating and cooking areas.
Working with a professional design team or landscaper can help you create a layout that maximizes the use of your outdoor space while meeting your needs and preferences.
How can I incorporate outdoor fun into my outdoor living space?
Incorporating outdoor fun into your outdoor living space can be a great way to create a space that feels like an extension of your home.
Consider adding features like a fire pit or outdoor kitchen for cooking and entertaining. Installing outdoor speakers for music or movie nights. You can also include games and activities like a cornhole set, bocce ball, or even a small putting green.
Creating a space that encourages outdoor fun can make your outdoor living area a favorite spot for family and friends to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Let’s go beyond the design to build something beautiful together!
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