Indoor-outdoor living spaces have become a top priority for homeowners, and it's easy to see why. Who wouldn't want to enjoy sweeping views and lush landscapes while entertaining and relaxing in their own home? These curated spaces create a harmonious connection with nature, inviting ample natural light, greenery, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you prefer a modern country house, a chic city apartment, or a luxurious beachfront villa, these homes showcase the limitless possibilities of indoor-outdoor living.
Must-See Indoor Outdoor Living Spaces for Every Season
1. This Tropical Modernist Miami Home is at One With its Surroundings
Aluminum louvers on the stucco-clad second story provide privacy while serving as trellises; floor-to-ceiling pocket doors throughout abet a fluid modern indoor-outdoor living experience. Photography by Kris Tamburello.
Max Strang, founding principal of Strang Design, created a surprising Miami house that breaks away from the traditional South Beach residences. Situated on an oak grove just 20 minutes from downtown, this eco-friendly home perfectly reflects the couple's Brazilian heritage. The layout, materials, landscaping, and furnishings are all inspired by their roots. This tropical modernist masterpiece seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a truly immersive experience.
2. Daniel Joseph Chenin Crafts a Cinematic Desert Dwelling
The modern interior is framed by travertine floors, stucco ceilings, and reconstituted wood veneer vertical panels. Photography by Stetson Ybarra.
Daniel Joseph Chenin's architectural choreography shines in this Mojave Desert oasis. Inspired by the history and vernacular of Las Vegas, the design pays homage to the city's isolated frontier and early settlements. The result is a cinematic dwelling that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces. From the stacked rock structures to the adobe-clad outpost, every element tells a story and immerses residents in the beauty of the desert landscape.
3. A São Paulo Abode by FCstudio Prioritizes Outdoor Living
The garden features a firepit and perforated-metal benches, all custom, and a spalike dipping pool. Photography by André Mortatti.
In São Paulo, where the climate is subtropical, maximizing outdoor living space is a must. Casa Bento was commissioned by a couple who wanted to indulge their love for entertaining family and friends both indoors and out. Their previous traditional house lacked flow and connection with the surrounding garden. FCstudio created a home that prioritizes seamless indoor-outdoor living, with a design that effortlessly merges the interior and exterior spaces, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.
4. A Tiny Concrete Structure Offers Writer Residencies in Scotland
The one-room interior, which will host writer residencies and workshops, has engineered-oak flooring, a stove, and 8-foot-long oak wall sculptures derived from historic depictions of scribes using both arms. Photography by Keith Hunter.
Bobby Niven, an artist and sculptor, designed the Scriptorium as a small retreat on the grounds of the historic Arbroath Abbey in Scotland. This unique space commemorates the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, fusing art and the environment. The indoor-outdoor living experience is enhanced by the expansive view of open fields and the nearby castle. The Scriptorium offers a serene sanctuary for writers to find inspiration in nature and history.
5. Thomas Melhorn Designs a Florida Home Inspired by Wabi-Sabi Philosophy
The house is located on the north end of Jupiter Island, Florida. Photography by Nicole Franzen.
Located on Jupiter Island, Florida, this home captures the essence of its surroundings. The architecture reflects the spirit of the place, with a curved roof that mimics the dunes shaped by ocean breezes. The materials used in the construction blend seamlessly with the natural elements, creating a harmonious connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. This beachfront oasis is a true embodiment of the wabi-sabi philosophy, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and the transience of nature.
6. An Equine-Friendly Oasis in the Andes Mountains
The structure that connects the home and the stables melds indoor-outdoor space, making some areas accessible to four-legged friends. Photography by JAG Studio.
In the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, El Picadero stands as a unique ranch home blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos was tasked with creating a space that fosters connection between the house and the stables. The design overcame challenges presented by the landscape, such as the cold climate and sandy soil, to create a home that embraces the natural beauty of the area. With its indoor-outdoor living spaces, El Picadero offers a haven for both humans and four-legged friends.
7. At Home With Cini Boeri in Sardinia
Not so long ago, women architects were a rarity in Italy. Cini Boeri broke barriers, becoming Italy's first prominent female architect and designer. Her vacation houses on La Maddalena, an island off Sardinia, are architectural gems. These homes perfectly blend with the natural landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Cini Boeri's innovative designs showcase the possibilities of indoor-outdoor living, creating spaces that truly harmonize with their surroundings.
8. Serenity Prevails in This House Surrounded by Nature
A forest surrounds the home. Photography by Ema Peter.
Nestled among the trees in North Vancouver, British Columbia, this home offers a serene escape from city life. The original mid-century structure was reinvented by Olson Kundig, who embraced the peaceful surrounding landscape and rural British aesthetic. The interior design by Erica Colpitts Interior Design beautifully captures the essence of the natural surroundings. With its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, this home serves as a tranquil oasis for its inhabitants.
9. An Indoor-Outdoor Oasis Along the California Coast With Striking Interiors
The living area and kitchen offer expansive coastal views. Photography courtesy of Hawk & Co.
The location of a home can make all the difference, especially when it comes to coastal living. This California residence takes full advantage of its sweeping views and proximity to the ocean. Summer Jensen, CEO and principal of Hawk & Co., incorporated the architectural cues of the house into the interior design, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The rustic meets industrial aesthetic perfectly complements the coastal surroundings, providing a truly immersive living experience.
10. This Sustainable Home by Pascali Semerdjian Architects Reflects São Paulo's Style
A custom cocktail table joins an Oscar Niemeyer chaise longue, a two-sided Siri bench by Claudia Moreira Salles, and a pair of vintage Svante Skogh armchairs. Photography by Fran Parente.
