Last updated on July 13th, 2023
Are you ready to bring the indoors outdoors and savor the joys of cooking and lounging in the open air? If so, you're part of a growing trend. Seamlessly blending your interior with your backyard has become a must-have design feature in modern homes. In this guide, we'll explore popular ideas for outdoor living spaces to inspire your home design and help you find the perfect option for your family.
The Benefits of Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
Indoor-outdoor living spaces typically feature a partition, such as sliding or folding doors, that can easily be opened or closed. However, you can achieve a similar effect with a large servery window or even a high-end garage door. When the partition is removed, you're left with a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor areas, with no need to open a door to access the patio.
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Why are indoor-outdoor spaces so popular? They offer several benefits:
Easier Entertaining
If you love hosting gatherings, indoor-outdoor entertaining areas have many advantages. Your guests can choose to sit inside or outside without feeling disconnected from the action. Plus, you won't have to open the door multiple times if you're dining outside, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
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Adding Outdoor Living Space
By extending your living area outdoors, you create a larger space for hosting more people simultaneously, without having to split up into different rooms.
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Increased Natural Light
Connecting your indoor and outdoor areas allows for an abundance of natural light, far more than what windows alone can provide.
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Bring Nature Indoors
Blending indoor and outdoor spaces allows you to enjoy crisp breezes and unobstructed views of nature from the comfort of your home.
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Increased Home Value
Given the popularity of indoor-outdoor living, having a modern outdoor living area can significantly increase the value of your home should you decide to sell.
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Which Outdoor Living Space Ideas Are Best for You?
Once you've made the decision to invest in an elevated home design with an indoor-outdoor living space, the next step is to determine what type of outdoor area you want to create. Some popular options include:
Outdoor Kitchens
Incorporate luxury into your outdoor space with a well-equipped kitchen. These culinary spaces often feature spacious grills, sinks, cabinets, small refrigerators, stovetops, and even dishwashers. Remember to protect your appliances with proper roof coverings.
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Outdoor Dining Rooms
If your indoor-outdoor space is adjacent to your kitchen, consider turning it into a dining area. Enjoy alfresco dining without the hassle of carrying tableware and food too far.
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Blended Lounge Space
Looking for an area where large groups can hang out? Extend your living room or lounge outdoors and create a comfortable seating area with couches, chairs, recliners, and side tables.
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Outdoor Entertainment Areas
Why not watch the big game outside with an outdoor TV? Combine it with a sound system under a patio cover for the perfect focal point of your outdoor space.
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Indoor-Outdoor Pools
With an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, your family can enjoy a refreshing dip no matter the weather. These pools typically feature garage door-style openings that can be raised or lowered as needed. While these are some of the most popular uses of indoor-outdoor spaces, the possibilities are endless. You can mix and match these concepts or create something entirely unique, such as a game room or workout area.
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Must-Have Design Features for the Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Area
Once you've determined how you want to use your outdoor living space, it's time to focus on the design. Consider these tips to ensure a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor areas:
Bigger Openings Work Better
To create a more connected and versatile indoor-outdoor space, opt for large openings. Folding glass doors that can be pushed aside offer better traffic flow and make the two areas feel like one cohesive space.
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Keep the Floor Level and Uniform
Maintaining a consistent floor level between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the sense of connection. Consider using the same flooring materials indoors and outdoors, ensuring they are durable enough to withstand different weather conditions. You may also want to extend other design elements outside, such as counters, fabrics, and matching fixtures.
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Use a Cohesive Color Scheme
Create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating a cohesive color scheme. If you already have a color scheme in your interior, use the same shades outside. While it doesn't have to be an exact match, using one or two complementary colors will create a harmonious vibe.
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Choose Complementary Decor
For a cohesive indoor-outdoor living area, stick with the same decor style inside and outside your home. Matching the decor styles ensures a seamless blend between the two spaces. If you need assistance, an interior designer can help you create a tasteful and functional fusion of indoor and outdoor design elements.
Indoor-outdoor spaces offer the best of both worlds. You can enjoy your favorite activities, such as cooking, dining, and spending time with loved ones, while appreciating the beauty of your surroundings. Once your blended living space is complete, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. For more outdoor living space ideas, visit our website.
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Toll Brothers design options vary by market, community, and home design across the country. For more information regarding design options offered in a specific Toll Brothers community or home, please visit our website or contact one of our Online Sales Consultants.
