What Is Indoor-Outdoor Living?

An indoor-outdoor living space is a connection point between the inside and outside of your home. It’s about having easy access to your backyard that extends your living space. You have the benefits of fresh air and natural light combined with your favourite indoor activities, hobbies, or design features.

The space blends interior elements with your backyard to create the ideal environment for lounging, entertaining, barbequing, gardening, and more. It may be a covered patio with a dining area or a window enclosed room with a wet bar and lounge chairs. The possibilities are practically endless.

Key Takeaways

  • An indoor-outdoor living space is essentially an extension of your interior living area.
  • You can fully customize these areas to match your style, needs, and desires.
  • Indoor-outdoor spaces can be fully or partially covered, open, or enclosed.

How To Plan for Indoor-Outdoor Living?

The first step in planning your indoor-outdoor renovation is finding an experienced and reputable contractor, such as Top Home Builders. The expertise of professionals can help you outline a budget, create a functional and aesthetically pleasing design, and choose cost-effective quality materials. You can incorporate an outdoor-indoor living area into your custom home build, full home renovation, or start an entirely new home remodel. There are many design elements to discuss with your builder, such as whether you want to construct a pool, install a kitchen or kitchenette, or add an outdoor shower.

When you partner with Top Home Builders, you can count on us to help design the perfect indoor-outdoor concepts  for you and your family. Here are some steps to help you plan for this home remodeling: 

  • Determine your goals: Ask yourself what you want by creating an indoor outdoor space. Maybe you’re looking to expand your living area or perhaps you want a suitable space to spend summer nights in front of a fire. Your renovation goals are what decide the direction and scope of the project.
  • Explore different ideas: There are a variety of indoor-outdoor living ideas for you to discover. From luxury to family friendly, there are many potential design concepts for you to work in your outdoor indoor living space.
  • Establish a budget: Once you understand the purpose of your indoor-outdoor home remodeling, you can begin planning your budget. Top Home Builders has a dedicated team that can help breakdown the costs of your renovation. We offer advice and guidance on choosing materials, fixtures, and finishes that are right for you and your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • You can build a space for an indoor-outdoor home whether you decide on building a new custom home or a remodel.
  • Start planning your remodel by exploring indoor-outdoor living ideas and establishing the purpose of the project.
  • Experienced contractors such as Top Home Builders can provide assistance with budget development and adherence.

Benefits of Indoor-Outdoor Living

The numerous benefits extend beyond that of its intended purpose. While you may be designing the space to entertain family and friends you might not realize that you’re also boosting the value of your home. For a more complete view of the many advantages of building an outdoor-indoor living area, review the following:

More Space

Backyards are great spots for gardening, letting kids or pets play, and sunbathing in the summer. However, an empty backyard can lack that extra comfort that might otherwise encourage you to spend more time outside. By having easy access to the outdoors, it can increase your desire to spend time there, maximizing your home’s usable space.

Room for Entertainment

An indoor-outdoor patio can be used for dinner parties, backyard barbeques, or book clubs all year round. With sliding glass doors and covered patios, you can spend your days and nights outside entertaining from summer through winter. A covered patio with easy access to your backyard is the perfect location for hosting a collection of friends or family, as there’s often more space for people to move around without the barriers of walls between them. Guests can sit and talk, play games, swim in a pool, or roast marshmallows around a fire. By embracing this outdoor concept,  you no longer face the same limitations of entertaining people indoors.

Natural Light

One of the great benefits of an indoor-outdoor living space is the access to natural lighting. Sunlight is good for both your physical and mental health. Using large windows, skylights, and glass doors you can brighten up the entire living area. You can experience cool breezes, warm sunshine, and shelter from the rain, all while relaxing or partaking in your favourite activities.

Increase Property Value

Home additions and renovations are a great way to increase the overall value of your home. Indoor-outdoor living is an attractive feature to many homebuyers, especially in California. Certain  home features can raise the value of the property more than others. For example, adding a full kitchen to your indoor-outdoor space might improve the value of the home more than an enclosed seating area. This is mainly because of the cost of the renovation itself, including the additional appliances and electrical and plumbing connections.

Key Takeaways

  • Indoor-outdoor additions can significantly increase the market value of your home.
  • Outdoor living spaces can be used as multifunctional spaces throughout the seasons.
  • Covered patios with kitchens or kitchenettes are one of the most valuable renovations.

What Are the Key Elements of Indoor-Outdoor Living?

The key components of indoor-outdoor living is the separation between the inside and outside of the home. As these spaces are an expansion of the living space, they require seamless integration between the interior and exterior of the home. Folding glass doors, retractable walls, and wide frameless windows can all improve the subtle separation from indoors to outdoors.

Covering the outdoor deck or patio is another excellent design element. It not only creates an indoor ambiance outdoors but also offers protection for electronics, appliances, and seating areas, allowing you to enjoy the space year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Glass windows and doors help establish a sense of cohesion between the inside and outside spaces.
  • Easy access from inside to outside is key to a seamless design.
  • Shelters let you remain comfortable outdoors when it rains and prevent your appliances and furniture from getting wet.

Types of Indoor-Outdoor Living Ideas

From modern covered spaces to rustic  rooms, the type of style and design you select is entirely up to you. Here is a list of the different indoor-outdoor living ideas you can explore for inspiration:

Seating and Dining

You can expand your living or dining room. Seating areas can include sofas, chairs, radios, and televisions. Expanded dining rooms can include full or wet bars, a dining table and chairs, ceiling fans, and fireplaces. These indoor-outdoor spaces can also include design elements such as rugs, heating lamps, bar stools, and custom lighting fixtures.

Fire Features

Fire features are some of the most valuable features for outdoor living. They not only add to the fun and visual appeal of the area, but they’re also a practical element as well. Fire pits, two-way fireplaces, electric fireplaces, amongst others are all essential for creating a usable space throughout the seasons. You can use fire features for making smores in the summer or cozying up with a blanket in the fall. Choose from modern electric fireplaces with color changing capabilities or gas fire installations with a charcoal pit for grilling meat and vegetables.

Outdoor

Kitchen or Barbeque

If you love hosting, outdoor kitchens and barbeques enhance the entertainment factor. Pair stovetops, grills, and refrigerators with beautiful countertops and cabinets. Kitchens require a shelter in order to protect the appliances and fixtures from rain, heat, and snow. You can also install ice makers, sinks, and wine ranks.

Swimming Pool

Outdoor indoor living rooms are fantastic built around or beside new or existing swimming pools. You can have easy access to towels as well as pool accessories. Depending on the type of space you’re designing, you might have the added benefits of pool side music, television, and easy access to food and drinks. If you don’t already have an in-ground pool but are interested in building one, contact Top Home Builders for expert swimming pool construction.

Key Takeaways

  • Indoor-outdoor living spaces are multifunctional with a wide range of customization options.
  • Kitchens and barbeques need to be covered with a shelter such as built-out awnings, canopies, and pergolas.
  • Outdoor kitchens require electrical and plumbing hookups.

Key Design Features to Have

Some key design elements to combine outdoor and indoor concepts include durable and weather-resistant materials, adequate night lighting, comfortable seating, and flow between your indoor and outdoor areas. The most important components will differ based on its purpose and size, as well as your budget and personal style.

Here are some of the key design aspects for indoor-outdoor living:

  • Weather protection: In addition to patio and deck coverings, you may also invest in outdoor heaters to ensure the space in functional and useable into the colder months.
  • Lighting: Outdoor lighting has multiple functions, including highlighting architectural and design features, walkways, and seating or social areas. The right lights not only make the space accessible in the evening but also create a cozy ambiance.
  • Landscaping: Plants, trees, and natural materials including wood and stone strengthen the correlation between indoor and outdoor zones. Landscaping and hardscaping can also make a more inviting environment.
  • Privacy: Create a more secluded and intimate atmosphere in your outdoor-indoor living spaces by incorporating privacy screens, hedges, or fencing into the design.
  • Space: It’s important to design a space that functions and flows without clutter or feeling cramped. As opposed to a kitchen, a small indoor-outdoor area may install a wet bar or a single barbeque.

Key Takeaways

  • Key design elements can vary depending on the size and scope of the renovation.
  • Smaller yards or outdoor spaces will prioritize different design elements than larger indoor-outdoor living spaces.

Related Article: Home Additions That Increase Home Value

Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor living refers to designs and spaces that are primarily located outside the home, including patios, decks, and gardens. This type of living space is often more exposed to the elements. Outdoor living spaces typically focus on one activity, for instance, seating areas or poolside lounging. It’s all about  easy access and flow between the interior and exterior of the home. It combines the comforts of indoor living with outdoor activities and nature.

The indoor-outdoor design can have a minimalist yet modern and comfortable feel. Smaller yards or balconies can optimize space with folding furniture, built-in seating, and compact appliances such as mini fridges. Hanging planters and gardens are another valuable space saver.

The average cost of indoor-outdoor living is between $1,500 and $20,000. Every design will have varying cost contributors that make up the final price. The inclusion of a full kitchen may be more costly than a wet bar. The quality of materials you use will also affect the cost. High-end and luxury materials will be more expensive than standard materials. Ultimately, the cost of remodeling will be based on your choices, preferences, and project goals.

Mirror the details and design of your interior living space through your outdoor space. This can involve coordinating the colour or style of your outdoor and indoor furniture for a cohesive look. Add personal touches such as artwork, rugs, blankets, and decorative pillows that coincide with those within your home to pull the feel and look of your home into the outdoors. Matching the colour or pattern of flooring, countertops, cabinets, and light fixtures is another effective technique.