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Integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces

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Paying attention to function, colour and feel is all-important when it comes to integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The Australian obsession with entertaining and outdoor living seems to have reached its zenith, with more and more home builders looking to 'bring the outside in'. But if you're not in a position to build a new house from scratch, how can you integrate indoor and outdoor areas as part of a renovation or makeover?

Architect Paul Gardiner is frequently called on to design covered outdoor 'rooms' for clients. "These allow outdoor living under cover from rain, but more so out of the sun. Climate change is with us and ambient temperatures are rising," he says. "Extra space related to outside also allows flexibility for entertaining if there is a big crowd."

To achieve an integrated feel between outdoor spaces and the indoors it makes sense for the spaces to have some kind of logical connection to each other. "The relationship between inside and outside may be enhanced, for example, by a dining room that could lead to an outdoor eating area, or a kitchen that leads to a terrace with a herb garden," says Paul.

Outdoor rooms can incorporate many of the functions of indoor rooms. Outdoor kitchens are becoming more common, from the simple grill-and-outdoor-table set-up to the fully equipped, custom-made stainless steel outdoor kitchen.

Accessories are all-important when it comes to creating an indoorsy feel outdoors. Think stylish outdoor furniture, outdoor rugs that blend with the tones of the garden and the interior of the house, and even curtains and shades that are designed for outdoor use. Lighting is also important. Choose outdoor lamps or lanterns that blend with the colours and decor of the interior of your home. There are also candles, wall hangings and throw cushions that are designed for outdoor use.

Choosing windows and doors that create the sense of a seamless transition between the inside and outside is also important. "We suggest floor-to-ceiling glass with fold-back central doors and sliding flyscreens they provide lots of mosquito-proof ventilation," says Paul.

(Image courtesy of Rory Gardiner)