Creating the perfect transition between inside and outside makes your home feel more cohesive and put-together.

While some contrast can provide a fun way to take a quick ‘vacation’ from the norm on a nice day, many homeowners enjoy being able to move between their porch, patio, deck, or backyard without any drastic changes to their environments. 

If you want to decorate like an interior designer, try bringing some of the inside out and some of the outside in. Properly executed, this approach can give the appearance of a much larger homestead. 

Whether you just want to be able to enjoy a quick lunch in the sun when the mood strikes, or host a dinner party with indoor and outdoor courses, some simple design tricks can make all the difference.

Install Large Glass Windows

What better way to open up your home to the outdoors than with natural sunlight? You can accomplish this modern look by removing walls between your home and back porch, deck, patio, or backyard and replacing them with expansive windows. That way you have a gorgeous view of the back from the inside, as well as a view of your home’s interior from the outside.

Use Elements of Nature 

An easy and affordable option is to simply incorporate more plants in the room leading to the outdoor area. If your goal is to bring nature indoors, start by making sure the outside is properly decorated with plants, stones, and other elements of nature. Once the outdoor area is decorated to your satisfaction, you can simply add complementary elements to the indoor area. 

For example, it’s not practical to maintain a large bush indoors, but some houseplants and flowers (or even some indoor trees) near the exit to your outdoor area can provide a wonderful preview of what’s to come. Or, if your home has a modern farmhouse kind of feel, you could use matching or complementary wooden furniture indoors and outdoors.

Incorporate Sliding Doors 

Whether your outdoor area consists of a wooden deck or concrete patio, sliding screen doors are so versatile. You can open the curtains to let in some sunlight, and then close them when you want a dim interior. On nice days, you can leave them wide open to instantly create a transition that encourages you to wander outside whenever you feel like it.

Use the Same Floors 

This approach blends beautifully with the large glass windows idea for a very modern and upscale look. If you have hardwood floors indoors, try updating your porch or patio with matching hardwood floors at the same level. When you walk outside, you’ll still be in a familiar environment, only with fresh air and sunlight surrounding you.

Add a Sunroom Extension 

What do you get when you cross a room and a porch? A screened-in sunroom! If you want to be able to enjoy a nice breeze while still enjoying the comforts of the indoors, try adding an extension with screens instead of traditional walls. 

It’s the perfect spot for plants, patio furniture, or even a hot tub. You could even turn it into an indoor-outdoor living room with the right decor. With a roof over your head, you’ll still be able to enjoy an outdoor feel even when the weather isn’t cooperating—just make sure you have retractable windows so you can close up shop when it’s raining. A screened-in porch is also a great way to enjoy some fresh air when the bugs are out.

Install Outdoor Kitchen Equipment

There’s something about cooking on the deck that feels so right. A classic grill is a great starting point, but to really blend indoors and outdoors, consider installing a full outdoor setup with cabinets, countertops, a sink, a refrigerator, and anything else that tickles your fancy. These days, you can even find outdoor pizza ovens! 

Making dinner under the moonlight feels so comforting, and you’re going to love hosting dinner parties. Just make sure you have an outdoor table and plenty of seating. Don’t forget to install some outdoor speakers so you can play your favorite music. An outdoor fireplace is also the perfect place to relax under the stars after a hearty meal. 

Let Your Imagination Run Wild 

The wonderful thing about creating an indoor-outdoor transition is that you can really get creative. Even if you tend to be conservative with your indoor decor choices, you can have a lot of fun with this aspect of your home. After all, your outdoor area should be an oasis that makes you smile. Anything is possible, so go ahead and dream big. 

 About the Author 

Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events,

travel, decorating trends, and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR,

business, recruiting, real estate, finance and more.

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Interiors Revitalized is a full-service home staging, model home merchandising, and interior design firm located in Jacksonville Florida.  In addition to Jacksonville, we serve the  St. Johns, St. Augustine, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Fernandina Beach areas. Contact us today at 904.625.2214 to discuss your home staging or interior design project.  We’ll make that first offer your best offer!

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