Pro Panel: How to Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
From framing the view to uniting the flooring, there are lots of ways to help your house and garden connect beautifully
Julie Butterworth
10 January 2020
Houzz Contributor and homes, architecture and property journalist. I have managed subbing departments at magazines including Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home and digital content teams for Time Inc UK’s Homes Network. These days I contribute to a range of homes websites and edit the commercial content at ribaj.com - the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal
Houzz Contributor and homes, architecture and property journalist. I have managed... More
Having a room that’s connected to the garden is a winner at any time of year, making great use of space in summer and allowing spirit-lifting views of nature in winter. But how best to make indoors and outdoors work in harmony with each other? We caught up with three UK design experts – Chris Jones of Jones Associates Architects, Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes, and Stephen Fletcher of Stephen Fletcher Architects – who reveal ways to create a home and garden that function as a unified holistic space.
What are my options for an outdoor space that runs up to the back of the house?
“The garden area immediately adjacent to the house is a really important space for designing a successful garden,” says Reader. “It marks the transition from inside to outside and has to welcome and draw you into the garden.
“Interest and a clear linkage are key. The most common function such areas serve is as a patio area for sitting, eating and entertaining.”
Need to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces? Find an architect near you on Houzz who can do it for you
“The garden area immediately adjacent to the house is a really important space for designing a successful garden,” says Reader. “It marks the transition from inside to outside and has to welcome and draw you into the garden.
“Interest and a clear linkage are key. The most common function such areas serve is as a patio area for sitting, eating and entertaining.”
Need to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces? Find an architect near you on Houzz who can do it for you
If your garden is small, consider whether you need an outdoor dining space.
“If you have big sliding or bi-fold doors opening up the indoor dining space to the garden,” says Jones, “you’ll probably find it’s just as pleasant to eat inside with the doors wide open to the garden, but with the benefit of shade and immediate proximity to the kitchen.
“This means you don’t have to double up on dining tables – one on the inside of the glass doors and one on the outside,” he says.
Alternatively, doing without a terrace or decked area, and just having a narrow path at the boundary with the house, can allow greenery to extend much closer to the property, says Jones.
“If you have big sliding or bi-fold doors opening up the indoor dining space to the garden,” says Jones, “you’ll probably find it’s just as pleasant to eat inside with the doors wide open to the garden, but with the benefit of shade and immediate proximity to the kitchen.
“This means you don’t have to double up on dining tables – one on the inside of the glass doors and one on the outside,” he says.
Alternatively, doing without a terrace or decked area, and just having a narrow path at the boundary with the house, can allow greenery to extend much closer to the property, says Jones.
“If you have rear and basement extensions, it might be possible to dig the garden down to basement level, so it becomes more of a light well,” says Fletcher. “We did this in a UK project in Chelsea. We painted the walls white to match the inside of the house and installed a cantilevered staircase to the rear, so the space became a continuation of the interior.”
Alternatively, Jones suggests, you could have a children’s play area along the back of the house. “That way, the kids could play outdoors, but be seen and supervised [by the adults] in the kitchen.”
Alternatively, Jones suggests, you could have a children’s play area along the back of the house. “That way, the kids could play outdoors, but be seen and supervised [by the adults] in the kitchen.”
What are the best indoor/outdoor flooring options?
“If possible, I would always use the same type of flooring from inside to outside,” says Fletcher. “For example, internal stone tiling can ‘become’ external stone tiling (ideally with joints aligning). Polished concrete inside and out is another option.”
“If possible, I would always use the same type of flooring from inside to outside,” says Fletcher. “For example, internal stone tiling can ‘become’ external stone tiling (ideally with joints aligning). Polished concrete inside and out is another option.”
“For visual continuity, stone tiling is best, with a flush threshold detail at the bottom of the sliding or bi-fold doors,” says Jones. “You’ll need to choose a stone that’s suitable for outdoor use, such as granite or slate, and be aware that the stone tiles externally need to have a minimum thickness of 30 millimetres. You can, of course, use thinner tiles of the same material internally.”
The external paving should be laid to fall away from the house, says Jones. This way, the slot drain at the threshold of the sliding or bi-fold doors is only taking the rainwater running off the doors.
Picture Perfect: 16 Flooring Ideas to Connect Indoors and Out
The external paving should be laid to fall away from the house, says Jones. This way, the slot drain at the threshold of the sliding or bi-fold doors is only taking the rainwater running off the doors.
Picture Perfect: 16 Flooring Ideas to Connect Indoors and Out
“Porcelain may be the best option if you’re looking for an absolute match, because you can use exactly the same slab in both settings,” says Reader. “Natural stone can be difficult to match because of the difference in surface finishes required for the two settings.”
Bear in mind, he adds, that any outside surface will get dirty and age in a different manner to an inside one. “Porcelain is likely to perform better for those reasons,” he says.
Tip: Notice how the joinery and reflective kickboards have been continued both indoors and out in this home for visual continuity.
Bear in mind, he adds, that any outside surface will get dirty and age in a different manner to an inside one. “Porcelain is likely to perform better for those reasons,” he says.
Tip: Notice how the joinery and reflective kickboards have been continued both indoors and out in this home for visual continuity.
“Having a timber floor internally and decking externally in the same timber doesn’t really work if you’re trying to achieve a continuous appearance,” says Jones. “The timber externally always weathers to a different colour from the internal flooring.”
Whatever material you choose, Reader adds, make sure your anti-slip surface is appropriate for the setting. “Also, if the outdoor and indoor levels are the same, make sure the damp-proof course is protected and isn’t breached.”
Whatever material you choose, Reader adds, make sure your anti-slip surface is appropriate for the setting. “Also, if the outdoor and indoor levels are the same, make sure the damp-proof course is protected and isn’t breached.”
What if my indoor space is at a different level to my outside space?
“Whether the garden is at a higher or lower level than the floor inside, the important thing is to avoid an abrupt change in level too close to the house,” says Jones. “It’s good to have a comfortably sized paved or decked area immediately outside the doors, with steps at the end leading either up or down to the main garden.”
Fletcher agrees. “Ideally, create an external area at the same level as the internal area and push the steps or retaining wall further out,” he says.
If your patio space is large enough, consider having different levels within it, Reader says. “This makes for more interest and brings the inside/outside level change into the design. Break up the level change by using items of interest, such as built-in raised planters. The planting will also soften the effect.”
Wide steps with wide treads will help the two spaces and the height differences flow into each other.
“Whether the garden is at a higher or lower level than the floor inside, the important thing is to avoid an abrupt change in level too close to the house,” says Jones. “It’s good to have a comfortably sized paved or decked area immediately outside the doors, with steps at the end leading either up or down to the main garden.”
Fletcher agrees. “Ideally, create an external area at the same level as the internal area and push the steps or retaining wall further out,” he says.
If your patio space is large enough, consider having different levels within it, Reader says. “This makes for more interest and brings the inside/outside level change into the design. Break up the level change by using items of interest, such as built-in raised planters. The planting will also soften the effect.”
Wide steps with wide treads will help the two spaces and the height differences flow into each other.
How can I utilise my garden’s fence or wall?
“A nicely designed fence can continue the ‘lines’ right to the back of the garden, increasing the illusion of space,” says Fletcher. “Fencing with thin, horizontal banding draws the eye out and can neatly contain different elements of a garden, such as a seating area, outbuilding [such as a shed or garage], or planting scheme.”
“Boundary lines can be dressed to echo the interior of the house and blend the spaces,” says Reader. “Paint them in colours that match or echo those used inside. There are a number of colours that can really show off the plants, as well as darker shades that look like shadow and can make the garden feel bigger.”
And don’t forget outdoor lighting. “You can create atmosphere by uplighting brick walls or natural boundaries, such as hedging,” says Reader.
As well as colour, think about materials and the degree of privacy you need. “Could the boundary also be used as a framework or surface for plants to grow up?” says Jones.
See the rest of this indoor-outdoor home in Victoria
“A nicely designed fence can continue the ‘lines’ right to the back of the garden, increasing the illusion of space,” says Fletcher. “Fencing with thin, horizontal banding draws the eye out and can neatly contain different elements of a garden, such as a seating area, outbuilding [such as a shed or garage], or planting scheme.”
“Boundary lines can be dressed to echo the interior of the house and blend the spaces,” says Reader. “Paint them in colours that match or echo those used inside. There are a number of colours that can really show off the plants, as well as darker shades that look like shadow and can make the garden feel bigger.”
And don’t forget outdoor lighting. “You can create atmosphere by uplighting brick walls or natural boundaries, such as hedging,” says Reader.
As well as colour, think about materials and the degree of privacy you need. “Could the boundary also be used as a framework or surface for plants to grow up?” says Jones.
See the rest of this indoor-outdoor home in Victoria
Are there easy ways to coordinate interior design with garden design?
“Colours and materials can be matched inside and out,” says Jones. “Let your garden lighting be an extension of the lighting scheme inside. This can be a very effective way of tying the two spaces together at night.”
“Use wood in similar colours and shapes, and house plants and outdoor plants with the same kind of leaf shapes or habits,” says Reader. “If you have large areas of glass, lighting is really important. If the garden isn’t lit, the effect at night can be of a big black void along one wall of the room. It doesn’t feel attractive or cosy and can be intimidating.”
How Do I… Decorate for Indoor-Outdoor Flow?
“Colours and materials can be matched inside and out,” says Jones. “Let your garden lighting be an extension of the lighting scheme inside. This can be a very effective way of tying the two spaces together at night.”
“Use wood in similar colours and shapes, and house plants and outdoor plants with the same kind of leaf shapes or habits,” says Reader. “If you have large areas of glass, lighting is really important. If the garden isn’t lit, the effect at night can be of a big black void along one wall of the room. It doesn’t feel attractive or cosy and can be intimidating.”
How Do I… Decorate for Indoor-Outdoor Flow?
“Think about the theme you’re trying to create and pick up on similar materials and finishes,” says Fletcher. “Carefully positioned furniture can aid the flow.”
Talk to your landscape designer about your interior design style as well as your garden requirements, says Reader. “Consider hiring an interior designer and a garden designer, particularly if they’ve worked together before. They can liaise to deliver the best result.
“Understanding the use of materials, styles and colours is really helpful,” he says, “and any good garden designer will be making careful note of the interior furnishings on the first visit for this very reason.”
Tip: Here, the cross-shaped table legs indoors are echoed in the outdoor seating for increased continuity, along with the colour palette of the furniture and light fittings.
Talk to your landscape designer about your interior design style as well as your garden requirements, says Reader. “Consider hiring an interior designer and a garden designer, particularly if they’ve worked together before. They can liaise to deliver the best result.
“Understanding the use of materials, styles and colours is really helpful,” he says, “and any good garden designer will be making careful note of the interior furnishings on the first visit for this very reason.”
Tip: Here, the cross-shaped table legs indoors are echoed in the outdoor seating for increased continuity, along with the colour palette of the furniture and light fittings.
Do you have any top tips for curating a view?
“In an ideal world, a beautiful view will be ‘framed’ by the careful positioning of windows,” says Fletcher. But even if you have no view at all and a very confined outdoor space, you can create something beautiful to look at, he says.
“Incorporating a living wall or a display of wall-hung rustic doors along a boundary, as we did in one of our previous projects, for instance, will create its own kind of view and add plenty of interest.”
“In an ideal world, a beautiful view will be ‘framed’ by the careful positioning of windows,” says Fletcher. But even if you have no view at all and a very confined outdoor space, you can create something beautiful to look at, he says.
“Incorporating a living wall or a display of wall-hung rustic doors along a boundary, as we did in one of our previous projects, for instance, will create its own kind of view and add plenty of interest.”
Consider the window or the door as a picture frame on the garden, says Reader. “In the case of large areas of glass, imagine that the glass doesn’t exist and the two spaces are one. In this way, you can create the feel that you’re sitting in both the house and the garden when you’re inside,” he says.
“Consider creating journeys and stories within the space and elements that draw you into the outside space, either physically or just visually.”
Freeze Frame! How to Make the Most of Your Views
“Consider creating journeys and stories within the space and elements that draw you into the outside space, either physically or just visually.”
Freeze Frame! How to Make the Most of Your Views
“When designing the garden, you should always be thinking of the view from the house, as well as the feel in the garden itself,” says Reader. “This will be a key place from which the garden will be seen and [the view from here] can make the difference between a garden that looks interesting from within and draws people out, and one that doesn’t.”
“Ensure any focal points, such as a mature tree, pond or sculpture, are clearly visible from the house and are effectively lit up at night,” says Jones. “Hide from view anything you don’t want to see, such as a washing line or shed. If there’s a vista beyond the garden, perhaps the garden itself needs to frame the view beyond.”
“Ensure any focal points, such as a mature tree, pond or sculpture, are clearly visible from the house and are effectively lit up at night,” says Jones. “Hide from view anything you don’t want to see, such as a washing line or shed. If there’s a vista beyond the garden, perhaps the garden itself needs to frame the view beyond.”
What are the advantages of having glazed sliding or bi-fold doors?
The obvious advantage of wall-to-wall glass or doors is that it blurs the boundary between inside and out.
“Sliding doors maximise the view by virtue of very thin frames and large, uninterrupted expanses of glass,” says Jones. “Bi-fold doors have the advantage that they can be opened up completely [with sliding doors, at least one has to stay in place]. They also allow you to have one of the doors as an ‘active leaf’, which can be used as a convenient hinged ‘back door’ to the garden without having to slide open a big, heavy panel.”
Opening up a corner with either sliding or bi-fold doors can be particularly effective at letting the outside flow in, says Jones. “You can have bi-fold windows as well as doors,” he adds.
“On warm days,” says Reader, “these types of glazing solutions allow you to effectively eradicate any barriers between the house and garden.”
The obvious advantage of wall-to-wall glass or doors is that it blurs the boundary between inside and out.
“Sliding doors maximise the view by virtue of very thin frames and large, uninterrupted expanses of glass,” says Jones. “Bi-fold doors have the advantage that they can be opened up completely [with sliding doors, at least one has to stay in place]. They also allow you to have one of the doors as an ‘active leaf’, which can be used as a convenient hinged ‘back door’ to the garden without having to slide open a big, heavy panel.”
Opening up a corner with either sliding or bi-fold doors can be particularly effective at letting the outside flow in, says Jones. “You can have bi-fold windows as well as doors,” he adds.
“On warm days,” says Reader, “these types of glazing solutions allow you to effectively eradicate any barriers between the house and garden.”
What if I just have a conventional window, traditional french doors or an old-fashioned conservatory?
The style of existing windows and doors will have an impact on how easy it is to open up the space, says Reader. “Early uPVC versions often had a large amount of plastic frame, which reduces the area of glass and obstructs the view.”
Having said that, all the same tricks for connecting the spaces still stand, it’s just more difficult to create a direct visual link. “Create focal points that draw attention by using the same materials or styles inside and out,” says Fletcher. “That way, your eye will be drawn to the elements of the garden that best link the two spaces.”
“Carefully consider the layout of the garden and the planting,” says Fletcher. “Maybe pick out an interesting tree or sculpture and make the most of it with lighting.”
“Painting the wall around the window white is another good way to minimise any distraction from the view,” says Jones.
The style of existing windows and doors will have an impact on how easy it is to open up the space, says Reader. “Early uPVC versions often had a large amount of plastic frame, which reduces the area of glass and obstructs the view.”
Having said that, all the same tricks for connecting the spaces still stand, it’s just more difficult to create a direct visual link. “Create focal points that draw attention by using the same materials or styles inside and out,” says Fletcher. “That way, your eye will be drawn to the elements of the garden that best link the two spaces.”
“Carefully consider the layout of the garden and the planting,” says Fletcher. “Maybe pick out an interesting tree or sculpture and make the most of it with lighting.”
“Painting the wall around the window white is another good way to minimise any distraction from the view,” says Jones.
Which window treatments are least likely to detract from a view?
“Roman, roller or Venetian blinds can all be kept right out of the way of a window and a view, depending on the interior design,” says Fletcher. “Net curtains are likely to detract from the view, so go for lightweight white sheers that can be pulled completely clear of the glazing when opened.”
Your turn
How have you designed your transition spaces to increase indoor-outdoor flow? Share your ideas in the Comments below. And if you found this story useful, like it, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more expert advice? Don’t miss this Pro Panel: How to Design a Home That Boosts Wellbeing
“Roman, roller or Venetian blinds can all be kept right out of the way of a window and a view, depending on the interior design,” says Fletcher. “Net curtains are likely to detract from the view, so go for lightweight white sheers that can be pulled completely clear of the glazing when opened.”
Your turn
How have you designed your transition spaces to increase indoor-outdoor flow? Share your ideas in the Comments below. And if you found this story useful, like it, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more expert advice? Don’t miss this Pro Panel: How to Design a Home That Boosts Wellbeing
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Sustainable Ideas
10 Furniture Classics You Can Turn Into Bathroom Vanities
Craving a bespoke bathroom vanity? These 10 furniture classics can be transformed into unique functional vanities
Full Story
Organising
How to Declutter Digital and Printed Photos the Easy Way
By Amy Revell
Enjoy these smart, simple ways to store your digital and physical photos so you can be both snap happy and organised
Full Story
Bathroom Styles
Your Essential Guide to a Farmhouse-Style Bathroom
Elements of these modern-rustic spaces include Shaker cabinetry, barn-inspired accessories and heritage hues
Full Story
Room Of The Week
Room of the Week: An Elegant Ensuite With Exquisite Detailing
See how an interior designer squeezed a tiny ensuite into a Victorian terrace and made it sing with luxurious finishes
Full Story
Gardens
Common Ground: 10 Clever Uses for Gravel in the Garden
Use gravel for pathways and patios, as a mulch for garden beds, to reduce rainwater runoff and more
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
Window Dressing: 10 Cool New Treatments for Fashionable Windows
From curtains and blinds to shades and panels, we welcome these on-trend and timeless window coverings
Full Story
Gardening
How to Get Fertile Soil for Your Edible Garden
The nutrients in your soil feed the plants that feed you. Here are expert tips to get it right
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
Designer Secrets to a Perfectly Styled Bathroom
By Yanic Simard
Nail your style and avoid a cluttered look with these expert tips, while still enjoying a well-functioning bathroom
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
27 Times a Mirror Was the Making of a Room
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Great!
Great article that is both inspiring and practical - note made of the drainage tips Prestige Build. Thank you.
Glass is such a beautiful medium, the most exciting thing about working with glass is bringing your customers visions to life and challenging what has been and can be done with glass.
Your article is inspiring and truly highlights how important glass windows and doors are when seeking ways to Connect Your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces.