Summer Time Designing…
Summer is well upon us and with it an invitation to expand our indoor living, outdoors. It’s a time for family, relaxation, taking in some well-needed vitamin D and inviting the friends for a barbeque…
There is nothing better than a well-curated outdoor living space, and when it boasts indoor amenities, it’s more than a patio; it truly becomes an extension to your home. Think of it as a very flexible bonus room.
I can’t cover this topic without giving an honorable mention to the California Room now trending across the Nation. You’ll find them in many new home developments, and when a home with a California room is included, it’s generally ‘posh’d out’ and makes one drool.
Sinking into Your Lifestyle…
So when talking about designing your indoor/outdoor space, the conversation needs to start with lifestyle and how you want to sink into your space. Also, how busy are you? Is your indoor/outdoor space a place to just chill and recharge? Will you this be a place for meditation and outdoor yoga? Will you be hosting friends, barbeques, or special events like a wedding?
The Fireplace…
Nothing creates a sense of ‘seamlessness’ more than an indoor/outdoor fireplace. Fireplaces are a design layer that gathers people together in a cozy warm embrace. It’s ideal for summer evenings when it cools down a bit, for that romantic atmosphere or elegant outdoor get-togethers. And when we carry that ambiance all the way through with twinkle lights draped from the pergola, it’s nothing short of magical.
The Sunroom…
The Sunroom, traditionally known as a Solarium, Florida Room, Sun Parlor and Sun Porch, is a space that permits an abundance of sunlight and usually has a great view of the gardens (or pool)… Sunrooms are about a dedicated space for natural light and much-needed Vitamine D. They are also about having an outdoor experience, inside, or partly indoors. As with any room, the things to consider when either adding or redesigning a Sunroom are; location, size, focal points, color scheme, view, and lifestyle. I particularly love when a Sunroom serves as an extension of its adjoining room. Below: This was originally a screened porch that was converted into a sunroom. I love the way the exterior brick captured within brings in the warm toasty exterior light and warmth.
Trends…
I can’t cover outdoor living without giving an honorable mention to the California Room now trending across the Nation. We’re loving our outdoor living spaces, with all the indoor conveniences outdoors. They are beautiful, and often amazingly elegant… And can argue with all that extra square footage for entertaining? You’ll find them in many new home developments, and they are to drool over. [image to the left by Luxury Home by Cornerstone Architects]
With more and more families taking their family-room living outdoors, the outdoor kitchen follows suit and is trending like never before. Overall, it’s safe to say that the alfresco movement has reached a grand scale with fully functional kitchens where one can keep showing off those culinary skills — And the kitchen remains the heart of a family. [ bottom right from Dering Hall latest newsletter Luxe Outdoor Kitchens & Grills ]
Finally, while pinning to my indoor/outdoor living pin board this week, I came across this stunning California Room inspired space all the way in Norway. Amazing! This patio boasts a gorgeous outdoor sitting and dining area with a cabana feel (near the pool) and it is thoughtfully illuminated for evening gatherings. I just loved it! The designer is Tina Stuestøl, and this fabulous outdoor space her her very own. I highly recommend you check out her Instagram feed and see it from different angles (@interiorwife).
You can check out other jaw-dropping outdoor spaces on my pinboard.
