Imagine waking up to a crisp Colorado morning, your cup of steaming coffee in hand as you step from your family room directly into the fresh outside air. With an indoor-outdoor living space, you get that resort feeling without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Embracing this popular trend in luxury homes provides an escape from the typical four-walled confines and creates an openness and seamless flow to your house. And what better place to embrace it than here in Colorado with our 300 days of sunshine?
Here are 7 key elements that can help you create the ideal indoor-outdoor living space:
Large Windows and Glass Walls
Get the natural light and unobstructed views to your outdoor surroundings by incorporating expansive windows and glass walls in your home design. And, with sliding or folding glass doors, you can open up the space and begin to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor.
Outdoor Rooms
Create functional areas for outdoor living with your covered patio, deck, or veranda with comfy outdoor furniture, rugs, and even fireplaces. Thinking of them as “rooms” will help you create the style and vibe you want each space to have.
Continuity of Materials
You can establish a nice flow and visual harmony by choosing materials that can be used indoors and outdoors. For example, using the same flooring material or complementary colors and textures can create an aesthetic connection between the spaces.
Natural Landscaping
Incorporating natural landscaping elements such as gardens, water features, or even a swimming pool can make your outdoor space feel serene and elegant. With greenery and the sound of running water, you’ll be beckoned to spend more time outside and make the most of your expanded living area.
Shelter and Shade
While 300 days of sunshine in Colorado is great, it also means you need some cover from the sun. A pergola, awning, retractable canopies, and cantilever umbrellas can protect you from the elements and allow for year-round use of your outdoor space.
Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Areas
Including an outdoor kitchen or dining area is a great way to extend the functionality of your living space. With amenities like grills, countertops, and additional seating, you can entertain guests and enjoy meals while still being connected to the indoor kitchen and dining areas.
Privacy
Consider incorporating privacy elements such as trellises, screens, or landscaping to create a sense of seclusion and intimacy in your outdoor areas. Even if you love your neighbors, it’s nice to have the privacy on your property to relax without onlookers.
With these must-haves, you can increase the usable square footage of your home and enjoy Colorado’s fresh air and great weather almost year-round. Whether the goal is to sit around the fire pit with family or host dinner parties for friends, an indoor-outdoor living space will give you the open-air elegance and additional functionality you need.
