Inside-Out Living

This time of year our hearts and minds are drawn to the outside. We as humans seem to have a need to connect to nature. I recently saw a picture that really brought this to my attention…..

Source: tumblr.com via Kathy on Pinterest



When I saw this image I was immediately drawn in or in this case, “out.”

With a view like this outside the window I can not imagine that anyone would not want to go outside and sit and absorb the view.

We all might not have such an amazing view from our window, but it is important to have something lovely to look at and a place to sit and enjoy our outdoor area.

My friend Delores at Vignette Design blog recently did a post on dining alfresco where she shows some lovely images of dining areas outside the home. In the collection of images she shows several of the areas at her own home. Delores is a master of connecting the inside of her home to her outdoor areas.

Shall We Begin?.......

This picture shows the inside of her kitchen in Asti, California. Notice the warm and rustic look of her inviting kitchen.

Now let's go outside and take a look at the view!

Yes this is the view she has from her backyard!! Just look how she continues the warm and rustic feel out to her yard. I told you she was a master at bringing the outside in or is it bringing the inside out?!!

Absolutely seamless on every count!!!

This is her main home where she raised her family. Warm and inviting with a touch of rustic elegance. Now let’s go outside and see once again how she seamlessly marries the inside with her outdoor spaces……

Amazing isn’t she?

Such a lovely sunroom. This is one of my favorite rooms in her home. I could see myself sitting here for hours chatting and having tea.

To see more of what Delores has to offer be sure and visit her blog HERE!!

I could probably have ended my post right here since Delores has such wonderful examples of how to marry the outside with the inside, but I have more for you dear readers………

………..When you think of your own outdoor areas you need to think of how they will relate with your indoor atmosphere.

• What style is your interior?
• Try to co-ordinate style and the color scheme both inside and out.
• What is your entertaining style (casual, formal or something in-between?)
• Make areas for lounging as well as good conversation areas and a place for dining.
• If privacy is needed arrange plantings or screens to accommodate that.

I am about to show you some outside areas, and I am going to pair them with images of rooms that I feel marry well to eachother..........

In this first  outdoor space  we see a very colorful transitional style with a casual feel.

I think this is what the inside of the home could possibly look like if it is to marry well to the above outdoor space…………….

A casual transitional space with pops of red and bright turquoise. This space marries well to the above outdoor space also. It has the same feel, style and colors. That is what will make a good marriage of spaces, or an easy flow from one space to the other.

Seeing the images side by side helps in seeing how easily the eye flows from one area to the other……

 

NEXT......

Next outdoor space has a very charming cottage style. It is casual, comfortable and inviting with a fresh color scheme. Let’s look at some indoor spaces that would be a good pairing with this charming outdoor space…..

I could see myself walking out the back door of this kitchen right into the charming outdoor space pictured above. Casual, charming and inviting!! Are you starting to notice that the same adjectives are being used to describe the outdoor and indoor spaces that go together?

Can’t you just see this living room being connected to the above outdoor space?

NEXT.......

In this image we see neutrals being used and we see interesting pieces in the mix with a wonderfully comfortable and casual feel.

I think this indoor space would go well with the above outdoor space. Notice the interesting accessories and the use of texture by using wood and baskets. There are even lanterns as in the outdoor space.

More wood and interesting elements are being used in this indoor space. This space will marry well to the above outdoor space.

Last but not Least!........

In this last image we see a great use of a brightly colored backdrop with a very traditional look and feel to the elements being used. Symmetry gives this space an understated elegant feel.  I  have to mention the coffee table, what a fun use of plant material!

 

Designed by Suzanne Kasler, photography by Tria Giovan

I can see stepping into this foyer and walking through the house to go to the above outdoor space. Clean traditional lines, bright pops of color and symmetry all are speaking the same language as the above outdoor space.

This dining room would also be a space that would look as if it belonged to the owner of the above foyer and outdoor spaces.

I hope you have had some fun with this little exercise in how important it is for your outdoor living areas to flow seamlessly with your interior spaces.

 Remember:

There needs to be continuity in color, style and feel.

You should be able to use the same adjectives to describe both your inside and outside spaces.

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Blending your outdoor spaces seamlessly to your interior spaces.

Kathysue