SEPTEMBER 2023
“Outdoor spaces are important for everybody...Breathing fresh air, having fresh air come into your home, is a beautiful and important part of living as a human being.”
– EMILEE BIRRELL, PRINCIPAL
Indoor-outdoor connections allow us to feel connected to nature year-round. These points of connection are especially impactful in climates, like the Pacific Northwest, which experience long, rainy, dark winters where being outdoors is less desirable. By having easeful accessibility between the indoor and outdoor spaces, the entire property becomes a part of your living experience throughout the season.
Many properties have additional exterior square footage that can be utilized in various ways, but how often it will be used is dependent on how convenient the accessibility from the house is. Creating an easier, more cohesive connection to outdoor areas allows homeowners to use that space more frequently and enjoy it as an extension of their livable environment.
Indoor-outdoor connections also functionally serve as transitional zones between these two spaces, which often require the gathering or removal of items, such as bags, backpacks, shoes, raincoats, etc. Despite the seasonality of the Pacific Northwest, many homes are built without a mudroom or dedicated transition area in the main entryways. When these zones aren’t optimal or functional, in terms of ample space and storage, it can create clutter and stress as family members and guests move between spaces. Having storage for transitional items will assist in keeping the space tidy. Additionally, ensuring your main entry is well-lit with either light fixtures or natural light will help the transition feel more welcoming, creating a joyful experience coming in and out of your home.
Kitchens are one of the main considerations for adding an indoor-outdoor connection to during a home remodel. They are a primary hub of activity in any household, with children, family, and company gravitating towards this space, and families often want ease between entertaining and functionality. Whether it’s a desire to watch the children play in the backyard through an oversized window above the sink or having a seamless connection to an outdoor cooking and dining space, indoor-outdoor connections are a great way to expand a kitchen’s footprint.
Of course, a home is not limited to one indoor-outdoor connection. Consider the areas within your home where adding a connection will improve the use, function, and beauty of that space. Where is it optimal in your home to view the outdoors? In which rooms do you and your family spend the most time throughout the day? By creating indoor-outdoor connections that work for your home and your family, you’re also creating a more purposeful and useful sense of movement and functionality throughout your interior and exterior spaces.
In our next discussion, we will examine specific features of indoor-outdoor connections that achieve a seamless transition between spaces in your home. If you have an upcoming home renovation, remodel, or custom home addition in the greater Seattle area, please reach out to us for a consultation. We’re happy to discuss your project and see how we can best support you with your goals.