Landscape Design
How to Connect Your Home's Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
From framing the view to unifying the flooring, there are lots of beautiful ways to connect your landscape and interiors
Having a room that connects to the landscape is a winner at any time of year, making great use of space in the summer and allowing spirit-lifting views of nature and the sky in winter. But what’s the best way to make the indoors and outdoors work in harmony with each other? Here, experts suggest ways to create a home and yard that function as a single holistic space.
It’s important to consider whether you need an outdoor dining space right outside, particularly if your yard is small. “If you have big sliding or bifold doors opening up the indoor dining space to the [landscape], you’ll probably find it’s just as pleasant to eat inside with the doors wide open to the [outdoors], but with the benefit of shade and immediate proximity to the kitchen,” says Chris Jones of Jones Associates Architects.
“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 home, Jones says.
The yard shown here illustrates yet another design option — keeping a patio but moving it to the back of the property, which was also the sunniest spot in this case. It allowed the planting to go right up to the glass, which really brings the landscape into the house.
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“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 home, Jones says.
The yard shown here illustrates yet another design option — keeping a patio but moving it to the back of the property, which was also the sunniest spot in this case. It allowed the planting to go right up to the glass, which really brings the landscape into the house.
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“If you have rear and basement extensions, it might be possible to dig the [yard] down to basement level, so it becomes more of a light well,” architect Stephen Fletcher says. “We did this in a 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,” Fletcher says. For example, interior stone tiling can become exterior stone tiling, ideally with joints aligning, he says. “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 bifold doors,” Jones says. You’ll need to choose a stone that’s suitable for outdoor use, such as granite or slate.” The exterior paving should be laid to fall away from the house, he says, so the slot drain at the threshold of the sliding or bifold doors is only taking the rainwater running off the doors.
“If possible, I would always use the same type of flooring from inside to outside,” Fletcher says. For example, interior stone tiling can become exterior stone tiling, ideally with joints aligning, he says. “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 bifold doors,” Jones says. You’ll need to choose a stone that’s suitable for outdoor use, such as granite or slate.” The exterior paving should be laid to fall away from the house, he says, so the slot drain at the threshold of the sliding or bifold doors is only taking the rainwater running off the doors.
“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,” Reader says. Natural stone can be difficult to match because of the difference in surface finishes required for the two settings.” Bear in mind that any outside surface will get dirty and age in a different manner from an inside one. “Porcelain is likely to perform better for those reasons,” he says.
Having a wood floor inside and decking outside in the same wood doesn’t really work if you’re trying to achieve a continuous appearance, Jones says. The wood outside always weathers to a different color from the interior flooring.
Whatever material you choose, make sure your anti-slip surface is appropriate for the setting, Reader says. “Also, if the outdoor and indoor levels are the same, make sure the damp-proof course is protected and isn’t breached.”
Having a wood floor inside and decking outside in the same wood doesn’t really work if you’re trying to achieve a continuous appearance, Jones says. The wood outside always weathers to a different color from the interior flooring.
Whatever material you choose, make sure your anti-slip surface is appropriate for the setting, Reader says. “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 Than My Outdoor Space?
“Whether the [landscape] 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,” Jones says. “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 [yard].”
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.
Reader suggests terracing your patio space if it’s large enough. “This makes for more interest and brings the [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,” he says. Wide steps with wide treads will help the two spaces and the height differences flow into each other.
“Whether the [landscape] 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,” Jones says. “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 [yard].”
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.
Reader suggests terracing your patio space if it’s large enough. “This makes for more interest and brings the [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,” he says. Wide steps with wide treads will help the two spaces and the height differences flow into each other.
How Can I Utilize My Yard’s Fence or Wall?
“A nicely designed fence can continue the lines right to the back of the [yard], increasing the illusion of space,” Fletcher says. “Fencing with thin, horizontal banding draws the eye out and can neatly contain different elements of [an outdoor space], such as a seating area, outbuilding or planting scheme.”
“Boundary lines can be dressed to echo the interior of the house and blend the spaces,” Reader says. “Paint them in colors that match or echo those used inside. There are a number of colors that can really show off the plants, as well as darker shades that look like shadow and can make the [yard] feel bigger.”
As well as color, 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?” Jones says.
“A nicely designed fence can continue the lines right to the back of the [yard], increasing the illusion of space,” Fletcher says. “Fencing with thin, horizontal banding draws the eye out and can neatly contain different elements of [an outdoor space], such as a seating area, outbuilding or planting scheme.”
“Boundary lines can be dressed to echo the interior of the house and blend the spaces,” Reader says. “Paint them in colors that match or echo those used inside. There are a number of colors that can really show off the plants, as well as darker shades that look like shadow and can make the [yard] feel bigger.”
As well as color, 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?” Jones says.
How Can I Coordinate My Interior Design With the Landscape Design?
“Colors and materials can be matched inside and out,” Jones says. “Let your [landscape] 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 colors and shapes, and houseplants and outdoor plants with the same kind of leaf shapes or habits,” Reader says. “If you have large areas of glass, lighting is really important. If the [yard] 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 cozy and can be intimidating.”
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“Colors and materials can be matched inside and out,” Jones says. “Let your [landscape] 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 colors and shapes, and houseplants and outdoor plants with the same kind of leaf shapes or habits,” Reader says. “If you have large areas of glass, lighting is really important. If the [yard] 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 cozy and can be intimidating.”
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“Think about the theme you’re trying to create and pick up on similar materials and finishes,” Fletcher says. “Carefully positioned furniture can aid the flow.”
Talk to your landscape designer about your interior design style as well as your outdoor requirements, Reader says. “Consider hiring an interior designer and a [landscape] designer, particularly if they’ve worked together before. They can liaise to deliver the best result.
“Understanding the use of materials, styles and colors is really helpful,” he says, “and any good [landscape] designer will be making careful note of the interior furnishings on the first visit for this very reason.”
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Talk to your landscape designer about your interior design style as well as your outdoor requirements, Reader says. “Consider hiring an interior designer and a [landscape] designer, particularly if they’ve worked together before. They can liaise to deliver the best result.
“Understanding the use of materials, styles and colors is really helpful,” he says, “and any good [landscape] designer will be making careful note of the interior furnishings on the first visit for this very reason.”
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What Are Your Tips for Curating a Beautiful View?
“In an ideal world, a beautiful view will be framed by the careful positioning of windows,” Fletcher says. “One of the best examples I’ve seen of this is the Shingle House in Dungeness, Kent. I stayed there several years ago and was mesmerized by the view of the sea from the kitchen window, designed to be enjoyed when sitting at the dining table.”
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 [a lush, vertical planting scheme] 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.”
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“In an ideal world, a beautiful view will be framed by the careful positioning of windows,” Fletcher says. “One of the best examples I’ve seen of this is the Shingle House in Dungeness, Kent. I stayed there several years ago and was mesmerized by the view of the sea from the kitchen window, designed to be enjoyed when sitting at the dining table.”
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 [a lush, vertical planting scheme] 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.”
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Consider the window or the door as a picture frame on the landscape, Reader advises. “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 [yard] 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,” he adds.
“Consider creating journeys and stories within the space and elements that draw you into the outside space, either physically or just visually,” he adds.
“When designing the [landscape], you should always be thinking of the view from the house, as well as the feel in the [yard] itself,” Reader continues. “This will be a key place from which the [landscape] will be seen and [the view from here] can make the difference between a [an outdoor space] 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,” Jones says. “Hide from view anything you don’t want to see, such as a washing line or shed. If there’s a vista beyond the [yard], perhaps the [landscape] 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,” Jones says. “Hide from view anything you don’t want to see, such as a washing line or shed. If there’s a vista beyond the [yard], perhaps the [landscape] itself needs to frame the view beyond.”
What Are the Advantages of Glass Sliding or Bifold Doors?
The obvious advantage of wall-to-wall glass is that it blurs the boundary between inside and out. “Sliding doors maximize the view by virtue of very thin frames and large, uninterrupted expanses of glass,” Jones says. “Bifold 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 [yard] without having to slide open a big, heavy panel.”
Opening up a corner with either sliding or bifold doors can be particularly effective at “blowing open the box” and letting the outside flow in, Jones says. “You can have bifold windows as well as doors,” he adds.
“On warm days,” Reader says, “these types of glazing solutions allow you to effectively eradicate any barriers between the house and [landscape].”
The obvious advantage of wall-to-wall glass is that it blurs the boundary between inside and out. “Sliding doors maximize the view by virtue of very thin frames and large, uninterrupted expanses of glass,” Jones says. “Bifold 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 [yard] without having to slide open a big, heavy panel.”
Opening up a corner with either sliding or bifold doors can be particularly effective at “blowing open the box” and letting the outside flow in, Jones says. “You can have bifold windows as well as doors,” he adds.
“On warm days,” Reader says, “these types of glazing solutions allow you to effectively eradicate any barriers between the house and [landscape].”
What if I Only Have a Conventional Window or Traditional French Doors?
The style of existing windows and doors will have an impact on how easy it is to open up the space, Reader says. “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,” Reader says. “That way, your eye will be drawn to the elements of the [landscape] that best link the two spaces.”
“Carefully consider the layout of the [yard] and the planting,” Fletcher says. “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 minimize any distraction from the view,” Jones says.
The style of existing windows and doors will have an impact on how easy it is to open up the space, Reader says. “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,” Reader says. “That way, your eye will be drawn to the elements of the [landscape] that best link the two spaces.”
“Carefully consider the layout of the [yard] and the planting,” Fletcher says. “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 minimize any distraction from the view,” Jones says.
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,” Fletcher says. “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.”
Which Window Treatment Should You Choose?
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“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,” Fletcher says. “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.”
Which Window Treatment Should You Choose?
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“The [outdoor] area immediately adjacent to the house is a really important space for designing a successful [landscape],” says Peter Reader of Peter Reader Landscapes. “It marks the transition from inside to outside and has to welcome and draw you into the [yard].” Creating interest and a clear link between the spaces is key, he says, and adds that these outdoor areas often serve as patios for sitting, eating and entertaining.
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