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How to Create a Contemporary Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

by | Jun 15, 2016 | Living Urban | 0 comments

Finding ways to bring the outdoors in, enlivening Portland modern homes with the beauty of nature, is a goal for many homeowners. These days you don’t have to rely on vases and pots to imbue your home with a touch of the natural world.

Instead you can create a contemporary indoor-outdoor living space that blurs the lines between your sitting or dining room and the yard that lies beyond the wall. If you want to infuse your home with the natural elements that make Portland neighborhoods so desirable, here are a few ways to breathe life into your living spaces.

Turn a Window into a Door

If you don’t have easy access to your yard space or deck, or all you have is a traditional door, consider turning a window in your living room or dining room into a door. Whether you choose a sliding glass model or fancy French doors, you’ll gain some major benefits in the process.

For one thing, you’ll improve the view and bring more natural light into your home. In addition, however, you can make indoor-outdoor entertaining a lot easier by opening the doors and letting guests pass from one space to another with ease.

Larger Entries

The epitome of indoor-outdoor spaces is removing barriers, like those pesky walls that separate you from the outside world. The best way to blend indoor and outdoor living space is to turn entire walls into doorways.

Some roll up like garage doors while others fold or slide to the side. Either way, you’ll enjoy rooms that appear to flow seamlessly into the outdoors.

Covered Decks and Patios

Extending your indoor spaces into the outside world will work better if you provide protection from the elements. The last thing you want is for indoor-outdoor events to get pushed inside due to the rain.

One of your reasons for utilizing outdoor space is probably related to limited square footage indoors. Of course, most Portland Lofts deal with HOAs, so you might not be able to erect a permanent roof or pergola.

However, you can probably get away with unattached awnings, free-standing tents, and other coverings that help to create flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Matching Decor

If you want the interior of  your modern home to become one with outdoor yard or deck space, you can employ some visual trickery. This starts with extending your indoor flooring to your outdoor patio, if possible.

You can also use similar lighting fixtures indoors and out and try to match furniture, to a degree. Matching visual elements of decor will help to make indoor and outdoor spaces cohesive and develop a seamless transition from one space to the next.

Photo Credit: HGTV