Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design
Outdoor living not only enriches our daily lives it also brings a whole new dimension to a living, or even a work, space. Modern interior designers embrace this fact as well as the rising demand from clients to be able to incorporate the great outdoors potential as an extended area of living space. However, I admire the landscape garden designer with whom I sometimes collaborate since it is worth remembering that when they are designing for the great outdoors they have an additional client to appease: Mother Nature herself.
Functionality and Aesthetics
No other space demands such equal attention to be given to both functionality and aesthetics. Without one the other is rendered useless. An ugly outdoor area is not a pleasant place to spend time in, and equally, an area without appropriate coverage from the elements is unusable most of the time. Consequently, the best modern interior designs for outdoor spaces are just that; the skill to bring the comforts and functionality of the interior to the exterior.
Embrace the Elements
Firstly, and most importantly you need to get to know your clients. In regards to Nature you need to consult with your landscape gardener to evaluate your outdoor area’s logistics – what is the space’s sun orientation, what is its elevation, is the area highly exposed to wind? All of these elements need to be considered as they are non-negotiable. You will have to work with Nature to make the best of all your space has to offer and some of it you cannot fight.
Work with What You’ve Got
Secondly, consider what the area will be used for and what limitations, if any, its size will dictate. Most outdoor living spaces are an area for relaxation and entertaining so the best modern interior designers will be faced with the challenge of establishing separate areas within the space; one for cooking, one for relaxing and, most importantly, always ensuring easy flow of traffic through it all.
Bringing the Inside Outside
I have always found that the most appealing outdoor living spaces are ones that complement the modern interior design of the home as well as its architecture. A design scheme that echoes and harmonizes with the homes interior style will allow the two living spaces to flow seamlessly into one another. This can easily be achieved with creative landscaping and even carefully selected coloured concrete for the patio area.
Although it is a skilful talent of most modern interior designers these days to be able to merge a home’s indoor and outdoor spaces effortlessly I feel there is a need to maintain the two spaces distinct differences. I love to focus on enhancing the natural elements that an outdoor living space provides with gentle water features and specific landscaping that offers natural protection from the elements.
