New Zealanders love the outdoors.
We're blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. So when it comes to making changes in your home, creating indoor to outdoor flow is always top of the renovation list.
Here are our tips – from simple budget-friendly to luxe options to transform your indoor outdoor flow.
Where to begin...
1. Location
The ideal location to create an opening into the outdoors is close to the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home. So creating the ability move in and out quickly while preparing food and drink makes life easier. You can also keep an eye on kids playing in the garden while you're cooking.
The other area of the house to have that flow outside is from the family/living room, especially if you have children who will be running in and out to play.
Image via HERE
2. Bask in the Light
Another key thing to consider, is taking advantage of natural light. Choose a sunny spot to create your outdoor area. If you're thinking of putting in a larger opening or taking down a wall then think about the aspect of the house and how you can add more natural light to the living areas of your home. North facing aspects are the no-brainer way to ensure you get beautiful all-day sun.
Image via HERE
3. Opening up to the outside
If you don't have a nice wide doorway that flows outside, we have some options to consider:
Budget-friendly:
Aluminium sliding doors – these are probably your cheapest option. The beauty of a metal frame is that it wont crack, peel or warp over time. There are stacking options available these days with various frames and colours, to create the look you're after.
Convert a window into a door – do you have a window that is perfectly positioned to become a doorway or perhaps set of french doors. If so, take advantage of the positioning as you will save money by not having to cut through brick or timber.
Image via https://www.martinboroughhotel.co.nz/rooms
Reclaimed doors – the sustainable option and a great way to save money. Take a look at your local demolition yard, supermarket noticeboard, trademe, or local Facebook groups to find some doors which could work for your home. It might take you a while to find the right thing, but with patience you may end up with a much more high-end product for a quarter of the price!
Image via HERE
Luxe option:
Bifold doors - are notoriously expensive but create an amazing open feel when stacked back onto each other. You will have to investigate if a beam is necessary when putting in the bi-folds. Always consult a licensed builder and make sure that any changes are made to building code.
4. Outdoor Flooring
Keep it level – where possible, it's best to keep your indoors and outdoors on the same level. This creates that indoor/outdoor flow and makes your home footprint feel a lot bigger.
Luxe option:
Decking – is a great way to create this flow as you can raise the level to match your house. The auger attachment on our Little Digger makes quick work of digging the post holes for decks. So you will be out of the ground and closer to that finished product so much sooner!
Image via HERE
Paving – is hard-wearing and versatile. When you are laying a paved area, just make sure that you are starting with a flat area. Our Bobcat is the ideal piece of equipment to get a beautifully level surface to then pave over. Also consider the fall of your paving. Always make sure there is a slight fall away from your house and think about whether drainage is necessary. We can help you out with this. Our team are expert in creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Image via HERE
Bricks – like pavers they need to be set onto a flat compacted surface. You can source recycled bricks to save money too. They add a lovely rustic charm and really suit cottages or homes with an industrial style. If you need a hand getting materials delivered or excess soil taken away then give us a call. Our 4T tip truck can do the hard work for you!
Budget-friendly
Crushed rock – a simple but effective material, you can compact GAP20 to create the bedding then lay a thin layer around 40mm of pebbles to create an outdoor area. Think Mediterranean gardens with their paths and alfresco areas.
Stepping stones – stepping stones can be laid close together with grass, stones or mondo grass in between. It's simple and effective. Again, get in contact with our team, we can help you figure out the best option for your outdoor area.
Concrete - can look smart, our suggestion is either Fraser rock with black oxide around 3% or Longburn stone, with a red oxide around 3%. Cut concrete in to 900mm squares makes a small area look bigger . The black oxide helps hides marks!
5. Shelter
You'll get a lot more use out of your outdoor area if it provides shelter from the sun and the rain. There's lots of ways to achieve this:
A Pergola or an outdoor room positioned straight off your roofline will really create an extra room for you. You will be able to entertain rain, hail or shine. They are obviously more expensive than some other options but will increase the value of your home. Our Little Digger can drill the holes in literally a matter of minutes so make sure you call before lifting that shovel!
Image via HERE
Outdoor umbrella – a simple and cost effective option is a large outdoor umbrella. Versatile in that you can move it around to create shade no matter where the sun in shining.
Image via HERE
Trellis – a pergola without roofing material on top, you can grow a vine up the trellis and create a roof from nature!
Shade sail – another relatively cost effective option, it wont keep rain out but will create a roof-like feel and shade from the sun.
Image via HERE
Awnings – come in a lot of sizes and styles. Attached to the side of the home it can create cover when needed and retract when you want to let more light in.
Large shady tree – use the best that Mother Nature has given us by designing your outdoor area under the shade of a tree. Hang lanterns from branches for ambient light. Some great trees to consider are: Liriodendrons (tulip tree), Golden Robinia, Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura (Flowering Cherry), Coast Banksia Tree
6. Walls
Another way to give that outdoor room feel is to screen off your outdoor area to give it that snug room-like feel.
Image via HERE
Use side of an existing garage or shed. Place your BBQ or perhaps a potting stand against the wall to create the layout of a room.
Privacy screens – can be created with recycled or rough sawn timber, lattice, growing a vine such as a climbing Jasmine to create a wall or use decorative screens.
7. Decorate
To create that flow, use the same principles of decorating a room.
Image via HERE
Outdoor sofa – give your area a lounging area to kick back and relax.
Dining table – what better place to gather round and enjoy dining with family and friends.
Pot plants – are a great way to delineate your outdoor area, especially if you don't have walls or a roof.
Lanterns or lights – from the roof, on the table, tall floor lanterns, there's nothing more beautiful than the soft glow in the evening.
Small fire pit or Chiminea fire - to help keep those chilly evenings and nights warm while complementing your backyard or patio.
Image via HERE
Continue colours and textures from indoor to outdoor to make the spaces feel seamless.
There you have it! Our tips when considering your outdoor entertainment area.