Interior Designers Give Advice on How to Let the Outdoors In

As summer starts to set in and we spend more time outdoors, we can’t help but think how cool it would be to bring the outdoors into our home or vice versa.

For Larry Myers, designer and owner of Victoria’s Alfresco Living Design, this is entirely possible as he constantly creates outdoor living spaces and makes them blend into the rest of the house.

Myers says, “I think there should be very smooth transitions and continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.” He adds that efficiency and good design flow are essential so people can easily navigate through indoors and outdoors.

Myers does this by checking first how the interiors are laid out in reference to the views of windows. From there, he then brings the elements that will help him create a connection from an architectural and personal point of view.

According to Myers, a common mistake that people make is to underestimate the scale of the area, regardless of the actual space. He also suggests maximizing the use of the spaces, be it vertical or horizontal
Myers says people also don't usually deal with the vertical spaces.
"It's about using the space to its fullest," he says.

The same thought is shared by Candace Mallette of Candace Mallette Landscape and Garden Design in Ottawa.

Mallette says, “Design your yard into rooms.” She adds, “You could create an area where you’d barbecue, a service area tucked away that isn’t visually where you’d see with your clothes line and shed, and then maybe a patio for dining with a small reading area. If you put different room in your backyard that works really well.”

When it comes to privacy issues, which a lot of clients are concerned with, Mallette suggests adding patios that are on the ground level. This, she says, would be the best way for them to enjoy their outdoor space without the feeling of being exposed to others.