Our interiors have changed dramatically to accommodate our needs. Many of today's designers still think all about how a person wants to live and use the space we are working with inside. Now, we are opening up our interiors to the outside.

Blurring the demarcations between the tow spaces is setting a new standard in “lifestyle” design. Bedrooms, once closed off from the landscape, now share space with the outdoors. Inspired gardens and landscapes take their cue from nature. Set apart and furnished with comfortable seating, they have become private retreats, perfect for peaceful reflection.

Indoor entertaining is also moving outward via connected outdoor rooms, baths and spas. Party yards complete with patios, fire pits and outdoor kitchens give all ages a place to gather for fun. Both secret gardens and entertainment zones can be as small as a rooftop terrace. They can fill out “too small” backyard spaces, or take advantage of entire lots, from side yards to front. 

For example, in updating a master suite recently, a window wall was opened up to the landscape beyond, and completely re-oriented the homeowners living experience.

This “before” master suite (right) was sequestered from the rear yard and side yard. The only entry to the exterior was at the opposite end of the home.

Opening up the window wall allows private entry to both the side (below right) and rear yards, as well as bringing garden views into the interior. Replacing the awkward window with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, French doors, opening outward, visually opens and enlarges the interior of the room (below left). The room includes include silk drapes for complete privacy and woven grass shades for filtered light and day privacy.

A portico and brick porch (below) with steps on three sides were added to allow access from the suite to the private garden sanctuary and private dining area (not shown) in the left side yard. The rear yard, garden & pond (not shown) are steps away from the doorways and access to the circular entertainment patio is located off to the right.

Until recently, typical city and suburban landscaping meant placing shrubs and plantings around the exterior of homes to soften the foundation and accent the entry walkways. Basically, it meant adding a little decoration to the lot to dress the exterior of the house.

Not so anymore! Interiors are opening up and stepping outside the home. Formerly overlooked and under-utilized “yards” are becoming new “outdoor living spaces”.

Stop a moment to ponder the possibility for your home. Is there a window that could become a gracious pathway to outside? Is there a dining space that could spill out to the yard beyond? What about a dining pavilion, or sitting area with a fireplace? Can your deck marry with spaces beyond? Take a little drive around the city to note the unique and welcoming front yard entrances, gateways or enclosures toward homes. It’s not just about curb appeal or decoration anymore. It's all about living… with a little magic.

Bonnie K. Crawford, ASID
NCIDQ certified, NKBA, MBA
Bonnie Crawford Design Group
Bonnie@bcdginteriors.com
www.bcdginteriors.com

Contributed by Sheri D. Orts
Sapphire Studios
sheri@sapphire-studios.com

 March 2006 - "A Kitchen Remodel: Where Should I Begin"

April 2006 - "The Growing Field of Green Design"

May 2006 - "Outdoor Sanctuary"

June/July 2006 - "But Where Do We Eat?"

August 2006 - "New Century Bath Design"