Behold the beauty of open space
Behold the beauty of open space
No matter the time of year, whether warmer or cooler, folks are trending toward indoor-outdoor flow design concepts.
No matter the time of year, whether warmer or cooler, folks are trending toward indoor-outdoor flow design concepts.
Just imagine. A stainless steel gas grill with fresh-caught seafood sizzling, giving off aromas of thyme, basil, and marinade. Brunch prepared in an outdoor kitchen under a clear blue sky. Cocktail parties that begin indoors but lure guests outdoors along a dry-laid walkway to watch the sunset's daily colour show.
Once, New Zealand was a nation of barbies on the back lawn, picking the charcoal off burnt bangers and huddling together against a cool breeze. Today, we've grown up. Outdoor living isn't complete without a deck, patio or courtyard
stacked with gargantuan stainless-steel barbecues, outdoor kitchens, refrigerators, heat lamps, outdoor furniture and firepits.
To begin visualising your indoor-outdoor space plan, you need to understand the structural requirements for making it happen. Indoor-outdoor flow from your home's main living area is the first consideration, followed by space, shelter and privacy of the outdoor area.
If you live in a windy spot or one prone to high rainfall, your best option may be an outdoor room like this one. Partly enclosing your outdoor space provides shelter, keeps in the warmth of any heating you may be using, and creates a sense of cosiness and privacy, making the space usable for a bigger part of the year.
Of course, another option is to take advantage of the natural contours of your property, as in this case where a sheltered courtyard has been created between the house and the hillside. And we like the way the fireplace is incorporated into the retaining wall.
Where we do it:
