Inspired by coastline climates like Florida and California, indoor outdoor spaces have become one of our most popular features in our homes. Typically these indoor-outdoor spaces are separated by a large glass door or glass wall that opens up to an adjoining outdoor living area. Here in Texas, we install a lot of these indoor outdoor living areas. In fact, I would say that over 90% our custom homes have an indoor space that opens up to an outdoor living area via a large glass wall or door that pockets back either into the wall or stacks next to it. They work especially well with a pool and outdoor kitchen area because the pool tends to keep the area cool and can have a nice “white noise” effect with its water features or spa overflow.
Entertaining in Indoor Outdoor Spaces
What we love about all indoor outdoor spaces is how well they work for entertaining. In this particular outdoor living design, above, the indoor space is a game room that serves as a “sports bar” of sorts, with its multiple TVs and wet bar. The wine room, which houses an impressive 800+ bottles in its temperature-controlled environment, sits at the back of the wet bar out of the way but convenient to the bartender. The outdoor living beckons, with the huge built-in bench, complete with curtains, and an outdoor kitchen with covered seating and nice fireplace. The multiple levels give the feeling of different rooms (or functions), with the sunning deck on one level and a grassy area below that.
Check out the gallery below to be inspired by some of our favorite designs of indoor-outdoor living areas.
- Outdoor living is accessed here from a Game Room (at right) and the Great Room (at left) as well.
- In addition to a large glass wall, this one features large automated shades to keep bugs out of the area.
- Multiple sliders open up to this outdoor living.
- A second outdoor living area blocks the Western sun.
- The pool area beckons but then a second pavilion calls you to sit right by the lake.
- Different levels make this pool seem like a water park.
- Kids love this area (the cave) under the waterfall.
- Walking out to the outdoor kitchen/dining here leads also to the next image at right.
- Dinner is served up to this view.
- Who wouldn’t want to have breakfast every morning with this view!