Australians love to bring the outside in to their homes, emphasizing the laid-back, open and fun Australian lifestyle and maximising the value of the climate. There are some simple tips that will help you to achieve this look and feel in your home.
Consider views out of windows and doors – create pictures that can be viewed through the frames of your windows and glass doors – groups of plants of different varieties and colours, well placed trees to give perspective.
Connect indoor and outdoor areas seamlessly by using the same type of flooring. You can use flooring that is generally viewed as outdoor flooring, such as slate or crazy paving, inside the home as well as outside the home.
Using timbers outside that match the inside of the home can also be a strategy – just be careful to choose timber for the outside that will be suitable for outdoor use. As long as you match the colours and direction of the timber between the indoor sections and the outdoor section, you will be able to achieve the seamless look and feel that you are aiming for.
Another aspect to consider is the levels of the floors – avoid changes in levels between the indoor areas and the outdoor areas where possible.
Use of louvre shutters and stack doors will enable you to open up the indoor areas to the outside very effectively.
If you have limited access to the outdoors – bring the external environment in to your home through the use of colours associated with the outdoors – use various shades of green in your interior décor to establish that connection to the outdoors.
When furnishing your outdoor areas – be careful that you don’t create an additional barrier to the outdoor environment through the use of too much furniture or furniture that is too bulky and obtrusive. Light pieces, use of glass, or natural product such as cane, and low profile pieces will be best.
Keep the interior design aesthetic light, airy and uncluttered, to emphasize the connection to light, nature and fresh air. Installing skylights to let additional light in and provide a view of the blue sky from inside the house works well. Use natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linens in your soft furnishings.
