NASA confirmed it—summer 2023 was the hottest on record. So, you had every right to bitterly complain on your walk from the air-conditioned car, across the parking lot made of lava, and finally into the sweet air-conditioned oasis that is Target.
That got us thinking ahead; these sweltering summers are likely here to stay! Luckily, home renovation allows us to make cool lemonade out of those overheated lemons. Think about creating an outdoor space that can be more comfortable in the summer months and that you can enjoy to its fullest the rest of the year.
With a few design considerations, you can transform your outdoor area into a seamless extension of your indoor oasis, making your living area feel endless! Get ready for some fabulous tips and tricks, all tailored to the Central Florida heat and those pesky bugs!
Bringing the Indoors Out
First things first, let's talk flooring. To achieve that smooth transition from your living room to the outdoors, you have various options. Porcelain tiles, hardwood with proper treatment, or even luxury vinyl plank flooring can be great choices. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is not only durable and low-maintenance but also comes in a variety of styles, mimicking the look of hardwood or stone.
Beating the Heat and the Bugs
We all know that the Central Florida sun can be relentless, but fear not! Here are three tips to keep your outdoor space cool and comfortable.
A sunroom retreat: For the ultimate comfort, consider installing impact windows and doors, creating a sunroom that can be air-conditioned. This not only provides protection against insects and weather but also allows you to enjoy your outdoor space year-round, regardless of temperature or humidity.
Roof it out: Consider building a roof over your outdoor space, like a lanai. This addition allows for the installation of lighting, a ceiling fan, and even speakers. It provides shade and protection from the elements, making your outdoor area more enjoyable throughout the year.
Retractable screening: If you want to keep the bugs at bay while still enjoying the fresh air, retractable screening is a fantastic option. It allows you to enclose your outdoor space when needed and retract it when you want an open-air experience. It also gives a more modern and clean look
Creating Visual Unity
Now, let's talk about design! To achieve that seamless transition, here are some tricks to create visual unity between your living room and outdoor space:
Harmonious color scheme: Choose a color palette that flows naturally between the indoors and outdoors. Incorporate similar hues and complementary tones for a cohesive look.
Lighting magic: Utilize similar lighting fixtures or styles both indoors and outdoors to create a unified ambiance. Think about incorporating string lights, lanterns, or wall-mounted fixtures to set the mood.
Blending furniture: Mix and match your indoor and outdoor furniture pieces. Opt for weather-resistant upholstery and cushions that resemble your indoor style to create a sense of visual connection.
Adding the Wow Factor
Sometimes it's the little touches that make all the difference. Here are some additional ideas to make your outdoor living space truly shine:
Cozy up to Mother Nature: Add an outdoor rug, plush cushions, and throw pillows to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Look for fabrics that are both durable and weather-resistant for long-lasting comfort.
Bring the outdoors in: If you haven’t incorporated greenery into your design yet, here’s your official invitation to run to your favorite plant nursery and get your green thumb on! Select lush tropical beauties for the outdoors, and pull that green element indoors by selecting durable, low-light-loving plants for the indoors. From hanging baskets to potted plants and vertical gardens, the possibilities here in Florida are almost endless!
Bring the tech out: A surefire way to get your significant other on board with this project ahead of the football season? Incorporate technology that blends excitement and relaxation
Wall mounted big screen TV with in-ceiling speakers and surround sound
Smart lighting solutions that allow you to control the color, intensity, and timing of your outdoor lights
Smart grills and pizza ovens for the ultimate tailgate party
Embrace the Endless Possibilities!
The sneaky secret to expanding your living space is to erase the indoor-outdoor boundary. With the right flooring, comfort solutions, visual unity, and wow factor, you'll create an outdoor oasis that seamlessly flows with your indoor living room. So, let your imagination run wild. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, your transformed outdoor living space will become the envy of the neighborhood!