Creating the perfect indoor-outdoor space

Indoor-outdoor spaces are all the rage - uniting the interior and exterior of a home through decor and style. With the right tips, you can virtually add another room to your home with a patio or deck. Not sure where to start? Read on to create and bring together your new space.

Are you building your indoor-outdoor space on a deck or a patio? Do you need to create either of these in order to move forward? Decks can be great for homeowners who want to keep all of their yard space and have an elevated view of the surrounding community. Patios make use of square footage directly outside of a door off a main part of your house, like the kitchen or living room. You could even do both, with a deck on top and a patio underneath, if you have the room!

Next comes a crucial part of your new area - the furniture! Consider how much room you have as well as what style you'd like your space to be in. Today's trending indoor-outdoor patios create a flow between the interior of the home and the exterior. You can do this by keeping the same decor style in both. Use similar colors and patterns as well. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and dark woods, consider picking dark wood furniture for your patio with a stainless steel grill or fire pit. Outdoor spaces don't have to mean uncomfortable plastic chairs. In fact, you can consider your patio an extension of your home with cushioned couches and lounge chairs. Also consider creating a seating area or a dining area. A full dining set is a great option for those who want to grill and spend a lot of time outside. You could even work from home on the deck with the right furniture. Look for couches and chairs with easily washable cushions to avoid weather and water damage. Long-lasting materials like wrought iron and wicker are perfect options for your indoor-outdoor space furniture.

Do you plan on spending time in your new space when it's dark outside? If so, you'll need to have ample illumination. String lights add a beautiful, romantic ambiance that'll take your patio to a new level for late night dinners and morning coffees. Bring in lighting to the area near your grill so you can easily flip burgers and toss salads. Also add floor lighting along any stairs or walkways to ensure your family can safely navigate the area.

Just like in your home, the accessories for your indoor-outdoor space should really be an extension of your personality. You can toss fun pillows onto your couches and adorn patio dining tables with vases of gorgeous blooms. Don't forget the grilling tools and outside dining items like dishes and silverware. Accessories should pull together your patio's look while adding color and interest.