Strategically designed indoor-outdoor spaces aren’t just a luxury; they provide seamless transitions throughout our ever-changing Midwest seasons. While we cherish every moment of summer, the reality of Midwest living means cooler temperatures and changing conditions will eventually impact our outdoor time. That’s why smart design choices are essential, they allow you to maximize your home’s square footage and embrace the unique beauty of every season, even when the weather shifts.
Below are our favorite methods for extending your fair-weather enjoyment in the Midwest.
Seamless Connections: Beyond the Sliding Door
The most crucial element of a successful indoor-outdoor space is the effortless ability to connect and disconnect with the outdoors. Forget the limitations of a standard sliding glass door; it’s time to think bigger and bolder. Imagine a retractable window wall that completely disappears into a pocket, inviting abundant fresh air and sunlight into your home.
Maximize Your Outdoor Enjoyment with Overhead Coverage
Want to get more out of your outdoor space? The answer lies in protected overhead coverage. Imagine a covered patio, a pergola with a retractable roof, or a screened-in porch, these areas are designed to keep you comfortable and enjoying nature longer. You’ll no longer have to rush indoors because of the harsh sun or a sudden rain shower interrupting your gathering. Plus, the smart addition of retractable screens will effectively eliminate pesky insects, allowing for truly uninterrupted enjoyment.
Blurring the Lines
Repeating the ceiling treatment from your indoor spaces, coupled with compatible flooring, will effectively blur the lines for a clean, uninterrupted flow. This visual continuity and surface durability invite a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, creating an easy flow for many months each year.
Master the Outdoor Climate
You can easily control the climate when designing midwest outdoor havens, from subtle tweaks to significant additions. Something as simple as adding ceiling fans can provide a refreshing breeze, while installing a fireplace can dramatically transform the area. Imagine gathering around a crackling fire, instantly feeling cozy and taking the chill off a cool evening! For even more versatility, heat lamps can warm things up, and cooling fans keep the air moving, all working together to maintain the perfect temperature for ultimate comfort.
Designed for Comfort
Successful indoor-outdoor areas hinge on choosing the right furnishings, pieces that offer both comfort and durability. Start with resilient outdoor furniture crafted from high-quality materials such as teak, aluminum, wrought iron, or synthetic wicker, as these are designed to withstand the Midwest elements.
Equally important are all-weather fabrics for cushions and pillows. Select outdoor specific materials like Sunbrella, which are engineered to resist fading, mildew, and moisture. To prolong their life, it’s a good idea to bring these cushions indoors during long stretches of rain or over the winter months.
Elevate Your Outdoor Living with Strategic Hardscaping
In the Midwest’s ever-changing climate, hardscaping features like a pool or fire pit are key to truly maximizing your outdoor living. Imagine a heated pool that stretches summer fun well into the cooler months, or a fire pit that transforms crisp autumn evenings, and even mild winter nights, into cozy gathering opportunities. These durable additions not only offer comfort but also define your outdoor rooms, allowing you to connect with nature and entertain for more of the year, no matter what the Midwest weather brings.
Creating an indoor-outdoor space in the Midwest isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a brilliant investment in your lifestyle. By thoughtfully selecting materials, designing seamless transitions, and smartly accounting for our unique climate, you can build a home that genuinely welcomes every season. The result? You’ll feel more connected to nature, no matter what the Midwest weather throws your way.
Find Inspiration For Designing Midwest Outdoor Havens
Credits for this Lowell Custom Home
Interior Design Amy Storm & Company
Photo Stoffer Photography Interiors
Architect Michael Abraham Architecture