Spring has sprung and summer is around the corner! That means lazy days spent lounging in the sun, breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the sunniest season's sights, sounds and smells. And, what better place to do that than your own backyard?

Indoor-outdoor spaces help create a seamless transition between your living room, bedroom, kitchen or any other room to your outdoor space and allow you to bring nature inside your home as well as taking comfort outdoors.

It's time to make the most of your home's indoor-outdoor space, blurring the lines between interior and exterior to enjoy these few months to the fullest! Follow our steps for the best results:

Choose your partition type

The first step to producing the perfect indoor-outdoor space is choosing a door. Most people opt for a glass sliding or folding door, but some folks choose aesthetically pleasing garage doors that can roll up into the ceiling.

Figure out the space's function

Indoor-outdoor spaces can serve almost any purpose. Naturally, they're a great lounge extension for entertaining guests. Indoor-outdoor spaces allow you to accommodate more people in your home. You can put extra entertainment facilities here, such as a pool table or another coffee table for board games.

They also work well as an additional kitchen wing because they can fit more appliances that you may not have space for in the indoor kitchen (drinks fridges in particular) or shouldn't be kept inside, such as a grill.

Plus, this means less scuttling between the kitchen and entertainment area when serving family and friends. Placing an outdoor dining table and chairs in this space paves the way to alfresco dining, a veritable delight in summer!

Decorating the space

Now that you've got the practical elements sorted, it's time for the fun stuff! In terms of color, you should choose a palette that complements your interior scheme to create cohesion. That said, neutral and earthy tones such as blue, cream, green and brown work better than bright colors. Pastel shades such as blush pink and lavender are fine in moderation, too.

You'll want to follow a similar principle when it comes to patterns. Floral and leafy prints are an excellent choice. Avoid designs with harsh lines or geometric shapes to keep designs organic and natural. When it comes to furniture, it's a good idea to pick pieces that continue the interior's theme and style (rustic, modern, boho etc.) to avoid creating a jarring contrast that ruins the illusion.

However, you'll have to bear in mind that your furniture might be exposed to the elements, which should inform your choice of materials and fabrics. Select pieces that are relatively hardier, easier to clean and more resistant to moisture and sun bleaching.

Examples include white polished wood or wrought-iron steel for chairs and tables, as well as upholstery made from artificial fibers (such as polyester) for couches and cushions. So, stay clear of cotton and linen!

Like your colors, prints and furniture, outdoor decor should somewhat match your indoor adornments. They don't have to be exactly the same, but there should be a common thread. Think of your indoor and outdoor decor as cousins rather than identical siblings.

Outdoor fairy lights that produce a glow similar to your indoor lighting are a great choice. Statuettes, bowls and pot planters (all made from durable materials, of course) that have indoor counterparts are a safe bet, too. A porch swing that vaguely resembles your indoor couch could also be a lovely feature.

We've covered how to extend your interior style to the exterior, but what about the reverse? Use the same species of potted plant both indoors and outdoors. This helps a natural aesthetic thrive throughout your home, creating tranquil unity.

This is plenty of information to take in and digest. If you need a helping hand, you're in luck! Decorating Den Interiors is home to expert decorators who will help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started.