It is no secret that Australians love indoor-outdoor living, extending our living spaces out into the backyard for outdoor entertaining, relaxing and enjoying our great weather. The popularity of indoor courtyards and other unique living spaces is rising, as we find more ways to bring the outdoors into our homes. Indoor-outdoor living spaces provide flow, light and interest to the overall layout and atmosphere of a home, so it is important that the transition between indoors and outdoors is as subtle and inviting as possible.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure flow in your indoor-outdoor living space is to use tiles or natural stone. This month, the team at My Tile Market shares some tips on using tiles to help create indoor-outdoor living spaces:
Consistency
Our first tip for using tiles to create a naturally flowing indoor-outdoor space is to use matching tiles in both areas. This consistency will naturally draw the eye through the space outdoors, making the two areas seem like one large room. Even if there is a change in elevation or other design feature such as a pool, aesthetically the space will seem both larger and harmonised if there is consistency in tile design.
Need some inspiration? Check out our Instagram, featuring both residential and commercial tiling projects.
Natural Materials
Another way to create a sense of open-plan living is to use natural materials to blur the divide between indoors and outdoors. Using a quality natural stone such as marble, travertine or granite will have the effect of bringing the natural world into your home, with the added benefit of durability against adverse weather conditions, heat, water and stains. You should ensure that the natural stone you choose is slip-resistant, especially if you have a pool, entertain often or know that this space is a high-traffic area of your home.
Ready to browse our collection of natural stone? Check out our stone products.
Size
The size of the tiles that you choose can have surprising effects on the atmosphere, style and flow of your home. Small tiles can make a room appear smaller, while large tiles can give the illusion of more space. To achieve a cohesive indoor-outdoor transition for your living space, large porcelain or ceramic tiles are a good choice, particular if paired with sliding doors and a wide entranceway. This will add to the idea that your living space is one large combined room, and make opening up the space for entertaining that much easier.
Shop our full range of tiles, including wall, floor, porcelain and mosaic tiles, here.
Colour
You should also consider the colour of your tiles when creating an indoor-outdoor living space. Because we tend to notice bright colours first, or detect sudden changes in colour rather than subtle shifts in shade, you can create a sense of flow by colour matching your tiles from indoors to outside. This way, there is no jarring transition between the two spaces. A light colour palette will also make the space feel larger, while patterned tiles will give the entire area interest and energy. If you have a significant change in elevation or other safety factors to consider, then creating different tile zones is an effective way to draw attention to the transition. Using a similar colour scheme or pattern in the two zones will help ensure that you do not disrupt the flow of the space.
Curious about colour? Learn more in our blog post 5 Tips For Tiling With Colour.
Style
Our final tip for creating indoor-outdoor living spaces using tiles is to use styling to smooth the transition between areas. This will depend on the existing interior design style of your home, along with the natural environment, how you intend to use the space and the atmosphere you desire to create. For example, showcasing a pool or water feature, using a ‘beach’ colour palette, and using natural stone or polished tiles will tie your indoor-outdoor living space in perfectly with a coastal theme, while minimalist furniture, natural materials such as wood and stone, and the use of natural light will evoke Scandinavian style.
Here at My Tile Market, we are devoted to providing high-quality, affordable tiles and natural stone for both small and large tiling projects.
Visit us in-store today and speak to one of our tile experts, or Contact Us on our website!
