Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
Thoughtful design can blur the boundary between the indoors and outdoors by creating spaces that feel connected to their surroundings throughout the year. When planning a custom home, remodel, or addition, opportunities for indoor-outdoor living should be considered early in the design process. Whether a property overlooks the water, sits within a wooded site, or opens toward mountain views, carefully designed spaces can extend living areas outdoors with the incorporation of a large opening.
Large multi-slide, accordion style, or pocketing glass door systems can provide a direct connection between living rooms, recreation spaces, kitchens, and dining areas out to an outdoor patio or deck. These door systems allow for large openings in a wall to allow circulation flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces to function as one connected space while maximizing natural daylight and views year-round. In several of our recent projects, strategic placement of these door systems has helped frame surrounding landscapes, improve circulation, and create a stronger connection between the home and its site.
In our Seward Park Industrial Project, an expansive 10’ tall by 28’ long lift and slide door connects the interior living and dining rooms with a partially covered deck. When the lift and slide door is open, the living spaces flow seamlessly to the outdoors. When closed, the large glass door provides a beautiful framed view of the yard and Lake Washington beyond.
With the Pacific Northwest climate, designing outdoor spaces for year-round use is possible with the right combination of features. Covered patios with integrated heaters, outdoor fireplaces, and weather-protected seating areas help extend the usability of exterior living spaces beyond the summer season. Deep roof overhangs and thoughtful drainage solutions also help protect materials from long-term moisture exposure while maintaining a clean architectural aesthetic.
The homeowners of our Edmonds Waterfront Project had a vision to create an outdoor living area for entertaining and enjoying the Puget Sound waterfront views. A three-panel Fleetwood lift and slide door was designed to connect the living room with the new covered patio area. The outdoor patio is complete with patio heaters, lighting, bbq area, and drop down screens.
As homeowners continue prioritizing wellness, benefits of natural daylighting, and connection to nature, seamless indoor-outdoor living remains an important element of residential design. Thoughtful planning and carefully integrated architectural details can transform how a home functions and how it feels to live in throughout every season. Beyond their visual impact, large expanses of glass and operable door systems can support health and well-being by increasing access to daylight, fresh air, and views of the outdoors. By creating homes that feel open, light-filled, and closely tied to their natural setting, these spaces help support both everyday living and long-term quality of life.
Looking for inspiration for your indoor-outdoor project? Check out the projects highlighted below.
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