Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
As we discussed in a previous post covering Home Design Trends of 2025, homeowners have a stong desire to blend their indoor and outdoor living spaces to create a cohesive, seamless blend of the two worlds. Here in northeast Wisconsin, homeowners are looking to enjoy their outdoor space as much as possible, well into the shoulder seasons to maximize the full enjoyment of their home and beautiful, natural surroundings.
There are multiple ways to achieve this harmonious blend with nature, including designing the floor plan to maximize natural light and views, strategic window and glass door placement, sunrooms and screen porches, and adding easy access to and well designed decks and patios. Let's dive into each of these in detail.
Expansive Windows & Glass Doors
Maximizing the enjoyment of your outdoor living space begins within the interior of your home. Designing an open-concept floor plan minimizes walls, which allows natural light to flow throughout the main living areas and provides unobstructed views of the outdoors. A large expanse of windows or sliding glass doors further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, almost making the walls disappear. Modern innovations in window and door technology, such as energy-efficient glass that maximizes light while minimizing heat loss or gain, and large multi-slide doors that can completely open up a wall, significantly enhance this experience, creating the illusion of a seamless transition to the outdoor environment. The strategic use of transom windows, clerestory windows, and skylights also maximizes natural light, and contributes to a cohesive flow between your living spaces and the surrounding natural beauty.
Great Room with Floor-Ceiling Windows
Dining Area with Waterfront View
Rec Room Opening to Large Waterfront Patio
Pool Room with Multi-Slide Doors
Sitting Area with Floor-Ceiling Windows
Bedroom with Deck Access and Large Windows
Multi-Slide Patio Doors
Great Room with Clerestory Windows
Sunrooms, Screen porches and Three-Season Rooms
Sunrooms, three-season rooms, and screen porches have become almost essential features in new home construction in recent years. These versatile spaces allow homeowners to enjoy an outdoor experience with indoor comfort. They can savor the serenity of their yard, garden, and natural surroundings nearly year-round, regardless of the weather. Retractable screens offer the flexibility to fully open the space to the outdoors when desired. Furthermore, the addition of a fireplace or a Franklin stove can provide warmth and introduce an element of coziness during the cooler months.
Sunroom
Screen Porch and Game Room
Screen Porch
Three Season Room Addition with Fireplace
Screen Porch
Three-Season Room with Franklin Stove
Sunroom
Decks, Patios, and Pergolas
As the weather warms up in northeast Wisconsin, residents naturally want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space can significantly enhance this experience. A custom-built deck not only elevates and defines the area but also creates a seamless extension of your indoor living area, providing an ideal setting for grilling and gathering with friends. With the addition of gas-heating elements, you can enjoy your deck well into the cooler seasons. Dedicated outdoor cooking areas, equipped with features such as gas grills, beverage refrigerators, and ample counter space, are also becoming increasingly popular. Finally, structures like covered patios and pergolas offer distinct benefits as well, providing both shade and protection from light rain.
When planning your outdoor spaces, consider the furniture layout, material and color choices. Choosing items that compliment your interior decor will smooth the transition from indoor to outdoor and will help create an enjoyable space that feels like an extension of your home.
Outdoor Grill and Custom Fireplace
Covered Porch Lounge Area
Built In Grill and Fireplace
Patio and Terrace
Deck with Pergola
Multiple Decks and Terraced Patio
Walk-Out Lower-Level with Deck Above
Deck After
Spacious Deck
Ultimately, the thoughtful integration of expansive windows, versatile sunrooms, and well-designed outdoor living areas all serve to dissolve the boundaries between our interior and exterior worlds. By embracing these design elements, we not only expand our usable living space but also create a deeper connection with the natural beauty that surrounds our homes, enriching our daily lives throughout the changing Wisconsin seasons.
