Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
When the weather finally turns (hello, sunshine!), there’s nothing better than flinging open the doors and letting the outside in. I am in awe of how Brooke Wagner Design incorporated indoor/outdoor living in practically every room in the Pasadena project (pictured above). Whether it’s morning coffee on the patio or hosting dinner alfresco, designing an indoor-outdoor flow that actually works for your life makes all the difference. I am actually headed up north this evening to start to get the cottage into summer mode, it’s my absolute favourite place to spend time outside.
But here’s the thing: creating that dreamy blend of indoors and outdoors doesn’t require a full backyard reno. It’s all about the right materials, thoughtful design choices, and yes, a little style magic.
Let’s get into it.
1. Start With the Right Fabrics
Outdoor living doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style anymore. The fabric options now are so good—think soft, durable, and weather-ready.
Here are my go-to outdoor fabrics:
Sunbrella – a classic for a reason. Comes in endless colors and patterns and holds up against UV rays and spills.
Crypton Outdoor – if you’ve got kids, pets, or love a glass of red wine on the patio—this one’s your best friend.
FiberGuard Outdoor - we just got a new fabric book to the office and it has the most luxe options that are eater repellent & anti-microbial.
Pro tip: Don’t shy away from texture. Go for boucle-inspired weaves or linen-look materials to elevate your outdoor seating.
2. Trending Colours for Spring/Summer 2025
This year’s palette is so fresh. We're seeing:
Butter yellow – soft and cheerful without being too bold
Olive and mossy greens – timeless, grounding and gorgeous, perfect with neutrals.
Earthy terracotta and clay – timeless and warm
Dusty blue – works beautifully with stone and wood
Chalky white – still trending, but with a more natural, hand-finished vibe
Pair any of these with warm woods, aged metals, and natural stone for a look that feels cohesive and relaxed.
3. Blur the Lines Between Inside and Out
The key to great indoor-outdoor living is flow. Here’s how to get it:
Match or complement your indoor and outdoor colour palettes
Choose furniture that feels like it could live in either space (e.g. teak dining tables, woven lounge chairs)
Use indoor-style rugs and layered pillows outdoors—just make sure they’re weatherproof!
And don’t forget lighting: lanterns, string lights, and wall sconces make a huge difference when the sun goes down.
4. Make It Functional First
Before you buy anything, ask: What do I want to do in this space?
Entertaining? Go for a big table, comfy seating, and a drinks cart.
Quiet mornings? 2 oversized chairs with a side table perfect for your coffee mug.
Family dinners? Durable, washable everything, and maybe a pizza oven or green egg if you’re a foodie?
I always design with function first—because the best spaces are the ones you actually use.
5. Finishing Touches Matter
These small upgrades can totally elevate the vibe:
Add planters at different heights (olive trees, lavender, and herbs are beautiful and low-maintenance)
Use a water feature or small fountain for that relaxing sound
Hang outdoor curtains, sunshades, awnings or umbrellas to soften the space and allow you to be outside all day long
Outdoor lamps - they are slowing becoming more mainstream! Check out these ones, Ultimate ambiance.
Need Help Pulling It All Together?
If you’re dreaming of that perfect indoor-outdoor vibe but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. Book a Discovery Call and let’s make your summer space one you won’t want to leave.
