So….how many of us have the perfect exterior living space: one that addresses all of the functional, aesthetic and environmental requirements – requirements that may or may not be met within interior living space. For those who do, my guess is you spend as much time as possible in your external escape; for those who do not – let’s break down the challenge.
It’s a pretty safe guess that more often than not, we simply don’t address the exterior living environment because it seems more challenging than our interior space. Most of us have grown up in a home environment (although I have met a few individuals that might be suspect of that experience…) so we have a general idea of how to use interior space effectively. But, until somewhat recently, exterior space has been relegated to: large expanses of lawn, a few shrubs, perhaps a vegetable garden and maybe a designated “patio space” (ie 8’x10’ concrete slab) usually sporting a decent size grill, large round table with center-placed operable umbrella, and a few large pots for annual flowers. Although this is a perfectly suitable option, I believe with a few additional considerations, the outdoor living space can be an inspirational addition to your environment.
It’s no secret that increasing useable exterior living space adds value of your home, it also offers options for everyday living or entertaining, and can help a smaller interior “live larger”. Personally, I choose to live “smaller interior space – larger exterior space” for two main reasons: (a) I now reside in a part of the country where I can be outside 11.5 months out of the year and (b) I’m also our household “cleaning lady”. Determining how you would like to live outside is based on a number of factors, beginning with usable space, usually followed by budget; with few exceptions, you can pretty much expand, or duplicate, any interior function to the exterior, it’s just a matter of scale and flexibility.
As a discussion point, I am including an example from architect Massimo Iosa Ghini, that exemplifies destination, shelter, dining, relaxation, and garden – all in one structure. The solution can be modified to address multiple aesthetic choices – inclusive of planting materials. The plantings chosen can range from succulents for low-water use, to herbs and vegetables such as beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, melons etc for those who wish to grow their own food.
Another element to consider when working in flexible space is furniture. Dror Benshetrit has blended a perfect, small scale solution of functional art with The Pick chair.
For those who have the luxury of space, Marcel Wanders has mastered another dramatic furniture expression with his bon bon gold chair; with proper lighting, this art piece could be a focal point in the garden at night.
Clearly, both The Pick and bon bon gold would be just as appropriate within the interior environment as well as the exterior, making these pieces even more valuable to the furniture portion of the budget. But furniture isn’t the only consideration for Double-Time elements. 10×10 Design Consultants very smartly addressed texture, lighting, acoustics and perimeter space with the application of back-lit floating panels. This application is obviously appropriate for interior space, and could be interpreted in exterior space as a “stone wall” in the garden environment, exemplified by the “pergola” extending from the face of the space.
So when developing your exterior space, just consider the same elements you would for your interior space; create your wish list, set your budget, combine functional elements where possible, make your master-plan, and enjoy the process of developing your outdoor environment.
