TRANSFORMING HOMES SINCE 2007
PART OF THE EXPRESS GROUP
DEDICATED SUPPLY & INSTALL SERVICE
Bringing the outside in has long been a priority for interior designers and homeowners alike. Rooted in the concept of biophilia (the innate human desire to connect with nature) this approach encourages daily interaction with the natural world as part of a healthier, more fulfilling home life. As architect and TV presenter George Clarke puts it, “A building’s connection to the outside is incredibly important, so of course you want to connect your interior space with the outside.”
Whether you’re dreaming of light-filled spaces, lush greenery, or thoughtful design that links the indoors to the outdoors, bringing the outside in can be achieved in many ways. From large-scale updates like adding a glass veranda or aluminium pergola, to simpler changes like rearranging furniture or introducing natural scents, there are options for every home and lifestyle.
Below, we’ve gathered seven inspiring ideas that blend biophilic design principles with clever home features to help you connect your interior and exterior spaces this summer.
6 Tips for Bringing the Outside in this Summer
1) Bridge the Gap Between Interior and Exterior Spaces
Bridging the physical gap between your interior and exterior spaces will bring the outside in, creating a home that feels open, airy, and connected to nature. You can achieve this by introducing features like bifold or sliding doors, which allow natural light to flood in while making it easy to move between your living spaces and the garden.
If you’re looking for a little more room to breathe, a veranda or glass canopy could be just what you need. These additions provide a sheltered spot that can be enjoyed no matter the season; perfect for sipping your morning coffee or hosting friends for an al fresco evening. At Exterior Spaces, we offer bespoke veranda solutions, including glass verandas and glass canopies that balance protection with visibility, letting you enjoy the natural light while still being sheltered from the elements.
2) Immerse Yourself in the Garden
Standalone garden structures can completely shift how you use your outdoor space, and a pergola remains one of the most adaptable options around. A thoughtfully placed garden pergola can breathe new life into underused corners of the garden, giving you space for everything from laid-back lunches to focused work, quiet mornings, or an evening stretch. It’s a brilliant way of bringing the outside in, connecting your home to the outdoors in a way that feels open and natural.
At Exterior Spaces, we offer a brilliant selection of bespoke pergola solutions to suit different needs, from compact back gardens to full garden renovations. Our aluminium pergola range includes the cost-efficient fixed pergola, ideal for those looking for something straightforward yet impressive. For more flexibility, our bioclimatic pergolas come with electronically controlled roofs, adjustable louvres, and built-in wind and rain sensors, which respond automatically to the weather; so, you can enjoy the space year-round with minimal effort.
To make it truly your own, we also offer a variety of add-ons, think in-built heaters, ambient lighting, integrated speakers and drop blinds, so you can create a setup that works for everything from morning coffees to weekend get-togethers.
3) Extend with an Aluminium Glass Roof Conservatory
A glass roof conservatory is a brilliant way to expand your home while bringing the outside in. This light-filled space can serve all sorts of everyday needs; a relaxing spot with a view, a home office bathed in natural light, or somewhere to catch up with friends and family. The beauty of a glass roof is how it opens up your home to the sky above, creating a stronger connection with the garden around you.
Alongside the lovely views and extra space, aluminium glass roof conservatories are made with year-round comfort in mind, helping to balance temperature through the seasons. If you’re thinking about expanding, it’s a fantastic step toward bringing the outside in; especially when paired with features like bifold doors, French doors, or aluminium windows to boost that open, airy feel.
4) Transform the Internal Design of your Home
Working from the inside out, one of the simplest and most effective ways of bringing the outside in is through natural elements in your home’s interior. The most immediate and accessible options are flowers and plants that bring a taste of nature’s bounty into the empty spaces of your home. When choosing plants, think about how much natural light the room gets and how much care you’re happy to give. Low-maintenance options like snake plants or peace lilies can thrive in shaded corners, while sun-lovers like succulents or citrus trees need a brighter spot; perhaps near aluminium sliding doors or windows where the light streams in.
While faux plants can suit a busy lifestyle, nothing beats the feel of real greenery, which also helps purify the air and connects your space to the natural world. To build on this, different biophilic designs and materials will complement the effect your houseplants have. Pairing botanical motifs, such as leaves and floral prints, with elemental colour schemes will incorporate the natural world’s aesthetic into your home. Candles with natural fragrances, such as pine and lavender, work great with incense and essential oils, to create an atmosphere that consistently engages your olfactory and visual senses.
5) Maximise Natural Light
Whether it’s a grey winter morning or a sunny June afternoon, there is an indelible need for natural daylight within us all. It is vital for developing bright, welcoming spaces in your home that radiate positive vibrations and bring the outside in. Keep windows uncovered, and deploy different structural features, to flood your house with natural light. Utilise multiple expanding mirrors to take advantage of this light and make these spaces feel more expansive.
You should incorporate design features that maximise the natural light flowing into your home. Skylights transform the dead space of your ceiling into a cost-efficient lighting solution that naturally illuminates your open plan living spaces. Our range of Express bifold doors offers practical designs and an outstanding weight-to-strength ratio that allows thinner frames to be crafted, optimising window space. A survey by Origin found that 85% of people feel they get more natural light in their homes after installing bifold doors. Floor-to-ceiling aluminium windows and glass roofs, are other viable options that boost natural light in your home.
6) Use Natural Materials
Natural materials build a subliminal connection to the environment within your home, bringing the outside in. Stone, marble and aluminium features offer a sophisticated and contemporary edge whilst wood provides a warm, rustic feel. By exposing the structural materials of your home, an organic aesthetic is developed that embraces the honest imperfections found in nature.
By using eco-friendly materials, your home will go beyond a surface-level connection to the environment. The director of Coppice and Crown, Poly Bedford, states “There is a certain irony to achieving a home aesthetic that is inspired by nature while not respecting the environment itself.” Sustainable materials, such as aluminium, wood and stone, ensure your home positively impacts the natural landscape you’re trying to replicate. These materials should be repurposed where possible and locally sourced to reduce your carbon footprint further. Regional materials and products further fortify your home’s connection to the natural landscape and aid independent businesses and local craftspeople.
7) A Cohesive Design
If your garden is small or lacking in natural views, the trick lies in making the most of what you’ve got. A thoughtful design that reflects your home’s interior helps create a strong link between inside and out. Using similar colours, textures, and materials across both spaces blurs the boundaries and makes your outdoor area feel like an extension of your living space.
Clever furniture placement and matching soft furnishings, like cushions, throws, and potted plants, can bring everything together. Plus, outdoor lighting, such as festoon lights or lanterns, adds warmth and charm, and if you echo your indoor lighting with similar fixtures outside, it keeps the atmosphere balanced from day to night.
Lastly, a house without scenery or external green spaces will benefit from houseplants, natural materials and scents that were previously discussed. If you have limited views that can’t be focalised by windows, high-quality photographic prints are a great substitute. These prints could include paintings, murals and wallpaper which connect to the natural world to bring the outside inside.
If you’re feeling inspired to start bringing the outside in this summer, we’re here to help. At Exterior Spaces, we offer a premium selection of contemporary outdoor solutions, from a classic aluminium veranda or modern pergola, to an aluminium conservatory or glass carport that combines durability with refined design. Explore our showroom or browse online to find the perfect fit for your garden renovation plans.
Additionally, our sister company, Express Bi-folding Doors, specialises in custom aluminium windows, doors and bespoke glass solutions! Together, these features work beautifully to redefine your living space, inviting more natural light and fresh air into your home while bridging the gap between your interior and garden. Take the next step towards bringing the outside in today.
