Fully opening the indoor areas to the outside can make the space feel larger . Brooke Wagner , the desginer behind the spaces in the top row , suggests adding throw blankets , pillows , coffee tables and plants to warm up outdoor spaces like you would for interiors . This approach is also seen in Susan Thiel ’ s designs ( bottom row ).
TOP LEFT : CHAD MELLON ; TOP RIGHT : RYAN GARVIN ; BOTTOM ROW : COURTESY OF SUSAN THIEL DESIGN installs these to make for a seamless flow .
Her team also recently installed a sliding window that opens at the sink to create a buffet-style bar . “ It makes it easy to prepare food and serve without having to go inside and outside to replenish and clean up ,” Thiel says .
Clasen says a couple of her go-tos are passthrough windows and nano-doors , such as the bifold ones by LaCantina Doors . “ You can just literally open them up and talk to your guests like they ’ re sitting at your kitchen island , but they ’ re outside ,” Clasen says . “ Those are a big ask these days when we ’ re doing new builds and big remodels .”
Clasen incorporated these windows in her own indoor-outdoor home bar , which she uses to serve guests refreshing cocktails such as tequila soda with muddled fruit .
“ When we ’ re entertaining out on the deck , we just slide those open and , if I ’ m washing dishes or I want to bring the platters outside , the countertop goes straight from my kitchen all the way to the other side of the LaCantina windows ,” she explains . “… It ’ s just awesome to be able to have those open and be part of the party outside while you ’ re inside .”
OUTDOOR-FRIENDLY FEATURES Certain precautions must be taken when furnishing and decorating a space that is even slightly exposed to the elements .
“ Outdoor furniture needs to be able to withstand temperature changes and clean easily ,” Thiel says , noting that some common materials for durable furniture include iron , wicker , teak , rope , stone and aluminum .
Though Clasen loves teak , she isn ’ t a fan of metal furniture because it gives off too much of an outdoor vibe , which defeats the purpose of designing these spaces to feel like you ’ re indoors .
Advancements have also made it possible to manufacture washable outdoor fabrics that can withstand the elements — there ’ s no reason to sacrifice comfort .
“ The fabrics are now very soft and thick , which can mimic regular indoor upholstery ,” Thiel explains . She often uses outdoor fabrics on indoor sofas because of the easy maintenance , which makes them ideal for indoor-outdoor furniture .
Wagner adds that she often incorporates solution-dyed acrylic rugs and textiles by Perennials
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 49