Ideally, you need to consider how the two spaces can work together so you can really enjoy your garden properly, even when you’re inside.

But all too often, landscaping is an afterthought and your indoor space and your outdoor space don’t connect as well as they could. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Architect Dan Webster encouraged people to consider the spaces together.

“This way, you have the opportunity to create harmony between the two design disciplines,” said Mr Webster, who collaborates with landscape architect and garden designer Nathan Burkett from their Hawthorn studio (where they also offer services individually).

Mr Webster recommended first thinking about what you’ll be looking at from inside and how you’ll be interacting with the two spaces.

Then, he suggested, have garden plans drawn up at the same time as your house plans, even if you don’t have all the work done straight away.

“By considering the garden upfront, you can ensure the foundations are in place so, ultimately, it balances with the architecture and your lifestyle,” he said.

Dine out

One of the first things to consider when integrating indoors and out is the location of your alfresco dining space.

Mr Burkett said detaching the alfresco area from the house and positioning it elsewhere in the garden would bring more light inside, particularly if the home was south-facing and the alfresco area was roofed.

“It also brings the garden closer to home, with a softening effect,” Mr Burkett said.

He added a detached alfresco area would draw people through the garden to reach it.

“(This) encourages greater use of the outdoors and gets them to notice things more as they are walking though the space,” he said.

Mr Webster recommended when planning your alfresco zone to avoid any double-up of services.

“If your alfresco is directly adjacent to your kitchen, you won’t need a second kitchen,” he explained.

“Whereas, if you are detaching the alfresco and putting it somewhere else in the garden, you may benefit from a full outdoor kitchen.”

Good match

To provide a consistent look between indoors and out, use similar materials, such as timber, stone or tiles, in both your architecture and landscaping

“We like to look at the materiality of the space as one,” Mr Burkett explained.

Bringing greenery inside with indoor plants will also help link the two spaces.

“People love the softness (plants) bring inside the home and the connection with nature and what’s happening outside,” Mr Burkett said.

In focus

For a truly top-notch garden, remember to include pockets of interest that draw you outside and take you on a journey.

“Create layers in your landscaping using plants and other materials such as paving, timber and steps,” Mr Burkett suggested.

You will also want to include focal points — such as trees, garden lighting, sculptures or, if budget allows, a pool — that can be seen from a certain perspective inside.

But, Mr Burkett cautioned, if you placed your focal points too far from the house, they would lose impact as you might not be able to clearly see them through the windows.

Also, be aware any garden views need to be well-lit so they can be enjoyed at night.

“Your window becomes a picture frame and your garden, the artwork,” Mr Burkett explained.

Common mistake

Mr Burkett said a garden that was too open could sometimes be problematic because you ended up losing a sense of intimacy.

“It just ends up being a vast, minimalist space that has no soul or personality,” he said.

However, you can still create character in an open area through smart zoning.

Mr Webster said a garden could include zones such as a detached alfresco area, designated lawn space, sunken fire pit, and pool.

“Then you have a number of different spaces for people to congregate and destinations to go,” he said.

Tips for good flow from Nathan Burkett and Dan Webster

• Use like materials, colours and joinery to give the perception of connectedness between inside and out.
• Opt for sliding doors when you don’t want to intrude too much on the outdoor space, particularly if it’s narrow.
• Create a grand entrance with bi-fold doors. Be aware bi-folds will protrude into the space, so are best used in outdoor areas with depth.
• Add planter boxes to bring greenery closer to the home.
• Avoid pool fencing obstructing views from inside by using the architecture of the home to create part of the pool barrier. It could be a fixed-glass window or a triple-stacker door with one fixed panel that abuts the pool.
• Consider climbing plants on wires for screening in tight spaces.

www.nathanburkett.com.au

www.dwarchitecture.com.au