So often, we treat our indoor and outdoor areas as if they’re starring in two completely separate spaces when actually, we should be treating the garden as an extension of the home – an extra room to enjoy, so to speak. That benign the case, here’s how to create more harmony between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Blurring the Boundaries By Bringing Nature Indoors
There’s something undeniably peaceful about stepping into a home that subtly merges with the outdoors. Maybe it’s a wall of windows overlooking a lush backyard or a collection of potted plants that you find sneaking into every room you enter. When we bring natural elements inside, our living spaces feel more alive, as though the boundary between where the walls end and where the garden begins has vanished.
One easy way to achieve this effect is by prioritizing natural light. Swap heavy drapes for sheer curtains to let the sunshine pour in, or even consider adding a skylight if your budget and roof constraints allow. Indoor plants are another immediate upgrade, and you don’t have to be a horticultural wizard to keep them alive. Hardy varieties like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants thrive on mild neglect, which is perfect for those of us who have every intention of watering regularly… but sometimes forget. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, consider building a living wall with cascading vines or installing a mini indoor herb garden near your kitchen window. Nothing says “garden synergy” like snipping fresh basil while you watch squirrels scamper about your yard.
Flow and Function
People often talk about “curb appeal,” focusing primarily on how a house looks from the street. But what about the perspective from inside looking out? If you’re lucky enough to have a view of a beautiful garden, you’ll want to arrange your furniture in a way that maximizes that visual delight. Instead of cramming your sofa up against a window with the blinds drawn, shift the layout so you can gaze out at your flowerbeds and meandering paths.
Think about your daily routines. Do you eat breakfast while scrolling through your phone at the kitchen table? Position it near a window so you can soak up morning sunbeams and keep tabs on that pesky squirrel who’s plotting to raid your bird feeder again. Do you have a favorite chair where you read or daydream? Set it up by a set of French doors that lead to the backyard. That simple change could make your reading nook feel like an extension of the outdoors.
While you’re at it, add a seating area outside that mirrors your interior style. If your living room features warm, bohemian pillows and soft throws, incorporate similar textures on your patio furniture for a sense of continuity. The goal is to create a dance between your interior and exterior spaces, where one flows effortlessly into the other.
Adding Character and Creativity
When planning your garden, consider elements that do more than just sit there looking green. A small pond, a fountain, or even a decorative birdbath can bring movement and sound, turning your yard into a multi-sensory retreat. If you’re an artistic soul, sculptural pieces can make your outdoor space feel like an open-air gallery. You don’t have to drop thousands on a commissioned metal statue of a mythical creature (although that does sound fun). Even a few well-placed stepping stones, whimsical wind chimes, or creative planters can inject personality.
Paths and walkways can also add structure and intrigue. Gravel, flagstones, or wood slices can guide guests from your back door to a hidden seating area or a small vegetable patch. Bonus points if you scatter aromatic plants like lavender or mint along the path so they release a burst of fragrance when brushed against.
If you have fences or walls, don’t be shy about dressing them up. Climbing roses, ivy, or flowering vines can give vertical surfaces a soft, romantic quality. Alternatively, hang decorative panels or even old window frames with mirrors behind them to reflect greenery and create the illusion of more space. Before you know it, your yard will feel like its own little world—one that complements your interior rather than competing with it.
Cutting Down Trees: Sometimes Less Is More
Mentioning “cutting down trees” in a conversation about enhancing your garden might sound counterintuitive, like suggesting you skip dessert at a birthday party. Yet, there are times when the removal of a tree (or several) can actually benefit your overall landscape. Maybe it’s a diseased tree that threatens to collapse onto your roof during the next windstorm, or a towering specimen that casts an endless shadow over your entire yard. In these cases, cutting down trees, with one of these trusty chainsaws, can open up the space to more sunlight, reduce safety risks, and let other plants thrive.
If you do decide to remove a tree, remember that it’s not necessarily the end of that tree’s story. You can repurpose the wood for raised garden beds, create a rustic seating area with cut logs, or even carve a unique sculpture if you’re feeling artsy. The key is to make sure your decision supports the larger vision for your yard—one where everything, from the smallest succulent to the biggest oak, exists in balance.
Embracing Change as Part of the Plan
All gardens have their phases, and seasons have a funny way of shaking things up when you least expect it. One moment you’re delighting in spring blossoms, and the next your lawn is buried under a blanket of autumn leaves. Instead of fighting these changes, lean into them as opportunities to keep your garden dynamic.
Rotating your plant selection can ensure that something is always in bloom, whether it’s the tulips in the spring, the daylilies in the summer, or the mums in the fall. If you live in a chilly climate, consider planting a few evergreens or ornamental grasses that look good even when everything else is hibernating. On the home front, you might swap out outdoor cushions or add cozy throws and a fire pit for cooler months. In warmer seasons, you can let the gentle breeze blow through open windows and waft the scent of freshly cut grass right into your living room.
Here’s to living in harmony, whether in or outdoors!
