Designing a Home for the Florida Lifestyle: Tips for Indoor-Outdoor Living
As any Florida native may attest, our homes here are more than just buildings. In fact, they’re gateways to the unique lifestyle this Sunshine State offers! You might find yourself enjoying a balmy summer’s evening spent lounging on a lanai. Or, you might prefer the sheer delight of an alfresco breakfast by the poolside. Either way, indoor-outdoor living is a key part of the Floridian lifestyle.
Looking for a way to begin blending your indoor spaces with the outdoors – or making this mentality a major part of your new home construction project? If so, we’re ready to help guide that journey! Read on to discover some suggestions from the American Family Homes team for ideal indoor-outdoor living.
Leveraging Lots of Natural Light
Florida is known for its abundant sunshine. It’s the Sunshine State, after all! So, our first solution for bringing the outdoors inside is simple – design a home that can harness this resource! When working with home builders in Florida, consider the benefits of including large, south-facing windows. These not only allow in a lot of natural light, but also provide lovely views of your outdoor spaces. The importance of windows can’t be overstated – they can enhance the brightness in your home and promote a deeper connection with the outdoors, too!
Achieving a Balance That Feels Right
A key challenge in designing homes for the Florida lifestyle involves beating the heat. That is, balancing the need for air-conditioned comfort with the desire for outdoor connection. So, how can you easily translate comfort from one area to the next? Try sliding glass doors or accordion doors to connect these main living areas – like a living room and a lanai. Glass doors can provide expansive views of the outside, bring in fresh air when needed, and can be easily opened or closed depending on the weather or the homeowner’s preference. It’s a simple solution to make the best of both indoor and outdoor worlds!
Designing a Functional Lanai
It’s one thing that almost all Floridians can agree upon – a lanai or a covered lanai can be a versatile addition to your custom home that creates a huge impact on your indoor-outdoor lifestyle. A lanai provides a comfortable and protected outdoor living space. For some extra breeziness, consider equipping your lanai with ceiling fans to keep the area cool during hot summer days. Love entertaining? You could also incorporate a built-in grill or an outdoor kitchen here, making it the perfect space for entertaining guests. If you love cooling off with a good swim, it’s also worth considering the integration of a pool for that luxurious resort-style living right at home.
Landscaping for Privacy
In Florida, the lush tropical vegetation can serve dual purposes. How? Leverage them to create privacy around your outdoor spaces! If you’re looking to craft a serene space, pick out native plants that provide a natural barrier between your lanai and your neighbors. This natural greenery not only enhances the solitude of your outdoor spaces, but contributes to a green space perfect for additional peace of mind.
Creating a Smooth Transition
The key to achieving balance? When planning your custom home, consider using similar flooring and wall colors inside and out to create a smooth transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This similarity can make the interior spaces feel larger – and more integrated with the outside. Don’t we all love feeling like we have some extra space to spread out and enjoy? Additionally, keeping consistent in design elements, such as architectural style and furniture choice, can further enhance the connection between the inside and outside of your home.
Embracing indoor-outdoor living is a wonderful way to add appeal to your custom home in Lake County, Florida. Incorporating elements such as large windows, sliding glass doors, a functional lanai, strategic landscaping, and consistent design can help you achieve a home that not only suits the Florida lifestyle – but resonates with your personal style, too!
Schedule a Free Consultation
American Family Homes, your top pick amongst home builders in Florida, offers solutions for building new custom homes and remodeling existing homes. With years of experience and an unwavering commitment to quality, we can help you realize your dream of a perfect home that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living – the quintessential Florida lifestyle. Reach out today to start the journey towards your ideal living space!