Haute Design Experts delve into the intricacies of designing “rooms” without traditional walls. Explore how to create a unique layout for indoor or outdoor living spaces, leveraging sight lines and connectivity. And learn considerations guide this approach.
Photo Credit: Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Exterior spaces by nature include an abundance of unobstructed flow. When designing for luxury outdoor living within these spaces, the process does not lack the ability to create a sense of ‘rooms.’ Without the use of traditional walls, outdoor rooms are being defined in the form of spacial destinations based on the experiences or individual enjoyment a homeowner is seeking. “Our luxury outdoor living projects, no matter if they encompass intimate to immense dimensions, each includes a collection of areas specific to a client’s unique lifestyle,” said Ryan Hughes, president and creative director, Ryan Hughes Design. “Creating complex yet cohesive designs requires tremendous attention to function and flow.” While Hughes’ signature outdoor living projects are known for extreme scope, styling and innovation, at the epicenter of most is a pool or major water feature. This multi-experience element, however, is not necessarily the starting point for the design. “We start with an overall space plan and map out the placement of the destinations with defining surfaces to seating that reflect the homeowner’s requests in outdoor living,” continues Hughes. A line of sight planning model is used by the Hughes design team to organize the exterior design flow from the home’s interiors to the totality of the outdoor living space. This approach has benefited by recent innovation in outdoor appliances to smart technology that allows for destination self-sufficiency in the placement of outdoor kitchens to outdoor living rooms.
Photo Credit: Stock_SK/Shutterstock
The EBH Group
Designing "rooms" without traditional walls, whether for indoor or outdoor living spaces, requires careful consideration of sight lines, connectivity, and spatial flow to create a unique and cohesive layout.
Spatial Zones: Define distinct spatial zones within the open layout to establish functional areas for different activities such as dining, lounging, cooking, and entertaining. Use architectural elements, furniture arrangements, and landscaping to delineate these zones while maintaining a sense of visual continuity and flow.
Sight Lines: Pay attention to sight lines and visual axes to create seamless connections between different areas of the space. Position focal points, architectural features, or key design elements strategically to draw the eye and create visual interest while maintaining a sense of cohesion and continuity throughout the space.
Connectivity: Foster connectivity between indoor and outdoor living spaces by blurring the boundaries between the two. Incorporate features such as sliding glass doors, retractable walls, or large windows to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing for uninterrupted views and a greater sense of spatial openness.
Natural Elements: Embrace natural elements such as landscaping, water features, and views of the surrounding environment to enhance the overall ambiance and connectivity of the space. Integrate outdoor elements into the indoor living areas and vice versa to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Flexible Furniture Arrangements: Opt for flexible furniture arrangements that can easily adapt to different activities and configurations within the space. Choose modular furniture pieces, movable partitions, and multifunctional furnishings that allow for easy reconfiguration and customization to suit changing needs and preferences.
Spatial Flow: Prioritize spatial flow and circulation throughout the space to ensure ease of movement and accessibility between different areas. Consider the natural flow of foot traffic and design pathways that encourage exploration and engagement while maintaining a sense of connectivity and coherence.
Lighting Design: Integrate thoughtful lighting design to enhance the ambiance and functionality of the space, both indoors and outdoors. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create layers of light that highlight architectural features, define spatial zones, and establish visual continuity throughout the space.
Privacy and Intimacy: Provide opportunities for privacy and intimacy within the open layout by strategically positioning screening elements, landscaping features, or architectural elements to create secluded alcoves or cozy retreats within the larger space. Balance openness with privacy to ensure a comfortable and inviting environment for relaxation and socialization.
