The Seamless Aesthetic

Top Indoor/Outdoor Living Trends, According to Design Experts

Once a seasonal trend in those glorious weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day, indoor/outdoor living in the Hamptons is now a lifestyle.

It’s about creating natural flow between your home and its surroundings, where the outdoors feels like an extension of your living space, said Lana Wear, president and chief executive officer of the home staging company HomeWear Designs. 

“A wall of windows that slide away onto a breezy deck, rattan furniture softened by linen cushions, lanterns flickering by the pool,” she mused, “it’s these kinds of layered moments that create a sense of calm and effortless luxury.”

While it’s not a new concept, indoor/outdoor living became a bigger priority in the last few years, added Leslie Chapus, vice president and cofounder of the outdoor furnishings company Azenco Outdoor.

“It’s popular now because people crave balance, serenity, and fresh air more than ever,” she said. “Especially in places like the Hamptons, where the landscape is stunning, homeowners want to feel connected to their surroundings.”

Continuity is Key
The key to the indoor/outdoor aesthetic is keeping the two areas from looking disjointed, designers said.

“It’s all about continuity,” Chapus said. “Use the same color palette and design language in both spaces — neutral fabrics, soft lighting, even artwork or mirrors in covered patios.”

Automated louvered pergolas, like the Azenco Outdoor R-BLADE™, can open and close depending on the weather. This turns a patio into an indoor space, allowing Hamptonites to sit outside in any condition, she said. 

“Blur the boundary between inside and out by choosing furniture and accessories that feel appropriate for both,” Wear agreed. For example, try adding the same set of indoor/outdoor pillows to your living room sofa and your deck chairs to create a seamless look.

At one recent Hamptons project, “we styled a rattan sofa and chair set just outside a pair of French doors, flanked by billowing linen drapes,”  Wear said. “The goal was to make the deck feel like an open-air living room — comfortable, calm, and cohesive.”

Create Layers of Interest
When thinking of the indoor/outdoor aesthetic, the shade of beige typically comes to mind. But it doesn’t have to be bland, experts noted.

The secret to creating interest is adding layers and texture, Wear said.

“Pair rattan with canvas, add softness with a linen throw, contrast smooth surfaces with handwoven textures,” she explained.

Susan Strauss, founder of Susan Strauss Design, likes using nature-inspired accents like, stone bowls or driftwood art, to subtly bridge indoors and out.

“Swapping out light fixtures for woven pendants or incorporating coastal blues and sand tones that can instantly bring the ‘Hamptons-vibe,’” she said.

Go For Durability
“The Hamptons has its own unique climate — salt air, sun exposure, and sudden storms — so durability is a must,” Wear said. She recommends investing in performance fabrics, like Sunbrella, and weather-resistant materials, like Teak and recycled HDPE, which can withstand the elements without sacrificing style. 

“My parents furnished their Florida lanai with Frontgate all-weather wicker furniture nearly two decades ago,” Wear noted. “After years of punishing Florida sun and humidity, it looks almost brand new.”

To protect your indoor furnishings, include proper window treatments and sealants to protect against the sun and sea air. “We often use porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone but withstand moisture beautifully,” Strauss said. 

The indoor/outdoor trend is only expected to grow, she said, so it’s best to opt for pieces that will last. “Clients are craving spaces that feel grounded in nature but still polished,” she added. “This thirst towards nature and the outdoors is here to stay.”