MARGIN BUILDERS By Kym Nosbisch
TOP TIP: Aim to help homeowners feel that their outdoor living spaces are an extension of their indoors. (Photos by Feeney)
I
Designing decks from the inside out
t ’ s not breaking news to say that Americans have been spending more time at home for the last couple of years. It’s also true that what homeowners expect from their homes has changed significantly during this time. Because of this shift, home renovation projects are more popular than ever before. Outdoor decks and living areas, in particular, have become increasingly important. Just as homeowners report wanting more from the interiors of their homes, they expect more from their exteriors too. Your pro customers are also responding to this growing interest in outdoor living spaces. According to a recent survey by the New Home Trends Institute, 58% of residential building professionals stated that creating a connection to the outdoors will be a major theme of their designs in the next three years. Drawing parallels between indoor and outdoor spaces makes sense. Homeowners are beginning to pay more attention to the appeal of a seamless aesthetic, while professionals are embracing the challenge of showing what is possible in today’s deck and outdoor living space construction. Showing homeowners and contractors how to tie together a home’s interior and exterior can pay off in a significant way. Thoughtful finish selections and design details make
12
n Building Products Digest n May 2022
clients happy, which can lead to more referrals, improve the bottom line, and increase margins.
Tying It All Together
Assessing a home’s interior design elements prior to planning an outdoor space can be a great source of ideas for connecting the inside with the outside. Whether building a brand-new deck or remodeling an existing one, here are five elements worth considering to achieve a cohesive look that will elevate both the interior and exterior of a home. Decking. Connect interior and exterior spaces by choosing a deck material similar to the flooring in a home. Many homes have a living space that opens directly onto a patio or deck. Installing decking in the same or similar shade as interior flooring can help the two spaces flow together and feel like a single, unified living area. Think beyond wood, too. Available alternatives include concrete, fiberglass, plastic, PVC, aluminum, rubber and composite decking materials in a range of shades that will complement any color palette. Deck Railings. Consider choosing a deck railing that complements hardware or accessories found in the home. For example, a railing in oil-rubbed bronze could be selected Building-Products.com
