Interior Designer’s Guide to Outdoor Living Spaces: Boost Your Revenue with Exterior Design

Let’s face it – outdoor living isn’t just having a moment — it’s transforming how homeowners think about their space. And for savvy interior designers, that means it’s time to step outside the box (and the house) to capture this booming market. Your indoor design prowess is the perfect foundation for creating spectacular outdoor spaces that’ll have your clients living their best al fresco life.

Why Take Your Design Business Outdoors?

Here’s the scoop: homeowners are pouring 10-15% of their home’s value into outdoor spaces, and these investments are seeing an impressive 80% ROI. Translation? There’s serious money on the patio table. Plus, with today’s smart technology and weather-resistant materials, you can create spaces that work just as hard as you do – giving your clients the chance to finally relax and unwind in style all year round.

Creating Multi-Season Magic

The outdoor spaces that truly shine are the ones that work in every season. Just as you would indoors, start by creating distinct areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Think about the flow between spaces and how your clients will use each area throughout the year. Layered lighting is essential – combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to extend usability into evening hours and create the right mood for any occasion.

Climate control is crucial for year-round comfort. Consider incorporating fire features for chilly evenings and strategically placed fans for summer comfort. Don’t forget about sound design – outdoor speakers and water features can create ambiance while masking neighborhood noise. When it comes to furniture, flexibility is key. Recommend pieces that can be easily rearranged for different occasions, from intimate dinners to large gatherings.

Creating Outdoor Spaces That Make Jaws Drop

The key to amazing outdoor spaces? It’s all about bringing that interior designer magic to the great outdoors. Think of it as extending your client’s personality beyond their walls. 

• Transform basic patios into Instagram-worthy outdoor rooms with statement-making awnings and pergolas that perfectly match their home’s character.
• Embrace smart solar solutions (hello, motorized screens and retractable shades!) that let your clients control their outdoor environment with a simple tap.
• Choose materials that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them while still looking magazine-cover ready.

The Window Works Advantage

The right shade solutions can make or break an outdoor space. At Window Works, we’ve mastered the art of merging durability with designer-worthy aesthetics. Our expertise helps you extend living space usability across seasons while protecting expensive outdoor furnishings from sun damage.We create flexible environments that adapt to changing weather while adding architectural interest that enhances property value. Whether you’re designing a cozy winter terrace or a summer entertainment zone, our solutions help you create spaces that are as functional as they are fabulous.

How to Sell Outdoor Design Services

Success in outdoor design starts with positioning yourself as the expert in creating seamless indoor-outdoor living experiences that boost both lifestyle value and property returns. Present your outdoor design services as a natural extension of your interior work, emphasizing how your comprehensive vision ensures cohesion, functionality, and style throughout the entire property.

The key to delivering exceptional outdoor spaces? Partner with specialists who complement your expertise. By collaborating with trusted experts like Window Works for shade solutions, landscape architects for hardscaping, and lighting designers for ambiance, you can offer comprehensive solutions while maintaining focus on the overall design vision. These partnerships not only enhance your service offerings but also create valuable referral networks that can help grow your business.

Build a compelling portfolio by documenting your outdoor transformations with professional photography, focusing on dramatic before-and-after shots that showcase custom shading solutions and defined outdoor spaces.