In the current mode of residential architecture, the expectation of a luxurious home is that it must offer an indefinable flow between the interior of a home and its garden and broader views.

Outdoor entertaining areas and interior family living spaces are now expected to be indistinguishable, one transforming into the other seamlessly. This approach of melding the inside of a home with the exterior is now an essential aspect of any new build or major renovation.

In many cases, the kitchen/living area is open to the garden and the views beyond, with comfortable seating, plus facilities for outdoor cooking, children's play areas and places to relax with an iPod or tablet, or to chat with friends over coffee and cake. Simply put, these days the architectural design must add a clearly defined additional living space outdoors.

Not only does the inclusion of a unified flow between your garden and your internal living space create an atmosphere of resort luxury and comfort, the relationship of your home to the outside air and sunlight is crucial for promoting a healthy lifestyle. How often do we sit inside our current home, without a view or connection to the outdoors which rarely prompts us to go out to the garden and relax in the fresh air and absorb the healthy rays of the sun?

Yes, many of us, being house-proud, spend much time tending our garden areas, but if we do not have the easy connection between our living areas and our outside areas we are losing out on a full and healthy living experience.

The French door connection and more

There are many ways of connecting your garden with living areas. Glass sliding doors are obvious, but consider French doors, or bi-fold doors and even screen doors as a way to maximise your outdoor area views and functionality with your carefully designed interiors.

Before your architect or the designer of your renovations even begins to create a concept for your home, the most important aspect of their work has to be a clear strategy to create a holistic end result, where your home becomes one with the surroundings. No one wants to live in a cement box with no real access, or views to the outdoors. In fact, most of us crave the opportunity to relate to our surroundings, both looking out of the home, and being able to easily connect to the garden areas. Having your landscape designer consult with your architect before work commences on the design is the key to a successful and satisfying build or redo.

Practical ways to bring the inside out and the outside in

A conservatory separated from the house itself can be a place for entertaining and presenting a unique family living space. Conservatories these days can include kitchen facilities and areas for lounging, dining and as a place for your children to catch the warmth of the sun. Of course, a conservatory is a wonderful environment for indoor plants, herb gardens and creative activities. It will of course depend on your land size and your budget.

It's not just the open connection between inside and outside that is important in a new home or in defining the parameters of a renovation, but by using large windows - bay windows especially – you can bring the open air vistas into the main living spaces within your home. If there is the right north facing aspect, then the inclusion of a dedicated sunroom, with large windows and perhaps a glass roof, will make a huge difference to the character of your house.

Frameless glass feature walls, glass panels, and feature windows - full length and perfectly glazed - are an architectural delight and, together with landscaping that complements your overall design, will make your new house more liveable and create stunning design features in your home. Using these full length windows, panels, feature windows and doors throughout your design will allow your home to be light-filled, even on the dullest days.

Adding a seat to your bay window, or a comfortable sofa facing the garden through a glass curtain wall is a design trick that has been around for centuries in the palaces and fine houses of Europe, but nothing is finer than curling up to watch TV or read a good book than a spot from where you can view the changing light and enjoy your garden every day.

Perhaps the most under-utilised design outdoor feature is an expansive veranda, where furnishing and decorative pieces can create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Whether in the front of the house, or a paved patio area or decking at the rear, both give a superb place to live life to the fullest.