How to Improve Indoor–Outdoor Flow for Summer Entertaining in New Zealand

Summer entertaining is part of the Kiwi lifestyle — BBQs on the deck, long lunches outdoors, kids running freely, and warm evenings shared with friends. But if your home isn’t set up for easy movement between inside and outside, hosting can feel more like hard work than relaxation.

Indoor–outdoor flow is one of the most requested upgrades we see at Alder Homes, and for good reason: it makes your home feel larger, lighter, and far more enjoyable to live in — especially over summer.

Here’s how to create a beautifully connected space that works with the way you live.

1. Start With the Key Access Points

Your external doors control how people move in and out of your home. The right door type can completely transform the flow.

• Upgrading to Large sliding doors or Bifold doors

• Stacker sliders for wider openings

• Changing kitchen windows to a Bi-fold or Sliding servery window

• Adding a new external door to open up the indoor to outdoor flow

The goal is simple: create clear, natural pathways that lead people outdoors without bottlenecks.

2. Build Out Your Outdoor Living Space

To make entertaining effortless, your outdoor area needs to feel like an extension of your home — not an afterthought, popular options are:

• Building a seemless timber deck with plenty of space for dining and entertaining

• Concrete patios with decorative or exposed finishes

• Covered zones for shade and weather protection

• Outdoor kitchens or BBQ benches

When designed well, your deck becomes another living room during summer.

3. Create a Seamless Transition With Flush Thresholds

A small step down to the deck breaks the visual connection between spaces. Modern renovations focus on flush thresholds that create an effortless, accessible transition.

• Low-profile sliding door tracks

• Recessed drainage channels

• Weatherproof flush sill systems

• Matching indoor–outdoor flooring tones

These details create that clean, architectural finish that helps the two zones feel like one.

4. Rethink Your Interior Layout

Indoor flow is just as important as the outdoor area. Sometimes small changes inside can completely unlock the connection to the outdoors.

• Removing internal walls to create open plan living

• Moving or resizing a kitchen island

• Widening doorways or openings

• Redirecting kitchen or dining spaces toward outdoor living

• Adjusting living zones to make better use of sunlight and views

• Re arranging furniturt to create better flow

A Good layout makes entertaining feel calm, natural, and spacious.

How to Choose the Best Options for Improving Your Indoor–Outdoor Flow

There are a lot of choices when it comes to improving indoor–outdoor flow, and it’s common for homeowners to feel unsure about which options will work best for their home. At Alder Homes, we provide clear guidance, explain the pros and cons, and help you understand what will suit your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Best Door Options for Indoor–Outdoor Flow

Choosing the right door depends on how wide you want the opening to be, how you plan to use the space, and how much room you have to work with. Whether you need a large slider, doors that can be pinned back easily, or a solution for a tight area with limited swing space, we help you compare durability, cost, and maintenance so you can confidently choose the best option for your home.

Decking Options That Suit Your Site

Different timbers perform differently depending on climate and exposure. We help you assess slip resistance for wet areas, heat retention, longevity in coastal environments, and what materials will work best for your specific property & budget. From Kwila and Vitex to composite options, we walk you through the benefits of each.

Shade Solutions for All-Year Use

There are so many ways to create comfort outdoors. Louvre roofs help cool hot spaces and can also bring natural light into darker areas. Covered pergolas provide shelter and shape, café blinds or roller blinds can shut off an area from the elements, while retractable awnings offer flexibility. Shade sails are great for cost-effective coverage or as an addition to other covered areas. These solutions make your outdoor area far more comfortable and far more usable in every season.

Flooring & Threshold Solutions

From low-profile sliding tracks to flush sill systems and recessed drainage, there are several ways to achieve a seamless indoor–outdoor transition. We help you determine whether drainage is required, how to match flooring tones, and what system will give your home that clean, modern feel.

Outdoor Living Features

We help design and plan outdoor kitchens, built-in BBQ benches, privacy screens, timber batten feature walls, and integrated lighting. Whether you need LED path lighting, step lights, or ambient deck lighting, these features elevate the practicality and enjoyment of your outdoor space and make it feel like a true extension of your home.

The Bottom Line

Enhancing your indoor-outdoor flow involves more than just adding a door; it's about designing a home that suits your lifestyle throughout the year. With smart design and the right products, your home can feel larger, brighter, and be utilized all year round! Shielding you from the elements while providing an outdoor area that acts as an extra room.

If you're ready to explore possibilities, Alder Homes can help you find the best options for your home, style, and budget.