Indoor-Outdoor Living Q&A with Joel Contreras Design

Part of the appeal of Mid Century Modern architecture is the seamless transition from inside to outside. Joel Contreras Design’s work on a Phoenix home’s luxurious new build outdoor area is featured in a previous Exteriors issue. (Get the current one here.) We caught up with Joel Contreras to ask a bit more about his approach and tips for indoor-outdoor living.

Atomic Ranch: What defines indoor-outdoor living for you? What does it mean?

Joel Contreras: Indoor-outdoor living is best when the lines/ boundaries are blurred. When designing interiors, we like to include floor to ceiling glass windows and indoor planters to encourage connection to the outdoors. Atriums and courtyards are even better. Taking an outdoor approach, we like to use efficient covered areas for shade and/or slatted pergolas and outdoor landscaped and furnished rooms to encourage an indoor feel. The beauty is when indoor-outdoor lines are not so stark – there should be a grey area.

Joel Contreras Design exterior with view into kitchen

AR: Do you have an archetypical idea of what a home with indoor-outdoor living looks like (eg an iconic house like the Stahl house)?

JC: Our favorite version of indoor-outdoor living is the Quincy Jones & Joseph Eichler Double Gable model home. There’s a massive atrium in the center of the house that is beautiful and represents the indoor-outdoor values of Mid Century Modernism.

AR: How do you approach new build projects with indoor-outdoor living?

JC: With new builds, we always start with observing the path of the sun and the role it plays in the orientation of the home. We then look for opportunities to push and pull the ceiling and walls to add depth and indoor-outdoor opportunities. Last, we use the landscape design to tie the elements in for cohesion.

AR: Have there been any surprises along the way, anything you’ve learned about opportunities to integrate indoor-outdoor living?

JC: When designing in Phoenix, Arizona, we have to take into account the harsh summer climate. It often reaches 115 degrees in the summer, meaning we have to observe heat gain principals and R-values of building materials and insulation. Essentially, creating a hat for the home is key.

For more of Joel’s work, head over here to see more mid century inspired design. And don’t miss Atomic Ranch’s latest Exteriors issue!

From garden design to outdoor lighting, curb appeal essentials to patio furniture accessories, our annual Exterior & Landscaping Special is here to help you give the mod home of your dreams a garden to match. Take a tour of incredible mid century homes which exemplify indoor-to-outdoor style that will give you insight and inspiration for creating a cohesive and masterfully thought out design for your whole home. Get expert advice on everything from hardscaping to pools and water features!