3 Ways to Improve Indoor Outdoor Flow in the Bay of Plenty This Summer
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(Plus the upgrade that changes everything)
If your home feels a little disconnected from your deck or backyard, you’re not imagining it. Most Kiwi houses were never designed for modern summer living. The good news is you can create better indoor and outdoor flow without major renos. A few smart tweaks can change the way your home feels and functions, and if you want a true transformation, there is one upgrade that works every time.
Here are three genuinely effective ways to elevate your home’s summer flow.
1. Clear the Pathway for Better Indoor Outdoor Flow
Before changing anything structural, fix the flow on the inside.
Think of the walkway from your kitchen or lounge to the outdoors as a mini summer runway. If the space is cluttered, cramped, or zigzagged, your home will always feel stuck.
Try this simple reset:
Remove the chair that everyone bumps into
Pull furniture away from doorways
Relocate bulky pot plants
Angle your sofa so it guides the eye toward the outdoors
Keep surfaces near entry points clean and calm
Why this works: Open space invites movement. Clear pathways make your home feel instantly more relaxed and more “summer ready”.
This is your low effort, big-impact starter tip.
2. Make the Outdoors Feel Like Part of Your Lounge
You know those homes where the deck feels like the second living room?
That isn’t luck. It’s intentional.
Try using interior-style touches outdoors so the two spaces blend:
Soft outdoor cushions
A big outdoor rug
Warm string lights
A cluster of potted plants to “frame” the area
A shady space for lounging
A small table for drinks and snacks
Feng Shui style tip: Create a sense of “flow and welcome” by making the outdoors feel just as comfortable as the indoors. When the eye sees softness, light, and warmth outside, your brain interprets it as part of the living space.
3. Replace a Window With a Door for True Indoor Outdoor Connection
This is the game-changer.
If your indoor and outdoor flow is limited by a window in the wrong spot, replacing it with a sliding or hinged door is one of the most impactful improvements you can make in a your home.
At Elite Double Glazing, we can:
Remove your old window
Adjust your configuration vertically so the space meets building code
Install a new aluminium door with SuperTherm™ double glazing
Modernise the look of your home
Improve airflow, sunlight, and movement
Important note: Expanding wider requires additional construction work and council consent. We do not offer this exclusively, but we work seamlessly alongside your builder if you choose to go that route.
Why this upgrade is so powerful:
Bigger opening
Direct access to the outdoors
More natural light
Better airflow
A home that actually supports summer living
This is the difference between “a house with a deck” and “a home built for Kiwi summer life”.
Learn More about Aluminium Replacement Joinery
Ready to Improve Your Summer Flow?
Small changes can make a big difference, but if you want a true indoor and outdoor connection, talk to our team about replacing a window with a door. It is one of the quickest ways to transform a Bay of Plenty home.
Book a free measure and quote to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn any window into a door?
In most cases yes, especially if the change only involves increasing the height of the opening. Our qualified builder can adjust your configuration vertically so we can replace your window with a compliant door. If you want to widen the opening, this requires additional construction work and may likely will require council consent. We can work alongside your builder for this, although we do not offer full building work exclusively.
Does replacing a window with a door need council consent?
Vertical expansions (height only) do not require consent. Horizontal expansions (wider openings) almost always do. We recommend checking with us and our qualified builder if you are unsure. Our team can guide you on what is needed for your home.
What type of door is best for improving indoor and outdoor flow?
Sliding doors, stackers, or French doors all work well. The best choice depends on your home layout, budget, and how you want the area to function. Sliding doors are the most popular because they take up less room and open up the space beautifully.
Can double glazing help keep my home cooler in summer?
Yes. Our SuperTherm double glazing helps reduce solar heat gain, especially in west facing rooms that get strong afternoon sun. Upgrading to high performance Low E glass can keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This is a core part of achieving Goldilocks Comfort.
Will a window to door conversion improve airflow?
Absolutely. Larger openings naturally improve airflow, cross ventilation, and the movement of fresh air throughout the home. Many clients notice a huge difference in how the house feels within the first day of installation.
How long does it take to replace a window with a door?
Most aluminium replacements can be installed within a day. The full process from quote to installation typically takes a few weeks depending on the complexity of the project and your joinery choices.
Will the new door match the rest of my windows?
Yes. We offer modern aluminium joinery profiles and a range of colour options that can complement your existing home. If you are planning to update everything over time, this is a great way to start.
Is double glazing noisy during installation?
The process is quick and clean. Our installers protect your home, communicate clearly, and keep disruption to a minimum. Most installs are completed with very little noise or mess.
Do you offer financing or staged upgrades?
If you want to spread out your upgrades over time, you can start with the highest impact area first. Many clients begin with the main living or dining area and then complete additional rooms later.
