In and out living this autumn
Extending the Seasons: In-and-Out Living for Autumn and Winter
Shorter days. Longer shadows. A quiet retreat from summer’s colour. Autumn and winter bring their own kind of beauty — but also the urge to hibernate. According to recent studies, most of us spend less than an hour outdoors per day during the colder months, which can affect everything from our mood to our energy levels.
At Excel, we believe good design doesn’t stop with the weather. With the right space — thoughtfully planned and well built — you can stay connected to the outside world all year round. Whether that’s warming up in a light-filled sunroom or enjoying an early-evening fire pit under the stars, here are a few ideas to help you bring the outside in — and the inside out.
Bringing the Outside In: Sunroom Living, Reimagined
Even on crisp autumn mornings or rainy winter afternoons, a well-designed sunroom gives you front-row views of the outdoors — without the cold. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Prioritise natural light
Glazing isn’t just a feature — it’s a feeling. The size, placement, and type of windows you choose will completely shape the mood of your sunroom. According to Velux, 7 out of 10 extensions still lack roof glazing — yet incorporating skylights or lantern roofs can dramatically lift light levels, even in winter.
At Excel, we’ll work with you to plan a smart, layered lighting strategy, combining roof windows and vertical glazing to keep the space bright, airy, and connected to the outdoors — even on the darkest days.
2. Choose bi-fold doors for true indoor-outdoor flow
Bi-folding doors are more than just a design trend — they’re a practical bridge between your sunroom and the garden. On mild autumn days, you can open them wide and enjoy that perfect middle ground: fresh air, soft light, and a cappuccino in hand.
They also let light flood in even when closed, and visually expand the space by blending inside and out. Paired with skylights or Velux windows, they create a light-filled zone that feels open year-round.
Taking the Inside Out: Gardens That Work in Every Season
When the weather plays nice — or even when it doesn’t — a few clever additions can transform your outdoor area into a usable, welcoming space well beyond summer.
1. Rework your layout for shelter
Move seating into sheltered areas — like against the house wall — to create more protected spots. Investing in weather-resistant furniture or modular pieces with canopies can help you make the most of unexpected dry days.
2. Add flexible shelter
From a simple garden parasol to a pop-up gazebo, even lightweight cover can encourage more time outside. But for year-round use, nothing beats a dedicated garden room. With fixed walls and doors that open wide in warmer months, they offer the best of both worlds — protection from the elements and full immersion in your outdoor space.
3. Create warmth and atmosphere
A heat source makes all the difference. A chiminea, fire pit or even a freestanding patio heater can extend your evenings and make your garden feel cosy and inviting. For a permanent solution, a built-in outdoor fireplace adds both function and visual drama — perfect for entertaining or unwinding after dark.
Design That Works All Year Round
Thoughtful design doesn’t stop when the clocks go back. Whether it’s a sunroom that floods your home with light or an outdoor space built for all seasons, the right choices now can make the colder months something to enjoy — not endure.
At Excel Home Design, we help you create spaces that feel just right, whatever the weather. Because when your home is designed for living, every season has its moment.
What the clients said
After several years of deliberating whether to move house or extend, we finally decided to make plans for a large extension for a new kitchen and living space. We consulted a few building companies but had no hesitation choosing Excel Home Design to proceed with our project.
Right from our initial meeting with Russell we were impressed with his professional attitude and can-do approach. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted to achieve and gave us advice and guidance on how to get the results we wanted.
Everything was transparent and any changes made or extras added were priced up and agreed to beforehand. As a result, there were no unexpected costs, which can often be a concern during a project.
Having Russell as the main point of contact during the whole process was invaluable—it gave us complete confidence. The overall project management of our build and all the tradespeople involved were amazing. We were always kept informed of what would be happening the next day, what deliveries would be arriving and who would be working.
Every single person involved in our project was efficient and professional but also polite and respectful to our family and home. Although never compromising his high standards, attention to detail and quality of workmanship, Russell and his team pulled out all the stops to complete our build before Christmas—for which we were extremely grateful.
We’re absolutely delighted with our new kitchen extension. It’s surpassed all of our expectations and made a huge difference to our family home. Everyone has been amazed at the transformation and can’t believe what has been achieved in such a short amount of time.
We’d wholeheartedly recommend Russell and his team at Excel Home Design for being professional, reliable, and trustworthy, but also extremely patient and respectful. Thanks guys!
Wayne & Amanda
Get in touch
If you would like to book a no-obligation Creative Meeting with our Award Winning Director then please click here or call us on 01443 561 540.