Indoor-Outdoor Home Design: Trend Alert for Modern Coastal Living in Washington

If there’s one real estate trend that has truly transformed luxury coastal living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the rise of indoor–outdoor living spaces. Here along the Washington coastline, from the dramatic cliffs near Blaine to the peaceful shores of Birch Bay, homebuyers are looking for more than just a house with a view. They want a home that feels connected to nature, that celebrates the coastline, and that makes daily living feel like a getaway.

And honestly? We can’t blame them.

As a real estate team based right here in Washington State, we see firsthand how buyers are prioritizing homes that blend indoor comfort with outdoor living, whether that means a rooftop deck overlooking Birch Bay, an outdoor fire table for year-round gatherings, or floor-to-ceiling windows that make every sunset feel front-row.

Today, we’re exploring how indoor–outdoor living is reshaping coastal homes in the Pacific Northwest, the features buyers are prioritizing, and how one exceptional new home in Point Whitehorn checks every single box.

Why Indoor–Outdoor Living Is So Popular in the PNW

The Pacific Northwest has something truly magical: a coastline that blends rugged beauty, peaceful water views, evergreen forests, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see. For decades, architects and designers have tried to celebrate that natural beauty, but today’s homes are more intentional, more connected, and more lifestyle-driven than ever.

Whether you’re a weekend ocean watcher, a year-round beach walker, or someone who just likes morning coffee with a view, indoor–outdoor living offers:

• More usable space without bigger square footage
• A closer connection to nature
• Spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining
• Higher resale value and buyer demand
• More natural light, fresh air, and a more luxury living experience

And when a coastal property is done right, outdoor living doesn’t feel like a bonus feature, it feels like part of the home itself.

Trend #1: Large Windows and Glass Walls Bring the Coast Indoors

One of the biggest indoor–outdoor design shifts we’re seeing across coastal homes in Washington is the use of massive window walls, oversized sliders, and full-height glass.

Why? Because the view is the crown jewel.

From Blaine to Birch Bay, buyers want homes that:

• Welcome in natural light
• Maximize outdoor views
• Blur the line between indoors and outdoors
• Create a coastal resort feeling at home

We’re seeing a major move away from small windows and walled-off interiors and instead, luxury homes are embracing architectural glass as a design centerpiece.

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

This newly completed modern coastal home in Point Whitehorn takes full advantage of sweeping views of Birch Bay and even the Canadian mountains. Its open interior is designed around natural light, with glass that frames the landscape the way art would in a gallery. You don’t have to step outside to feel connected to the coast, you’re surrounded by it every moment you’re at home.

Trend #2: Outdoor Fire Features Designed for Year-Round Use

If you live in the PNW, you already know we live in a climate where outdoor features must be intentional. A fire pit or fire table is more than just a design statement, it perfectly fits with the PNW lifestyle. 

Outdoor fire features offer:

• A place to gather even when the air is crisp
• A cozy focal point for evenings outside
• Four-season usability
• A warm glow that extends the night 

In coastal communities, where summer sunsets can stretch late into the evening and neighbors love hosting outdoors, these spaces are highly sought after by buyers.

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

6920 Holeman Ave. in Point Whitehorn features a ground-level patio with a custom concrete fire table, creating a private outdoor retreat perfect for hosting friends, sipping wine, stargazing, or relaxing after a long day. It’s the kind of outdoor space that actually gets used, not just admired in photos.

Trend #3: Rooftop Decks for Next-Level Views

If there’s a feature we see coastal homebuyers get truly excited about, it’s a rooftop or elevated deck.

Because let’s face it: Waterfront and water-view locations aren’t just about the home, they’re about the experience.

Rooftop decks:

• Capture the widest possible views
• Create a private entertaining space
• Add outdoor square footage without sacrificing yard space
• Make small or sloped lots feel bigger and more open
• Make sunsets and morning coffee unforgettable

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

This luxury home includes a spacious top-floor deck built for coastal living. From morning espresso to after-dinner conversation, this deck turns every day into a mini vacation. The views stretch across Birch Bay, with the coastal horizon rolling into the distance.

This is indoor–outdoor living at its finest and exactly what today’s high-end coastal buyers are looking for.

Trend #4: Outdoor Spaces Designed for Entertaining

In the past, outdoor spaces were often an afterthought; maybe a patio, maybe a grill, maybe a few Adirondack chairs. Not anymore.

Today’s coastal buyers want outdoor spaces that function like an extension of the interior living room, with:

• Fire features
• Dining space 
• Modern lighting
• Space to spread out and enjoy the view 

Why? Because people want homes that support the lifestyle they love every day, not just a few weekends in summer.

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

This modern home includes multiple outdoor zones that add flexibility you won’t find in most coastal floor plans. Whether you're hosting friends, enjoying a quiet evening, or working remotely outside, there’s a space that fits the moment.

Trend #5: Wellness Amenities Move Outdoors and In

Luxury homebuyers today, especially along the coast, are prioritizing health and wellness at home. That means more homes with:

• Spa-like showers
• Large tubs
• Saunas
• Yoga decks/relaxation terraces
• Airy natural materials
• Organic color palettes
• Floor plans that feel restorative

And in the PNW, this makes perfect sense. We live in a region where nature and wellness go hand-in-hand.

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

In addition to its deck and outdoor entertaining areas, this home includes a flex space featuring a sauna, perfect for warming up after a kayak outing, a winter beach walk, or just because you deserve it.

Trend #6: Bringing Natural Materials Indoors

Indoor–outdoor living isn’t just about view corridors and open decks, it’s also about materials that reflect the Pacific Northwest landscape.

More luxury waterfront homes are now featuring:

• White or French oak
• Natural stone
• Warm woods
• Walnut cabinetry
• Matte finishes
• Organic tones
• Texture over shine

These elements help the home feel modern, timeless, and rooted in nature, even when you're standing in the kitchen.

Our Highlighted Home Example: 

This Point Whitehorn residence blends:

• White + French oak hardwood flooring
• Walnut cabinetry
• Full-height tile
• Sleek contemporary fixtures

The result is a design that feels coastal, modern, warm, and elevated, all at the same time.

Why Indoor–Outdoor Living Matters in the Washington Real Estate Market

From Bellingham to Blaine, Birch Bay, Fairhaven, and beyond, buyers are looking for homes where:

• The outdoors feels integrated into daily life
• Views aren’t blocked
• Entertaining spaces are thoughtfully laid out 
• Nature is part of the experience and design
• The home feels like a resort stay, year-round

And with demand rising in many waterfront communities, these features also offer strong resale value and long-term appreciation, especially in markets like:

• Point Whitehorn
• Semiahmoo
• Birch Bay
• Lummi Island
• Chuckanut
• Orcas Island
• Camano Island
• Anacortes

Homes that offer a dynamic indoor–outdoor lifestyle stand out from the crowd. 

A Home That Checks Every Box

If indoor–outdoor living is the new standard for Pacific Northwest coastal luxury, this newly completed home in Point Whitehorn is the model example.

It offers:

• A spacious deck with sweeping Birch Bay and mountain views
• A ground-level patio with custom concrete fire table
• Windows and sightlines designed around natural light and water views
• Wet bar & sauna 
• Flex space for a home gym, etc. 
• A chef’s kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and dedicated prep area
• Luxury finishes inspired by the colors and textures of the coastline
• Steps from state park access
• Ensuite baths for each bedroom
• A premier location in one of Whatcom County’s most coveted coastal communities

For buyers in search of new construction coastal luxury, opportunities like this don’t come around often in the Pacific Northwest.

Thinking of Buying or Selling Along the Coast?

We love helping people experience the very best of coastal living here in Washington.

Whether you’re:

• Looking for a primary residence with water views
• Searching for the perfect second home
• Curious what your current home is worth
• Considering a move to Birch Bay, Point Whitehorn, or beyond

Our team is here to help. Indoor–outdoor living is more than just a design trend, it’s the lifestyle that makes Pacific Northwest coastal living truly unforgettable. 

If you’d like to tour this home or learn more about current listings in the area, let's connect!