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If you want your home to feel closer to your garden, the simplest answer is this: add larger openings to the yard, use natural materials indoors, and blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces with plants, colors, and views. In Fort Collins, that usually means rethinking windows, doors, and the way rooms face the yard, and then layering in plants and finishes that actually feel like your favorite park paths and garden beds. Many people start by planning a project with a local Fort Collins remodeling team, but you can also begin with smaller changes that still shift the mood of your home.

I will walk through ideas room by room, and also by type of project, from small to large. Some of them are simple. Some need a contractor, a permit, and a bit of patience. You probably will not use all of them, and that is fine. The goal is not a perfect “magazine look” home. The goal is to feel more connected to your yard, your trees, and even the city parks you like to visit.

If you like walking in Spring Canyon Park or along the Poudre, imagine which parts of that experience you want inside your house: light, views, textures, or maybe just the quiet feeling.

Why people in Fort Collins want the garden inside

Spending time in gardens and parks changes how many of us think about home. After a long day in traffic on College Avenue or a windy afternoon, that calm green space feels like a reset. You probably notice this yourself if you:

• Walk your dog in a local park
• Spend weekend mornings in your backyard with coffee
• Enjoy the flower beds at the Gardens on Spring Creek

There is also a practical side. The Front Range has strong light, dry air, and big swings between seasons. You might want:

• More winter sunlight without losing privacy
• Summer shade indoors without closing yourself off
• Views of foothills or trees while you work, cook, or read

So when people remodel, they often say some version of: “I want more light, but I do not want to feel like I am in a glass box.” Or, “I want the kitchen to feel like part of the yard, but I do not want dirt everywhere.”

Those are fair concerns. You are not wrong to worry about heat, glare, or clutter. The trick is to pull ideas from gardens and parks and use them in a careful way.

Think of your house and your yard as one space with different zones, not two separate worlds with a locked door between them.

Start with layout: how rooms meet the yard

Before you think about plants inside, look at how your home faces the garden. This is where many Fort Collins homes are a bit awkward. Older layouts, in particular, often have:

• Small windows facing the best part of the yard
• Back doors stuck in a corner of the kitchen or laundry room
• Dining rooms that look at a fence instead of trees

If you are planning a remodel, or even just trying to understand what is possible, ask yourself a few questions:

• Which room has the best access to the yard right now?
• Where does the light feel nicest during the day?
• Is there a room that never gets used that could become a garden-facing space?

Sometimes a simple change, like moving a doorway or enlarging one window, shifts how the whole house relates to the garden.

Common layout shifts that help

Here are some layout ideas that often work in Fort Collins homes:

• Turn a dining room that faces the yard into a kitchen or kitchen extension.
• Open a wall between a dark living room and a brighter sunroom or rear room.
• Move the main seating area closer to the largest window or sliding door.

You do not have to knock down every wall. A partial opening, a wider cased opening, or a pass‑through can already make the garden feel more present.

Current situation	Simple change	Effect on garden connection
Kitchen at front, tiny window to backyard	Add a window over sink, open part of wall to backyard-facing room	Better view of trees while cooking, more shared light
Sliding door in a corner, rarely used	Rework furniture so path to door is clear, add small landing outside	Makes door feel like a real route to garden, not an afterthought
Dark hallway cutting between house and yard	Replace one solid door with a glass door and side panel	Hallway turns into a garden-view corridor with daylight

Windows and doors that feel like garden frames

If you visit a greenhouse or conservatory, you see how glass shapes the feeling of the plants inside. In a house, you do not need that much glass, but you can borrow the idea of framing.

Think less about “Big window equals better” and more about “This window frames the part of the yard I like most.”

Ideas for windows

• Picture window for a single beautiful tree
  A wide, fixed window facing a mature tree or garden bed can feel like a living painting.
• High windows for privacy
  If you live near neighbors or a busy street, a band of high windows along a wall can pull in sky and tree tops without exposing your living area.
• Corner windows
  A corner window can open two views at once, sometimes to the yard and to nearby park trees or foothills, if you are lucky with placement.
• Kitchen sink windows
  Many people spend a lot of time at the sink. A bigger, lower window there, looking at raised beds or herbs, can change daily chores.

Doors that blur indoors and outdoors

Doors to the yard are not just about traffic. They set the tone for how often you step outside.

Some options, from smaller change to larger project:

• Replace an old solid back door with a full or half glass door.
• Upgrade a dated slider to a newer, easier to operate sliding door with better glass.
• Add a set of French doors from a dining room to a small patio.
• In a larger remodel, install a folding or multi‑panel door system for a wide opening.

Many people worry that more glass will mean more heat gain or loss. That can be an issue in this climate, but modern glass, overhangs, and exterior shading help a lot. Sometimes a small roof over the patio, a pergola, or just a well placed shade tree balances it.

Before you add a huge glass door, spend a few days tracking sun in that spot. Morning light is very different from late afternoon glare.

Indoor plants that feel like part of the garden

You probably expected plants on this list. Indoor plants are the obvious way to bring the garden in. Still, they can look random if you just place a pot in every corner.

If you want your plants to echo garden and park spaces you love, think about:

• Height layers, like trees, shrubs, and groundcovers
• Repeating a few plant types, instead of one of everything
• Using similar pots or colors for a calmer look

Organizing plants like a mini landscape

Imagine your living room as a scaled down garden bed.

Garden layer	Indoor version	Example
Trees	Tall floor plants	Parlor palm, fiddle leaf fig (if you accept it can be fussy)
Shrubs	Medium plants on stands or low tables	Rubber plant, dracaena, schefflera
Groundcovers	Trailing or small plants on shelves	Pothos, string of hearts, small ferns

You match that with light in each room. Fort Collins has strong sun, so south and west windows are bright. This is good for succulents, cacti, and sun loving herbs. North and some east windows are softer, which can suit ferns and shade lovers.

You do not need rare plants. Common, hardy types often do better in the dry air.

Use shelves, rails, and plant ledges

Instead of putting every plant on the floor or window sill, you can:

• Add a narrow wall shelf near a window for trailing plants.
• Install a simple rail or rod and hang a few planters.
• Create a shallow ledge across a sunny window for herbs.

The idea is to mimic the vertical feeling of trees and undergrowth in a park. You look up, down, and across, not just at one level.

Practical plant choices for this climate

The air here is dry and winters are long. Some plants handle that better than others. A few solid choices:

• Snake plant (sansevieria)
• ZZ plant
• Pothos
• Spider plant
• Aloe and other small succulents

Many of these survive if you forget to water occasionally and tolerate some sun changes between seasons.

Kitchen remodel ideas inspired by gardens

Kitchens are often the heart of a Fort Collins remodel. Bringing the garden into this space can be both beautiful and functional.

Herb-friendly windows and ledges

If you enjoy cooking, having fresh herbs at hand feels simple but actually changes habits. You are more likely to add basil or parsley if it is right in front of you.

Ideas:

• Widen the window above the sink and add a deep sill for pots.
• Place a narrow shelf across part of the window at mid height for herbs.
• Install a small, dedicated “herb niche” with a grow light near the prep area.

It does not have to look like a science project. A single grow bar mounted under a cabinet can be enough for a small row of herbs.

Materials that echo outdoor textures

You cannot bring soil and stone paths indoors in the same way, but you can borrow color and texture.

Some ideas:

• Use wood with visible grain for cabinets or open shelves.
• Choose tile that has subtle color variation, like river rocks but in a flat, easy to clean version.
• Pick countertop colors that connect to your yard, like warm gray if you see a lot of rock, or a softer beige if your garden beds have mulch.

You do not need to go all rustic. A clean, simple cabinet design with one or two natural elements can be enough.

Connecting kitchen and patio

If you grill, eat outside, or grow vegetables, the path between kitchen and yard matters a lot. Many older homes have you walk through a laundry space or around furniture to reach the back door.

You can improve this by:

• Placing the door closer to the main work triangle, so you are not crossing the whole room carrying food.
• Creating a small landing or platform outside the door that feels stable and dry.
• Adding a bench and hooks near the door for garden tools, hats, and jackets.

That way, cooking and gardening feel linked activities, not two separate tasks with a long trip in between.

Living room and family room: quiet garden views

For many people, the living room is where they want to relax and look outside. But furniture placement often fights the windows.

Arrange furniture around views, not just the TV

I know this can be a bit controversial. The TV is real. People use it. Still, if you have a view of trees or a nice section of the yard, it is worth giving that view at least equal weight.

You can:

• Angle seating so people can see both the TV and the window.
• Place a reading chair near the best window, even if the sofa faces another way.
• Use low furniture near windows so you do not block sightlines.

Often a small change, like moving a sofa off the wall and closer to the center of the room, opens a clearer path to the glass and makes the space feel more like a garden room.

Built-ins for plants and garden objects

If you are remodeling, consider having shelves or low built‑ins that can hold:

• Plants in matching or at least related pots
• Small stones or pinecones from local hikes
• Books on gardening or local parks

You do not need everything on display at once. Rotate items with the seasons. For example, in winter you might have more evergreens inside and photos from summer hikes, while in summer you might lean into flowering plants.

Fireplace and greenery balance

In Fort Collins, a fireplace can be a big feature. To bring the garden in, you can:

• Add a wood mantel with a natural edge for a subtle organic feel.
• Use stone that matches or complements rock in your yard.
• Place two or three plants near, but not too close to, the hearth for a mix of fire and green.

You want to avoid placing plants where heat will dry them out, so a bit of trial and error helps.

Bathrooms as mini garden retreats

A lot of people think plants in bathrooms are just for photos, but they are practical too. The higher humidity in a bathroom actually helps certain plants in our dry climate.

Light and privacy in bathroom remodels

If you redo a bathroom, you can bring in the garden with:

• Frosted or textured glass that lets light in from the yard without exposing you.
• High windows that frame sky and tree tops.
• A small window facing a private corner of the yard with thick planting outside.

You do not need a giant window. Even a narrow vertical one can create a strong sense of connection.

Plant-friendly bathroom details

Ideas that are not too complicated:

• A small shelf near a window with ferns or trailing plants.
• A hanging plant above a tub, as long as it is easy to water.
• Tiles or paint colors that reflect natural tones from your yard.

You could repeat a color from your favorite park bench, or the greens you see near Spring Creek. Color repetition can be subtle but still makes a space feel grounded.

Bedrooms that feel like a quiet park edge

Bedrooms that connect to the yard can either feel calm or exposed. The line is thin. Some people in Fort Collins feel uncomfortable with large bedroom windows because houses can be quite close together.

Softening views without blocking them

You can keep privacy and still feel like you are near the garden.

Options:

• Plant shrubs or small trees outside windows to filter views.
• Use light, plain curtains that diffuse light but still let you see movement and color.
• Install top‑down, bottom‑up shades so you can leave the top open.

If you wake up and see the silhouette of a tree or the color of the sky, your brain gets some of the same signals as when you camp or stay near a park.

Simple bedroom plant ideas

You do not need many plants here. One or two is usually enough:

• A floor plant near the window, at the side of the room, not blocking the way.
• A small plant on the dresser or nightstand.
• Maybe a branch or dried grass in a vase for low-care texture.

If you are sensitive to pollen or strong scents, pick non‑flowering houseplants and keep soil clean.

Basements: bring light and green below ground

Many Fort Collins homes have basements. These spaces can feel cut off from the garden, but they do not have to.

Use window wells creatively

If you have egress windows with wells, you can treat them like tiny courtyards.

Ideas:

• Add stone, brick, or wood panels to the sides of the well.
• Place shade tolerant potted plants in the well during warmer months.
• Use a light color at the bottom of the well to bounce more light inside.

You get a view that is not just bare metal or concrete.

Light layout in basements

If you finish or remodel a basement, plan areas near windows for activities where connection matters more, like:

• Reading nook near the largest window
• Desk facing outside, not into a wall
• Play area for kids where they can see out

Then use interior lighting that imitates daylight in deeper areas. It will not replace real windows, but it softens the shift.

Indoor-outdoor transitions: mudrooms, entries, and garden zones

A big reason people hesitate to open the house to the garden is dirt and clutter. The transition spaces will decide how much that bothers you.

Simple mudroom features that help gardeners

You do not need a full separate room. You just need a zone.

Elements that help:

• Hooks for hats, light jackets, and garden gloves
• A bench where you can sit to take off muddy shoes
• A mat that actually traps dirt, not a thin decorative one
• Storage for hand tools, maybe in a narrow cabinet

If you create this area near the main door to the yard, you will bring less soil into the rest of the house. That makes it easier to leave doors and windows open in good weather.

Flooring choices near garden doors

Materials near entries matter. Something that handles water and grit well is helpful. Many people pick:

• Tile with a bit of texture
• Vinyl plank that is easy to clean
• Concrete, either finished or with a simple stain

You do not need fancy patterns. A plain, slightly darker color can hide small bits of dirt until you sweep.

Material choices that echo local parks and gardens

Since this article is for people who already care about parks and gardens, it makes sense to think about materials in that context. Look at the surfaces you enjoy when you are outside.

Maybe you notice:

• The color of decomposed granite paths
• The bark of cottonwoods or pines
• The mix of stone along the Poudre

You can subtly repeat those tones indoors.

Colors pulled from outdoor places

Instead of picking paint colors from a random fan deck, try this small exercise:

1. Take photos of your yard or favorite park areas in decent light.
2. Look for three main colors: one for larger surfaces, one accent, one for small details.
3. Match those in paint, textiles, or tiles.

You might end up with:

• Soft green‑gray walls similar to tree leaves in shade
• Warm tan or brown floors that feel like dry paths
• Deep green, blue, or rust accents echoing leaves, sky, or rock

This does not mean you turn the house into a replica of a trail. You just build a quiet link.

Textures that feel honest

By “honest” here, I just mean materials that look like what they are.

For example:

• Real wood or high quality simulated wood with clear grain
• Stone or tile that does not pretend to be something it is not
• Textiles like cotton, linen, or wool instead of heavy shiny fabrics

They age in a way that feels closer to outdoor materials. Scratches and slight wear look more natural.

Seasonal thinking: how your remodel works all year

Fort Collins has strong season changes: bright hot summer, gold and brown fall, snowy or dry winter, and short but intense spring. If you bring the garden in, your house will also change through the year.

Some people love that. Others find it a bit messy. You should be honest with yourself.

Summer

You may want:

• Shade for large windows, either with trees, awnings, or interior shades
• Screens in good shape, so you can open windows without bugs
• Fans to move air in rooms with a lot of glass

Plants might grow faster and need more water. Herbs on a sunny sill may do well.

Fall

This is a pleasant time here.

You can:

• Use window views to enjoy color changes in trees.
• Bring in cut branches from your yard for simple decor.
• Start rotating some outdoor pots inside if they are not frost hardy.

Winter

This is where your “bring the garden in” choices really matter.

If you have:

• South facing windows with plants, they can get a lot of low angle sun.
• Window seats or benches, they become bright, warm spots on sunny days.
• Good insulation and glazing, you can enjoy views without drafts.

You may lose some plants to dry indoor air or low light. That is normal. It might sound odd to say this, but you do not need to feel guilty. Gardening, indoors or out, always has some loss.

Spring

You will likely feel a strong drive to open everything and start projects. Before you rush into another big change, look at how your remodel from the previous year is working.

Ask:

• Am I using the garden doors and windows as much as I thought?
• Do certain plants always struggle in the same spot?
• Is there a view that still feels blocked or wasted?

Small tweaks each year usually work better than trying to perfect everything at once.

Common mistakes when trying to “bring the garden in”

Sometimes the idea sounds simple, but the result feels cluttered or harsh. A few pitfalls to avoid:

• Too many plants without a plan
  If every surface has a different pot and plant, the eye has nowhere to rest. Group plants in a few spots instead.
• Huge glass without shade
  Large glass surfaces on the west side can overheat rooms and damage plants.
• Ignoring maintenance
  Stone floors, big windows, and lots of plants all need cleaning. Choose what you can realistically care for.
• Copying a photo instead of your yard
  Some online images show styles that do not fit the local climate or your specific house. Use them as light inspiration, not a strict template.

If you love both plants and clean surfaces, it is okay to keep some rooms almost plant‑free. Not every space must be a jungle.

Connecting indoor space with actual gardening

Since the audience here likes gardens and parks, it is worth saying this clearly: remodeling is not a replacement for tending the actual yard. The nicest indoor plant shelf feels better if it reflects what you are doing outside.

Some simple ways to tie them together:

• Grow seedlings indoors, then move them to outdoor beds.
• Keep a small bulletin board or chalkboard near the garden door with seasonal tasks.
• Store clean, attractive tools or gloves near that door, where you can see them.

You might also bring in small daily “harvests”: a single flower, a branch, a few tomatoes. Set them on a table or shelf. These small touches bridge the gap between rooms and yard.

Questions people often ask about garden-focused remodeling

Q: Will more windows and doors make my house less energy efficient?

A: They can, if you choose poorly or skip shading. With good glass, careful placement, and attention to overhangs and trees, you can balance the extra openings. In some cases, more winter sun through south windows actually reduces heating costs during the day. It is not perfect though. You might need better blinds or shades than you first expect.

Q: Is it realistic to have lots of plants indoors with my schedule?

A: It depends on what “lots” means. If you travel often or just know you forget watering, it is better to start with a small, tough group. Snake plant, ZZ plant, and pothos are common for a reason. If those thrive, you can add more. Think of it like starting a new garden bed, not like planting an entire park in one weekend.

Q: I love the idea of big glass doors, but I worry about privacy. Is that a bad sign?

A: It is a good sign, honestly. It means you are paying attention to how you live. You can use partial glass, interior shades, or exterior screens. You can also place doors where views in from neighbors are blocked by fences, garages, or trees. Feeling comfortable in your home matters as much as the view out.

If you look around your house right now, what is one small change that would give you a better view of something green, even before any big remodel starts?