Tag: balcony

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DIY Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors

Balcony garden ideas: small can be mighty!

Spending time outdoors and being around the green stuff is proven to be good for our mental health. While we don’t all have the luxury of a back deck or a yard, most of us will at least have a balcony and if yours is looking a little bare and uninspiring, we have some great inspo for you today!

With 533k Instagram posts and over 10,000 average monthly searches in Australia, #balconygarden is a trend that’s here to stay. Knowing where to start and how to create a cohesive overall space that matches up to our dream Pinterest boards can seem like a daunting task. 

Love the Garden have created six re-imagined balcony spaces for us with tips to get the look and those essential plants to make it a reality.

Ways with wood

Before and after

If you have an outside space that already features wood, you’re halfway there as there are so many elements in the garden where timber can be included, by using some clever design. With just a few touches and a little creativity, a basic but functional outdoor space can be transformed into somewhere to relax and entertain with a natural feel.

How to get the look: Use wood to create striking visual features that also enhance the functionality of your space. Importantly, complement the natural feel and look of the wood with other natural materials and, of course, plenty of greenery.

Plants to use:

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Basil and coriander
  • Bay Laurel 
  • Boston Fern 

The minimalist retreat

Before and after

Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. This minimalist retreat uses sleek and simple design to make a feature of empty space. Nothing feels bare. In fact the space offers a calming, peaceful and tranquil environment. Bliss!

How to get the look: If you’re trying to recreate this look on your balcony, opt for bold and minimalist plants. These should be your standout feature, and nothing should be overcrowded. When considering the colour palette, this look is all about greys and whites as the predominant colour. Think calming, simple and stylish.

Plants to use:

  • Japanese Maple 
  • Heavenly Bamboo or Nandina
  • A feature bonsai
  • Cordyline
  • Cycad (Cycas revoluta)

The nomadic sanctuary

Before and after

Whether meditation is your thing, you simply want to evoke past memories of far flung travel or you are dreaming of your next adventure, you can re-imagine your inner city balcony to be anywhere in the world.

With a few simple design elements, the right accessories and of course the right plants, you could be in Southeast Asia, South America, India or wherever your imagination takes you.

This eclectic colourful space is inspired by global travel and evokes the warmth and colour of a real-life tropical retreat.

How to get the look: Key to this look and to create this gardenless garden is the use of colour – and lots of it. Think terracotta pots, pops of brightness on your soft furnishings (the more the better) and white lanterns. Include these main features but always make it your own with a few colourful plants too.

Plants to use:

  • New Guinea Impatiens
  • Kentia Palm
  • Barrel Cactus
  • Ixora
  • Mini bougainvillea
  • Hoya in shades of red and pink

The wildlife oasis

Before and after

The best gardens are those teaming with plant and animal life. Yes, it is possible to create a wildlife oasis up high overlooking cityscapes. Here we’ve got a range of green and lush leaves and a selection of flowering plants mixed in with the greenery to act as an oasis for bees, butterflies and birds.

How to get the look: To create a wildlife oasis at home, you’ll need lots of nectar-bearing plants. Make sure you have a good mix of flowering plants as well as small shrubs and trees to provide cover. This should feel less styled than some of the other designs. The centre stage must be reserved for the plants and foliage.

Plants to use:

  • Star jasmine
  • Lavender
  • Bay tree
  • Hydrangea
  • Salvia
  • Banksia ‘Birthday Candles’ 
  • Grevillea ‘Superb’
  • Rock Lily (Dendrobium speciosum)

Bring the outdoors in

Before and after

Where there’s no balcony or veranda to revamp into a beautiful outdoor sanctuary, a gardenless garden is always possible by bringing the outdoors in.

Here we’ve brought to life an indoor area and complemented the existing natural light with a good selection of indoor plants that bring the outdoor feeling inside. With a few well-chosen accessories it quickly becomes an inviting and calming space.

How to get the look: Lots of plants are essential for this look. Hanging baskets are a great space-saving option, while larger plants that offer plenty of greenery help with the feeling of transitioning from inside to out. By using different surfaces and textures you can easily create something that has a similar feeling to a balcony.

Plants to use:

  • Snake Plant
  • Cast Iron Plant
  • Boston Fern
  • Philodendron
  • Jade Plant
  • Pothos
  • Peace Lily
  • Succulents
  • Dracaena
  • Aloe vera
  • Spider plant

The living wall

Before and after

Most of us are familiar with a feature wall in houses. This usually involves brick or stonework, brightly coloured paint or a quirky wallpaper. Have you ever considered taking the same approach indoors or on a balcony but using plants instead? Here we illustrate what’s possible with the right choice of greenery.

A standout living wall can make a stunning feature out of what would otherwise be unused space.

How to get the look: To get this look and ensure your living wall really stands out, it should be the centrepiece of the space, immediately drawing the eye. The rest of the area should be simply designed so the feature stands out. Don’t go over the top – opt for one striking wall to really make a statement.

Plants to use:

  • Soft leaf ferns
  • Bromeliads including air plants (Tillandsia)
  • Ivy-leaf geranium
  • Calathea
  • Maidenhair Fern
  • Rex begonias
  • Hosta
  • Hoya
  • Baby’s Tears or helxine
  • Succulents
  • Philodendron

Whatever the space you’re working with – outside or in – or your favourite style, you can find the gardenless garden to transform your home and get all the benefits of the greater outdoors. 

Charlie Albone and Juliet Love’s landscape and styling tips for your balcony

Alfresco living is a widely celebrated aspect of the Australian lifestyle, so whether you’re happiest throwing a dinner party or prefer nothing more than a quiet drink watching the sun…

Garden trends 2020: Have you heard of foodscaping?

Australia experienced its hottest and driest 12 months on record last year, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology reporting temperatures that reached 1.52C above the long-term average. With high temperatures…
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DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Two courtyard makeovers you could achieve this weekend!

As Spring approaches, thoughts turn to those long days of sunshine ahead and ways we can maximise our outdoor living space. It’s literally an extension of your home, so if you can find an easy way to turn a barren, unusable space into an inviting, resort-style balcony or courtyard, then what are you waiting for?

There are a few key things to remember when creating an outdoor room:

  • Privacy is important; you can often achieve this through screening or vegetation
  • Make it as multi-purpose as possible (eg, a lounging, eating and possibly even cooking area)
  • Make sure there’s sufficient shade
  • If you can factor in some storage, all the better
  • Create a smooth indoor/outdoor flow so there’s no jarring transition when you step outside.

With those pointers in mind, here are two courtyard makeovers that can be tackled in a weekend, and use the warmth of merbau timber to soften the surrounding surfaces.

Suburban oasis

This half-day makeover relied almost entirely on paint, plants and a flexible DIY decking system to transform a bleak slab of concrete into a beautiful outdoor room, for around $5,000.

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

I started with an industrial clean, then painted the walls a muted grey and used Good Times modular decking system for the hard surfaces, and for screening on both sides that were overlooked by neighbours. It also worked perfectly as a day bed, creating a cosy lounging area for the owners. The beauty of this DIY system is that you don’t need any holes or footings; you simply lay the framing straight over the top of what’s there. Plants, rustic pots and artful styling provide the homely touches that turn it into a true outdoor room.

City chic

This 12 square metre courtyard in Sydney’s Chippendale flowed out from an inner city studio, so was valuable space that had basically been relegated to a clothes-drying area. Engulfed in greenery, it had the potential to be an inner city oasis, but was anything but!

For around $3,000, I turned it into a proper outdoor entertaining area, with merbau decking boards, a daybed, integrated barbecue and bench, and a foldaway table. The deck was raised to make it level with the studio floor, creating that all-important, seamless indoor/outdoor flow.

It now easily doubles as an outdoor kitchen, as well as a calming oasis to relax in.

–Cherie Barber is the director of Renovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.

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Architecture Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to keep your balcony or deck safe

Most people give their cars and themselves regular check-ups, but tend to leave maintenance of their property until a problem becomes so obvious that is simply has to be attended to. This approach is not only bad for the property but also more expensive on the pocket! So what does Cameron Frazer of Ask an Architect recommend you do to keep the more susceptible areas of your home — like balconies and decks — safe?

dazzling-contemporary-loft-finds-the-perfect-balance-between-cool-and-elegant-apartment-balcony-design
Photo credit: TVBS

We all enjoy the summertime, but it’s actually the time to be smart about home safety. Anyone planning to hold a function that will see a crowd of people occupying their balcony or deck should check that it is safe and not at risk of injuring someone or collapse.

Balconies are usually used by a small family group of three to four people, however, when 15 to 20 adults or more gather on a balcony, the stress on the structure often reaches breaking point and the balcony collapses causing serious injury.

Added to this weight factor is often the large BBQ plus tables, chairs and heavy planter boxes filled with flowering plants to brighten the alfresco dining area. Large stone tables have also become a trend for outdoor living along with steel and cast iron outdoor furniture, which increases the load factor on the deck or balcony.

balcony reno addict
Photo credit: TVBS

Anyone with a balcony or raised deck should check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, corroded bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies. People renting properties should also check decks or balconies and notify their real estate agents if any concerning conditions are discovered.

If people find faults they should take immediate action to repair them and if they are not sure, seek professional advice. I would recommend people get an architect to inspect their property every five years and provide maintenance advice to keep it in tip-top condition.

— Cameron Frazer is the general manager of Ask an Architect, a new online portal (launched by the Australian Institute of Architects) ready to offer you sound and unbiased advice, help you through your home renovation and provide recommendations at an affordable cost.

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Design Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Styling

Charlie Albone and Juliet Love’s landscape and styling tips for your balcony

Alfresco living is a widely celebrated aspect of the Australian lifestyle, so whether you’re happiest throwing a dinner party or prefer nothing more than a quiet drink watching the sun go down, your balcony offers the perfect space to enjoy your own city oasis.

Our resident expert Charlie Albone, and his stylist wife Juliet Love, have teamed up with leading developer Mirvac to help Australians create their ultimate outdoor space this autumn. So to help get your balcony looking bespoke and beautiful for 2015, Charlie and Juliet have pulled together their top landscaping and styling tips for the perfect outdoor space.  

Charlie’s top balcony landscaping tips

Charlie Albone reno addict

  1. Green walls get the green thumbs up

It’s no secret that vertical gardens, otherwise known as green walls, are a gardening trend on its way up. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, the concept of a green wall makes them suitable for any balcony size as they require very little space. They also have a positive effect on the environment as the increased green space within the urban environment helps reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.

  1. Weathering the conditions

Densely populated suburban areas receive milder temperatures and reliable rainfall allowing you to successfully grow a wider range of plants. If your balcony gets a lot of sun then try herb gardens, grasses or succulents as they are more tolerant of heat and harsher climates.

  1. Potting appeal

Decorative or oversized pot plants are an ideal option for adding visual appeal and breaking up a space. Potted plants dry out much quicker than plants in the ground so ensure you keep the watering up during hot dry weather.

  1. Styling your garden

Different garden styles evoke different emotions and set a distinct mood and tone for your space. Designing your garden to reflect a particular style that resonates with you starts with choosing a combination of similar plants known as a plant palate. Contrasting styles can also be achieved with the right balance between style and layout, however only select a few elements from each to avoid a busy mismatch of styles.

  1. Choosing the right plants 

Just because your balcony is shaded doesn’t mean you can’t grow stunning plants and flowers — there are plenty of beautiful plants and flowers that thrive in shady conditions. Walking Irises, Peace Lillies, Fuschias and Bleeding Hearts are just a few plants that will still blossom in low-light areas.

Juliet top 5 outdoor style tips

juliet and charlie reno addict
Juliet and Charlie

  1. Cushion candy

Stylish people know the power of a throw cushion or two — they can transform a space in seconds, making them a fun and easy decorating tool! From monochrome to vibrant floral prints, you can add a pop of colour and pattern to any outdoor ‘room’. Play with size and texture to achieve the most interesting look. For seasonal updates, experiment with trending colours or opt for geometric patterns for a more trans-seasonal look.

  1. Weather-proof your furnishings

Weather-proof outdoor furniture can be both stylish and practical. When styling your outdoor area, consider the elements your outdoor furniture will be exposed to and choose materials that are built for those conditions. For wet or damp weather, choose synthetic rattan and waterproof fabrics to prevent rotting.

  1. Don’t just look at it

With balmy nights and beautiful weather all year around, there’s no reason not to go outside. The simple addition of a table and chairs will immediately convert an outdoor area into an outdoor living area. Grouping your furniture and adding large pot plants to break up the space work well as virtual room dividers should you want a lounge that is separate to the dining area.

reno addict balcony

  1. Balance the space

Symmetry and balance play an important role in good design and should be a priority when considering the layout of items within a space. The aim is to enhance some areas while concealing others by evenly distributing the proportions of furniture and decor. Select two or three focal points and spread them out within the space so the eye can rest on one before progressing to the other.

  1. Dine in style every season

Make your outdoor area an entertainer’s paradise by updating your dining table accessories to reflect seasonal trends. Consider the trending colours of each season and how they fit with your existing furniture and natural surroundings. Soft lighting from practical and pretty hurricane lamps or candle holders makes dining outside a delight.

For more information on Mirvac.

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Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Reader question: what to do with my raised veggie patch?

Reader Wendy has been struggling with her raised veggie garden and wants some advice from our Resident Expert Charlie Albone.

She asks:  “Hi Charlie. I am in Melbourne and I have tried so hard to establish a veggie garden in a raised garden bed. I’ve done three lots of planting with no success except for a few tomatoes. I want to rip it all out and put flowers instead. What flowers do you suggest?”

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Charlie says…

To get good veggies you need lots of direct sunlight — about six-to-eight hours a day — and if you’re not getting that, you won’t get much produce. Your problem is most plants that flower need lots of sun too! I’m assuming you have a shady spot from what you’ve told me, so I would go for something a bit unusual like Hydrangea Quercifolia or the ‘Oak leaf Hydrangea’ as it’s also known. This gets a lovely white spike like flower. If I’m totally off and you have a really hot spot and there’s something else up with your veggies, I would plant Euporhorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ or maybe annuals like Petunias.

Read all articles by Charlie here. Submit a question for our experts here.

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Furniture House Tours Outdoor & Exteriors

Interiors Addict at home: our new outdoor relaxing space

This post is sponsored by IKEA 

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My new look deck, complete with lounging AND dining areas

We recently moved into our first house in Sydney. While the huge deck that runs the length of said house seemed fantastic at first, having come from an apartment with a small, square balcony, we didn’t have much to fill it. Our Weber Baby Q still looks very lost and sorry for itself! We rushed out and bought a cheap and large dining solution (who has money when they’ve just moved, right?) at IKEA which gave us a taste of the range and value on offer. We opted for two lots of the ASKHOLMEN table and four chairs ($149 each) and put them together, which gave us a long, solid timber dining set for eight for less than $300! I know!

But our massive deck (first world problems) still looked empty and we really wanted a nice, cosy, outdoor-room type, relaxing space for morning coffees and lazy Sundays with friends. I wanted to be able to walk outside the back door and slump into something comfy on a nice afternoon. So when IKEA offered to help me out with some furniture, I couldn’t refuse.

I started by looking online for inspiration and quickly settled on the ARHOLMA modular lounges which have a million options, from a neat two-seater which would fit a balcony (and comes in two pieces so could actually get up stairs!) to something, well, as big as you like. You basically buy units of it, and corners, and make an L-shape, U-shape, or just a regular lounge shape from two seats and up. We went for a two-seater and a slightly larger four-seater L-shape to sit opposite it for a nice social setting. We mixed things up a bit by using a much treasured vintage, marble-topped coffee table bought on eBay years ago (which doesn’t work in our new lounge room indoors) and I really love how it looks. It cost me $60 so I’m not too precious about how it fares outside and it kind of adds to its character!

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Now I love a spot of reading outside on a balmy evening!

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There is a matching coffee table available for ARHOLMA however. Well, it’s actually a unit which can be the L part of an L-shape lounge or you can buy the glass top and make it a table. Again, flexibility wins!

IKEA's ARHHOLMA chair and lounge
IKEA’s ARHHOLMA chair and lounge

I love neutrals outside. Let nature do the talking and make the colour, I say. How about you? If you’re the same as me, Into the Fold have some fab monochrome outdoor cushions.

When you think about it, it makes sense that IKEA, with their European heritage, design plenty of outdoor furniture for small spaces and balconies. Although we’re definitely a nation of outdoor entertainers in Australia, it can be hard to find solutions for tighter spaces and there are no shortage of apartment dwellers, alongside those lucky enough to have a spacious back yard. IKEA has both covered.

I really love this IKEA solution for small balconies
I really love this IKEA solution for small balconies

Amanda Grant, IKEA’s sales leader for outdoor furniture, says alongside its European background, one of the brand’s biggest advantages when it comes to outdoor furniture is its vast experience in indoor furniture. “We have an amazing range around different style preferences and price points, from basic modern to more traditional, to suit different lifestyles and wallets.” There are plenty of larger, more substantial dining and lounging solutions if that’s what you’re after.

IKEA has outdoor furniture for all tastes and budgets, from the smallest balcony to the largest yard!
IKEA has outdoor furniture for all tastes and budgets, from the smallest balcony to the largest yard!

There’s a core range of outdoor available at IKEA year-round and then extra things are introduced around summer time. But from this year, for the first time, there’ll be new ranges added in July/August as well as February, which makes sense considering Australians only really stay inside for about two or three months of the year!

Amanda says while their outdoor dining range is already well known, they hope customers will come to look at them as an option for great lounging options as well.

Personally, I think the ARHOLMA is great value ( a three-seater sofa is just $412 for example) and so flexible. It’s good to know we can change it around at a later date or add to it if we move house etc. I’ll be honest with you, it is not easy to put together and requires serious patience (lucky husband and brother-in-law got this job!) but it does all go together in the end, no missing parts, just fiddly! And that, in my opinion, is the price you pay for such good value. You can’t have it all! They do offer a paid for assembly service or I’d suggest trying Airtasker for someone to do the job for you as an alternative.

We also picked the cute timber ASKHOLMEN (tying in with our existing dining set) table ($39) and two chairs ($30 each) for a shady spot under a tree at the bottom of the garden beyond the deck.

And there are many other finishing touches available for your yard, deck or balcony too, from solar and LED lighting to hardy outdoor plants to sun shades (parasols and gazebos), planter boxes and lanterns.

Something you might want to check out is the great value instant flooring, perfect for disguising an ugly old concrete balcony floor in minutes!

We’re so happy with our new chillout area and feel we’ve gained a new outdoor room and some extra livable space. And while we still need a bigger barbecue, we’ll get there eventually!

Next stop: get tired-looking deck stained! The shame…

Until TOMORROW (22 January 2015) only, if you’re an IKEA Family member (it’s free to join) get a $50 voucher for every $250 you spend on outdoor lounging furniture. See website for terms and conditions.

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Expert Tips

How to ‘winterise’ your outdoor space

By Marcus Fulker

Winter doesn’t need to mean hiding indoors wrapped permanently in a blanket. Whilst those days are definitely nice, having an outdoor space for entertaining despite the weather is something most of us desire. Embracing the cooler season can be hard, but with the right outdoor area, a crackling fire and cosy scenery, you can fight that urge to hide away.

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Source: Houzz. Click through here.

Step outside your comfort zone, stop letting winter cramp your style and check out these super hot tips to make your outdoor area the perfect living space – all year round.

1. Create a cosy setting

A well-planned outdoor area should involve a cosy setting and a purpose. Clever designs, low-maintenance materials and a luxurious homely feeling will ensure both you and your guests feel comfortable. Nowadays, outdoor living is designed to reflect the interior space so you want it to maintain a similar style. For an outdoor space to feel truly cosy, it’ll need to give the sense that it’s a room. Focus on a palette that’s restrained, yet warm and incorporate the principals behind designing a sociable living space.

2. Provide protection from the elements

If you’re serious about having an outdoor living space suitable for entertaining all year round, it’s an absolute must that adequate protection is provided. There’s nothing comfortable about sitting outside in the rain, strong winds or extreme cold so having a versatile patio will shield you from harsh elements throughout the year.

Especially in winter, every day brings unpredictable weather and this can be damaging to your furniture. Dome patios provide the perfect balance between an attractive feature and outdoor protection, creating the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests. If you’re looking to extend you existing gable patio area, Hip Ends are ideal for design flexibility and offer a convenient way to enjoy outdoor entertaining regardless of the weather.

3. Incorporate a spark of fire

There’s something pretty spectacular about fire that not only captivates us, but creates a space that is warm, cosy and inviting. Incorporating a spark of fire into your outdoor area, whether it is a fire pit table or a fireplaces, can add an attractive focal point for the space whilst keeping you and your guests toasty. Use the fire as a gathering point and encourage everyone to sit around and toast marshmallows. When the weather turns warm again, a fire pit table can still be used to hold drinks and snacks.

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Source: Houzz. Click through here

Once you have a spark of fire in place, complement with a water feature to promote relaxation and bring in a cool dimension of tranquillity. If the space permits, consider building a small garden pond to fill with fish and a waterfall to create an exotic feel. Water features or small fountains can also be sufficient.

4. Brighten those gloomy days with colour

Winter can definitely be a dull mood changer so add a touch of excitement with colours that are bold, bright and daring. Playful colours like yellows, blues and reds will fit beautifully on the background of outdoor earthy tones and colourful accessories will transform the space into a little piece of tropical paradise.

Think colourful potted plants, brightly patterned hammocks and cushions for your outdoor furniture. As vibrant hues and lively designs become incorporated into outdoor décor, your mood is lifted and the space is jazzed up with an element of fun.

5. Choose the right furniture

Whilst a good patio will provide protection against the harsh elements, it’s still vital you invest in outdoor products that can withstand the weather. Choosing the right furniture can give you the opportunity to reflect your personality, have some creative fun and establish a space that is comfy and convenient for entertaining.

You want items that’ll last the distance and provide extensive comfort for years to come. Look for pieces that can give your outdoor space that ‘wow’ factor by adding depth, flair and colour. Good quality is essential, think of your outdoor products as an investment, and consider maintenance requirements and rust-resistant properties.

When choosing the right outdoor furniture, take into consideration its function and purpose, comfort and construction, design consistency and durability, colour schemes, cost, size and shape. Furniture that can serve more than one purpose will not only make life easier for you, but it’ll free up extra space for other items like lighting that can complete the look.

6. Keep entertaining

Taking good care of you outdoor space will ensure it’s perfect for entertaining in all year round. A good outdoor living area will keep the action going, despite what the weather brings in so make sure you’re using the space as best you can.

For those that want to channel their inner chef, this can mean bringing the heat from the inside kitchen, outside. Outdoor kitchens are booming in popularity thanks to cooking shows and the availability of new recipes everyone wants to try. People are being more creative with their cooking, and the convenience of an outdoor kitchen makes this easier to show off those new skills, experiment and entertain. Typically, the grill is the heart of any true outdoor kitchen so make sure you have the right equipment.

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Source: Houzz. Click through here. 

To add to that entertaining atmosphere, be sure to create a little drama with the right lighting. Not just a safety consideration, adequate lighting will accent your outdoor space and make that beautifully designed landscape and attractive elements stand out.

Make your yard look stunning at night by layering lights and learning to combine ambient lighting. If you’re after a soft, cosy glow, keep lighting around the house pointing downwards. Illumination in trees and spotlights around the pool and deck area will create a romantic, soft glow that’ll make the space inviting.

– Marcus Fulker is managing director of Great Aussie Patios – Perth’s leading patio builders with a solution for every outdoor space.

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House Tours RENO ADDICT Renting

Rent My Style: Laura Koomen’s balcony makeover

Here at Interiors Addict, we just don’t buy into the idea that rental homes have to look bland or lacking in style and personality. Rent My Style is dedicated to showcasing the best of our readers’ rental home decorating efforts.

Today, we’re sharing Laura Koomen’s cute balcony makeover in Melbourne. Her one-bedroom apartment has been home for three years. “One of the best things I did was put a floating wooden base covered in AstroTurf down on my balcony,” she explained. “The floating base was important as it is one of those old concrete tub style balconies that fill with puddles when it rains! Also, I had a wooden bar built that sits atop the balcony edge.

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“It’s been transformed from concrete box to my little oasis! The rest of my apartment is lovely too and I think the key for me has been about getting the right size furniture for the right space, not overcrowding and keeping a consistency to every room.”

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We love how Laura’s inexpensive additions have made all the difference, and everything can be easily removed when she moves out (although we think her landlord should pay her to keep them!).

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Interiors Addict

Take your entertaining outside

The Terrace bench

Sponsored by Freedom

As the first gusts of Summer roll in, we’re thinking of those memorable days al fresco. Enjoying breakfast on the balcony before work, Sundays where lunches with friends and family turn into early dinners, barbecues that are etched into your mind and the laughter belts through the neighbourhood. This summer, Freedom have a range of outdoor settings to suit any occasion. And there’s currently 25% off!

The Brunch 3-piece
The Brunch 3-piece and compact Moloko peacock chair

“Australians really come to life in Summer, with seemingly endless entertaining opportunities. Backyards are buzzing with excitement, and people rush home after work to make the most of those extra hours of sunshine. It’s little wonder that our new outdoor collection is bursting with colour and personality, allowing you to update your outdoor area ahead of prime barbecue season!” said Lucie McCann, furniture buyer for Freedom.

Continue reading “Take your entertaining outside”

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Interiors Addict

Reader gardening Q&A with Charlie Albone from Selling Houses Australia

Last month, the lovely Charlie Albone, Selling Houses Australia’s resident gardening expert, agreed to answer a few reader questions. We were going to pick a few, but he was kind enough to answer them all! Here are the Q&As below. Thanks Charlie!

Charlie Albone

Question: Hi Jen & Charlie. 
My partner and I have built a house on an amazing waterfront block and have done little bits to it landscaping wise but feel it has some much more potential then were seeing – it’s also a slightly larger block and steeply sloping at the back to the water so it’s hard to know how to get best use out of it and have it look the best possible way it could? We want it to be a fun space yet contemporary and low maintanence!! We don’t ask much do we?
 We’d love to hear your thoughts??!!
 Thanks, 
Mandy & Brendon
.

Answer: The trick with sloping sites is to try and create some usable flat areas with terracing. By using retaining walls you can make flat areas that you can then give some purpose – areas for lawn, entertaining, storage, kids play area etc. These areas can then be linked together with meandering pathways. I like to plant heavily around the paths so the areas appear to open up as you travel through the garden. No doubt at some point in the site you’ll have to put in some steps, it sounds like you have the space to make these wide and deep which will add a sense of drama and additional spots to stop and sit, relax and enjoy the plants and view around you.

Continue reading “Reader gardening Q&A with Charlie Albone from Selling Houses Australia”

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Interiors Addict

Ask a gardening question of Charlie Albone from Selling Houses Australia

Interiors Addict is teaming up with TV gardener Charlie Albone from Lifestyle Channel’s ever popular Selling Houses Australia.

Charlie Albone

If you have a gardening dilemma or would like a little green-fingered advice, please ask your questions in the comments below. We’ll pick some questions to answer at the end of next week.

Photo, courtesy of Foxtel, by Tarsha Hosking 

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Interiors Addict

My garden-in-a-box balcony experiment

I’m not green fingered. It is a running joke at my house. If anything, I’d say I’m black fingered; fingers of DEATH even.

So when I heard about a new, easy garden-in-a-box product from Urban Gardenista (cool name) it really appealed. They deliver you all the plants you need to get your garden or balcony going (I wouldn’t know where to start with picking plants) and, due to the aforementioned black fingers affliction, I opted for succulents, the least easy to kill.

I only have a small balcony but it’s a nice sunny nook and sometimes I even work out there with my laptop. The doors from my living room onto the balcony are usually open so, if nothing else, the neat freak in me wanted it to look nice.

I was really excited when my plants arrived and they looked super healthy and came with instructions. Of course that’s not all you need. You also need pots and potting mix and maybe a trowel (as if, I just used my hands), so maybe think about having those ready too, so you can get started right away. My balcony looks so much better with some greenery (sorry, I neglected to take a before shot) and about a month on, I still haven’t killed anything!

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