Tag: Garden

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Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Styling

5 tips to help you get going on your outdoor design

Regardless of how big or small your outdoor space is, maximising what you have is essential in adding value to your property and creating your own private retreat.

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Whilst the front yard of your home is perfect for showcasing your landscape innovations, the backyard space is where you can really let those creative juices flow. With entertaining, relaxation, play and safety in mind, you can turn your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that meets the needs of you, your family and your budget. Here’s a few tips to get started on your outdoor design.

1. Make your outdoor space an extension of your home

With outdoor living becoming more of a priority, making your space an extension of your home is absolutely essential. To do this seamlessly, you’ll want to carefully match the colour scheme of the outdoor space with your home’s current facade. If the existing colour scheme is neutral, you can use pops of bright colours in accessories and feature points to brighten up the space. Never underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home too.

Pay as much attention to the outdoor styling as you have indoors, so the same style flows throughout. By implementing certain colours from your interior design plan to the landscape architecture, the two spaces will join together flawlessly. So the outdoor area is a true extension of your home you’ll want to create a space for entertaining and living in too. Outdoor kitchens or a designated bar and seating area by the deck can provide an ideal spot for outdoor summer dinning. Make sure you incorporate a covered area so you can use the space all year round.

2. Create kerb appeal

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Kerb appeal is vital in boosting the value of your home so use this space to let your home shine. If it’s got architectural character, utilise it by enhancing certain features to spark visual attention. Keep the colour scheme as neutral as possible, as this will make it easier to sell come resale time. Add colour to the landscape design, or consider painting your front door or letterbox with something bright and bold to draw attention.

3. Invest in driveway gates and fencing

An important part of kerb appeal is to invest in driveway gates and stylish fencing. This will enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s design, whilst maintaining a high level of security and privacy. Driveways gates and fencing can create another level of charm to your home’s exterior or a modern appeal to dress up a tired looking house.

To determine what fencing and gate solution will work with your home; consider the current style of your home’s architecture, how you and your guests enter the property and whether you want to complement or contrast. You’ll also want to consider the level of security and privacy your home will need and what plants to use along the fence.

4. Stunning landscape architecture

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Photo credit: Houzz

Great landscape design combines creativity with nature to give you results that not only push the limits of aesthetics but dazzle your mind. From flexible low-maintenance gardens, to a well-set up irrigation system and custom lighting, the right landscape architecture can turn your outdoor space from a backyard to your personal tropical retreat.

Use lush greens and brightly coloured shrubs and plants at various heights with different perfumes for an exquisite design and incorporate a water feature for relaxing sounds; this will boost the look and feel of your outdoor space significantly. If space is lacking, opt for vertical gardens which can help with privacy issues or make use of hanging baskets filled with lush greenery. A timber deck with warm tones and a pool or spa will encourage entertaining and relaxation all day everyday.

5. The finishing touches

Deck your new space out with the right outdoor furniture that reflects your taste, a fire pit table to keep you warm in the cooler months and smartly placed LED lighting to accent the area. If you have a pool, you can incorporate LED lighting in and around the pool for safety considerations and add to the landscape architecture with semi-frameless glass pool fencing,

— Jayde Ferguson writes for Fencemakers, Western Australia’s leading provider of quality fencing and gates installed by skilled fencing contractors.

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House Rules Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

One point sends SA home as the final three head towards the grand final

SA - After backyard

Last night’s second semi-final saw only one point separate third and fourth place, with the teams having to transform the remaining four gardens. Unfortunately, when the scores were counted it was time for SA’s Ryan and Marlee to go home. Now only three teams remain, who will battle it out for a life-changing place in the House Rules grand final.

So what did judges Joe Snell and Wendy Moore think?

Bronik and Corrine — 18/20

Before - SA Backyard
Before – SA backyard
SA - After backyard
SA – After backyard

After winning the first semi-final, Victoria again blitzed their competition, scoring 18 points for their landscaping efforts in SA’s backyard. Bronik and Corrine hit the Australia Day party house rule for six with a cricket pitch embedded in the lawn, a large deck for entertaining, a pergola and an orchard to relax in. “The timber retaining wall around the cricket pitch was terrific,” said Joe. “It made it feel like a stadium.”

Ben and Danielle — 17/20

Before - VIC front yard
Before – VIC front yard
After - VIC front yard
After – VIC front yard

Queensland bounced back after their last-place finish in the first semi-final, scoring 17 points for their work in Victoria’s front yard. Ben and Danielle nailed a classic design with a deck in the entry way, an arbor gate, a new concrete aggregate driveway and white-themed flowering plants. “The clean, simple lines of the garden beds were lovely,” said Joe. “What we saw this week was some very graceful, sophisticated design.”

Steve and Tiana — 14/20

Before - SA front yard
Before – SA front yard
After - SA front yard
After – SA front yard

NSW escaped elimination by only one point, scoring 14 for revamping team SA’s front garden. The father and daughter duo righted a wrong by lining up the decking boards along the front of the house as well as adding a roof to cover the two front decks, a bold and structured pathway and a burst of floral colour in the raised garden beds. “You had some really strong ideas and you picked the right things to change but you didn’t push your ideas far enough to really finish them as well as you could have,” said Wendy.

Ryan and Marlee — 13/20

Before - VIC Backyard
Before – VIC Backyard
After - VIC backyard
After – VIC backyard

The Adelaide pair finished last after their efforts in Victoria’s backyard failed to impress the judges, who gave them a combined score of 13 points. Ryan and Marlee took the ‘urban cool’ house rule too far with their lime green fence and street art graffiti wall. “I liked your plantings but it was your artistic feature wall where you really lost control of your vision,” said Wendy. “I know it was urban but it just didn’t make for a cool backyard.”

Combining the scores with last week’s, Ryan and Marlee came out with the lowest combined score and were eliminated. The remaining three teams will now battle it out for a place in the grand final and the chance to live mortgage-free. Tonight they’re given their hardest but most heart-warming challenge yet, and with a grand final spot up for grabs, teams collide as they push themselves to the limit.

House Rules continues tonight at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7pm. For more House Rules.

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Designers House Rules Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

The battle of the gardens begins with House Rules’ first semi-final

After - NSW front yard

After tying for first place in last week’s holiday home challenge, Bronik and Corrine’s good form continued with the Victorians taking out the first semi-final.

Here’s what judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell had to say:

Bronik and Corrine — 17/20

Before - NSW front yard
Before – NSW front yard
After - NSW front yard
After – NSW front yard

The pair earned 17 points for overhauling team NSW’s front exterior. They impressed with a modern front fence and a diagonal wooden path, giving Steve’s yard an angular and contemporary look. “You guys delivered a really fantastic front garden,” said Wendy. “Great design, great ideas and great execution.”

Steve and Tiana — 14/20

Before - QLD front yard
Before – QLD front yard 
After - QLD front yard
After – QLD front yard

NSW and South Australia tied for second place with 14 points, joining forces to transform Ben and Danielle’s red-brick eye sore into a French Riviera masterpiece. Steve and Tiana worked on team Queensland’s front yard, using boulders and stairs to create different levels heading up to the front door. They also splurged on a luxe outdoor setting in the courtyard to create a French inspired retreat. “You guys instantly changed the street appeal of that home,” said Wendy.

Ryan and Marlee — 14/20

Before - QLD backyard
Before – QLD backyard
After - QLD backyard
After – QLD backyard

Ryan and Marlee renovated the Brisbane backyard, creating a raised deck area and a separate alfresco lounge area. “Your decked area was great,” said Wendy. “And the decision to put that retractable awning was a really good design choice.” But their furniture choices cost them points. “The lounge whilst a great idea in terms of design, the aesthetic was nowhere near French Riviera and that was just disappointing,” said Joe.

Ben and Danielle — 13/20

Before - NSW backyard
Before – NSW backyard
Before - NSW backyard
Before – NSW backyard

Ben and Danielle were not up to their usual high standards finishing last on 13 points. The newlyweds were tasked with transforming Steve’s massive backyard. Their design included a timber deck and paved outdoor lounge area with a fire pit. “Whilst part of the design worked beautifully, it really didn’t have a clear vision,” said Joe.

The second semi-final showdown kicks off Sunday at 7pm with the final garden reveals on Monday at 7.30pm. For more House Rules.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Build your own fire pit and enjoy the backyard all year round

Backyard fire pits are becoming increasingly popular as we look to utilise our outdoor space year round. Adding a fire pit provides an immediate feature for your garden, as well as being a great spot for socialising, keeping warm and even cooking.

Fire pit - Adbri Masonry

Building your own fire pit is also a simple weekend DIY job. And for those that love the outdoors, entertaining or star-gazing on a cool night, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Here’s how to do it.

1. Choose the right spot

It’s important to choose a spot that is far enough away from plants, fences, trees or anything flammable. Consider the wind and the direction it will blow smoke from the fire. You should also be able to walk around the fire with ease.

2. Start digging!

Dig a circular hole for the base of the fire – a three-foot diameter creates enough space for a good-sized fire while keeping everyone close enough to be able to chat.

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Jason

3. Prepare the base

Level out some road base and compact. Once this is complete, spread sand throughout the trench and level. Sprinkle some neat cement over the levelled sand as this will help keep everything in place once you finish building and hose down your fire pit.

4. Start building

Use concrete blocks to start constructing the wall around the pit. Choose a block that enables circular walls or has speciality corner units to save you cutting the units. My first choice would be Adbri Masonry’s Miniwall blocks, a great choice for DIY. They are easy to stack, do not require any mortar or glues and give a great finish. For square and rectangular pits, use Versawall.

Adbri Masonry fire pit

5. Build your fire

Construct a tepee by stacking wood and kindling in the centre of the pit. Light the fire and enjoy all winter long!

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Before & Afters Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Real reno: from blank canvas to the perfect kids-friendly backyard

Before

It wouldn’t be a true home reno if there wasn’t some nasty surprises along the way! And for Alana Koch and her husband Alex, their unexpected expense came in the form of a $14,000 hole! “Our pool had to be dug out of solid rock. So instead of two days digging, it took 14 and cost $14,000. Jackhammering for two weeks straight anyone? The neighbours loved it of course.”

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Before

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Buying their Randwick property off-market, they immediately fell in love with the home for its flat backyard, a rarity in Sydney’s east. The ideal blank canvas, the couple was quick to decide on a renovation plan, wanting to transform the outdoor space into the perfect garden for their three young boys.

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After
After

Taking five months to transform – though a few plumbing issues with the pool saw this drag to nine – the backyard renovation wasn’t cheap, costing $120,000! Putting in a pool, deck, new shed (concealed behind the pool’s feature wall) and new fencing, Alana called on the help of professionals to bring her ideas to life. “My husband and I have zero handyman skills, so we called on the team of Harrison’s Landscaping to help us design and build the garden with another subcontractor for the pool. It was a massive job, and I can honestly say that bar painting the fence, we could have done little of it ourselves. I gave Harrison’s a big pile of images that I liked and they bought it together.”

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However, while the reno was costly, there were some budget buys! “The Bluestone around the pool from Eco Outdoor was only $59 per sqm, which was cheaper than some non-stone tiles! Bargain. We also got our pool interior tiles online and they were really cheap – we didn’t mind that they were a plain colour as it allowed the outside of the pool to be the feature. We didn’t want too much going on! Finally the frangipani was a bargain buy off Gumtree, but then my husband dropped it off the back of the truck so it lost many of its branches. Still not sure if it will ever look as good again!”

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After

Being their third renovation, and with Alana currently managing a fourth reno in Clovelly: “My husband is happy I get to enjoy the renovation with someone else’s money for a change!” she has learnt some valuable lessons from her garden reno. “My biggest learning would be just trying to manage communications between the certifiers, landscapers, pool builders and council. It is a big beast to keep track of! And my advice for would-be renovators would be if you have a hard budget, then take 30% off when you tell the builders/landscapers/architects. They will go over it. Every time!”

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Now there forever home, Alana is ecstatic with the final result; though it’s a challenge to pick her favourite part. “The deck is awesome as it has made the whole space feel larger. It goes straight out from the house which is great for entertaining and little kids. Of course the pool is amazing too – it is far easier for us than dragging three little kids to and from the beach! And lastly we noticed the biggest change when we painted the fence charcoal (Dulux Monument). It tied all the fencing together and really made the plants pop.”

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Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Making the most of limited outdoor space

By Jason Hodges

Australians love the outdoors but are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the right balance between indoor-outdoor living. No matter what size your backyard is, it’s possible to create your very own urban oasis to enjoy after a hectic day in the office and to entertain family and friends. My top tip is to take time in planning and aim to create a functional outdoor sanctuary that makes the most of your outdoor space and is the perfect getaway from the everyday.

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Jason

But if you have a small outdoor space, don’t fear! You can still make a beautiful retreat and here’s how:

1) Go vertical!

Save space in the backyard by adding a funky and functional vertical garden to an unused wall. Layering by colour and texture will add visual interest and make the space look even bigger.

2) Built-in seating

Choosing the right pavers

A built-in seating or dining area helps give the area structure and maximises the usability of all the available space. You can achieve this via walls that double as seats or seats that double as storage under the benches.

3) Declutter

A good clean up and declutter of the backyard can give it a new lease of life. Prune or reorganise plants and get rid of anything that’s out of place. Take a look at your outdoor furniture and make sure it is in scale to the rest of the yard. Keep it simple — a clean and simple backyard will give the illusion of more space.

4) Choose the right pavers

Large format pavers work best in smaller spaces as they give the impression of space. Avoid intricate patterns and choose a neutral colour for greater impact.

5) Create zones

Zoned courtyard

Zones in the backyard can create areas for eating, cooking, lounging or whatever is required. Define these zones using fencing, plants or materials such as pavers, grass or gravel to help each area stand on its own. A zoned garden will appear bigger and each area will have its own purpose.

— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT The Block

Terrace week: The Block Triple Threat’s last room reveals

So the last room reveals are done and dusted and as Neale perfectly put it: “Talk about saving the best for last!” It was a dramatic week on The Block! There were money issues and massive blow-ups, and let’s not forget Tim and Anastasia storming off site (before returning not too long after!). But in the end four terraces were finished. And there was even a 30/30 score for the ever polarizing (though I will proudly admit my favourites) Dea and Daz!

So onto the judging…

Josh and Charlotte – second place

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With Josh and Charlotte’s terrace being their entranceway, it was important for them to create an open and grand space. And according to the judges, they were right on the money! “Wow,” said Darren upon entry. Shaynna agreed it was the perfect entranceway, with Neale adding he always loved terrace week because it’s the “final piece of the jigsaw.” He loved how it brought the whole apartment together and matched the interior with its pared back and restrained design.

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All the judges loved the unique vertical garden and the use of timber. Shaynna liked the flexibility of having all the furniture on wheels and the presence of heaters for year round use. Neale loved the combination of the tiles and lamps and thought it gave the space a slightly Moroccan feel. Shaynna ended the judging by saying: “It’s really hard to fault!”

Our pick to buy: Lemaire Glasses

Tim and Anastasia – fourth place

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With the only private terrace, Tim and Anastasia were in a good position going in. However, turns out they had no money (which let’s be honest is a major issue!), so they did the whole room off sponsors’ vouchers. Combine this with the fact they walked off site and the final terrace was actually pretty impressive. Darren loved how beautiful it looked from the kitchen and Neale thought the pendants were impressive, though not too practical.

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All judges agreed that while the size of the terrace was similar to that of Josh and Charlotte’s it felt distinctively smaller as there was just too much in the space. Darren liked the timber cladding and thought it was a very effective and bold statement. Shaynna said that while there was some obvious unfinished areas she was impressed with the standard of the terrace.

Our pick to buy: Yvette Pendant

Ayden and Jess – third place

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“Hooray it’s a lounge room,” said Darren as he walked it. “The apartment makes sense now.” With Ayden and Jess having originally been criticised for moving their kitchen to sit by the terrace (rather than having the lounge room there), all judges were quick to compliment, with Neale saying: “It’s not a terrace but a whole extra room!”

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Darren was hugely impressed by the cladding, Neale liked the hanging pots (but was unsure how to water them) and all the judges liked the use of the old MCG gate on the vertical garden. However, Neale did think the terrace could have been over styled. And while there was a lot to like, he found the side table disappointing. Shaynna agreed that the table had the wrong pieces on it and thought none of it was needed.

Our pick to buy: Navy Linked Ottoman Cover

Dea and Daz – first place (30/30!) 

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While Dea and Daz had the least amount of internal space, they were lucky enough to have their ground floor extended out into a backyard; seeing them be the only couple with a legitimate outdoor space. And to say the judges were impressed, well that would be the understatement of the century! “Damn this is good,” said Darren. Shaynna agreed: “Absolutely beautiful!” And Neale? “This is total luxury and I don’t think I’ve ever felt like that about a terrace.”

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Neale said that not too long ago he had been worried about this apartment but believed now it all made sense: “This is the best example of how a terrace can affect the internal space. It’s like a little slice of heaven in South Yarra.” And until today, Shaynna has never said there was nothing to fault in a room: “This is absolute perfection!” She couldn’t find one thing she’d change.

Our pick to buy: Laguiole Cheese Set

With the auction this Wednesday, we are only days away from finding out the winner. And boy oh boy do I hope it’s not a repeat of last year! We will have the full recap here Thursday morning. So watch this space!

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Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors

Interiors Addict TV: with Charlie Albone from Selling Houses Australia

We love Charlie Albone, our resident expert on all things outdoor on sister site Reno Addict, and of course slightly better known for his role on the top rating LifeStyle show Selling Houses Australia.

In this episode of Interiors Addict TV, Lauren Ellis talks gardens with Charlie; everything from how to create a garden that suits your house, what formal gardens are all about and how not to make mistakes with colour! And don’t forget to watch to the end for Charlie’s number one gardening tip! Enjoy!

Watch all our other Interiors Addict TV episodes.

Read Charlie’s articles on Reno Addict.

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Furniture Homewares Outdoor & Exteriors

Up to 70% off at Garden Life’s 10-day moving sale

Lightweight trough pots was $195 now $95

Garden Life, in Sydney’s Redfern, is moving to St Peters. So to celebrate, they are having a 10-day sale from tomorrow to Sunday 26 April.

Lightweight trough pots was $195 now $95
Lightweight trough pots was $195 now $95

With up to 70% off pots, outdoor furniture and homewares, you are sure to find a bargain. And with a reputation for stocking a unique range of products you are also destined to find a showstopper for your urban garden.

Beaded Indonesian bowls were $70 now $25
Beaded Indonesian bowls were $70 now $25

With a shop, design studio and maintenance business, Garden Life is the go-to place for all your landscaping needs. Visit their sale at 357 Cleveland Street, Redfern.

Marble Lotus Planter was $1450 now $950
Marble Lotus Planter was $1450 now $950

For more information.

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Architecture Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Creating a perfect indoor-outdoor living space with Charlie Albone

Creating a home with the perfect indoor-outdoor living space is high on everybody’s wish list. But turning your ideas into a reality can be tricky. It is important to remember that contrasting landscapes and architecture don’t make a seamless property, rather it is vital that the inside and outside of your property marry together to give your home a real sense of flow. Below are five ways you can achieve this.

Charlie Albone reno addict
Our resident expert Charlie

1. Plant material

Choosing the right plant material for your garden sets the tone for the space. Formal gardens look best with hedging plants such as Buxus and Viburnum combined with classical flowering plants like Hydrangea and Anemones. Tropical gardens require plants like Gingers and Heliconias to give life to the textural greens of palms and bamboos

2. Scale and proportion

Getting the scale and proportion of your outbuildings, hard surfaces (such as paving and decks) and plant material right is vital in creating a house that sits in the garden comfortably. Look at your property’s architecture for this. If you have chunky posts in the house then repeating them in your pergolas or cabanas will make the whole space feel like it was built as one.

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Credit: Home Designing

3. Colour

Colour is a fantastic way to bring the inside out and vise-versa, however it’s very important to check the colours you have selected work in both light settings. Internal artificial light has a very different effect on colour than external natural light. Just as you would paint various areas of a room a colour before committing to it, you need to do the same outdoors. I have also found when trying to match an internal colour to go for double strength outside.

4. Material repetition

Material repetition is a great way to create continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The obvious example is to carry the internal floor material out to the verandah or deck as this lengthens the ‘road’ the eye travels upon to create a feeling of additional space. The indoor flooring can also be used in other areas of the garden, repeating the flooring around the pool area or a private reading space will drag the features of the house out into the garden. Additionally, repeating materials outside doesn’t mean you have to use them in the same treatment, for example timber species used in the flooring can be replicated in the outdoor furniture.

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Credit: Nobswall

5. Positioning

When designing an outside space for your property, remember that it will be seen from the inside of the house, so position your features in prominent sight lines from the home’s windows and doors. Use the windows of the property as a picture frame for your outside features, as this will extend the eye line deep into the outer regions of the property, making it feel bigger.

For more on Charlie.

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

5 ways to revamp your front garden for the ultimate kerb appeal

It’s easy to forget how important the front entrance is to the overall look of your home. Kerb appeal is of high importance when selling your property and for the overall aesthetics of your house, as it sets the tone for what’s to come. Below are five clever ideas on how to give your front garden that much-needed facelift; changes that will certainly leave your neighbours green with envy.

Green Garden landart landscapes reno addic

  1. Spruce up your walkway

Create that initial wow factor! Transform your front walkway with the use of interesting materials such as brick, flagstone and pavers; these materials will lend more character and charm to your garden than traditional cement. Adding a slight curve to the conventional pathway is another great way to make a chic statement. I recommend lining the walkway with low maintenance plants such as Camellias, Lomandras and Birds of Paradise.

  1. Fill it with florals

Make your guests feel welcome from the moment they walk through your front gates, with a colourful array of aromatic blooms. I recommend planting flowers with bright, bold hues. My top picks are Peonies, Siberian Iriss and Aasiatic Lilys (these bright charmers are available in a cheerful variety of orange, yellow and purple). This idea will maximise the potential of your small front garden space.

  1. Create an oasis

succulents landart landscapes reno addic

Filling your front garden with medium-sized plants will not only keep the nosey neighbours away it will also create a fantastic sound barrier against street noise. Planting medium to large-sized plants provides you with a quiet oasis and actually makes your garden appear bigger; the variety of interesting textures, shapes and colours also creates the illusion of space. Decorating your front garden with a small hedge is another clever way to create serenity and intimacy without forming an unfriendly barrier.

  1. Light it up

Create a calming and intimate entry through the placement of mood and up-lights. When strategically arranged, these lights can determine which elements of your garden you wish to highlight. Ensure that the lights you purchase are made from high quality, waterproof and durable materials such as brass, copper or marine grade stainless steel.

  1. Add space to entertain

landart landscapes reno addict

If the space permits, adding a patio to your front garden can provide a great space to entertain guests. Gone are the days of old-fashioned front porches, however nothing should stop you from being able to enjoy a cold beverage out the front of your house with family and friends.

–Matt Leacy is a landscape designer and director of Landart Landscapes.

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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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Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Charlie Albone: achieving my Chelsea Flower Show dream

I’ve just booked my place on this ‘Emotive Interiors’ workshop by the talented Sib

As a landscape designer, I am passionate about all elements of landscape design but it’s the feeling of being in a garden that ignites a spark in me. I have worked all over Australia, I have completed works in the UK and France and as well as running a successful business, I am the LifeStyle Channel’s resident landscape expert.

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Selling Houses Australia Series 8 starts 4 Feb 2015, only on the LifeStyle Channel

But there is one goal I have always dreamed about since a young age and that is to exhibit a large show garden at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London. In past years, I have visited the show and made films for the LifeStyle Channel and in 2014, I volunteered my time to build an exhibit for gardening royalty Alan Titchmarsh. But next year, I will finally be exhibiting my very own garden in a prime spot on the showground.

The plan for Charlie's Chelsea Flower Show garden
The plan for Charlie’s Chelsea Flower Show garden

The process of getting approved to exhibit at Chelsea is not an easy one. There are only eight large show garden spots and hundreds of applicants trying to get one of them. Firstly, you need the usual plans, perspectives, mood boards and documentation required for any large-scale project, but with Chelsea you also need to provide a design brief. This is to tell the judges what you are trying to achieve and without an actual client or any direction and with a limited word count available, is actually the hardest part of the process.

Paying for the garden is also a hurdle that has to be jumped over and sending a crew to the other side of the world to build a garden is not a cheap exercise. I approached Husqvarna and Gardena to help fund the garden as I felt they were a good fit, being at the forefront of innovation and quality in the horticultural industry. Along with donations from Conway Landscaping, Capricorn Quarries, Australian Plunge Pools and ME Lighting, we got there!

Upon receiving the email that informed me I would be there in a very prominent position, I felt a surreal mix of excited elation and the feeling of instant pressure to perform. This project has consumed my life in every way and is a process I am thoroughly enjoying.

My garden is inspired by the death of my father when I was 17. The space is a garden to meet with him and tell him about my life since his passing. I have designed a space to celebrate life but to also be emotive and intimate.

The garden is split into three sections and each element of the garden means something to me. The first third is a walk down a meandering path with romantic planting either side. The path is two metres wide so I can walk down it with my father and children hand in hand.

The central section is based around a large water feature that empties within five seconds to represent the feeling of life slipping away. Above this, hanging off the wall, will be a copper sculpture designed by myself and young award-winning sculpture Luke Storrier (son of Archibald winning Tim Storrier).

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The rear section is a sunken intimate courtyard that focuses around a dry stone fire pit, which represents my wife as the centre and fire in my life. Surrounding this sunken area are 17 hand-carved sandstone pillars that represent important people and family in my life.

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We can’t wait to follow the progress of Charlie’s garden. Watch this space!

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Appliances Designers The Block

The Block’s Dani Wales returns to TV this Saturday

After chatting to Dan Reilly about his return to The Block last week, it turns out his partner and ex-Blockhead herself, Dani Wales, will also be making a return to our screens.

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Launching this Saturday on TEN, Healthy Homes TV Australia will follow Dani, alongside co-host Walt Collins, as they explore the latest innovations, ideas and products for the home and garden.

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Dani and Walt

Promising not to be yet another home makeover show, the duo will be staying far away from tired concepts and instead focusing on giving Aussies realistic projects that they can do themselves. “You certainly won’t see us running around with paintbrushes doing room reveals before the homeowners arrive home,” explains Dani, who blogs at Basic Habitat. “Healthy Homes TV Australia is about bringing you the latest ideas and products to help you achieve a look or style yourself.”

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Dani and Walt

Each week, Dani and Walt will visit a home and showcase how you too can transform your property. “We’re not tradies and we’re not pretending to be interior designers,” says Walt. “It’s a really honest and down to earth format which really does show you the things you can have a crack at yourself; how to achieve a designer look on a budget or how the latest air-conditioning technology can save you heaps of cash.”

Healthy Homes TV Australia launches Saturday 24 January at 1pm on TEN.

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Art

Colourful new artworks from Rachel Castle at Koskela

Rachel Castle will be exhibiting her latest series of paintings at Sydney’s Koskela store from this weekend.

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With works on sale in store from 9am Saturday 22 November, and available for purchase over the phone from 12pm, the series entitled Garden, continues Rachel’s love for the flower motif.

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With large and small paintings on linen, the series combines a love of bold brush strokes built over multiple layers and a never-ending obsession with punctuating colourful spots.

Rachel Castle Garden Interiors Addict

The new works include bold painted and screen printed elements, and as always, explore the relationship between form and colour that has become synonymous with Rachel’s painted works.

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For more information.

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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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Covet my coffee table House Tours Styling

Covet my coffee table: with Juliet Love & Charlie Albone

Today’s coffee table comes to you from the home of stylist and TV presenter Juliet Love of Love Style, and her husband Charlie Albone, landscape gardener and star of Selling Houses Australia.

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Earlier this year, they moved with their young son Leo to a new family home in country NSW, with plenty of gardens to keep Charlie busy!

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“Every item on our table has special meaning, from the silver Christofle tray which was a wedding gift and is engraved with our names and wedding date, to the turquoise egg in the nest which I gave to the guests at my baby shower for Leo, to the driftwood which my parents found on the beach when they were married,” Juliet explains.

“We have an acre of gardens on our property so the book about rural gardens provides some inspiration for that. Also, Charlie worked with the author Myles Baldwin, at the Australian Garden Show last year. The bonsai is just because I like to have living plants in the house, and I’m particularly into bonsai at the moment — I love their architectural shape. The mini ornamental ashtray with the horse is from Zara Home from a recent trip to Hong Kong.

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“Our coffee table is constantly changing (I can’t help myself, most flat surfaces in our home have some kind of ever-evolving display!) but this is how it is at the moment.”

The cushions on the sofa are from Pottery Barn and Willa Sky Home on Etsy.

Check out Juliet and Charlie’s work at Love Style and Inspired Exteriors. View all the other coffee tables in this regular feature.