Tag: outdoor reno

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Turn your backyard pool into a style statement

Considering adding a pool to your property? Why not make it a focal point? With the backyard pool taking up a considerable amount of area, homeowners and renovators are always looking for ways to make their standard blue-lined pool an on-trend stand-out.

Turn your backyard pool into a style statement

According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Rachel Gilding, there are a range of trends emerging that can transform any pool into a stylish entertainment statement that will stand the test of time. “This winter, there are some really exciting contemporary trends to consider for your pool makeover that will make it a stand-out,” Ms Gilding says. “With summer now a distant memory and the backyard pool retired, now is a perfect time to start renovating it. “Usually people only start thinking about renovating their pool and surrounds as the weather warms up. But these projects can sometimes take a minimum of 8-12 weeks.” Get a jump on things by working out the finer details of your pool reno now so that it’ll be perfectly prepared for the warmer months.

Looking for inspiration? Ms Gilding says there are three top pool trends which are sure to set your pool apart for years to come: Global Fusion, Minimalist Contemporary and Retro Vintage.

Global Fusion

From the second half of 2017 there will be a transition from the structured Scandinavian style towards Global Fusion. This style combines the textured burnish styles of Morocco, with the forest edge of Madagascar and a functional Australian twist in a self-curated style of the well-travelled.“Think an incredible hierarchy of elements spanning handwoven cloth textures, romantic bold patterns, rich colour pallets of deep blues, crimson, and bronze, contrasted with pops of sparkle and warm ambient lights,” Ms Gilding says. “Global fusion is all about the indoors meeting the outdoors in a rich expression of exotic far-away lands and bohemian ideals.” An infinity or wet edge surrounded by tiles that radially transition into glass mosaics can create an unmissable invitation to ‘stop by’. To achieve this look Ms Gilding recommends to styling woven chairs with Moroccan blankets, and oversized green plants in breakout spaces with weathered poolside lanterns to create added layers of interest to your newly renovated space.

Whitewash

Part of the Minimalists Contemporary style, Whitewash is a pure, neutral play on our senses that instantly evokes a calm sense of self, with timeless appeal. In Australia, it may be ‘safer’ than some of the bolder trends now in vogue – though certainly (when executed correctly) is far from dull. Although the Minimalist Contemporary trend may not be new, it has evolved int he second half of 2017. “Whitewash is all about subtle asymmetrical statements within the white colour spectrum, coupled with conscious decisions to include layers of interest to create spaces that are timeless and elegant,” says Ms Gilding. “Think unalike surfaces, alabaster materials and complex textures dancing through indoor to outdoor living zones to capture attention and direct it to focal points throughout the home.” Homes styled in this theme are placed perfectly to frame your pool with seamless connection.

Retro Vintage

“Everything old is new again in this fun nod to trends of bygone decades,” Ms Gilding says. “Vintage has been building popularity since 2015 with no hint of slowing down. It is all about taking something old and giving it a modern twist and new lease on life.” Retro Vintage is the latest evolution of this and it is the perfect balance of innovative style meets mid-century ‘cool’ to create an interactive piece of art that instantly draws your guests in and ignites conversation. The key to Retro Vintage is selecting key pieces like an orb chair or patterned rug that makes your pre-existing contemporary interior pop and complement your newly renovated exterior. Pool areas are a great blank canvas to incorporate into this style, as spaces throughout the home can each be a juxtaposition to each other in a wonderful mismatch of statements.

About Beaumont Tiles: Beaumont Tiles is Australia’s biggest retailer of tiles and bathroom ware. For more info, visit www.tile.com.au

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Backyard Reno on a budget

Backyard Reno on a budget

Renovating your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your lawn needs a refresh or a paved area is looking old and tired, there are budget-friendly ways to update the look and feel of your outdoor space with DIY and smart design choices.

According to the 2017 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey, more than 30 per cent of Australian homeowners are planning to improve their outdoor area within the next 12 months. Here, landscape expert and Adbri Masonry Ambassador Jason Hodges, gives some quick and easy tips for spicing up your backyard.

Backyard Reno on a budget

1. Enhance the look of the lawn

Replacing old or damaged turf is a great way to enhance the look of your backyard. Healthy turf will bring a bright, fresh appearance to your outdoor space and this simple project gives a great finishing touch. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and remove any debris. Fertilise if required and sprinkle grass seeds over any bare spots. For a cleaner, well defined finish, separate the lawn from the garden bed using a neat edger like Adbri’s Lawn Edge – lay it either way up to suit your desired edge height.

2. Update your paved areas

Paving is the perfect way to freshen up the backyard and create a low maintenance, multi-function area that can be appreciated by the whole family and enjoyed day and night. Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, building a garden path or completing a poolside area, pavers are a clever and effective way to make the best use of any space. For time-poor home owners looking for practical ways to bring the family together while showcasing their personal style, go with a large format paver in a lighter colour like Adbri’s Quadro® pavers, to create the illusion of increased space. If you’re looking to transform existing paved areas, try pressure cleaning. Not only is it a quick and easy way to improve its appearance, but you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.

3. Side yard pathway

There is a shady side to every house. These areas normally receive very little sunlight and can be prone to dampness. This can inhibit grass from growing and means that the area can turn into a mud pit every time it rains. A feature stepping stone path is not just aesthetically appealing, but it activates a generally unused space and ensures that muddy floors are a thing of the past. For an added ‘wow’ factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery. Large format pavers are recommended to achieve the designer look.

Backyard need more of a professional makeover? Enter Australia’s worst backyard competition.

Adbri Masonry is giving away a premium backyard transformation designed by celebrity landscaper, Jason Hodges. Whether you long for a better space to entertain your family and friends, or are have a backyard that is old and tired and in much need of a refresh, Adbri want to hear about it. One lucky winner will receive a backyard makeover valued at $15,000.

 

To enter please visit: http://woobox.com/72k36g

Adbri Masonry is Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer. For more information, visit www.adbrimasonry.com.au

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

4 reasons to consider pavers for your garden reno

If you’re in the process of updating or completely renovating your garden or outdoor area, you’re probably considering your options. From turf to tiles, decking to concrete, there’s a lot of choices to consider.

For a low maintenance space that can be used year round, you really can’t go past paving. Paving is the perfect way to freshen up the backyard and create a multi-function area that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With the right design and good lighting, it can be used day and night throughout the whole year.

Landscape expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, Jason Hodges, is a big fan of pavers for a backyard reno. “Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, complete a poolside area or build a garden path, pavers are a clever and effective way to make the best use of any space and they’re a lot easier to lay than many people think,” explains Jason. “Time-poor home owners are looking for practical ways to bring the family together, while showcasing their individuality and personal style and DIY pavers fit this bill perfectly.”

Here are our top 4 reasons why you should consider pavers for your garden reno.

reasons to consider pavers for your garden renoImage source: Inside Out

4 reasons to consider pavers for your garden reno

1. Pavers are DIY – While certain landscaping methods require a professional touch, paving is a job that you can DIY. Jason recommends Euro classic, traditional 400x400mm large format pavers and Havenbrick traditional brick pavers for a DIY job. Bunnings also has this handy guide to walk you through the process.

2. Pavers are low maintenance and easy to repair – For the renovators who want all the style with minimal upkeep, pavers are a great choice. Available in a wide range of colours, materials and even textures, once they’re laid, you’re pretty much done. Yes, you might need to give them a hose down or twice yearly pressure wash but compared to maintaining a lawn, you’re way ahead of the game.

3. Pavers provide good drainage – Drainage in your backyard or entertaining area is something not to be underestimated! Good drainage can prevent a myriad of problems from occurring down the track. When installed properly, pavers are self draining meaning no pesky water build up.

4. Pavers are cost effective – Thanks to the wide variety of options available, pavers are a relatively cost effective, long term solution for the majority of outdoor areas.

 

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to make your outdoor space a must-have for buyers

How to make your outdoor space a must-have for buyers

Whether you have a balcony or a full backyard, a renovation that makes the most of your outdoor space can help to sell a property. An unloved outdoor space is rarely itself a deal breaker for a property sale but it can leave potential buyers with a bad impression. A well thought-out outdoor renovation, however, can completely transform how people see themselves in the space.

How to make your outdoor space a must-have for buyersImage source: Inside Out

First impressions – Start with the entryway to the property. If you have a front yard, make sure it is tidy and the path to the front door clear. A lick of paint won’t go astray if you have time to spruce up the fences, door frame and door. Consider whether older balustrades just need a coat of paint or need to be replaced altogether. Beware of wood rot, for example in the floor of your front porch; you need to replace affected areas. A nice-looking mailbox is inexpensive and makes a positive impression so if you have one that’s a bit drab, consider changing it. Apartment owners usually have a strata-appointed gardener maintain the outdoor areas. If there’s anything specific you want them to attend to, you can contact your strata manager to discuss what duties can be prioritised.

Cover up – Whether you have a balcony, deck or yard, a covered area shielded from the sun and protected from the rain is always a plus. If you have quite a big yard to work with, a covered area with an outdoor table and chairs as well as uncovered areas like a garden and lawn work well as different zones.

The entertainer – The biggest change I’ve seen in property over the past few years is a buyer preference for kitchens that flow into living and dining areas inside and out. Buyers like to see themselves entertaining there, and they are more likely to consider your property if you already have the access and amenities. If you have a closed-in kitchen, or if your outdoor area is difficult to access from your living/dining space, consider knocking down a wall. It might cost tens of thousands of dollars to open it up, but this change will add hundreds of thousands onto the sale price. The buyers that appreciate this arrangement tend to be families because it makes it more affordable to entertain at home, plus children can run around the backyard while parents supervise from inside the house.

Garden variety – Mature gardens are worth a lot of money so if you’re thinking of renovating the whole house, do the garden as soon as possible (preferably first!) so by the time you finish, the plants are somewhat established. Use plants to soften some of the harder structures like fences and deck edges and do your research to find plants that suit your locations climate. The larger and less established the yard, the more you’ll need professional help so if you can afford it, bring in a landscaper.

Nice-to- haves:

  • Level up: Level land is worth more than slopes so if you have a chance to buy some space by underpinning, it will make a huge difference.
  • Make a splash: A nice, clean swimming pool enhances a property so if you have the space and your location has the right climate, it’s worth installing, keeping or updating one. If you have a tiny backyard however, it’s best to have a generous entertainment space.
  • Take the heat: It’s amazing how many people forget they can still entertain outdoors in winter. You can’t ‘sell’ a portable outdoor heater, but you can extend the gas lines to the entertainment area and market that to buyers.

The key to a good outdoor area is to make it easy for potential buyers to see themselves in the space. In addition to basic sprucing like paint jobs and tidying up, think about how you can enhance potential buyers fantasies about living and enjoying themselves in your property.

Written by Mark Foy

Mark Foy is one of our resident experts and a director of Belle Property Surry Hills in Sydney.

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

Brick emerges as a new favourite for outdoor spaces

There’s something quintessentially Australian about exposed brick. Over the years however, the use of brick in outdoor spaces hasn’t always taken the most glamorous or design focused approach. That’s all set to change in 2017 however. The revival of brick in Australian design is extending beyond the architecture of buildings and emerging as a new favourite for landscape architecture in the year ahead.

outdoor spacesImage sourced from Vokes and Peters – West End Cottage

Carlie Spiteri, communications manager at PGH Bricks & Pavers has noticed that brick is starting to become a bit of a mover and shaker in the world of landscaping and outdoor design. “In recent years, we have observed the use of bricks in landscaping and outdoor spaces across a number of leading residential projects,” says Carlie. “It lends earthy and natural character to outdoor spaces, helping to bridge the natural and built environment.”

outdoor spacesImage sourced from Dan Young Landscape Architect – Camp Hill Terrace – Dan Young Landscape and Owen Architecture

Landscape architect Dan Young used PGH Black & Tan bricks for his Camp Hill Terrace project to reference the home’s existing built form (designed by Paul Owen Architecture) and created a practical new outdoor living space for a Brisbane family. Extending the existing brickwork created design continuity, while providing a durable base that is suited to the exposed outdoor location.

outdoor spacesImage sourced from Lockyer Architects – Shaun Lockyer Architects (SLa) – Monaise Residence project

Shaun Lockyer Architects (SLa) embraced outdoor brickwork for their Monaise Residence project, using it to create playful patterns of light and shadows for courtyard seating and fireplace. Architects Vokes and Peters created a unique brickwork fireplace, chimney and arched firewood recess for their West End Cottage project, as well as broad stairs to provide easy access to the backyard and a place to sit.

“In addition to being a durable and low maintenance alternative to traditional hardscaping materials, brick affords exceptional design flexibility, which lends itself well to creating unique flooring, outdoor seating and fire places,” says Carlie. “Brick can be laid in a range of bonds to create pattern and visual interest. Because of their depth, bricks can be split to allow for drainage and easily transition from horizontal to vertical planes (to create fire places or seating, for example). They also retain heat, helping to create warm and comfortable spaces for cooler evenings,” says Carlie.

outdoor spaces

Landscape architect, Dan Young, agrees that the use of brick outdoors is on the rise. “The use of brick as a hardscaping material is growing across Europe, where brickwork is an inherent part of the built environment. In Australia, it’s appearing in more public outdoor spaces and we’re slowly starting to see brick used in residential landscaping,” he says. “Rethinking the use of building materials such as brick for landscaping provides new design opportunities. If you can use brick for a constructed wall, why not lay it on the ground as flooring or use its depth to create seating or fire places,” says Dan.

PGH Bricks & Pavers is one of Australia’s largest clay brick manufacturers. For more information, check out their website

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Before & Afters Design Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos RENO ADDICT

Sydney backyard transformed into much more useable space

Like many people, the owners of this Sydney family home desired an outdoor space that was inviting, functional and could be used for entertaining throughout the entire year. The couple also have two young children, so space to run was vital.

BEFORE

Backyard BEFORE

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Backyard AFTER

“The original space was very clunky, impractical and bland. A large pool took up most of the backyard, leaving a small uneven grassed area and a paved area with no pergola that became so hot in summer that sitting outside was almost unbearable,” says Natalie Roodenburg of Sand & Stone Landscapes.

The first stage of the process was to remove the existing pool and retaining walls and level out the backyard. “Once this was done, we worked with the owners to sketch out the finer details of the new space, including where the new pool was to be situated,” says Natalie.

An 8 metre x 3 metre pool sits neatly along the side of the property, surrounded by grey granite tiles that are complemented by a raised Spotted Gum deck at the back of the pool for lounging in the sun. A dry, stacked sandstone wall lines one side of pool, which then carries on around the perimeter of the backyard.

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Backyard AFTER

“We used weeping bamboo along the pool area and Elaeocarpus eumundi which will grow to give the owners privacy from neighboring properties. A Japanese maple sits as a beautiful feature tree at the back of the garden with two floating bench seats either side which is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the space,” says Natalie.

“We installed a large pergola with built in lights, fan and speakers as well as an outdoor kitchen complete with barbecue, fridge and sink. The granite tiles used in the pool area flow through to the entertaining space also,” says Natalie. A small decking area off the house makes for a great spot for the owners to sit and watch their girls play in their cubby house too.

5

Backyard AFTER

But the real feature of this backyard are the old recycled telegraph posts that hold the pergola roof in place. “We also used them as part of the pool fence to break up the glass panels surrounding the pool area,” says Natalie.

See here for more.