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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

Three DIY projects to do before Christmas

Give yourself a present this Christmas with a DIY project that is both cost effective and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your outdoor space. Below are three projects that are under $3000, easy to do (I promise!) and will compliment your home for years to come.

The outdoor shower

Embrace nature and create a tranquil space in your backyard with an outdoor shower. For those who don’t have the space for a pool, an outdoor shower is a great alternative to cooling off during those scorching Aussie heatwaves. It is important to consider the plumbing points, screening for privacy and a sustainable water management system. Opt for pavers that are specially designed to allow water to permeate through the surface into the layers below, where water can be harvested or redirected. Surface water runoff is minimised and the need for additional surface drainage is reduced.

 

BBQ grilling station

The Aussie love affair with the great outdoors means we can create an outdoor kitchen and grilling station that is both enjoyable and practical. Creating the perfect base for a BBQ bench top is made easy with Adbri’s AB Courtyard Blocks. They provide a genuine DIY solution to creating functional, individualised outdoor kitchens for any backyard. The beauty of these blocks is that they don’t require glue or mortar to keep them in place, which means you aren’t stuck to one location. If you want to move your BBQ in the future, you can easily do so.

 

Built-in furniture

Extend your entertaining possibilities and invest in built-in furniture that will add structure, dimension and aesthetics to the backyard while maximising your space. You can easily construct custom, freestanding walls that double as seats using the same Adbri AB Courtyard Blocks. The DIY walling system allows you to build directly atop of existing paved or flat concrete surfaces. The great thing about using the AB Courtyard Blocks is that they can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and functionality.

 

For more information | DIY projects we love

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Bathrooms Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

How to: Let nature in with an outdoor shower

Australia’s temperate climate means we can live a beautiful life both outdoors and in. With the launch of the Milli Inox outdoor shower range from Reece, you can now create a stunning outdoor shower zone in your very own backyard.

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Milli Inox Overhead Shower

The perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and get back in touch with nature, the Milli Inox Overhead Shower with a WELS 3 Star rating offers a luxurious, guilt-free rainshower sensation. The slimline hand shower and flexible shower hose is perfect for effortless focused washing.

“Outdoor showers are a fantastic way to make you feel grounded and connected to nature. This really helps to ground your energy and calm your mind,” said Lyndall Mitchell, founder of urban day spa Aurora Spa Retreat.

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Inox Freestanding Twin Rail shower

The Inox Freestanding Twin Rail shower is perfect for making a sensational statement. Or fit your shower to your space with Wall Mounted Twin Rail and single Rail Shower options. Add an optional Foot Wash tap for sandy feet and ankles.

Crafted from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, Inox outdoor showers are made to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, ensuring longevity in both looks and functionality.

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When designing an outdoor shower zone for your home, landscaper Darren Franklin says there’s a few important things to consider. “It’s important to think about plant option — whether you want to include water features for additional zen, and where to position your bathroom zone in the garden. You also need to consider plumbing points, surrounding materials such as a decking or paving, and screening for privacy,” he said.

Find out more about the range here.

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Design Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to use copper in your garden

Copper fixtures is a trend that’s big in kitchens and house interiors and it’s definitely also being requested and featured prominently in designs of outdoor spaces. But how can you use copper in the garden to create a stylish and contemporary backyard?

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Placing a statement copper piece in your outdoor area adds character, charm and something unique to draw the eye to. Copper works well for light fittings, outdoor showers, fireplaces, water features and bespoke pots.

One of the things that work so nicely when using copper outdoors is that it acquires a beautiful patina over time. This look works particularly well for light fittings and shower heads, as the patina allows them to subtly settle into the garden.

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However, if the polished copper look is your preference, then keep copper pots and fittings under shelter so they weather more gradually or get used to polishing!

Just about any plant looks good with cooper, tall leafy plants such as a Kentia palm or fiddle leaf fig work really well. Silver foliage plants also contrast beautifully. Kalanchoe ‘silver spoons’ have a really interesting texture and shape and offset the copper perfectly.

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