Tag: outdoor space

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Decorating 101 DIY Expert Tips Outdoor & Exteriors Reno Trends

Former winner of The Block shares this year’s outdoor trends

Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in! While homeowners have invested increasing amounts of time and money into their yards in recent years, 2020 saw interest in outdoor living spike to unprecedented levels. As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has prioritised how we view and use our homes,” said Shannon Vos, interior design consultant and winner of The Block with his brother Simon in 2014.  “With people spending more time at home last year, we all started to realise how outdoor space is so important. It’s where we start our days with a morning cup of coffee, where we enjoy some much-needed fresh air over an al fresco lunch break, where we relish a change of scenery after a day of screen fatigue, and where we can visit safely with friends and family.”

Each year, Trex, a leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, captures input from consumers and industry insiders alike to compile its annual outdoor living forecast. For 2021, Trex and Shannon Vos have identified four trends expected to shape the outdoor living landscape.

Shannon Vos working outdoors

Outdoor offices

Among the top trends predicted for the coming year is the emergence of outdoor workspaces. With flexible working arrangements, including working from home and remote learning expected to continue in 2021, contractors report increased interest in outdoor spaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals and students. Requests for stylish sheds and backyard living spaces are on the rise.

Pergolas, too, are in high demand due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or yard, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade – essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering cool relief on hot days.

Photography: Jason Busch/Landart

Taking the plunge into pools

Another trend driven by the pandemic has been the dramatic increase in residential pools, spas and water features. With international travel off the cards and interstate travel uncertain, homeowners across the country are taking the plunge and installing swimming pools and spas in their backyards.

“This year, we completed the renovation of our outdoor space, including an artist wrapped pool for the kids to play in,” says Shannon. She used wood composite decking, a low-maintenance option that won’t rot, warp, stain or fade.

Photography: Jason Busch/Landart

Luxury Staycation

Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel over the past year, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style and comforts of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. From plush towels and perfectly plumped pillows to outdoor accents like fire pits, water features and industrial railing, commercially inspired designs can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.

“Homeowners are finding inspiration in commercial settings like upscale hotels and restaurants,” Rod Schiefelbein, Trex Australia market manager comments. He suggests customising your railing, such as with cocktail railing, that provides space to rest drinks and plates.

Photography: Jessica Delp

Give it a try with DIY

The DIY category exploded in 2020, encouraging homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle even the most challenging projects – a trend development experts expect to continue in 2021. Industry analysts are predicting DIY home projects and repairs will shift from a trend to long-term habit, with ambitious DIYers turning to YouTube and home improvement sites for inspiration, motivation and tips. DIY saves time and money, while also earning serious bragging rights. 

“If you can use a hammer and a saw, you can upgrade your backyard,” encourages Shannon. “Building or resurfacing a deck with Trex is a doable DIY project that can be completed over the course of a weekend or two with just a little know-how and the help of a few friends.”

For more information. 

Outdoor rooms: Neale Whitaker explains how to create a backyard oasis

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The Block 2020: back yard and pool reveals

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Before & Afters Design Furniture Homewares Outdoor & Exteriors Real Renos Shopping

Amazing backyard transformation for under $1,200

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Interior designer Katy Thomas is one of the many Australians who has shifted her focus to revamping her existing space, and creating an oasis in her backyard this summer. She also managed to do so on a tiny budget, spending under $1,200 and all at Bunnings!

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Before

Reflecting on the original space, she says: “This part of our backyard was so overgrown. We had so much bamboo, old pavers, and it was a space we didn’t use.”

Katy says that it was very important for this outdoor space to connect with the rest of her home, so she utilised lots of white and natural timbers, in order to extend her interior design style, and create a feeling of relaxed sophistication.

It was also important, on such a small budget, to cleverly incorporate the existing features of the space. “We have so much bamboo,” says Katy, “So the plan was to neaten it up by creating a white screen fence which really helps to frame this corner of the garden. I love how the bamboo provides some greenery behind the fence!”

After

This makeover has also completely altered the way in which Katy uses this space, and now, she says, is the perfect time of year to enjoy it. “I’m so excited for Christmas out here!” she adds.

“The biggest transformation to this space is definitely the white screen fence,” continues Katy. “The most affordable way to achieve this look was to use fence palings from Bunnings which cost $1.40 each. Once painted white they look amazing. The new round pavers have also helped to finish off this space.” 

Katy utilised the space carefully, creating different zones using furniture. She acknowledges the importance of planning, and suggests that prospective renovators create a wish list online, so that they know the costs upfront.

After

She also recommends that to gather inspiration and cultivate a cohesive look, creating a moodboard is a game-changer. “I moodboard every project which makes the process so much easier. I often visualise the beautiful end result I want, then work backwards researching all the elements I’d need to achieve this look within my budget.”

Of course, you don’t have to completely overhaul your backyard in order to rejuvenate it for the summer. “A small change can make a big difference,” says Katy. “For example, a coat of fresh, white paint is an easy and inexpensive way to brighten and refresh a space.”

Thinking outside the box can also be helpful, for achieving the look you want within your budget. In Katy’s yard, she used round pavers for something a little different against the white stones.

After

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DIY Outdoor & Exteriors

Landscaping big yards: expert tips to avoid boring!

With shrinking land sizes across the country, it’s no surprise that the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in small spaces. However, thoughtful planning and design is just as important in large backyards where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to your home.

The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that 56% of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening. Yet, large backyards are often under-appreciated or lacking landscaping which results in big, boring spaces.

“With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening,” says landscape expert and Adbri Masonry ambassador Jason Hodges.

Gardening and landscaping expert Jason Hodges

Jason’s tips for utilising space in a large backyard

Set the scene

Arguably the most important part of a landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it – usually this is the paved courtyard or patio area. The patio will usually come directly off the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical, large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative!

If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the focus away from the home by having a path off the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space. This design draws attention away from the home and shows off the size and depth of your yard.

When it comes to thinking about the surfaces of your patio or courtyard, pavers are a great option for stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement. “While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area which can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbeque equipment,” explains Jason.

Build a children’s playground

If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create a space where kids can play safely, so take advantage and start planning your kid friendly yard.

“Try building a cubby house or teepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter,” says Jason. “I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow in between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.”

Incorporate an entertaining area

There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Building a dining area with built-in seating helps to give the area structure and utilises available space. You can achieve this using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall blocks, which create vertical retaining and garden walls whilst doubling as bench seating.

“Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front cover shots of real estate listings and signboards – this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family,” explains Jason. “In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment, dining settings as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature fire pit.”

Change levels with a sunken patio

Add depth and dimension to your backyard with a sunken patio that will become a private retreat. Whether your backyard is flat or slightly sloped, you can create a sunken a patio – either DIY or with the help of a professional landscaper. Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intimacy of a space. Try introducing steps, garden walls, terraced retaining walls or go the other way and create a sunken patio.

Beat the heat with a swimming pool

A large backyard is a great canvas for a swimming pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it – whether it’s sunbaking, entertaining or relaxing.

“Avoid dominating the area with a large pool; try taking cue from the Island of Gods, with a Bali-inspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped. Pave the boundary with Adbri Masonry’s Euro Classic or Euro Stone that will give your pool a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface,” suggests Jason.

More on how Adbri Masonry can help create your ultimate outdoor space

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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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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

How to make a great first impression with your driveway

The humble driveway. It’s an often overlooked part of your reno or overall sale package when putting your house on the market but that really shouldn’t be the case. The driveway is often the main entrance to the home and one of the first noticed features given it takes up a large portion of your front yard, the first thing most people will see and as first impressions count, the driveway can also add value to the home.

How to make a great first impression with your drivewayImage source: Bricks, Blocks, Pavers Online

How to make a great first impression with your driveway

Survey respondents in the 2017 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey,voted the driveway third as the outdoor project that delivers the most value to the home. “The driveway has an incredibly large footprint at the front of your home so it is important to get it right in order to make a strong impression and add value to the home,” explains Jason Hodges, landscaping expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador.

Make a great first impression

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. This rings especially true when it comes to your home, its saleability and appeal to potential buyers. “Homeowners should never underestimate the value in street appeal because buyers never do,” says Hodges. “When considering outdoor projects, people always ask, ‘where do I start?’ I think a great place is at the beginning, that is, the front yard. Minor improvements can make a massive difference to the way people view your place. In many homes, the dominant feature out the front is the driveway. It takes up a lot of surface area and serves an important function, but too often it’s overlooked.” “Driveways are also a great place to stand out from the crowd. Today, every second house looks the same, but yours doesn’t have to. With some creativity, you can leave the ‘Joneses’ in your rear view mirror by creating a paved driveway that uses colours, patterns and different paver sizes to build a stunning starting point for your home.”

Go green with permeable paving

More than just a paver, permeable pavements are the visible starting point to a simple, environmentally effective, water saving system beneath the surface. When a permeable pavement system is installed, the series of drainage holes in the pavement surface allow water to filtrate through the surface layers, minimising stormwater run off, downstream flooding and pollution problems, with the added benefit of reducing the need for costly underground retention systems. As driveways are traditionally, large impervious surfaces that water cannot penetrate, driveway oils and pollution tends to run directly from the driveway into stormwater. Permeable driveways can change that! “Permeable paving is an essential choice if your driveway runs down to your house. In major downpours it allows the water to infiltrate through the pavement surface and be redistributed to the water table underground, versus the alternative which could see the water rushing down the slope of the driveway, filling the drain too quickly and flooding your garage, there’s also environmental advantages for other driveway projects” explains Hodges. Expert Tip: Some councils will credit permeable pavements as a percentage of the soft landscape area on your parcel of land.

Simple Maintenance

The great benefits of using pavers is the low maintenance involved as pavers expand and contract within the seasons and are less likely to crack like some other pavement types. Regular preventative maintenance includes sealing sweeping, paving gap sand filling, water blasting and general upkeep, which will help to extend the lifespan of your driveway. If your driveway does start to show some lineal cracking, you can easily repair it inexpensively by simply lifting and replacing the damaged pavers when laid on a flexible base.

For more information, visit www.adbrimasonry.com.au

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Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT

5 budget winter landscaping tips to prepare for a spring sale

Spring is usually the busiest season for real estate sales in Australia, with the property market traditionally seeing an upswing in housing stock, auction clearance rates and selling prices. And if you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s worth recognising that you can potentially add thousands of dollars to your sale value by enhancing the outdoor aesthetic of your property.

That said, you’ll want to avoid spending loads of money on improving a property you’re soon going to pass to someone else. So how can you make improvements to outdoor spaces but that’ll bolster your selling price, but that won’t cost you an arm and a leg?

Below, Matt Leacy from Landart Landscapes shares his top 5 cost-efficient tips for getting your outdoor areas primed and ready for a maximum sale price this spring.

5 budget winter landscaping tips to prepare for a spring saleImage source: Landart Landscapes

 

5 budget winter landscaping tips to prepare for a spring sale

1. Be strategic – “Starting in winter is optimal if you want to maximise your results in spring,” Matt says. “New plantings, in particular,  will need at least some time to mature, and you’ll get a lot more value out them aesthetically if you don’t leave them to the last minute.” Matt adds: “When planning the types of improvements you’re going to make outdoors, it’s worth keeping in mind the key outdoor property features that most prospective buyers will look for – and you can then strategically prioritise your budget, time and resources. “Coming into a new property, most homebuyers are – at a bare minimum – going to want outdoor spaces and gardens that are relatively low-maintenance, well-presented and cost-efficient.”

2. Prioritise curb-side appeal – “If you’ve got limited budget and want to prioritise a few quick and key things, I’d always recommend focusing on the front garden or property entrance as this is where the first big impression on a prospective buyer is going to be made,” says Matt. “It sets the tone for what’s to come and allows you as the vendor to get on the front foot.” “One cost-effective but very impactful way to boost curb-side appeal is to incorporate verge planting into the front garden area,” says Matt. “You’ll need to get council approval first, but it’s often worth the effort because verge-planting almost always enhances the aesthetic of a front garden area, makes the property look larger and it’s much lower-maintenance and pleasing on the eye than grass,” Matt explains. “You might also consider giving your front garden a little boost by introducing some small hedges or adding a potted plant near the front door – one on either side will help to create symmetry and balance,” says Matt. “This will help to inject a little extra greenery into the space, which is especially valuable if you’re selling an apartment or property with limited garden areas.”

3. Light it up – “Many property viewings occur in evenings and afternoons, so it’s important to be able to show off key outdoor areas in their best light,” says Matt. “As such, it’s often worth investing in some basic outdoor lighting if you don’t have it already. This doesn’t have to be too pricey and you don’t have to go overboard and purchase a lot of lights; a few mood and up-lights can be strategically placed to highlight the best facets of you outdoor spaces,” explains Matt.

4. Love the lawn – ”An overgrown or dead lawn screams high-maintenance to a potential buyer, so it’s really worth making sure that all of your lawns are trimmed, tidy and green for viewings,” says Matt. “Lawns should be a focus in winter if you’re planning on a spring sale because they can take significant time to improve, and they can also easily go from good to bad in the cooler months,” he explains. “You’ll need to do more work than usual on aerating the turf zone in winter,” Matt adds. “A motorised aerator can be effective for larger lawns, and a garden fork or a pair of spiked aerator shoes will do the trick for smaller lawns. That said, it’s important to make sure there are no irrigation lines running underneath before spiking the lawn, because you’ll have some real headaches if you end up cutting into them. You’ll also need to fertilise in the last month of winter to get it ready to go for spring,” Matt says.

5. Plant for quick colour – “Before putting a property on the market, you’re going to want to make sure that the gardens look as lush and visually stimulating as possible,” Matt says. “This often means injecting additional colour into the garden – and there are plenty of quick and inexpensive ways to do this in time for a spring sale. You’re going to want to introduce plantings in winter that will flower in time for spring – the likes of gardenias, jasmine plus some fast-growing plants like dichondra, convolvulus and Euphorbia ‘Diamond frost’,” says Matt.  “Ornamental grasses and Helichrysum also grow very quickly and can easily fill and bring vibrancy to a space. Filling spaces with potted feature plants can also work to lift outdoor areas,” adds Matt. “And you can always remove the plants and take them with you post-sale if you want to make the most of your investment. For a safe and impactful option, you can pretty much always turn to a good-sized, well-placed succulent. These come in a variety of colours, shapes and textures and look great in just about any environment,” Matt explains. “Ultimately, it’s about examining the space and matching it up with a plant that’s going to be most complimentary. If you find the right plant, the space is going to appeal to buyers whatever the case.”

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping Styling

9 ways to create the perfect outdoor space

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to get your outdoor space prepped for entertaining, relaxing and family fun. However, with so many options on the market, from stylish decking and trendy outdoor furniture to lighting, plants and cushions it can be difficult to know what to focus on to get the best results for your budget. Australia’s leading woodcare brand, Cabot’s, has partnered with local design movers and shakers to provide nine top tips on how to transform your outdoor space.

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Award-winning landscape designer, Daniel Tyrrell’s top tips:

1. Create a destination. Aim to create a space that invites people outdoors. You can use seating with outdoor cushions that introduce colour. Or arrange a collection of pots with a mix of your favourite plants, such as herbs, succulents and bulbs, which encourage your interaction. The pots could be linked to other features, for example, by painting a couple to echo an existing colour in the garden.

2. Lighten up. Garden lighting can make a huge difference to the way a garden feels after the sun goes down and will directly affect how you use your outdoor space. Bright light is good for everyday functions like getting that forgotten washing from the line, but it often destroys the mood and creates washed out foregrounds and dark gardens. But not enough lighting is just as bad. Choose good quality well-planned garden lighting to extend the life of your garden and provide another room for entertaining.

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3. Know when to be brave. Show restraint in all things colour, features and furniture. What this means is be brave with your colour palette but commit to a few over many. Features are only that if they are rare, so again be bold and commit to one or two.

Sydney-based interior designer, Karenza Jewell’s top tips:

1. Zone your space. Have areas for larger entertaining, quieter winter sun spots for reading, and shady areas for hot summer days. Use different materials to zone these areas. Decking is also the perfect way to zone spaces, especially with the introduction of stain colour and even floor direction and elevation.

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2. Play with textures and colours. Outdoor spaces are meant for texture, from real stone to rendered paint effects. And you can focus on any area with the simple use of colour or texture. Outdoor fabrics are better than ever, with strong colours and patterns as well as natural soft textures. You don’t need to install colourful plants, especially if you have gone for an easy maintenance garden. Just drop in some colourful fabric finishes on your outdoor seating. On a budget? Use bright sun umbrellas, outdoor rugs and lanterns. Look to colour for timber surfaces too, especially your deck, pergolas and screens. No longer does wood decking have to be a typical wood colour! Play with the stone finishes and timber colours now available. You can easily complement or contrast the architectural colours of your home or natural colours in your landscape.

3. Go sculptural with furniture. We are seeing outdoor furniture that is far more exciting than internal – from daybeds that are like islands to sculpted wire chairs to pebble knitted loungers. Clever uses of materials mean unusual materials are seen outdoors, not just in! You can add a superb sculptural piece of furniture and your garden becomes a gallery.

Renovator and blogger, Michelle Johnston’s top tips: 

1. Embrace the power of paint. You should never underestimate the power of paint, you can use paint to revamp your home’s exterior brickwork or render, or paint the front door with a statement colour. Renters can get creative by painting old furniture or pots for plants to inject some colour in the garden. The bolder, the brighter, the better!pqGcCE-2eEH8-lC6LuNs9d7ABdSrZViDvVhm-4P3BwA,-yhwHp4aUQTohqcNFOeV6wSRGA54hx-FzocZJu6BIts,amwrZqJ5JToqNL0xfaw-SX__VLNYz46qJuHYCORLw582. Add greenery. Plants in feature pots or a vertical garden will add life to the space. If you’re on a budget, ask friends and family for cuttings and grow your own plants. Succulents are one of the easiest plants to propagate, they thrive in pots and come in many varieties, colours and sizes – just avoid the prickly ones as they can be difficult to work with!

3. Create layer upon layer. Bringing the indoors out is about making your outdoor space feel inviting and comfortable. One easy way to achieve this is to add texture in layers. Soft furnishings, like outdoor rugs and cushions, are a great way to make your space comfortable.

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Design DIY Outdoor & Exteriors RENO ADDICT Shopping

6 DIY projects to spruce up your outdoor space

Before the wet weather and cold front arrives, revamp your outdoor area and ensure it’s well protected for the upcoming season. These simple DIY projects for the backyard and home entrance will be sure to give your home the spruce up it so desperately needs.

Timber screening for extra privacy

Boral Timber_McMasters Beach_DSC1514

Create private spaces, add shade and disguise unsightly walls with timber screening. Install Boral Timber Australian hardwood decking vertically for a smart, simple and relatively quick makeover. Leave a gap between boards to allow sunlight and breezes to filter through, maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

Old treasures, new look

metal bench_resized

Give outdoor metal fixtures and furniture a fresh new look with Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint. Whether it’s a rusting gate or neglected outdoor setting, this easy to use paint provides a strong coating for long-lasting protection with it’s anti-corrosive formulation. It is a ‘one tin’ solution, performing as a primer, undercoat and top coat all in one – saving time and money. Available in a range of colours and in a smooth or hammered finish.

Protect and rejuvenate

Outdoor pool area_resized

Ensure the timber deck and outdoor furniture are well prepped and protected for winter with Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro finish. This quick-drying water based exterior timber finish provides good durability and flexibility. It’s microporous formula allows the timber to breathe while repelling unwanted moisture making it UV and weather resistant. Available in five stains, the transparent finish accentuates the natural character and colour of the timber.

Outdoor loungingScreen Shot 2015-06-04 at 10.12.24 amThe King Living outdoor collections offer durable and flexible solutions for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. Constructed using marine grade materials, these designs offer superior corrosion resistance and can withstand temperature fluctuations, salt water, wind and rain. Waterproof cushion covers, vents in seating and meshed, in-built storage areas also help to release water from rain to prevent mildew. King Living offers a range of outdoor furniture that delivers uncompromising style, comfort and outdoor practicality.

Backyard sanctuary

SlimWall Designer Fence (1)

Slimwall is a contemporary architectural fencing solution for modern outdoor environments. Featuring proven acoustic benefits, Slimwall will block urban noise four times more effectively than common fencing products, bringing a sense of quiet tranquillity to the backyard. The panels are quick and easy to install making a new fence the perfect weekend DIY project.

Create an entrance with impact

Boral Cultured Stone_Brigalow St case study 5

A home’s entrance area can make all the difference in creating a welcoming and memorable first impression. Add depth and texture with Boral Cultured Stone cladding. Engineered to look like traditional stone, it is cost-effective, easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing homes.

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Expert Tips Furniture Outdoor & Exteriors Styling

Winter styling tips for creating a cosy outdoor space

Making use of outdoor spaces in the cooler months doesn’t need to be a challenge with these simple tips from Tait.

1. Material comfort

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Photo credit: Derek Swalwell Photography

Throw a cushion or two on outdoor seats to extend the use of outdoor spaces and furniture during cooler months. Tait offers custom-made cushions for many of their benches such as Linear, Flint and Slot. Apply texture for visual interest and an extra buffer from the chill.

2. Layer up

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Sling a throw or two across your furniture for an uber stylish autumn/winter space. These Waverley Wool Herringbone blankets have been procured by Tait from Australia’s last remaining woolen mill, the Waverley Mills in Tasmania (established in 1874). Soft and light, yet very warm, the throws are crafted from fine 18-micron Merino wool that’s spun and woven on site.

3. Take shelter

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The prize for the ultimate outdoor kitchen has to be Tilt. You can cook on Tilt’s integrated Electrolux BBQ without rain, hail or snow spoiling the party — thanks to the showstopping 2.2m high verandah canopy. This fabbo fold-up, do-it-all unit even includes cabinets for stowing cooking and eating utensils. And for an innovative solution to help thwart cold winds — try creating a mini wall with stackable Garden Tower elements packed with dense potted shrubbery.

4. Warm as toast

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Bring on Thor Fire Pit (800mm diameter), Tait’s modern take on the traditional campfire, to infuse a touch of traditional romance and warmth into outdoor spaces. Elegant yet delightfully simple, just pop in the wood, light it up, and sit back with a hot chocolate.

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.