Outdoor Rooms

Words John Storch Shaun Wright, senior designer of A Total Concept Landscape Architects, was commissioned to design the extensive external areas of this property on Sydney’s lower north shore, incorporating an outstanding poolside cabana that the hom

Words April Ossington Of course, the great Australian dream is to own your very own piece of land and build a home that satisfies all of your earthly desires. But this large family has gone one better. They wanted to live the holiday life every day.

Words Alice Griff in | Photos Katherine O’Malley When the director of Stilus Design and Construction, Glen Fludder, landed the job of constructing an outdoor space in Queensland’s picturesque hinterland region, he knew he had quite the task on his ha

Words Karen Booth It’s undeniable: the flicker of flames is entrancing. Whether it’s the silent dance of a gas-fuelled fireplace or the crackle and pop of a wood-burning firepit, the effect is as mesmerising as it is relaxing. But warming outdoor spa

Words Chris Fitzmaurice The swimming season may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up the “Do not disturb” sign on the pool until next summer. In fact, cool season neglect is one of the biggest mistakes pool owners make when it comes to m

Words Carrol Baker Water features can be effervescent or tranquil, bold or understated, form part of the outdoor landscape or be a stand-alone feature. Water evokes soothing sights and sounds; its universal appeal is that it charms the senses. Visual

Words Danielle Townsend | Photos Joel Barbitta, D-MAX Photography Originally offering challenging levels, this outdoor living area in northern Perth now encompasses both familyfriendly areas and spaces in which adults can relax. Unique features such

Words John Storch When embarking on your outdoor room design, consider the overall property and all necessary uses of the area. Take into account your lifestyle, such as whether you entertain in large or small numbers, and how often, as this will ult

Words Karen Booth Photos Patrick Redmond With a keen interest in architecture, the owners of this impressive Melbourne property were fully engaged with the garden design process, right from the beginning. Taking cues from the architecture at the rear

Words Danielle Townsend Owner-builder Daniel Scaffetta, from Viva Developments, and his wife Daniella wanted to downsize their home. They contacted qualified horticulturists Mondo Landscapes to provide them with a detailed planting plan for their new

Words Lyndall Keating It’s a good idea to start your garden design process by asking yourself five key questions. The answers will set you on the right path to the stylish yet practical garden you and your family can enjoy for years to come. 1. WHAT

Located on the rooftop of Beirut’s Four Seasons Hotel, this pop-up lounge bar was designed to be dismantled in five months. The approach of Rabih Geha Architects was to inject a second skin into the site, which would envelop the lounge area independe

If a product can withstand the daily wear and tear of a commercial environment such as a surf life saving club, you know it will stand the test of time in your own outdoor room. Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1933. Its ma

This compact outdoor entertaining space is infused with warmth and comfort through the clever use of natural materials. Designers at Bayon Gardens have created a beautiful contemporary sitting area around the toasty ethanol fire, as well as an outdoo

Words Danielle Townsend Terminology of mood lighting varies considerably, but John uses the following terms: • Spot mood lighting: used to illuminate a specific feature or area such as a statue, fountain or accent plant. Often achieved with uplights

Words Phillip Withers | Photos Vivian Scarpari More than 10 years ago, Andy and Victoria moved into their home in Abbotsford, Melbourne. It was a journey of blood, sweat and tears as they renovated the interior and slowly worked their way outdoors Th

As the weather gets cooler, it might be tempting to retreat indoors — but you don’t have to. After all the hard work you’ve done to create the ultimate entertaining space, it would be a shame to desert it for a portion of the year. Bring inside comfo

If you’re looking to create an extra room for alfresco entertaining, Zipscreen outdoor blinds are the answer. Zipscreen can transform any undercover alfresco space — be it a pergola, verandah, balcony or deck — allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spac

Rock-filled gabions are quickly becoming a must-have in residential gardens. They’re being used to build retaining and garden walls, and incorporated into myriad design elements, ranging from seating and water features to planters and firepits. Often

At just 46cm high, the Mini T heater is perfect for intimate gardens and alfresco dining settings. Its natural flame sheds an ambient light that casts a luminous glow over its surroundings and spreads warmth to create a more comfortable outdoor exper