But don’t take our word for it! Tour five gorgeous homes, with strong indoor outdoor connectivity, to see how it’s done. Read on for inspiration, decorating ideas and advice from the professionals. Then you can plan and design your own seamless indoor and outdoor zones.

Discover 5 ways to connect indoor outdoor zones

Reach new heights

Opening indoor outdoor cooking zones

A harmonious balance between these interconnected kitchen and dining spaces was created structurally and through the use of complementary materials. “We achieved a ceiling height of 3.6m. We ran our joinery to the ceiling to make the space feel expansive. I was able to create indoor outdoor flow by having one single cavity sliding door that opens up and tucks away into a pocket in the wall,” says Becky Smout, co-owner and design director of Smout Property. “Opening the kitchen to the living and outdoor space gives the illusion of a bigger floor plate.” Polished concrete floors, brass fittings from Parisi, Fantasy Ash feature marble from Franca Design and Oak Laminate by Laminex give the space an earthy yet high-end feel.

Lean in to open plan design

Creating easy flow

The open-plan layout of this spacious Sydney home spills onto an alfresco kitchen and dining area. It was designed and built by Stritt Design & Construction. Blue and white accents and touches of greenery hint at the interior palette of the home. The handmade splashback tiles from Di Lorenzo Tiles and V-Groove on the wall were also used in the main kitchen. Designer (and homeowner) Janette believes aspect, layout and functionality are a major consideration in design. “An open-plan kitchen/living/dining area with an easy transition to the outdoors is key for everyday living,” she says. Being their own client gave Janette and her husband Alex the opportunity to create a sanctuary. It blurs the lines between indoor outdoor zones.

“Custom decorative windows, transoms, French doors and large-scale timber sliding doors are some of our favourite key components”

Janette, Stritt Design & Construction

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Put function first

Connecting indoor outdoor colour schemes

CG Design Studio have made sure this family home functions well for day-to-day living. It is also adaptable for entertaining. “Key considerations were of course the functionality of the kitchen. It has a large island for gathering and to the side a butler’s pantry that leads to a mud room/drop zone, keeping everyone organised,” says Christopher of CG Design Studio. “The dining area sits beside the kitchen and has expansive corner timber doors that slide back to reveal the outdoor area, tree gully and pool. This large opening was one of the key considerations of this design as it allows a seamless connection to the outdoor living area, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.” This blurring of the indoor outdoor zones is harmonious as well as inviting.

“The kitchen is often the room we spend the most time in and where we connect with our family, so having this space also connect with the outdoor landscape is important and grounding”

Christopher, CG Design Studio

Create a cohesive colour palette

Continuing materiality

The kitchen, dining and outdoor zones in this property are light, bright and unobstructed. This was by design, as entertaining and kids enjoying pool time are a big part of family life in this Queensland home. A fresh colour palette of white and blue is achieved with cabinetry painted in Dulux Lexicon Quarter, ‘Vintage’ splashback tiles in Oslo from Classic Ceramics, as well as blue striped blinds, which complement the tones of the pool outside.

The large island, topped with Stoneville Calacatta Venezia, is flanked with white ‘Chippendale’ counter stools from Abide Interiors. It is the perfect spot for guests to perch and also enjoy looking out to the alfresco dining zone, which is linked via wide stacking doors.

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Make use of the same shapes and tones

Creating motifs

Coastal elegance is also celebrated in this duplex renovation by property developers Kyal & Kara in their Bay Builds project. The neutral tones of the Cosentino ‘Vancouver’ quartzite used for the kitchen benchtops and rangehood are a great match for the paving used in the adjoining outdoor area. And when it came to furniture, the curves and arches in the kitchen and living space are mirrored with the round Globe West outdoor table and also the pool by Backyard Retreats. Adding texture in both spaces are ‘Olivia’ stools in the kitchen and ‘Granada Scoop’ chairs, all from Globe West. This design is a masterclass in using complementary tones and textures to create cohesion as well as visual interest.

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The post Indoor outdoor flow: 5 ways to connect your entertaining areas appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Simplicity and functionality are two key elements for an affordable outdoor kitchen. Add as much or as little as you require.”

John Harrison, Kaboodle Kitchen

How to design an outdoor kitchen

The first port of call, according to Nicolas Ryan, director of Rise Architectural Builders, is determining how you are going to use the space. He suggests, “If it is just barbecuing, I think you only need a sink with cold water and maybe a general purpose outlet, plus lighting to ensure you’re not overcooking,” which will help with budgeting, too. For Alicia, a larger entertaining space was the ticket. This included a bar fridge and barbecue, both from Bunnings, a sink and plentiful storage in the form of Kaboodle base cabinetry and doors.

If you want to install a sink, Nicolas suggests “getting a sewer diagram from Sydney Water (or equivalent) and then speaking to your local plumber to gauge on costs to run new services.” If plumbing is nearby, connecting to a water source will be inexpensive but if excavation is required, costs will rise.

Builder’s tip:

The best materials for outdoor kitchen cabinets

Ensuring that each material is suitable for outdoor use and durable enough to withstand all weather is extremely important. “It is not strictly recommended or warranted to use Kaboodle products in an outdoor kitchen,” warns John Harrison, marketing manager at Kaboodle Kitchen.

“However, if you choose to use Kaboodle products in an outdoor kitchen, ensure that it is placed in a covered area, free from exposure to the elements such as wind, rain and prolonged direct sunlight.” That’s what Alicia did, using products easily available at Bunnings. “All doors and cabinets are painted in an external primer paint, with Porter’s Paints Timberline on top and sprayed with a clear varnish,” she explains. “I added external wall cladding to both ends of the cabinet and I moved the cabinets off the back wall to allow air flow for moisture build up.”

Outdoor kitchen storage

“Compared to an indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen would typically be smaller, requiring less storage and working space,” says John. This allows for greater design flexibility. “In most cases, a straight line run of base cabinetry that incorporates a fridge, sink and heat source will be more than adequate,” he adds. “If there is a window, overhead cabinetry will not be suitable but there may be an opportunity to incorporate a pantry at the end of a cabinetry run.” Alicia opted for this single wall style layout.

On the wall, she placed Ikea rods to hang cooking utensils from and inserted wireware from Kaboodle Kitchen inside the cabinetry to help organise storage of outdoor tableware and cooking supplies. The benchtop and splashback are made from Bunnings tiles, illuminated by a Barn Light ‘Universal Gooseneck’ wall light for cottage-style charm.

To suit a $10K budget, Nicolas recommends prioritising “a good barbecue, storage, some lighting and shelter.” Hot water and gas can be costly so Nicolas suggests running your barbecue on a gas bottle.

Builder’s tip:

The post Farmhouse charm: A clever outdoor kitchen renovation for under $10k! appeared first on Home Beautiful.

What’s so special about the Gozney Arc?

A lot of research has gone into creating the Gozney Arc, and we think they’ve nailed it. Gozney has thought of everything needed for an enjoyable experience of making outstanding pizza at home, from the compact design, efficiency of the gas burner and ergonomics of the tools (the pizza cutter alone is a triumph of object design). Invest in the accessories from the get-go and it all starts to make sense. If you love pizza, this will be both a lifestyle win and an economic saviour for your household. If you cook four pizzas at home with the Gozney Arc every week, you’ll pay off the cost of your pizza oven in just six months!

Gozney Arc materials and size

• Commercial-grade construction
• Gas-fuled propane creates rolling flame with consistent heat to 500ºC
• Stone base cooks crisp, crunchy pizzas in less than 2 minutes
• 2-layer insulation
• In-built digital thermometer
• Easy-to-use controls
• Booster or wheeled stand with winged platforms and covers all sold seperately
• Internal size allows up to 14″ (35cm) pizza
• External dimensions: W480 x D564 x H342mm
• Internal dimensions: W377 x D462 x H173mm
• Weight: 21.5kg

How to use Gozney Arc

We can’t recommend highly enough the Gozney online resources for training, tips, recipes and technique guidance. Watch all of the videos and the rest is just practice to make perfect pizza. The hardest thing is getting your pizza-forming skills up to scratch – the pizza oven does the rest of the work for you.

Don’t overload the topping! This is a rookie mistake that your kids can make on a store-bought pizza base, but if you’re making your own dough (and why wouldn’t you?), an overloaded pizza base will collapse under the weight of heavy toppings. It’s no fun scraping a soggy mess off the stone floor of your pizza oven.

Hot tip:

Once your base is formed and topped, press the two peels into action – a broad, flat placement peel, then the smaller turning peel to keep it constantly moving in a circular motion. In no time you’ll have the quintessential stance of a pizza chef – feeding a pie into the mouth of a flame-hot oven. The more times you do it, the better you’ll become and the more fun you’ll have!

Experiment with different pizza recipes and getting your temperature right so that you cook the base without burning it and the top is cooked properly. We found that if the base is fine but the toppings need a little extra cooking, using the turning peel to lift the pizza high in the oven and finish it off worked a treat.

8 top tips for perfecting your homemade pizza

1. Make a double batch of dough and freeze half for next time, so you just have to defrost and go again.
2. Mise en plus: have all your topping prepped and lined up in bowls ready to go – particularly if you’re feeding a number of people.
3. Don’t overload your pizza toppings.
4. Use semolina on your benchtop when stretching and forming your pizza base to avoid sticking and aid the placement from benchtop to peel.
5. Keep your pizza moving – turn after just 30 seconds to avoid burnt sections and don’t stop until it’s all cooked.
6. Keep lifting the base to achieve “leopard spotting” and avoid burning.
7. Don’t walk away! It takes only 2 minutes to cook a pizza, so it needs your constant attention.
8. Test as you go – the pizza chef always eats last!

Where to put a pizza oven in your backyard

Because it has no door, your pizza oven needs to be positioned where it will be protected from wind. A strong gust will blow out the flame and constant wind will make the temperature fluctuate.

Gozney gas fitting doesn’t work?

If your Gozney pizza oven doesn’t fit your gas bottle, check the connection fitting next to the regulator. The latest models have a different thread, but your local Swap’n’Go outlet should have both types and you can simply swap old for new.

What do the experts think about Gozney Arc?

Don’t get fooled into thinking you have to get the largest pizza oven money can buy. You can only cook one pizza at a time, and in the Arc it takes no more than two minutes, so this is all you can handle to keep the pizzas coming hot and heavy. We think the Gozney Arc is the perfect design for a home pizza oven, so unless you’re a professional pizza maker and you want to invest in the Dome, which is larger, more expensive (at $2,999) and allows for wood-fired cooking, we don’t see any reason to even go to the Arc XL. Larger pizzas are more difficult to manage while cooking. The Arc does the job brilliantly.

Overall, is Gozney Arc worth it?

Sì! È meraviglioso! Now, all you have to do is convince Chris Bianco to drop by and give you a few tips #chefstablepizzaedition

Where to buy Gozney pizza oven and accessories

Get the gear. Gozney makes beautiful accessories that you can’t do without. If you’re getting the oven, our advice is to invest in the entire pizza-making experience with the right tools. You’re playing with fire here, so you want a safe, seamless process that’s enjoyable.

• Gozney Arc, $1199.99
• Gozney Balance Placement Peel, $139.99
• Gozney Balance Turning Peel, $149.99
• Gozney Pizza Cutter, $74.99
• Gozney Pizza Rocker, $69.99

The post Review: Gozney Arc pizza oven – my new obsession appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Exposed to the elements, the once dilapidated structure was, until recently, in danger of being washed away with the tide after years of neglect. Now, it’s renovated and fully equipped to host any number of guests at a moment’s notice.

The boathouse

Part of a site-wide renovation, the boathouse and lower garden section came to the owner’s attention once work was well underway on the main home. “The entire project took around two years from first meeting to completion,” says interior designer Jodie Carter. “As we started to make progress in the main house, the owners were ready to make a start on the boathouse design.”

While the main home has an elevated coastal feel, the owners wanted the boathouse interiors to have a sense of fun, with a blue and white colour scheme matching the holiday-like purpose of the building. “Both the boathouse and outdoor dining/kitchen areas are an entertaining space for the family,” explains Jodie. “Whether it’s the kids hanging out with their friends or a party after a day on the water, they wanted somewhere comfortable to have a few drinks and cook a pizza while watching the sun go down.”

To get the ball rolling, Jodie enlisted the help of head contractor and builder Hamish Roughley, who quickly realised the well-loved and much-used boatshed was further gone than anyone realised. “When I initially looked at the boatshed, it seemed in okay condition, but as we dug deeper, we discovered extensive issues,” says Hamish. “In reality, it was not far off from being blown over.” What started as a makeover became an attempt to save the structure from washing away.

Prone to flooding at high tide, the boatshed’s walls and door frames were almost non-existent thanks to rot from water exposure, while the adjoining yard was suffering under the perennial shade of two stately figs. “It was all quite a challenge on the waterfront,” says Hamish. “Working with the tides and the logistics of barge work to get materials to and from the job certainly added another level of complexity.” Construction work included restoring the boatshed by lifting it to pour concrete support piers, rebuilding the crumbling sea wall and jetty, and repairing the existing entertaining areas.

While the building team was hard at work on the boatshed, the landscapers were busy creating a modern, low-maintenance garden utilising the existing mature plantings and structural retaining walls. Landscape designer Amanda Elboz chose a plant palette including succulents and sculptural species to add shape and texture.

“The tonal colours of the plants are serene, with a pop of colour from the Strelitzia reginae when it flowers in late winter and spring,” she says. Crassula ovata ‘Bluebird’ and Mexican lily provide a blue-grey backdrop, while the feature plant, Nolina nelsonii, was chosen for its architectural lines and extreme drought tolerance. Korean Buxus, Pittosporum ‘Golf Ball’ and Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’ are clumped in groups to create low-maintenance volume.

“The space has been created to celebrate the figs.”

Amanda, landscape designer

Although it was a challenging project with difficult access and a steep site, Amanda says it was an opportunity not to be missed. “What I love most is how the garden is framed by the overhead Moreton Bay Figs. They bring a sense of scale and wonder,” she says. The result is a place of peace and tranquillity that is perfectly in sync with the surrounding natural environment.

Landscape design: Space Landscape Designs, spacedesigns.com.au.
Interior design: Jodie Carter Design, jodiecarterdesign.com.au.
Builder: HR Constructions, hrconstructions.com.au.

SOURCE BOOK

The post Saved from the tide, this renovated boathouse is a backyard beauty appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The addition of an outdoor kitchen means you’ll likely spend more time outdoors with loved ones, which can only be good for you!

If you’re wondering if it’s worth the effort if you’re going to move one day anyway, the answer is yes. Outdoor kitchens are known to increase the value of a property and give you a worthwhile return on investment if you ever decide to sell.

Before you get started with your planning, we answer a few key questions about outdoor kitchens.

How much does a full outdoor kitchen cost?

The price range for outdoor kitchens is wide, depending on how you approach it. The Bunnings outdoor kitchen is on the more affordable end of the spectrum, especially if you’re handy enough to install it yourself.

Otherwise, an experienced landscaper would be able to create an outdoor kitchen for you, including building outdoor kitchen cabinets and installing a barbecue, sink and fridge with the help of an electrician and other trades.

Keep in mind that a roof or pergola can increase costs, at up to $20k+, depending on the materials used. The same goes for a deck, which can be a surprisingly significant cost. It might be helpful to ask for a breakdown in the quote and keep in mind that certain aspects may require council approval which can add time and fees, too.

How to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

There are definitely lower-budget options when it comes to an outdoor kitchen. You can buy outdoor barbecue kitchens for under $600, not including joinery. Try the AlfrescoPlus range from Bunnings if you fancy having a go at outdoor cabinetry yourself. The more minimal you go, the more affordable it will be – you might want to just install a simple bench and barbecue on a deck alongside a dining table.

Decide on your budget first, then look at what materials you’re interested in using and whether they’ll fit in with it. For example, the popular choice of a poured concrete benchtop might be on your wish list but not necessarily in your price range. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of a licensed plumber and electrician.

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

Depending on what you’d like to include in your outdoor kitchen, you may need council approval. If there are retaining walls above a certain height or you’re including built structures like a roof or a deck of a certain size, this would need to get the tick of approval before building commences.

Check with your local council to find out what can be done without approval and what would need to be submitted via landscape architect plans. For the latter, you may need to undergo a series of tests (at your own expense) to confirm things like whether you’re in a bushfire prone zone and therefore would need to use non-combustible materials to be compliant.

Keep in mind that if you go through the process of getting council approval, you will need to comply to the proposed plan and any specifications they make, such as particular trees not being removed if requested or driveway position requirements. The occupation certificate will only be issued if these requirements are met.

In short, it’s a lengthier and more costly process and easier if you (or your landscape architect) are able to develop a design that doesn’t require council approval. This often can’t be avoided though, and will be a smoother process if you go in informed.

These outdoor kitchen ideas will help you get started.

1. Choosing a barbecue

A barbecue is the obvious choice for an outdoor kitchen, but there are many different types. A built-in barbecue offers a seamless look as it’s integrated into the joinery. A barbecue with a hood helps keep heat inside and cook food through while grilling.

Some barbecues have a rotisserie, which allows you to cook large pieces of meat for a crowd. Think about the number of people you’ll be cooking for, what your go-to entertaining meals are and how often you’ll use it to help you make the best decision.

If the space is enclosed without much ventilation you may need a rangehood. “An electric barbecue requires minimal ventilation, while a charcoal or solid fuel unit will need vented extraction,” explains Russell Crosdale from Winning Appliances.

2. Should you get a pizza oven?

A pizza oven is great for entertaining, thanks to the showmanship of prepping pizza dough, getting the wood-fired oven roaring and watching the bubbles form as the cheese melts. While there are many electric pizza ovens designed for indoor use, they’re not suitable for outdoors. Generally, you want to go for a gas option for outdoor use, like one of these Ooni pizza ovens.

Alternatively, you could invest in a wood-fired pizza oven. These can be built from scratch by someone with expertise in the craft or bought and installed in your outdoor kitchen. Talk to your landscaper about what would best suit your space and the expertise available.

3. Have you thought of these?

Kitchen servery window: It’s helpful to have your outdoor kitchen situated near your indoor kitchen so it’s easier to transport items in and out easily. A kitchen servery window makes this even easier. This one has bi-fold windows that can be slid across to close them when not in use and opened up to invite conversation or to pass plates, condiments, salads and utensils through.

Lighting: When planning lighting for your outdoor kitchen, be sure to combine both task and ambient lighting. The functional task lights might include downlights that point at the barbecue so you can see what you’re doing, as well as lights along a path to get to the outdoor kitchen safely at night. Ambient lights help for when you want to enjoy the outdoor area at night without turning on a glaring bright light above. Softer lighting choices are beneficial for these instances.

Fan: Sitting outside on a dry, hot day is much more pleasant with a fan’s light breeze to cool you down. It’s an inclusion that’s surprisingly often overlooked but makes a big difference.

4. The benefits of privacy screens

Most of us want privacy in our backyards and decorative screens are a great way to achieve this. They’re also a good way to create zones or outdoor rooms for a more intimate feeling without building solid walls.

A popular place for a screen is behind the barbecue in an outdoor kitchen. Simple coloured slats create a sleek look that finishes the space and provides an added layer of privacy.

5. Can you use a regular fridge outside?

It’s so convenient to have a fridge in your outdoor space. You can stock it full of beverages for when people come over, reducing the need to have an Esky filled with ice. It’s not a good idea to use a regular fridge outdoors due to exposure to the elements. Look for fridges designed specifically for outdoor use as they will be more weatherproof.

The post Everything you need to know when planning an outdoor kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Planning your outdoor area

The first step to success in any renovation is careful planning, and the outdoor entertaining area is no exception. “In terms of budget, planning and execution, the outdoor living space should have the same time and considerations applied to it as the indoor,” says Matt Leacy, landscape designer and co-founder of Landart. Size and budget are the obvious starting points, but you’ll also need to determine exactly how you intend to use the space. “For example, do you want it to be an outdoor kitchen and dining, lounging, or you may want all of the above,” says Matt. “These elements are going to dictate the size and layout of the area you are wanting to transform.”

“Consider how the space might complement your lifestyle, how you intend to use it, and the flow both inside and out.”

Anthony Wyer, Wyer & Co

3 things to keep in mind when planning an outdoor area

Connection “You can create the most amazing outdoor space, however, if there’s no natural flow to it, or a strong enough visual connection, then you may have wasted your time and money,” says Matt.

Aspect “Ensure that the proposed location of the living area has a good aspect. Taking into account where the sun is in the middle of winter and summer is really important … also take note of where the prevailing winds come from. If you get this wrong, that might also rule out sitting in your space at certain times of the year,” says Matt.

Garden “The garden can be used to create intimacy, wind breaks, striking visuals, and to provide an overall sense of wellbeing by introducing the scent of flowers and the sounds of birds,” says Matt.

How do I choose the right furniture for my outdoor space?

From designer dining settings to weather-resistant lounge suites, outdoor furniture has come a long way. “Go with whatever will look best and suit the space and design aesthetic you’re going for – for sleek and modern, use powder-coated steel and aluminium. If it is more of a relaxed, coastal vibe, look at natural timbers or something woven,” suggests Matt. Hardwoods such as teak, merbau, treated pink and red gum, are among the most commonly used for their durability, while resin wicker is a more durable choice than natural wicker for woven furniture. “Then look at how exposed the pieces will be to the elements and therefore how durable they will need to be,” he says. For staple items, such as an outdoor sofa and dining table, invest in the best quality you can. “It will generally save in the long run by not having to replace them as quickly – which is also great for reducing landfill,” adds Matt.

“With cushions and fabrics, opt for pieces that are fade- and water-resistant, and made for the Australian climate.”

Matt Leacy, Landart

What are the best materials for outdoor flooring?

Balance practical with prettiness when choosing materials and surfaces for your outdoor space – the aesthetic of the space is important for an alfresco oasis, but it will need to withstand the elements, too. These are the pros and cons of the main material options for outdoor flooring:

Concrete This is a versatile, low-maintenance and durable option perfect for the dinner-party hosts who entertain often and dine outside. It can be expensive to install well, prone to cracking if it’s poorly poured and isn’t the most child-friendly option given slip factor and hardness.

Tiles Available in natural or porcelain, outdoor tiles are stylish and practical and come in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Crazy paving is a very popular option. Tiles are generally low maintenance and easy to clean, and natural options, such as limestone, keep their cool in hot weather. 

Paving Brick paving is a timeless choice and one of the most enduring options, but installation can take longer than other options and weed control will need to become part of the maintenance routine.

Decking Timber decking is a long-time favourite and can be budget friendly with a low-carbon footprint, but it’s high maintenance and requires regular cleaning, resealing and painting. It is also more likely to be damaged by weather. Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibre and plastics, and creates a similar aesthetic with less maintenance and greater durability. It’s often more expensive than traditional timber and can sag and buckle.

What do I need in my outdoor kitchen?

While kitchens of any kind need to be hardy, the outdoor cook zone has a lot to stand up to. Bench space is crucial for food prep and serving, but you’ll need a benchtop that’s up to the task. “Make sure your benchtops and furniture are resistant to damage from rain and humidity. In coastal areas, choose materials resistant to salt and water – and choose materials specifically designed for the Australian outdoors and exposure to the sun,” says Linda Hannah, Caesarstone Asia Pacific general manager of marketing. Engineered quartz, such as the Caesarstone Outdoor Collection, is a highly durable surface. For a natural stone, opt for something non-porous such as granite and bluestone, but be sure to seal it to reduce stains. Stainless steel is a hard-wearing and budget-friendly option, though it can be hard to keep clean (hello, fingerprints), while concrete is another low-maintenance choice.

“The best materials are durable, UV and weather resistant, and stylish.”

Linda Hannah, Caesarstone

What are the best outdoor kitchen appliances?

Alfresco cooking has evolved from a humble barbecue to fully equipped outdoor kitchens with Bluetooth-enabled appliances. “With constant advancements in technology, outdoor spaces have become extremely innovative … we are seeing more people install ‘traditional’ kitchen appliances outdoors, such as dishwashers, fridges, sinks, and taps,” says Russell. “When shopping for appliances for your outdoor space, the most important thing to consider is the product’s materials – materials such as marine-grade stainless-steel appliances can help the longevity of the product, which is especially important for those living by the ocean. However, certain products must not be used outdoors, as they can become damaged, rusted, or weathered.” Most outdoor appliances will still require some shelter and protection, but the space also needs to be well ventilated for cooktops and some heaters. “If your outdoor space is enclosed and lacks ventilation, you may want to consider purchasing an exhaust hood,” says Russell. Don’t forget to consider the energy source of your cooking appliances and whether you’ll require an electrical output or natural gas connection.

Why is lighting so important in an alfresco entertaining area?

“Lighting is everything,” says Matt. “I can’t emphasise that enough. It is one of my favourite parts of a successful outdoor design and it has become that way for many of our clients, too.” A layered lighting plan is essential – for practicality’s sake as well as ambience and atmosphere. A general, overhead light source is the first step, but you’ll want to incorporate task lighting for food prep and cooking areas as well as ambient lighting to help set the mood when the cooking is complete and it’s time to relax. “Ceiling lights and fans can all be installed as part of the final finishing touches of your outdoor space, but the provisions for these have to be installed earlier,” warns Matt. At the planning stage, map out your main ceiling lights, ceiling fans to keep the space cool in summer, and some downlights over the cooking zone. Outdoor floor lamps can be a handy addition for retrospectively introducing ambient lighting, while feature lights in the garden can make a design statement. “Look to illuminate the key features of your landscape. This could be a striking tree, running waterfall, pool area or pathway, sculpture or artwork,” says Matt.

What are some shade ideas for an outdoor area?

Transforming your outdoor space into a seamless extension of your interiors could be as simple as installing awnings and outdoor blinds. “Consider awnings for functional entertaining areas of the garden where it is necessary to limit exposure to the elements,” says Anthony Wyer, founder of Wyer & Co. “They will help to delineate zones and create intimacy, ensuring the outdoor space is appropriate and functional year round.” Not only can an awning offer more shade and UV protection for your outdoor space, it reduces the impact of wind and even blocks the sun from reaching your home for more efficient cooling inside. Options range from an outdoor blind with a sun-blocking fabric with a pulley rope system to automated retractable awnings that can double the amount of shade and shelter you have access to.

The post Alfresco ideas for a space you’ll want to relax and entertain in appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“I can still recall the phone call when Dave said, ‘I think I’ve found our house,'” Jamie recalls. “I wanted something a little different, Dave wanted a big block to landscape, the kids wanted a pool and it ticked all those boxes.” The clincher was its location, two streets from the beach.

In 2011, when the couple and their children Tom, now 16, and Ivy, 13, moved into the partially renovated home, they didn’t rush into any interior changes. Outside was a different story

Dave got stuck into transforming the desolate site, removing 20 tonnes of concrete and five tonnes of landscape rock that he replaced over time with palm trees, perfectly manicured lawns and hedged garden rooms.

The couple decided to repaint the exterior white to offset the greenery, and the result, Dave says, “was a game changer”. Thrilled with the new luxe coastal look, the pair were inspired to turn their attention to the interiors, one room at a time.

“We set ourselves the challenge of renovating the house without taking out a loan and doing as much as we could ourselves,” explains Jamie, a teacher.

“It meant we did it pay cheque to pay cheque and it took years, but I’m really proud Dave and I worked as a team… from choosing tapware to designing the firepit out the back.”

With life revolving around the school calendar (Dave is a school principal), the couple spent holidays and long-service leave painting, building shutters, adding recycled timber features and installing VJ panelling.

The kitchen was also gutted and re-imagined within a budget of just $8000. In a designer masterstroke, a louvred sunroom on the front deck was also converted into a beautiful bathhouse, which captures sea breezes and garden views.

“Dave was the creative genius,” Jamie enthuses. “He had the vision for all the major changes and was so diligent with details. He painted our bedroom five times until we were happy we’d found just the right shade of white.”

With a considered yet casual feel, every element in the house is true to the couple’s organic style, inspired by holidays to Byron Bay.

From the earthy-toned linen bedding and cushions, to the tactile timber furniture, and individual feature pendants in each room – it all paints a seamless and relaxed picture.

The feel-good effect isn’t lost on the family, who enjoy the simple pleasure of chilling at home and pottering about in the garden.

“Every day I say, ‘I love living here’,” Jamie reflects. “When we come home from work, we instantly feel relaxed and forget about our day.”

“We always knew we wanted to create something special and different.” ~ Jamie

“I’m really proud Dave and I worked as a team.” ~ Jamie

“Everyone comments on the gardens and bathhouse. When people stay they say the house has a ‘holiday feel’.”

The post A wash of white paint brought new life to this Hervey Bay oasis appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Although building wasn’t something they’d considered, when the couple chanced upon a tiny 1930s bungalow on a huge block in the area, they realised it was the perfect opportunity to knock down to create their dream home. For Matt, an experienced custom home and luxury pool builder, it was also a chance to build something for his own family.

“We’d renovated in the past, however, Matt had never built a new home for us, so we really embraced the freedom to start from scratch and come up with a place we absolutely loved,” says Justine.

The pair rented the bungalow for a year, allowing them time to perfect plans and design a striking two-level, open-plan home with flowing outdoor areas geared around the pool and entertaining.

“Matt spent a lot of time observing how the sun moved across the block, and the north- easterly aspect informed where rooms and windows were placed,” explains Justine.

Two years since the house was finished, sun-drenched spaces are enjoyed daily, with doors and windows flung wide open.”With four kids, we wanted everyone to have plenty of space, so they’ve all got their own bedroom upstairs, and downstairs, everything happens in and around the kitchen and pool,”says Justine.

While Matt’s craftmanship is reflected in the build, Justine’s sophisticated yet family-friendly styling shines throughout the interior, where black French oak herringbone floors, Carrara marble kitchen and bathroom surfaces, handcrafted tiles and chic furniture epitomise effortless elegance.

Interior selections were carefully considered and layered over time.”For the first 12 months after we moved in, the front living area was completely bare so I could get a feel for the space and see how it would be used,” says Justine, who relished turning it into a luxe’ Hamptons meets Hollywood’ retreat.

Picking up several Master Builders awards, the couple appreciate the industry recognition, yet Justine reflects the ultimate reward is enjoying what they’ve created together.

“To build our forever house here is a wonderful feeling,”she says.”Even on holidays we don’t often feel the need to getaway, it’s just so lovely being here.”

“We wanted our bedroom to feel distinct from the rest of the house and I love the dark moodier feel.” ~ Justine

“The first thing I do every morning is open the house up, so there’s that connection to the outdoors” ~ Justine

“Matt loves plants and has spent a lot of time adding greenery, which has really brought the house to life and made it more homely.” ~ Justine

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Passers-by are also captivated by the home on Queensland’s Gold Coast. “About half a dozen people have knocked on the door to ask what colour the house is painted,” shares Mieke, of the warm grey Dulux Paving Stone exterior, teamed with elegant crisp white trims, stonework and Taubmans’ All Black double doors.

Inside, the selection of finishes and features are just as refined, with soaring ceilings, regal arches, sumptuous furnishings and lively pops of blue throughout. “I’ve always had an obsession with Hamptons architecture and interiors, so they’re details I’d dreamt about for years, but didn’t have the courage to pull off until this house,” she explains.

Together with husband Brett and children Georgia and Diesel, Mieke had built twice before, but modern, minimalist homes had never felt like the right fit for her family. So, six years ago when they came across a large block with a great aspect and sweeping waterfront views, Mieke took a different approach and the third time has well and truly been a charm.

For the three years the family lived in the existing house on their block, Mieke planned and visualised every element of her Hamptons dream home. “I had a lot of Pinterest boards on the go,” she says with a laugh.

At the top of her wish list was handcrafted timber detailing, stunning wallpapers and a luxurious ensuite with a bathtub below a huge arch window, inspired by one of her favourite pins. Having sold their previous house fully furnished, Mieke embraced the opportunity to start from scratch and enlisted the help of friend and interior designer Keraney Siganto to source key pieces.

The effect is inviting and richly layered, with stunning tiles and fabrics in shades of blue providing a dreamy backdrop for statement lighting and eye-catching decor.

Now that they’re settled in, Mieke is free to take stock of the exquisite family abode she coaxed out of her imagination and into life. “It was a labour of love for Brett and I to build our forever home, and it really does feel like home,”she reflects.”The beauty and grandness is never lost on me, I appreciate it all.”

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