Words Carrol Baker

Outdoor elegance

Create a soothing and inviting outdoor escape at home with beautiful furniture, shade solutions and green spaces to love. Many modern outdoor kitchens and alfresco areas are iconic style makers, with elaborate furniture, cooking islands, pizza ovens, refrigerators, sinks and more.

Some are simply rooms without walls, while others have roofing structures so they can be enjoyed all year round. They’re decorated with contemporary outdoor furniture that’s designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor use.

Stylish outside spaces also have integrated interior-inspired accents such as decorative outdoor rugs, cushions, pillows and cosy throws. Outdoor fireplaces, heaters and firepits offer a place to gather and spend time with friends and family within the comforts of your own backyard.

Make it yours

Bring the outdoors in with pots of colour and leafy textural plants. An indoor courtyard garden that allows light to filter in is a stunning way to achieve this.

We know that connecting with nature enhances wellbeing. Finding opportunities to do this not only creates beautiful spaces indoors and out, it also affords you the opportunity to be playful and innovative and make a space that is uniquely yours.

Having an alfresco or outdoor entertainment spot opens a whole new world of possibilities. But of course, you also want privacy. There are plenty of screening solutions that not only offer this, they also add a beautiful designer element to your outdoor entertainment zone. Screens can add depth and intrigue, highlight focal points and provide more shade.

Blurring the lines

Indoor-outdoor living is a contemporary design philosophy that’s redefining the way we use our spaces at home. Andy Marlow from Envirotecture says there are many ways to enhance the connectivity between different areas. “The simplest of course is having a large door that allows you to walk from inside to out,” he says. If it’s connected to a beautiful view, that’s even better.

“One of our projects, a strawbale house in a field, has fixed windows to the floor. It’s triple-glazed and no noise can get through. It’s airtight and incredibly calm and quiet,
and the views are spectacular.”

To sit indoors and feel as though you are at one with the view beyond is incredibly therapeutic, especially with today’s busy lifestyles. We rarely pause to enjoy nature.

To make the most of the indoor-outdoor connection, glazing really is king. Edith Paarhammer from Paarhammer Windows & Doors says sliding doors, sliding stacker doors, corner sliders or large bifold doors are crowd-pleasers for modern homes, while fully or partly glazed French doors add a distinctly European flair. “A long-term Australian favourite for accessing the verandah, French doors offer a charming look that we can’t get enough of,” says Edith.

Enjoy the design versatility with inside–opening or outside–opening options, as well as doors with a curved arch for a bit of European glamour. “You can open one of the two doors or both at the same time, depending on the weather,” she explains.

Edith adds that for openings, large lift-slide doors or even “giants” are a popular choice. “They blend the indoors with the outdoors and allow easy access to entertaining areas
or the garden.”

No matter what you choose, Edith says comfort is key and it’s important that door seals are able to keep warmth in during winter and let it out in summer. “A drafty door means that unwanted air coming in has to be heated or cooled, so unnecessary energy is required to stay comfortable,” she says.

Larger expanses of glass, particularly those that look over outdoor patios, entertaining spaces, swimming pools or garden views really do harness light and indoor connectivity. Indoor skylights and well-positioned voids offer opportunities to enhance the connection.

Mirror mirror

When designing and building your indoor/outdoor spaces, it’s crucial to build sustainably. Andy says designing and building with an eco-friendly philosophy is incredibly important. “Sustainable building is ultimately about our health and comfort, it’s about indoor air quality and the health of the planet — we really need to look at the bigger picture,” he says.

Look to nature for your inspiration. Select organic materials outdoors that are the same as those inside. Andy says this helps to create a strong visual connection between indoors and out.

“Whether that is timber flooring transitioning to timber decking, or inside tiles transitioning to outside tiles, or concrete flooring inside that flows outdoors — there are many
ways to use materiality to create a sense of connection.”

It doesn’t have to be flooring either. You could have a stone feature wall inside that emulates the textural elements of the stone in your home’s exterior feature walls, for example. Aim for a cohesive colour palette with a select accent colour; similar tone or pops of colour from indoors and out create cohesion.

Built elements such as a bench in the kitchen can also foster a unified connection with a bench outside. When the window is closed, the bench inside is a separate entity to the one outdoors, but when the window is open, it connects. This could work as a servery, breakfast bar, or even a wet bar when entertaining.

Green room

In the balmy climate zones in Australia, outdoor spaces don’t need to be fully enclosed, but in some cooler regions, things need to be done a little differently. Andy says the concept of outdoor spaces, and how they are constructed, really is climate specific.

One of Envirotecture’s projects in chilly Ballarat has an enclosed green room, so the occupants can enjoy outdoor living all year round. “It’s a similar concept to a conservatory, but we call it a green room,” he says. “It’s warmer than outside, but not as warm as inside — it is transitory between the spaces.”

Eco-design in action

When designing a modern home, incorporating elements that serve to connect indoors and out has never been more important. Fiona Dunin from FMD Architects says there are a number of ways to maximise the sense of harmony and flow.

In FMD’s Carcassonne project, the home was quite dark. Adding a rear extension maximised the amount of northern light. “We put living space in the north-eastern corner, created an L-shaped space facing east, the kitchen wrapped around to a north-facing living area, and the pool and outdoor dining areas were off that space,” says Fiona.

Another way to increase the indoor-outdoor connection in living spaces is through extending spaces vertically. “Creating height is also important; with high glazing we could throw light deep into the space,” says Fiona. “It also allows a connection to the sky, which can be cut off at times with busy urban roofscapes. At night you can see the full moon from inside.”

Making the most of your front yard is another clever way to improve connectivity. “Standing in the kitchen of the home, you have a view to the front yard, which is the kids’ playground with trampoline, basketball hoop and vegetable patch. It’s a hard-working front yard.”

Some projects begin with a vivid connection to nature. FMD’s Old Be-al project was one. “It all started with the client wanting to live in a tree house,” says Fiona. The client’s brother owned the house originally and planted a river red gum, which was the inspiration for the home.

“We created a 270-degree effect; from virtually anywhere in the house you can pivot and see the tree outside,” she shares. The gnarled tree also helps to create shade for the home from the west. Its wonky organic branches are replicated in some internal elements, such as the ceiling, entry light and joinery handles shaped like twigs.

Sheer bliss

An outdoor swimming pool or spa is the ultimate in relaxation. The ideal location for a pool is where you can appreciate it from both indoors and out. During the cooler months, it becomes an attractive water feature. In summer it also adds a cooling element to your home.

Spas, hot tubs and swimming pools offer a host of benefits, promoting relaxation and improving your health and wellbeing. There’s also the social aspect. Mike Daish, general manager of Stoked Stainless, says the enjoyment factor points to a great way to have some time out with your partner, friends and family. “We get a lot of feedback from parents who say spending time in the spa pool is the only opportunity they get to really be eye to eye with their teenagers when they’re not on their devices,” he says.

With modern technology, and the right spa, you can also be tuned into technology. “All of our products are Wi-Fi-connected so you can have an app and a smart connection,” says Mike. “The spas and hot tubs are also fully integrated; all you need to do is plug it in and fill it with water and away you go.” One of Stoked Stainless’ most popular tubs in Australia is the 2.2m round spa. “It has eight jets, LED light, and it can heat up to 41 degrees.”

This article was originally published in Grand Designs Australia 14.3.

The post Open To Green appeared first on Completehome.

When pressure drops, you feel it instantly. The sprinkler splutters, the hose slows to a trickle and the water never quite reaches the back of the garden. But with the right system, water flows exactly as it should – steady, strong and reliable.

That’s where Davey’s DynaDrive and EvoDrive pumps come in. They’re the next generation of intelligent pressure systems, designed to deliver constant, dependable water across your garden, outdoor areas and home.

Smart, steady and quiet

DynaDrive and EvoDrive pumps automatically adjust to your water use. Whether you’re filling a watering can, washing down the patio or running multiple sprinklers at once, they maintain even pressure without surges or slowdowns.

The pumps sense when more water is needed and increase output to match, then slow down when demand drops to save energy. That means efficient watering, consistent pressure and quiet operation every time.

Built for Australian gardens

The Davey DynaDrive is ideal for medium to large gardens and homes, delivering intelligent constant pressure from tank, mains or shallow wells and clear water dams. Compact and efficient, it’s perfect for everyday outdoor watering, cleaning and irrigation.

For larger properties, landscaped gardens or multi-outlet irrigation systems, the Davey EvoDrive offers extra power with variable speed control. It’s designed to handle multiple hoses or zones with ease, adapting instantly to changes in demand.

Both systems are engineered for Australian conditions, with rugged materials and smart design to ensure long-lasting performance in heat, rain and everything in between.

Efficient watering made easy

Consistent water pressure isn’t just about convenience, it’s about efficiency. Uneven watering wastes water and leaves parts of your garden dry, while constant pressure ensures every drop reaches where it’s needed most.

When watering feels effortless, you’re more likely to do it right. From established trees to delicate seedlings, your garden thrives under balanced, even water flow. And since both DynaDrive and EvoDrive adjust automatically to demand, they use less energy than traditional fixed-speed pumps, helping you save power while keeping your garden lush.

Confidence that lasts

With more than 90 years of Australian engineering experience, Davey knows what it takes to make water work smarter. Every DynaDrive and EvoDrive pump is backed by local service, ISO-certified manufacturing and a nationwide network of water experts.

Because water should be reliable and efficient when you need it most.

Learn more about Davey’s water solutions here.

The post Pressure perfect: Smarter water for thriving gardens appeared first on Completehome.

It’s important to consider the design of your home and garden holistically. It’s especially important as properties become smaller and owners’ expectations for their external areas grows. If you hire a designer, you can ensure your dreams come true within your budget. So, how to choose your designer?

Finding a designer

Creating a new swimming pool, cabana and landscaped garden is a big investment, so you need to get it right the first time, which in many cases will mean a landscape architectural designer. Most can design a holistic garden but few also have an intricate knowledge of pools and cabanas. Ask to see their portfolios and when shown a beautiful image, ask what they specifically designed.

Also, a few simple questions in the first phone call will quickly show you how knowledgeable they are. For pools, for example, you might ask a question like “What are the typical depths of a family pool?” (answer is 900mm to 1800 mm); for cabanas, “What is the minimum habitable ceiling height?” (answer is 2400mm).

Making a wish list

Read up on the latest technology and design. Once you’ve done a little homework and have considered your needs and wishes, you can decide what it is you want from your outdoor areas. When you convey this to your designer, they should be able to let you know what is feasible given the size of your property and local regulations, and provide a broad range of costs.

It’s often difficult to put ideas into words, especially when you need to agree with a partner. By collecting images that convey what you want, you can give your designer a good sense of what you’re interested in for the gardens, pool and any outdoor structures.

Initial Consultation

During an initial consultation a designer will ask about your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and requirements for your external area. A good designer should listen to your ideas and try to integrate them into a design. If they think your ideas are not suitable, they should also
be confident enough to say so, give reasons why and then give alternative ideas. They shouldn’t simply just dictate their own taste to you.

A landscaper designer can help you by making suggestions as to what would suit your external area and ensure that how you intend to use the space will work. At the end of the consultation, the designer would normally provide you with a fee structure.

When you meet the designer, ask to look at before and after images of projects. These shots are visual proof of ability.

Working out a budget

Decide what you want to spend on your project. Speak with your designer to get a sense of what your project will cost and if you have a realistic budget. It’s best to know up front as you may have to adjust your expectations or stage your project as funds become available. If so, the order in which works are done is crucial and an experienced designer should be able to help you with scheduling so areas don’t need to be reworked or items are forgotten.

The approval process

A contemporary cabana may be as simple as a covered pergola with moveable lounges and a barbecue. At the other end of the spectrum, it can be an elaborate structure incorporating luxurious bathroom and kitchenette facilities with daybeds and a bar. What you build will depend on your lifestyle needs, the available space and, of course, the budget.

John Storch is a landscape architect, swimming pool and cabana designer, and director of Sydney-based practice, A Total Concept. 

This article was originally published in Outdoor Design.

The post Drean weaving appeared first on Completehome.

Words & photos Jo Immig

A working holiday in my early 20s introduced me to the enigmatic world of Japanese gardens. Recently I was fortunate to revisit Kyoto, the garden capital of Japan, where I set out to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s garden aesthetic.

Japanese garden culture is among the oldest in the world, dating back 1500 years. In that time, designs evolved to include aristocratic stroll gardens, tea gardens and enclosed dry-landscape stone gardens associated with Zen Buddhism.

Seasonal nature

Temporal in nature, Japanese stroll and tea gardens embrace the distinct seasons and celebrate fleeting displays of beauty.

Perhaps the most beloved season is spring when hanami, the flower-watching festival, occurs. Celebrated since the 7th century, it draws people out to gaze upon fleeting blossoms, delighting in the sense of renewal they bring after winter.

Similarly, momiji celebrates the picturesque turning of the maples and ginkgo leaves to warm shades of purple, red and gold in the coolness of autumn. It was maple season during my recent visit.

There’s nothing like strolling along a stone path in an ancient garden and finding a perfectly placed maple tree reflecting its autumnal colours into a lake. It’s breathtaking and induces a state of contemplation and reverence.

Finding tranquillity

A key conceptual aspect of Japanese garden design is seijaku, or tranquillity, which speaks to the idea of finding serenity amid the busyness of life, bringing a sense of peace and harmony with nature.

Characteristic elements such as rocks, gravel and stepping stones form the structure of the Japanese garden, while gently moving water represents life force and plants provide colour and link to the seasons.

Each element is deeply entwined with ancient cultural beliefs in Shinto, Japan’s animistic religion, which reveres supernatural deities called kami (“spirit gods”).

Shintoism teaches that the sacred is manifest in nature. Humankind and nature are not considered separate, so there is deep gratitude to the source of nature.

Bridges, for instance, are used to create islands in gardens as it’s believed kami reside there. Handmade sacred rope is often seen tied around a tree or stone, signifying the presence of kami.

Meditation on nature

At first glance to the western eye, a meticulously curated Japanese garden might seem like an exercise in triumph over nature, with its miniaturised cloud-pruned shrubs and trees, tiny mosses and carefully placed rocks and paths. But the intention is quite the opposite.

In essence, the Japanese garden is an homage to nature. It’s a miniaturised view of nature that plays with scale to bring about contemplation.

Rocks represent mountains and ponds can be oceans. The garden may be positioned to seamlessly blend with the “borrowed view” in the distance, giving a sense of connection to the broader landscape.

Geomancy and stones

Of all the elements, stone is revered for its enduring quality. Stones form the key structural element and balance the appearance of the overall garden.

Early garden designs were influenced by the widespread adoption of Chinese culture and practices such as geomancy and feng shui, a divination process used to guide the auspicious placement of objects.

Positioned stones in gardens represent miniaturised mountains, boats or animals such as turtles and are used as focal points for contemplation.

Zen Buddhist gardens

The most profound influence on Japanese gardens was the introduction of various forms of Buddhism, which arrived from China over the 6th century. Zen Buddhism had a particularly significant influence on garden design.

A power shift occurred at this time from the aristocratic court, with its large stroll and tea gardens, to the military elite whose rulers embraced Zen Buddhism.

Traditional Zen gardens, known as karesansui, were attached to temples and used for meditation rather than recreation. The design is a minimalist dry garden with rock, gravel, sand and wood. There are few plants and no water features, but stone lanterns and statuary are included.

Rather than looking out, these gardens are enclosed and one is encouraged to look within. Gravel is raked by monks into symbolic patterns and the act of raking is a meditative process to improve concentration.

Many ancient Zen gardens still exist in Kyoto. One famous example is Saihoji, more commonly known as Kokedera, or Moss Temple. During my last visit I had the pleasure of visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built on the foundations of an ancient temple, Saihoji was restored and made into a Zen temple in 1339 by the monk Muso Soseki. The dry landscape garden at Saihoji is regarded as the pinnacle of this style and strongly influenced subsequent Japanese garden designs.

Soseki believed Buddhism expresses its spirituality through the gardens and the aim of the garden is to meet one’s own Buddha nature there.

The post Zen and now appeared first on Completehome.

Creating an outdoor space to entertain and relax with friends and family is top of most people’s Summer wish list – and putting in a @mrtrampoline trampoline ticks all the boxes. It’s an outdoor activity for the kids to enjoy; an attractive addition to your garden landscape; and an asset that will increase the resale value of the home (for the more hard-headed amongst us).

Hand-made, hand-painted, and fully Australian made, this is a premium product. The frames are made from all-Australian steel, galvanised through a hot-dip process that gives the frame decades of serviceability over its closest rivals.

The springs are made from high-tensile galvanised steel according to Mr Trampoline’s specific design, delivering a longer, smoother bounce and decades of performance. The springs are set to ‘quiver’ at rest, which means there’s no ‘dead’ feel to the bounce. Every component is carefully and exactingly manufactured to be the very best it can be. But it’s the trampoline bed that is the bona fide, ‘piece de resistance’.

No less than six specialists handcraft the bounce bed over a period of four days. A single piece of string makes up the entire bed, double-threaded in an open-weave fashion to increase airflow and give a better bounce. Each bed is coated in ultra-violet-stable rubberised paint which ensures long life and elastic flexibility.

Mr Trampoline trampolines have been the preferred choice in family homes for longer than any others – over 75 years in fact! They come in a range of sizes: Olympic size, family size and teeny-weeny for the littlies, inground, above ground and in-deck. Bespoke models can also be commissioned for tricky sites, delivering premium bounce and ultimate flight for years.

Start those garden plans and see how adding some bounce to your house can be valuable in many ways.

 

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For more information

SERVICEABLE AREAS

Australia-wide

CONTACT

MrTrampoline
P 1300 631 130
E info@mrtrampoline.com.au

The post A Fun Family Investment with Priceless Returns appeared first on Completehome.

Optimising an outdoor living space is one of the very best investments a homeowner can make. To help you maximise the return on your investment, here are two upgrades that are simple to install and will add meaningful value to a deck.

The first is to extend your deck life with protective flashing tape. Today’s high-performance deck boards are warrantied to last for decades, but the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because most substructures are built with timber, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.

When joists and bearers are exposed, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the surface leading to mould growth, rot and rust. Additionally, timber’s natural expansion and contraction can cause joinery to split and weaken over time.

Deck flashing tape is a simple and cost-effective way to protect timber from the damaging effects of weather and time. Designed to shield wood from moisture, it also helps fasteners hold longer for enhanced structural integrity.

Trex®Protect is a self-adhesive butyl tape that works on horizontal and vertical surfaces. The peel-and-stick application is simple, and the tape features a non-skid surface, making it safer to walk across during the deck’s construction.

For added peace of mind, Trex® Protect is the only tape on the market with a 25-year warranty, ensuring the substructure will last as long as the decking it supports.

The other simple recommendation is to optimise the space beneath an elevated deck. Outdoor space and ample storage are among the most sought-after home amenities. In both cases, the area beneath an elevated deck can offer an ideal solution with the addition of an under-deck drainage system. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, a deck drainage system captures and diverts water to protect the substructure from moisture and create dry, usable space under a deck.

But not all drainage systems are created equal. For maximum protection, opt for an above-the-joist system with poly or rubberised membranes that drape over joists to ensure the entire foundation is shielded from water. Once protected, the dry space beneath the deck can be used for storage or as additional living space. You can also add utilities to power lighting, ceiling fans, cooking appliances, entertainment components and more, depending on how you plan to use all that new-found space.

The possibilities are limitless, and the process is simple. Trex® RainEscape®, for instance, is an above-the-joist deck drainage system that can be installed in a few hours using a stapler, utility knife and caulk. This system is also backed by a 25-year warranty and world-leading decking brand.

Both of these upgrades add considerable function and value to a deck project without requiring a lot of additional time or cost.

For more information

TREX

• Website trexprotect.com/au
• Website trexrainescape.com

The post Outdoor upgrade appeared first on Completehome.

A Healthier, Greener Lawn—Effortlessly

Equipped with razor-sharp blades, Husqvarna Automower® delivers a precise cut every time. The tiny grass clippings are naturally returned to your lawn, acting as a natural fertilizer for a lush, healthier yard.

Perfect for Every Garden

From small yards to expansive landscapes up to 7,500m², Automower® is designed to tackle steep slopes, uneven terrain, and narrow spaces with ease. No matter your lawn’s layout, there’s a Husqvarna robotic mower to fit your needs.

Smart, Silent & Eco-Friendly

• Battery-powered & emission-free – Better for the planet and your home.
• Whisper-quiet operation – Mows day or night without disturbing your neighbours.
• GPS-assisted navigation & built-in sensors – Ensuring precision and efficiency.
• Seamless smart home integration – Control with Amazon Alexa or Google Home for ultimate convenience.

Swedish Engineering, Built for You

Designed with cutting-edge technology and true Husqvarna reliability, Automower® robotic mowers give you full control over your lawn with features like customisable work zones, cutting heights, and scheduling. Backed by 30 years of innovation, Husqvarna Automower®, the world leaders in robotic mowing*, continue to redefine convenience in lawn care.

Featured Models:

Husqvarna Automower® Aspire R4

A compact robotic mower for small urban gardens up to 400m², designed for effortless lawn care. Easily navigates tight spaces and operates in all weather conditions.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth & WIFI control via Automower® Connect app
• Systematic passage mowing for narrow areas
• Weatherproof design for reliable performance
• Efficient razor-sharp blades for a clean cut

Husqvarna Automower® 410XE NERA with EdgeCut Technology

Ideal for small to mid-sized lawns up to 1,000m², featuring EdgeCut technology for trimming along borders, minimizing manual work.

Key Features:

• GPS-assisted navigation for smart mowing
• Smart obstacle avoidance for smooth operation
• Wire-free installation with Reference station & EPOS technology
• Automower® Connect app for remote control

Husqvarna Automower® 450X NERA

A premium mower for large, complex lawns up to 5,000m², offering wire-free operation with EPOS technology and AI-assisted navigation.

Key Features:

• Handles slopes up to 50% (27°) incline
• GPS tracking & theft protection
• Ultra-quiet, weather-resistant performance
• Wire-free installation with Reference station & EPOS technology
• Smart obstacle avoidance for smooth operation

Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD

A powerful all-wheel-drive (AWD) robotic mower for challenging landscapes up to 3,500m², capable of handling extreme 70% (35°) slopes with ease.

Key Features:

• Articulated body design for superior maneuverability
• WIFI, 4G-Cellular & Bluetooth connectivity
• GPS-assisted navigation & LED headlights
• Weather-resistant for all conditions
• Automower® Connect app for full control

Explore the full Husqvarna Automower® range

Book a FREE Automower® consult with one of our experts to find the ideal robotic lawn mower for you and your garden. A perfectly cut lawn24/7 – no matter the size, shape or terrain.

For more information

All you need to know about our robotic mower range | Husqvarna AU

Obligation Free Automower® Consultation | Husqvarna AU

The post Make Mow Time, Me Time! appeared first on Completehome.

The furniture you choose for your outdoor living space doesn’t just add style; it makes it comfortable, inviting and a space in which you will want to linger, either with good friends or on your own, enjoying a few moments of precious peace. Quality and durability is important, so, too, superlative design … but the value of expert advice shouldn’t be overlooked.

Cotswold Furniture was founded in 1981 and has been a leader in the furniture industry ever since, servicing Australia with high quality, durable and unique furniture. The products, combined with superior knowledge of the industry and a focus on excellent customer service have made the company what it is today.

Cotswold Furniture has exclusive import arrangements with several highly regarded international brands, including Belgium-based Vincent Sheppard. Here we showcase just some of the brand’s newest releases from four of its most popular and luxurious collections: the Lento, Kodo, Wicked and Lucy.

The luxury of Lento

The Lento collection (“lento” is Italian for slow) was designed for Vincent Sheppard by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly and is all about enjoying la dolce vita while doing things that are important to you. The eye-catching outdoor pieces are characterised by a mix of natural teak, tactile polypropylene rope and comfortable cushions united in low-slung designs. While the overall feel is laidback and relaxed, the prominently featured solid teak legs and high woven-rope backs give the collection a rich and engaging personality.

The anthracite-coloured rope and warm-toned teak of the lounges and chairs match perfectly with the Lento coffee and side tables which feature a light-toned ceramic table top, which creates a spacious feeling while adding structure. So just sink into the comfortable chairs, now available in a new range of fabrics, and disconnect in your own cocoon of cosiness.

Customise with Kodo

Answering the rising demand for customisable furniture, Vincent Sheppard has expanded its popular Kodo collection with a modular range, designed by Belgium’s Studio Segers. “Modular furniture is a great choice for backyards of all shapes and sizes. It’s the ultimate in alfresco versatility,” says Coralie Claeys, CEO of Vincent Sheppard.

Ceramic, industrial aluminium and tactile rope play the lead roles throughout the collection. These materials are weather-resistant and add a contemporary feeling to the furniture while the soft curves and rounded backs help to generate a warm and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to offering the modular flexibility, you can choose your preferred cushion fabric. The outdoor cushions are made of quick-dry foam, enabling you to quickly enjoy your modular furniture again after a rain shower. Touch, feel, and experience the delicate weave and snug cushions, while enjoying a drink indoors or outdoors. The elegant Kodo modular collection offers several possibilities for creating the perfect design lounge corner for modern homes.

The Kodo collection recently expanded to include a dining table and chairs as well as a sunlounger, allowing you to create a cohesive look throughout your outdoor spaces.

Delightfully Wicked

The Wicked collection is designed by Brussels-based designer Alain Gilles for Vincent Sheppard. Together, they aimed to reinvent wicker as we know it. The whole design process was all about playing with the construction logics of rattan seats in a contemporary and striking manner.

By creating an unexpectedly light and airy shape, Gilles managed to shed new light onto the traditional wicker furniture. And by combining the warm wicker material with the sleek metal frame, he aimed to create a dialogue between craftwork on the one hand and industrial processes on the other. The Wicked collection consists of a lounge chair, lounge sofa 2S, lounge sofa 3S, coffee table, side table and dining chairs.

The charm of Lucy

Lucy will inject your terrace and garden with charm and comfort. The soft, flowing round shapes of these chairs invite you to relax in the sun. This collection dives into the seventies, but combines its retro look with all the comfort of today. Offering dining chairs, lounge chairs, a sunlounger, side table, a footrest, and even a modular sofa system to create your own perfect lounge corner, the Lucy collection has everything to make your outdoor dreams come true.

The range is available in a variety of Outdoor Sunbrella Fabrics so you can match the look to your outdoor decorating scheme and Quick Dry foam cushioning for comfort. Made from polyethylene wicker and powdercoated aluminium frame this collection is also built to withstand the elements.

The test of time

For over 30 years, Vincent Sheppard has been designing and manufacturing a wide variety of indoor and outdoor furniture. By combining a clear focus on quality and comfort with craftsmanship and traditional weaving techniques, the company is able to present appealing designs and stunning furniture of the highest quality and durability. Also, by constantly challenging itself and its design aesthetics, the brand is able to present young, contemporary furniture collections that answer to all modern needs.

You can view the full suite of Vincent Sheppard collections on the Cotswold Furniture website or pop into one of the company’s three furniture showrooms – there are two in New South Wales (Sydney and Mittagong) and one in Queensland (Brisbane) – and see for yourself how seamlessly the furniture blends style, comfort and functionality to create utterly captivating outdoor settings that will withstand the test of time.

For more information

Cotswold Furniture

The post Utterly Captivating Outdoor Furniture appeared first on Completehome.

The design needs to complement your home’s facade, have kerbside appeal and fit in with the wider streetscape. Unlike a rear garden, the front yard is very much on show, but it’s not just that you need to consider. A front garden with lush plants, arresting design elements and easy access makes it a welcoming sight after a long day at work.

The owners of this property in Diamond Valley, a rural location on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, engaged Matt Harding and the Outdoor Oasis Landscapes’ team to design and build a front garden that would work with the challenging topography of the site, provide ample space for vehicle access, and exude the relaxed country-coastal vibe they craved.

“The brief from the homeowners was to bring a modern coastal feel to their country haven and make better use of the sloping block with tiered gardens and stonework. For softness, they wanted some curves,” explains Matt. “Incorporating two driveways was also a must. This was to accommodate the family’s multiple vehicles, boats and trailers.”

The five curved retaining walls are standout elements of Matt’s design. “These are a feature that instantly catch the eye as you drive towards the property and they are unlike any other retaining walls around,” he says. “Four of the walls are clad with stone while the main wall in the centre is rendered white. This, however, will eventually become a ‘green wall’ when the creeping fig planted along the base snakes its way up and across the surface.”

For height, there is a 3.5m-tall cabbage tree palm. “This is complemented by an amazing dragon tree that stands front and centre,” says Matt. “On the other side of the garden, a frangipani serves as an additional focal point. Lighting to these garden beds ensures these feature plants can be enjoyed at night. ”A range of different species were used around the base of the palm and frangipani with the aim of introducing a cooling palette of blues and greens. These included hardy plants such as Kalanchoe ‘Silver Spoons’, Carissa ‘Desert Star’, Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’ and a few well-placed buxus balls.

“Golden Barrel cactus surround the dragon tree in the front garden bed with more cactus, along with a feature agave, planted in pots next to the curved walkway leading to the patio.”
The patio, the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed morning coffee as the sun rises, was paved in travertine tiles laid in a French pattern to tie in with the tiles and colour scheme used inside the home. Stone laid in crazy-paving style was used for the steppers that lead from the left-hand driveway across the lawn.

In the 2023 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards, this project was entered into the Residential 2 Category (projects valued between $50,001 and $75,000) and was Highly Commended.

For more information, visit Outdoor Oasis Landscapes

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A prime illustration of this phenomenon can be witnessed in the evolution of DEDON’s CIRQL collection, conceptualised by Werner Aisslinger. Renowned for its embracing circular forms and elaborate geometric motifs, the initial CIRQL range has earned acclaim for its iconic appeal and hospitable charm, now refreshed with the introduction of CIRQL NU.

Derived from DEDON’s esteemed tradition of hand-weaving, the inception of the CIRQL collection showcases a commitment to excellence. Crafted from opulent DEDON Fibre, celebrated for its resilience and longevity, the inaugural CIRQL line boasts the ability to withstand harsh weather elements while retaining its exquisite allure over time. Its design, an elegant fusion of geometric precision and ergonomic comfort, swiftly establishes the collection as a blend of aesthetic sophistication and practicality.

Expanding the boundaries of CIRQL, Werner Aisslinger presents CIRQL NU, harnessing the potential of DEDON’s groundbreaking invert fibre. This pioneering advancement employs a co-extrusion technique, seamlessly blending two distinct fibre hues and compositions into a unified strand. The result is truly remarkable, presenting captivating palettes and textures that imbue the furniture with a captivating three-dimensional allure and an enchanting iridescence when viewed from various angles.

CIRQL NU distinguishes itself not merely through its visual enhancements but also through its meticulous craftsmanship. Each chair, fashioned from DEDON’s fibre intricately woven over a powder-coated aluminium framework, guarantees robustness and enduring quality. The precision in execution is evident, as every chair demands 249 meters of fibre and undergoes 32 hours of weaving, attesting to the dedication to excellence in every aspect of its construction.

Maintaining these pieces is straightforward—the frames can be cleaned with just warm water and a gentle cleanser, and the cushion covers are easily removable and machine washable at 30°C.

Werner Aisslinger’s CIRQL NU collection preserves the cherished attributes of its predecessor—vibrant, approachable, and transparent—while elevating its design to a more iconic and geometrically captivating level. The co-extrusion method not only enriches the visual allure of the collection but also showcases DEDON’s dedication to pioneering innovation in outdoor furniture design.

Regardless of their placement—be it in a garden, on a patio, or within a luxurious outdoor lounge—these furnishings are engineered to command attention while delivering both comfort and durability. CIRQL NU represents an ideal assortment for individuals who appreciate vibrant hues and designs that seamlessly blend tradition with state-of-the-art technology.

Explore CIRQL NU by DEDON online now.

For more information

Cosh Living

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