Apartment balconies in urban areas can feel a bit dull and lifeless, especially if the outlook takes in other big buildings or a bleak city or suburban view. The easiest way to add colour and green life is to introduce plants in pots, troughs and, if allowed by strata rules, built-in planters. This allows you to bring ornamental and edible plants onto a balcony and has the added advantage that the pots can be used as items of decor, introducing textural interest and hues that complement interior living spaces.

Pot it good

Post-pandemic, as modern lifestyles seek to embrace all things natural, the trend for a plant filled alfresco balcony gardens and terraces continues to rise and this has led to a growing interest in how to use pots to best advantage. With the right approach, pots and plants can take a balcony space from drab to fab in no time at all.

“With the emerging trend for container and vertical gardens, even the smallest spaces can be transformed,” says Adam Robinson, horticulturist, stylist, landscape and interior designer. “A considered selection of pots and plants can immediately recharge a balcony, garden or courtyard. Pots don’t all have to be a uniform shape or finish as long as they complement each other when placed in a group. The idea is to play with scale,” advises Adam. “If you have a very small space, it’s better to have one really large pot with amazing foliage than lots of little pots with tiny plants. If your space is large, group pots together, at least three — small, medium and large.”

You need to consider colour and materials, too. Using pots and planters made of a similar material, or of the same colour or tone, creates a more cohesive look. In a small space, the less busy the aesthetic, the more relaxed and inviting the space will feel. And as balconies always flow off an interior space, choosing hues and materials that complement any interior pots or major decorative elements makes for a more harmonious indoor-outdoor transition.

Weight and watering

There are some practical considerations when creating a potted garden. Whether it’s going on a balcony, deck or terrace, the container needs to be in scale to the available space and big enough to accommodate the roots of the plants you want to grow. You need to strike a balance between finding a pot that is deep enough yet won’t be too heavy when you put in the potting mix.

Weight can be an issue on a balcony, so unless the space is engineered to accommodate something really heavy, stone pots aren’t recommended, but you can find pots made of lighter materials, such as fibreglass, that look like more traditional materials.

How you’ll water your plants is another thing you need to think about. You don’t often find a tap on a balcony, and lugging a watering can through your home isn’t ideal — unless you are a keen gardener and then daily watering by hand is a great way to keep an eye on your plants. You might want to consider a self-watering pot. This has an integrated water reservoir system that ensures your plants won’t dry out if you’re not able to give them daily attention. As a balcony location is typically exposed to a lot of sun and wind, potting mix can dry out quickly, so if you don’t want to be constantly watering, choose wind-tolerant, water-wise plants. A few examples are Cordylines and grasses, Cacti and Succulents, and grey-leaved plants like French Lavender and Rosemary.

Screen scene

If your balcony is in a particularly blustery location, creating an appropriate windbreak will be good for your plants — and for you and your friends when you’re sitting outside trying to unwind. You can create a screen of living plants. Some reliable shelter plants include Box and Viburnum when you want a more traditional look, or for a more relaxed feel, Bamboo.

Slatted screens allow some breeze through while blocking really damaging winds and making the space more private. Laser-cut metal screens are another way to go. They minimise the impact of the wind, can provide privacy between apartments without making the space feel too enclosed, and add a decorative element. They can also be used as a trellis for growing climbing plants. On balconies, screening can be used as infill panels under handrails.

When choosing a screening material, and once you’ve checked that your strata rules will allow you to affix a solid screen, it’s also important to be mindful of your local climatic conditions and the type of outside flooring you have. On a balcony, your screen will be directly exposed to the elements and it will be sitting above paving or a flooring material such as composite decking. Be careful of Corten steel if it is mounted over light-coloured paving or in areas where leaching of the colour may impact wall or floor surfaces. Also consider the mounting system if you are situated in areas of high wind loading.

Working the vertical

As you would in a courtyard, you need to make the most of any available vertical surface. A green wall, also known as a vertical garden, is a wonderful way to introduce plants. You can have a custom-designed green wall or you can avail yourself of one of the many modular vertical garden systems that are now available. These are easy to install, making it possible to take bare walls and turn them into lush displays of foliage and flowers. And if you’re an avid cook, you can even use them to grow herbs and salad vegetables.

An outdoor mirror can be a great addition to a small balcony. Outdoor mirrors create the illusion of space and depth. If you’re blessed with a view, they can be angled or positioned to reflect that but if your view is of a neighbouring apartment or building, angle the mirror accordingly.

You can buy pre-made outdoor mirrors or have one custom-designed to suit your taste. Make a statement with scrolled wrought-iron designs on square or rectangular mirrors that overlay the mirror, or a sophisticated oval mirror with decorative border. You can also add character to a space by using recycled timber for a frame, or inject some colour with a frame of shimmering mosaics.

Wall art is another way to give a balcony an outdoor room feel and introduce some decorative flair without taking up valuable floor space. There is quite a range of powder-coated wall art designed especially for outdoors that’s available in a range of colours.

Somewhere to sit in your plant filled alfresco

There is no shortage of slimline, compact outdoor chairs, tables and lounge suites designed for use on balconies and other space-challenged locations.

“When selecting furniture, always be conscious of the space you have available as you don’t want it to dominate the area,” says designer Anna Harrison, co-founder of The Balcony Garden. “It can often be tempting to over-design small spaces, resulting in a cluttered area that doesn’t function well. Often less is more. There’s no point getting your heart set on a large eight-seater table setting when your space will only accommodate a four-seater.”

Choose furniture to suit the scale of an area. Go for smaller and narrower pieces to ensure breathing space left around the furniture. Keeping your setting simple and streamlined will make the balcony look more spacious than it is. Anna advises to keep it simple and avoid further reducing space with unnecessary items.

Choosing items that have more than one function is a great way to save on space without cramping your style. Narrow bench seating can double as storage underneath for soft furnishings, an adjustable side table can turn into a fold-out dining table when needed, or stools can be used as side tables or stacked when not in use.

“The great thing about furnishing an outdoor space is that designs and trends constantly evolve,” says Anna. There are so many choices available and there will be a solution that works best for you and your small outdoor living area. So don’t stress, enjoy the process!

Food and flames

When your balcony is attached to a freestanding home and you own that home, you can technically choose any kind of outdoor cooking or heating option you like, although safety considerations still come into play. If you’re working with an apartment balcony, you’ll need to check with the body corporate or property manager to see what kind of barbecue you can have — or if one is allowed at all.

Some prefer an electric barbecue, but there are gas options aplenty. If going down the gas barbecue route, never store more than one gas cylinder on your balcony and never store one indoors — cylinders must be kept outdoors so any gas leak will vent safely. A gas barbecue must only be used in a well-ventilated space as the fumes can be toxic, and don’t barbecue in an enclosed balcony as even a space with louvres or a lot of privacy screening can pose a fire risk.

If you want a little warmth in winter, for many the preferred choice is a decorative ethanol-fuelled fireplace — and you have the appeal of (safe) dancing flames. Everyone loves a fire. At parties people are instantly drawn to a fireplace and you can have that experience on a balcony with an ethanol fireplace. Ethanol fireplaces are also easy to set up, available in myriad styles, and as they are clean-burning, smoke-free fires, they are ideal for balconies.

As you can see, if you cover all your bases, plan properly and think creatively, you can transform your balcony into a garden space or an area for entertaining.

The post Create a plant filled alfresco on your balcony appeared first on Completehome.

There are many things that attract families to the Havana Encore but one of the most compelling is the open-plan living. The large family/dining area leads out to the impressive alfresco, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and providing the perfect indoor-outdoor space for entertaining or relaxed, day-to-day family living.

Families are also attracted by the offer of three living areas, each separate from the other. This ensures plenty of places where guests can be entertained or the children can hang out with their friends — there is even a space where parents can unwind and enjoy a little peace and privacy.
“The Havana Encore is a versatile home. It could suit a young couple wanting to start a family, a young family with a few children, or an older family with adult children who have moved out,” says Vince Klein, Sales Manager — Sydney, McDonald Jones. “We find that this house ticks boxes for people of all ages and the three living areas and open-plan indoor-outdoor layout have a lot to do with this.

“The clever use of space is also what attracts a lot of buyers. With very few hallway areas in the home, it allows for the maximum amount of space to be given to the bedrooms and living rooms. This is valuable added space in the areas people tend to spend most of their time in.”
The butler’s pantry off the kitchen and the large alfresco area off the family room are definite highlights of the home and major drawcards that appeal to all families but especially those embarking on a knockdown-rebuild project. Older homes don’t tend to offer these features which are now considered must-haves by modern buyers.

The kitchen is another box-ticker, especially for those looking for a major lifestyle upgrade, which is typically the case with a knockdown-rebuild. The well-designed modern kitchen features ample storage and work space along with Fisher & Paykel appliances, including a natural gas cooktop, pyrolytic oven, concealed rangehood, warming drawers, combi microwave oven and dishwasher.

Adding visual warmth, the kitchen cabinetry is finished in Laminex Planked Urban Oak and for a modern look, Mizu Drift MKII Chrome tapware is used. The main flooring and wet areas feature Japan Ceramics’ Terrazzo Grey Matt tiles while in the bedrooms and home theatre, Cavalier Bremworth’s Tussore Madder carpet adds to the cosiness.

“I would describe the interior styling as urban organic,” says Vince. “It takes inspiration from the natural environment and gives the home a relaxed feel. The understated colour palette allows the focus to be on the open spaces and how seamless the transition is from one space to the next.

“On the display home we used the Northcote facade. The render creates a harmonious look and the colours are subtle and earthy, setting the tone for the home’s interior.”
The result is a modern home that offers a range of upgrades, plan modifications and customisations to ensure it will be the perfect fit for your family.

For more information 

McDonald Jones Homes

The post Open plan living for larger families appeared first on Completehome.

Being outside — it’s a temptation most of us can’t resist. This is never more so when we want to share good food and good times with the people we love. Family lunches, dinner parties, movie nights — we now take all of these activities, and more, outdoors. Of course, Australians have always loved to entertain under the sun or stars but these days outdoor entertaining is often a more sophisticated affair, with zones for lounging and dining, and a dedicated cooking area.

“We spend so much of our leisure time outside it’s important to have a space that allows us to relax and entertain exactly how we want to,” says Phil Antcliff, Director of Fifth Season Landscapes. “Having a well-designed entertaining area is about considering all the factors, such as space, budget and how you want to use your garden, deck or patio. By thinking all of this through before making any decisions about your final house plan, you can create the perfect outdoor entertaining area for you and your family.”

“An alfresco is definitely a must in a new home,” adds Sandra Setian, Interior Designer Display Homes, MOJO Homes. “The climate in most parts of Australia lends itself to having an outdoor entertaining space to make use of the warm temperatures, and the great Aussie barbecue has always been an iconic part of our lifestyle.”

Summer through winter

Determining how you intend to use the space, summer through winter, is a critical part of the planning process. While summer may be prime time for alfresco living, cooking and dining outside is something most people want to be able to do whatever the season, which means considering everything, including protection from both the sun and the rain, ambient and task lighting, and how you will cool and heat the space.

“A covered alfresco means more versatility and being able to use the space during summer storms,” says Sandra. “They should be connected to the internal living areas and easy access to the kitchen is also a plus. In regards to the materials used, this is up to the owner’s preference. Tiles, for example, are long-wearing and easier to maintain, while timber decks add warmth, both visually and underfoot.”

When choosing a home design, you need to consider how interior and exterior living spaces complement one another. “A well-designed, well-placed alfresco draws people to the outdoors and, if done correctly, becomes an attractive additional room of the house,” says Rod Waddell, Director of Waddell Landscapes. “That’s why an outdoor entertaining space should be designed with the entire house and garden in mind.

“Also the flow from inside to outside and how that transition is made should be considered. If you want people to naturally gravitate outside, you need to make it a very inviting place to be but also make the transition from inside to out an easy one.”

Designs trends

So what are homeowners looking for in an alfresco? “An outdoor kitchen is a must for some, while others want a TV they can use for watching sports with friends or for enjoying an outdoor family movie night,” says Sandra. “If you have a larger alfresco, creating separate zones for dining and lounging is a popular thing to do and makes the most of the space. We offer a larger alfresco area — our Grand Outdoor Living option — on most of our home designs.

“You don’t have to go big, to begin with, of course. Plan for an alfresco space that can be extended in the future, perhaps by laying additional paving or adding a pergola. A growing trend is to have an alfresco that extends along two sides of the home. This also helps to control the temperature inside the home and provides a pleasing outlook from two spaces within the interior.”

According to David Bourke, Sales & Marketing Manager, Clarendon Homes, “People want to enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and they want the alfresco in their new home to feel like an additional room. For an easy transition from inside to outside, people are still choosing bifold doors but stacker doors, which are easier to flyscreen, are becoming more popular.

“You need a reasonably-sized space — a minimum area of 3m by 3m will allow for a dining table and a barbecue but for the larger family, a full-width alfresco is often preferred. An outdoor kitchen or barbecue area is pretty much essential as it makes entertaining easier. That said, an alfresco that directly joins with the indoor kitchen is ideal.”

Talking timber trends

Timber is being increasingly used for creating stunning outdoor design features, following a trend for natural finishes, raw materials and mixed textures. “Wood structures generate a sense of warmth and connect with their natural surroundings,” says Leon Travis, General Manager, Sales & Distribution, Boral Timber. “With its neutral palette, timber also harmonises with other building materials, such as brick or concrete, and can be used for a multitude of outdoor applications that are both stylish and practical.

“Architects are embracing innovative timber applications in residential projects, including decking, screening and cladding. A timber feature wall is a great way to inject natural elements into the backyard and a simple way to warm up a concrete or rendered space. They can also double as privacy screens or be used for practical purposes like hiding garbage bins.

“Establishing different zones can add visual interest to outdoor design and enhance functionality,” adds Leon. “Using timber creatively can include a deck which has multiple levels or platforms to define areas with different functions. Timber planter beds can be built up to add a touch of greenery and give the space dimension. For areas with limited space, built-in bench seating is a great way of providing ample room for visitors while creating a visual focal point. Pergolas can add beauty and functionality to an outdoor space.”

According to David Bourke, Sales & Marketing Manager, Clarendon Homes, “People want to enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and they want the alfresco in their new home to feel like an additional room. For an easy transition from inside to outside, people are still choosing bifold doors but stacker doors, which are easier to flyscreen, are becoming more popular.

“You need a reasonably-sized space — a minimum area of 3m by 3m will allow for a dining table and a barbecue but for the larger family, a full-width alfresco is often preferred. An outdoor kitchen or barbecue area is pretty much essential as it makes entertaining easier. That said, an alfresco that directly joins with the indoor kitchen is ideal.”

Kitchen cook-outs

Increasingly, the barbecue sits within an outdoor kitchen which might be as simple as a built-in prep bench with storage and a sink, or something more substantial, such as a stand-alone, custom-designed kitchen with a fridge, rangehood, pizza oven, barbecue, bar fridge and sink.

Your outdoor kitchen should reflect the type of entertainer you are, whether you are cooking for the masses every weekend or the occasional weekday barbecue. There are so many options and styles when it comes to outdoor kitchens. “People want versatility,” says Rod, “which is why they want to be able to cook in different ways. This has led to the inclusion of woodfired ovens. A woodfired oven can be used to cook pretty much anything you would cook in an ordinary oven.”

“When designing an outdoor kitchen, we might be asked to incorporate gas barbecues, charcoal barbecues, smokers, Argentinian grills, beer and wine fridges … the list goes on and on,” says Phil. “Trying to combine multiple products into the available space while ensuring the kitchen remains easy to use can be tricky, so the initial design process is critical.” “People really are looking to invest in outdoor kitchen setups which can be the ideal complement to an outdoor room or outdoor entertaining area,” adds Rod. “The outdoor kitchen is becoming synonymous with the outdoor entertaining area.”

The finishing touches

Decor is a vital ingredient of any entertaining space. The scatter cushions and throws you add to your lounge, the rugs you place on the deck, the ambient lighting you choose, the wall art and screening you employ all matter. And furniture is critical to how often and how comfortably you use a dining or lounge area. The furniture needs to be fit for purpose, of the right size, and a stylistic match to your outdoor decorating scheme — also your interior decor.

When entertaining, whether it’s a party for adults or a weekend influx of your teenager’s friends, having some extra casual seating makes all the difference. There are plenty of outdoor beanbags, floor cushions and ottomans on the market, and stools that can be used as seats or side tables for resting drinks.

Make good use of lighting as it will allow you to use and appreciate your alfresco 24/7, all-year-round. After all, no-one ever said that a garden should have a curfew. Take heating and cooling into consideration too.

Then there are the plants. “It’s easy to focus all your attention on the hard structures like paving, decking, built-in seating and outdoor kitchens, but the key to creating an inviting space is to soften all the hard surfaces with greenery. This might be with potted plants, bordering garden beds or upright boundary plants, but it’s critically important to balance the hard and soft surfaces,” says Rod.

Professional landscaping

As to the landscaping of outdoor spaces, and not just around the alfresco, but also pools, side gardens and the front garden, Sandra says, “This should be considered at the very start of the project. If you have an idea of what kind of landscaping you require and have at least a concept in mind, it will help with siting the house and also allow you to work out any additional excavation work or retaining walls you might require.”

“Landscaping really should be planned with the home and the pool, if you’re choosing to have a pool,” agrees David, “but the execution of the landscaping would be done after the home is built. The style of landscaping is up to each client but generally speaking, once the client has chosen a specific facade, they would be looking to complement it with a harmonising landscape design and appropriate plant selection.”

“In terms of trends, landscaping is moving toward more low maintenance gardens with more native plants,” says Sandra. “Designs with separate spaces and elements that slowly reveal themselves as you move through the space and create a journey through your yard are also very popular.”

Some builders, like Clarendon, can organise landscaping for clients and have their own in-house landscape designer. Most home builders won’t provide a landscaping design service but many can recommend a professional landscaper in your area if you don’t already have one.

Take plunge often

Often people want a pool as well as an outdoor entertaining area, even when space is at a premium. “A lot of customers are opting for a pre-cast drop-in plunge pool, which is available in different shapes and sizes. With block sizes getting smaller, plunge pools are an easier, more affordable solution,” says David. “Customers with larger lots, on the other hand, tend to opt for a customised pool to suit their requirements. Either way, Clarendon can refer them to an appropriate pool specialist if they like.

“It’s important to point out that the earlier a pool design is finalised the better. This is best done in the home’s initial planning stages,” adds David. Sandra agrees, “Pool design should be considered prior to construction but MOJO Homes doesn’t offer pool design or build services; this has to be organised through a third party pool company. However, some of our display homes feature pools so you can envision how your new home would be enhanced by a pool.

“The range of pool designs is expanding, with people opting for sizes and shapes to suit their space,” she continues. “Owners are often happy with a plunge pool which means they have a place to cool off without taking up too much of the backyard. Lap pools and pools that feature an infinity-edge are still very popular. Just make sure any pool is located adjacent to the alfresco so it remains connected to the house.”

To find out more about Alfresco design, click here

The post Trends to bring the outside in appeared first on Completehome.

As you float through this light and breezy outdoor oasis, it delivers all the ingredients to transport you to another place.

Set on an 890sqm parcel of land in a quiet rural suburb on the outskirts of Sydney, The Coastal Farmhouse concept is certainly achieved here by The Builders Wives, Sarah and Heather of Oak & Orange. It could not be further from the city’s coastline yet Dream Home 7 is the perfect combination of coast and country.

Light and airy spaces with a cohesive flow and connectivity between interior and exterior, the alfresco pool design, windows and outdoor living spaces have all been tailored for family friendly entertaining through a clever floorplan with large open living areas centred around a stunning resort style pool.

To keep things as seamless as possible for uninterrupted sightlines from vantage points throughout the home, the perimeter of the pool is completely surrounded by glass. However, to create a home you don’t need a holiday from, O&O left nothing to chance and meticulously planned how they could make the alfresco pool areas low maintenance for the new owners – they reveal that their insider tip for a luxe swimming experience without the elbow grease is our durable EnduroShield glass protection. It repels salt, chlorine, and stains, reducing cleaning time by up to 90%.

“Bet you looked at all that glass around our pool and thought jeepers I wouldn’t want to keep that clean. That’s why we had the awesome team at EnduroShield apply their glass treatment! Because kids right?! It was applied to the pool fencing and louvred windows to help protect the glass and keep it looking cleaner for longer.”

Oak & Orange

Steal more insider tips that you can use in your very own dream home here – https://oakandorange.com.au/alfresco-pool-designs/

O&O’s Coastal Farmhouse vision is both serene and stylish, combining a cool coastal palette with traditional farmhouse design elements. Every fixture and fitting throughout has been handpicked to create a home that is both beautiful and maintainable. Sarah and Heather worked on all the material selections and chose to rely on EnduroShield for functionality when creating an effortless outdoor lifestyle for the modern family.

Aesthetics and practicality are covered when you choose EnduroShield, for that sparkling clean and clear look every time. All that’s left to do now is sit back and enjoy those vacation vibes in this suburban oasis.

For more information on how we transformed the glass and tiles throughout Dream Home 7 into low maintenance, easy-clean surfaces contact the Dream Team today.

Dream Team

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