outdoor special
Moroccan flair
exotic touch A clever space-enhancing design combined with luxurious styling turned this Sydney backyard into a pocket-sized paradise WORDS Shelley Tustin STYLING adam robinson PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE HUNFALVAY
laidback luxe
The vivid hues of cushions and tableware from Opus Design Co give this outdoor room a resort feel, helped by the clear view through to the pool, rattan lounge (try the ‘Sacha’ lounge from Equator Homewares for similar) and ‘Malua’ coffee table from Eco Outdoor. An outdoor rug adds to the ‘living room’ vibe – try Eco Chic for weather-resistant soft flooring. >
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optical illusion
Owner Nick wanted the lush look of lawn without the maintenance issues: top-of-the-line synthetic Enduroturf ‘Illusion’ meets the brief. ‘Byron’ bean chairs from Eco Outdoor and a table (try the ‘Bongo’ from Opus Design Co for similar) add a relaxed note. The pool, lined with Bisazza glass mosaic tiles, entices those who might feel like a refreshing dip.
An EMPTY Block with no hardscaping, no lawn and no plants is a garden enthusiast’s dream, but an absolute nightmare for the average homeowner. So when Nick, a busy executive and father of teenage children, moved into his new home on Sydney’s north shore, he wasted no time calling in the experts. Josh Harrison of Harrison’s Landscaping gleefully took on the challenge. “We had a blank canvas to work with, which is actually easier than renovating an existing garden,” explains Josh. The brief was simple: create a semi-tropical backyard with a pool for the kids and the relaxed feel of a resort. Importantly, it had to be low-maintenance. Between the demands of work and family, Nick had no time for messing around in the garden with weeding and mowing. The most important task was to connect the covered outdoor room to the backyard and create one big area for entertaining and relaxing. The result is a vibrant oasis with a smart space-enhancing design. The rectangular pool fits snugly into a corner and is surrounded by sandstone pavers that run from the outdoor room, around the waterline and up the back wall for a seamless look. An ingenious raised garden offers privacy and a touch of green, while patterned cushions, metallic lanterns and a grand mirror epitomise understated Moroccan glamour. Though undeniably compact, this inviting new garden is a refuge where a busy family can step back from their hectic weekday lives and experience a little tranquillity.
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best dressed
step up
Above the poolside garden, planted with magnolia ‘Little Gem’, the boundary fence needed work. “It was on a slant and didn’t look right, so we changed it to the steps,” explains landscaper Josh. Painted a shade or two darker than the sandstone pavers, it provides another layer of interest. “Because it’s a small backyard, we didn’t want to close it in with anything too dark,” adds Josh.
The outdoor room is layered with graphic prints and pops of colour that bring a touch of the exotic. Downlights and ceiling fans deliver all the comforts of indoors, while the space remains open to breezes. To visually link the room to the outdoor proper, Eco Outdoor ‘Ourimbah’ sandstone pavers run throughout the space and through to the pool area. >
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outdoor special
Moroccan flair design tips
space enhancing
natural focus
get the look
According to landscaper Josh Harison, simplicity is key in the design of compact spaces – consistent materials and colours keep a look uncluttered. Level changes should be kept to a minimum to visually maximise the area. “There are only two level changes in this entire garden,” he explains.
The slatted timber ‘Macleay’ dining table is teamed with canvas ‘Ida’ chairs, all from Eco Outdoor. The Orson & Blake blue jug was picked up at Opus Design Co.
Conjure an alluring Moroccan vibe with striking shapes and vibrant hues
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materials
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key features
1.PAVERS: ‘Ourimbah’ sandstone pavers, $77.77/sqm, Eco Outdoor.
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2.TIMBER wall: For similar slatted timber, try spotted gum hardwood decking, from $3.85/linear metre, Ecowood Plus.
3.SYNTHETIC TURF: ‘Illusion’ turf, from $65/sqm, Enduroturf.
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KEY PLANTS: Himalayan bamboo, star jasmine, blueberry ash, native grasses, lilly pillies and gardenia Radicans.
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LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Harrison’s Landscaping, (02) 9986 3112, harrisonslandscaping.com.au.
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back woods
Landscape designer Josh fixed a treated-pine frame to the back wall – originally bedrock – and clad it with spotted gum slats to create a timber feature wall. Underplantings of versatile star jasmine will creep up the cladding and eventually cover the whole wall with scented blooms, creating a pretty and fragrant backdrop.
ILLUSTRATION KENZIEDESIGN.com
plans
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1. ‘Topkapi’ silver foil mirror, $1320, Eco Chic. 2. ‘Macleay’ table, $1499, Eco Outdoor. 3. ‘Bizzare’ basket in Aubergine, $44.95, Freedom. 4. ‘Byron’ bean chair, from $499, Eco Outdoor. 5. ‘Impressions’ bowls in Ikat, $39.95/set of 4, Freedom. 6. ‘Rafi’ cotton cushion in Black, $49.95, Kas. 7. Decorative metal disc, $199/96.5cm, Pottery Barn. 8. ‘Jericho’ limestone flooring, from $77/sqm, Eco Outdoor. 9. ‘Tunisia’ indoor/outdoor ottoman, $125, Eco Chic. 10. ‘Ida’ chair, $399, Eco Outdoor. Stockists, page 212
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