103 IDEAS FOR OUTDOORS
family friendly
19. Modwood decking,
a low-maintenance alternative to hardwood, has been used by the pool in this Design-It Landscapes backyard. It introduces a soft, natural feel, and also screens the access points to essential pool equipment below.
21. A gleditsia tree provides summer shade,
while in winter, it is a sculptural focus, trimmed with glass balls from Terrace (from $25ea).
22. An integrated
20. A row of slender weaver bamboo runs beside the pool and along the rear fence. Grown here in a 250mm bed, it delivers privacy. “There is virtually no other plant that will grow to this height and width in such a confined space,” says designer Mike Cass.
something for everyone Canny design tricks help this multifunctional backyard meet the demands of a growing family words jane parbury styling Adam robinson photography sue stubbs
194 {AUGUST 2012} homebeautiful.com.au
he rb an d ve gi e pa tc h is a ma gn et fo r th e ki ds . “J us t be ca us e yo u ha ve a sm al l ba ck ya rd do es n’ t me an yo u ca n’ t gr ow yo ur ow n he rb s! ” sa ys Mi ke .
23. The wide street gate is motorised and slides rather than swinging open, a must in a small space.
Rows
24. of cobblestone relieve the expanse of granite. “It helps break up the colour, otherwise the darker tones can be too serious in a small space,” says Mike. >
30. As with
all compact family gardens, it’s important to make the most of the space. A small bench fills the gap by the built-in barbecue, conveniently positioned right outside the kitchen.
26. Organically shaped pots (from $55ea), found at Garden Life, act as a counterpoint to the square lines of the pool area. The rattan lantern ($245) is from Orson & Blake.
25. Neat bi-fold doors fold back completely
27. A row
and open up the indoors to the elements. It also allows the alfresco entertaining area, tiled with granite flag pavers and cobblestones, to function as a seamless extension of the living space.
of lo wgr ow in g, st ra pp y li ri op e ‘I sa be ll a’ an d a st ri p of te xt ur ed co bb le st on es de fi ne th e pe ri me te r of th e po ol .
28. Frameless glass fencing for the pool allows
the eye to travel through the space, providing vital but chic protection for the kids. “Ten years ago it would have been costly, but these days it is surprisingly affordable,” comments designer Mike Cass.
31. Every outdoor
dining area needs feature furniture – the ‘Waratah’ dining table ($1499) from Eco Outdoor, teamed with Tribu ‘Vintage’ chairs ($655ea) from Cosh Living, are ideal for when dinnertime spills outside. >
Dark granite
29. flag pavers were chosen as a base for both the pool surround and lounge/parking area. “It’s great for an entertaining space, and it’s tough,” says Mike. 196 {AUGUST 2012} homebeautiful.com.au
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33. A small turfed area has been introduced to one side of the entertaining spot, and is a fun play area for the kids. “It’s great to have that little patch of lawn to bring a bit of fluffy green into the backyard against all the solid structures and the lines,” says Mike. “It’s also great for those who own pets.”
32. As the lounge area doubles as car parking when necessary, furniture has to be moveable. The Gloster ‘Cloud’ modular setting from Cosh Living ($12,909) is portable and can be rearranged into various configurations to seat family and friends.
34. The fence
ne ed ed sp ec ia l at te nt io n as it ’s vi si bl e fr om th e ho us e an d st re et . Th e fe nc e is ma de of de si gn pi ne – a tr ea te d pi ne pr od uc t – an d ma tc he s th e ho me ’s to ne s.
Contact
Mike Cass, Design-It Landscapes, (02) 9477 7008, designitlandscapes. com.au.
Magnolia
35. ‘Little Gem’ plants, with their contrasting two-toned leaves, deliver extra greenery and add depth, making the space feel larger.