Dream it

Shade, fresh air, privacy and comfort: this alfresco space has all the essentials

Outdoor makeover

Before

Outer space

A speedy, top-to-toe renovation has made a hardly used rear patio the perfect outdoor room to chill and unwind }

DIY it! See page 19

Colorbond roofing

Dulux Matt Vivid White

Natasha assembled the modular base frames, installed the treated pine panels, then added new roofing The rear patio of Natasha Dickins’ coastal home in northern NSW was in dire need of attention. The old pavers had lifted and sunk over time, the weatherboard walls were sound but required fresh paint, and the old polycarbonate roof had seen better days. Having given her whole home a serious makeover, Natasha – aka DIY specialist Little Red Industries (littleredindustries.com) – focused on this neglected corner. Down went a modular deck with adjustable supports to cover the old pavers, brand-new Colorbond replaced the roof panels, and paint revived the walls, frame and fascia. With the addition of comfy furniture and greenery in oversized pots, this gorgeous new outdoor room is likely to become the most used zone in the home.

Cabot’s Beach House Grey Good Times modular decking

Serene scene Timber, white, grey and green are a relaxing colour combo

From left: Marquee ‘Bayfield’ wicker sun chair, $129, I/N: 0177369. Waxworks citronella bucket candle, $12.98, I/N: 3340370. Decofire ‘Prairie’ 530mm x 450mm x 450mm log basket in Grey Wash, $59.95, I/N: 3171601. Brilliant ‘Coolum’ 240V up down lights in Black, $59.90 each, I/N: 4320806, with Arlec 6W 420lm RGB+CCT GU10 smart globes with Grid Connect in White, $19.90 each, I/N: 0148683. Mimosa ‘Malibu’ 1 seater lounges, $249 each, I/N: 0177346, 2 seater lounge, $399, I/N: 0177355, and rectangle coffee table, $149, I/N: 0177348. Bayliss ‘Hampton’ 225cm x 155cm sisal border rug in Natural, $199, I/N: 6670579. (Bring rug in out of the weather when not in use.) (On table) Tuscan Path 14cm ceramic vase in White, $9, I/N: 0204154. Waxworks citronella coil incense diffuser, $12.50, I/N: 3340508. (Pots, from left) Rosemary in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 28cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $27.30, I/N: 2830107. Small olive tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 23cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $17.30, I/N: 2830106. Cumquat tree in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 35cm mod egg glazed terracotta pot in Cream, $38.10, I/N: 2830108. Rosemary in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Jardin’ 22cm x 20cm planter in White, $20.90, I/N: 2833006. Hybrid rhaphiolepis plant in Eden ‘Wavy’ 40cm plastic planter in Sandstone, $38.90, I/N: 0118222. Olive tree in Tuscan Path 52cm studded glazed pot in White, $89.20, I/N: 2800979. Throw and cushion, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. All plants sold separately. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. }

Deck details The fascia that runs around the deck and step has been painted the same shade as the walls and gives a neat finishing touch. Outdoor screen The screen at the far end of the deck creates another ‘wall’ to the outdoor room, allowing for light and airflow while adding privacy from neighbours. Natasha repurposed hardwood slats from another part of her home renovation, with a slatted base mounted on castors to move it around as needed.

How to make it To DIY a similar one, make two screens from pre-primed pink weatherproof 42mm x 18mm treated pine, supported at the back with 600mm x 300mm galvanised stay brackets. Finish with three coats of exterior paint, ensuring the ends are well coated. Tip: Always use galvanised or stainless steel fasteners for outdoor structures to prevent corrosion.

Base level Circular concrete pavers provide the requisite firm base for the modular deck’s adjustable supports. These are finished with a natural-look sealer.

The shape of these pavers lends a quirky edge to the new deck

Cosy corner Create a comfy spot that’s just right for time out with a book

Hybrid rhaphiolepis plant in Eden ‘Wavy’ 40cm plastic planter in Sandstone, $38.90, I/N: 0118222 (plant sold separately). Marquee ‘Bayfield’ wicker sun chair, $129, I/N: 0177369. Waxworks citronella bucket candle, $12.98, I/N: 3340370. Decofire ‘Prairie’ 450mm x 530mm x 450mm log basket in Grey Wash, $59.95, I/N: 3171601. Brilliant ‘Coolum’ 240V up down light in Black, $59.90, I/N: 4320806, with Arlec 6W 420lm RGB+CCT GU10 smart globe with Grid Connect in White, $19.90, I/N: 0148683. Cushions and throw, Adairs. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. ◆

Using a light-coloured stain, like this Cabot’s Beach House Grey, ensures the woodgrain is still visible for a warm, timber finish while providing maximum coverage