Spring Backyard Renovation

DESIGNING YOUR OUTDOOR HOME OASIS

Spring is here, and we’re starting to think about our outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just getting started, our resident experts in backyard entertaining are here with some tips for creating the perfect outdoor living space that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family.

LET’S START WITH YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE.

Your backyard is a place torelax, unwind, and enjoylife. It can be a sanctuarythat helps you decompressafter a long day at workor school. So when you’replanning it out, make surethat it’s not just functionalbut also fun!

When it comes to outdoorspaces, there’s no onesize-fits-allapproach.Your backyard is asunique as yourpersonality, so wewant to help youcreate a spacethat suits yourneeds.

DECORATE WITH POTS

The Pot Warehouse’s experts say the next big trend in pots this spring is the “Cluster of Three.” It involves placing three pots in varying heights – when the right plants are placed in each pot, it becomes a statement focal point.

STATEMENT POTS

If you're looking for a wow factor in your outdoor space, consider adding a statement pot. Maria from The Pot Warehouse suggests that these work on their own and do not need to be clustered with other pots. They can have a plant in them or not depending on the location and type of pot. If you're unsure about what you want, going for a classic colour and shape is the best place to start, allowing the plant to add a lushness to your home.

CUSTOM FURNITURE AND FITOUT

Spring is the perfect time to create a signature Timber outdoor living space. It’s the perfect time to enjoy feature elements and textures across a lounging or dining space. Think timber screens that weather and age over time, creating a natural backdrop to your entertaining space.

www.maydefurniture.com MAYDE FURNITURE 236 HARBORD RD, BROOKVALE INSTA: @MAYDE_FURNITURE

Heating your pool

Who wouldn’t enjoy a warm dip on a hot Summer day? But diving into an icy pool is far from appealing. There are three main ways to heat a pool: gas, electric heat pump and solar. But which one is the best value while being good for the environment?

GAS

PRO: Great for small pools that are used occasionally. CON: You have to plan ahead which takes the spontaneity out of an impromptu swim.

ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP

PRO: Efficient and cheap to install, if sized correctly, the desired temperature of your pool can be guaranteed. CON: Running costs, electricity is expensive, unless linked with a Solar system.

SOLAR

PRO: Solar heating uses the least amount of energy, which makes it the cheapest to run. It also secures a constant temperature. CON: You need sunshine. But that’s not a huge problem during or a hot Australian Summer!

OUR VERDICT

SOLAR. IT IS COST EFFECTIVE, RELIABLE AND KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT.

Solar Pool heating has come a long way. Gone are the days of glueing rubber strip matting to your roof that is inefficient, damaging to the roof and a potential Cockatoo playground.

Solarpro has been warming our pools for over a decade because life is too short for a cold swimming pool. They have all the latest solar technology that uses the least amount of energy therefore, the cheapest to run. A fantastic cost-effective way to heat a pool.

THE LATEST IN EFFICIENCY ADVANCEMENTS

Heat pumps are the latest in Solarpro’s Smart Solar technology. Solarpro’s pool heating system allows you to combine a solar power system with a heat pump and control the energy flow to it. What was once a noisy, expensive way to heat your pool is now almost silent and can be free to run when combined with the correctly designed solar PV system powering it.

Solartherm’s enclosed solar pool heating panels is the top choice for a stand-alone solar pool heating system. These panels can substantially expand your swimming season and take up about half the roof space of other solar pool heating systems. They are so energy efficient and compact that they can go on a poolside cabana or garage, or be ground-mounted.

Solarpro has been installing these Australian designed heating panels for nearly a decade. They use 40% less roof space, are windproof, and don’t require holes drilled in your roof.

Solarpro has used its knowledge of pool heating and solar power to develop solutions that can help you use solar energy to cut most of the cost of operating your pool.

So, should you go solar? We think so. Let’s get swimming!

www.solarpro.com.au AVAILABLE AT: SOLARPRO (02) 9453 1485

The ultimate outdoor furniture

Quality poolside furniture is truly worth the investment. High street brands simply can’t hack it in the brutal Australian climate. Outdoor furniture, particularly if it is at risk of being exposed to chlorine or salt water needs to be tough otherwise it won’t last the season.

If you’re looking for quality materials and beautiful designs, Osier Belle has what you’re looking for. Their outdoor furniture is designed to withstand our Australian environment as it is sophisticated and comfortable.

Everything they use to make their furniture is the highest quality. From the quick dry foam to the fully waterproof fabrics, beautiful hardwearing, sustainable teak and wicker that simply refuses to fray.

Here are some of our favourite pieces.

TEAK SUNLOUNGER

Sleek and sophisticated this lounger can be easily moved with all-weather wheels and five reclining settings for total relaxation.

HANGING DOUBLE SUNLOUNGER

Who needs Bali when you have this. This multi-functional beauty has been uniquely designed to individually recline so you can both face the same way, opposite each other or fully reclined as a wonderful flatbed. It can also be made on legs if you don’t have a space to hang it.

LUX DAYBED

This chaise lounge is super elegant. The 1950s design, so full of character, combines with Osier Belles signature luxury and sophistication.

Osier Belle use Sunbrella fabrics which are all water-repellent and guaranteed zero fade for five years. For fully exposed pieces, we’d recommend Osier Belle Shield protection, fabrics which are fully waterproof and can really take anything you throw at them! Covers are removable, washable and the foam is quick drying and will hold its shape for years.

24 Young Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089 (02) 9949 9466

Spas and Plunge Pools

For an efficient solution to pool installation, consider a pre-fabricated swim spa or plunge pool. Spas are an excellent addition to your garden and have the benefit of being used year round.

THEY ARE EVEN GOOD FOR YOU!

The heat, buoyancy and massage work to soothe pain and inflammation. Hydrotherapy is the perfect way to justify your new swim spa!

There are some really cool ways to integrate them into your space. Building them in with quality timber in addition to an entertainment space allows the spa to sit seamlessly in your garden.

Splashes Spa World in Brookvale have over 25 years experience and an extensive array of spas, swim spas and plunge pools. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and their pricing is very competitive. Their

products come with a lifetime of support so you’ll never be caught out with a cold, bubble-less spa.

Oasis Plunge Pools are a great, straightforward pool. These revolutionary plunges are truly remarkable. They come pre-plumbed with the required pump, filter and equipment. All you need to do is plug it in, and you'll be swimming the day it arrives.

You can install them almost anywhere, even 60 centimetres underground for a sunken finish. They clad beautifully or you have the option to build in.

This is a great and quick way to live the resort life this season.

www.splashes.com.au SPLASHES SPA WORLD 13 OLD PITTWATER ROAD, BROOKVALE (02) 9450 0900