Superb ideas for small spaces

Design inspiration to deliver the wow factor

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WHO SAID BIG IS BEAUTIFUL? WE KNOW GOOD THINGS ALSO COME IN SMALL PACKAGES. IT’S EASY TO CREATE RESORT-STYLE LIVING IN EVEN THE SMALLEST OF SPACES WITH A BIT OF DESIGN INSPIRATION.

Afunny thing happens when you spend a bit of extra time at home — something we can all relate to after the last couple of years — you start to notice the little things. You know, the stuff you’ve walked past a thousand times and not given a second thought: a build-up of dust on a rarely used surface, a rug that’s becoming a little threadbare or a finger-marked doorframe that could do with a lick of paint. Online shopping and trips to the big green shed got many of us through the early days of the pandemic.

Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders may have brought our busy families together, but they also highlighted issues with living and working spaces, as everyone strived to find a part of the house to call their own. While the kids may be back at school and mum and dad have likely returned to the workplace, the need to make every part of your home a functional and enjoyable space still stands…and even the smallest of outdoor areas can be made useful with a bit of imagination.

Of course, the pool is usually the ‘star’ of the backyard. It’s where all the action is and where all the love goes when it comes to design and decor. That undivided attention can sometimes create dead zones elsewhere — pockets of space without any purpose. Don’t let good square metreage go to waste when a few simple tweaks can change the landscape completely.

PREPARATION AND PLANNING

First up, take a good hard look at the space in question. Come at it from two directions — try to identify potential uses based on size, shape and proximity to existing functional areas, but also think about problems you’d like to solve or obvious lifestyle shortfalls that need addressing.

For example, installing an outdoor shower at the side of the house near the laundry entrance creates a functional space in an otherwise underutilised area and additionally stops the kids trekking water from the main entry to the bathroom when they get out of the pool — two problems fixed with a relatively lowcost solution.

When identifying potential uses, think about additional requirements these could introduce — will you need access to power and lighting or shelter from the elements?

While we’re focusing here on smaller formats, it’s also worthwhile considering if the current footprint is what you really want in the longer term. There may be potential to increase usable space through rationalisation of the existing elements — reducing the lawn and garden areas in favour of a larger outdoor space for entertaining, for example.

Don’t be bound by today’s layout, as a little creative vision can help bring new and more useful spaces to life in the future.

START AT GROUND LEVEL…

Haphazard furniture placement will give you ‘casual chic’ in some settings, or just look plain untidy in others. Using different floor treatments to section off an area is a simple and very effective way to clearly define a space. Outdoor rugs, feature tiles or pavers, painted concrete, gravel, pebbles or artificial lawn are a few simple options that will subdivide space into defined zones for dining, reading or just lazing about.

You’ll need to consider a few things — like suitability with the existing flooring, exposure to elements and the expected use of the space. For example, you’ll need specific purposedeveloped paint for outdoor concrete areas that will contract and expand as required. You’ll also need to apply it

to a clean uncoated surface to ensure it adheres.

Some ‘outdoor’ furniture and furnishings — including rugs — may bear the name but won’t necessarily hold up to repeated or long-term sun and rain exposure. Think about furniture placement as well — a dining table may not work well on an uneven surface like gravel.

…AND MOVE UPWARDS

Trellises and screens — or even strategically hung curtains and blinds — can be used to effectively divide the space vertically. If you’ve got a little more room, a pergola is always a solid option to delineate one space from the next and allow you and the family to spread out in your own areas to do your own thing.

MAKE IT MULTIPURPOSE

When space is really at a premium, the best option is simply to make it multipurpose — throw up a hammock, drop in a daybed and include a table for casual dining surrounded by a few potted herbs and flowering plants. Add a water feature or fountain and you’ll be transported to another time and place before you know it.

Depending on the proximity of your outdoor space to the rest of the house, creating a visual link using coordinated furnishings (cushions, rugs, planters, etc) or architectural features, will make the space appear larger by seeming connected to the other elements of your home.

LIVE IT UP IN LAYERS

There’s no law that says everything needs to be on one level. Going up is great way to increase your footprint when outdoor space is at a premium. This can range from simple raised planter boxes at different heights full of statement plants that add some drama through to fully structured tiered or stepped garden beds with seating and separate areas.

© Stock.Adobe.com/au/ Stock PK

If you’ve got big ideas for your small space, speak with a landscape architect to see what is possible.

DON’T FORGET THE LIGHTS

Lighting can be your best friend when it comes to visually extending the range of your garden. Some strategically placed solar fittings will bring the space to life at night by highlighting plants and features and complementing your pool lighting. Don’t forget about objects in the distance — use lighting to pull focus to the furthest point of the garden, creating a sense of increased space. Design is all about tricking the eye, and working with small spaces is no different.

When it comes to getting the most from outdoor spaces, it’s worth reassessing every now and then. What works today won’t necessarily be so effective in five or ten years, but in trying to create beautiful and functional areas out of otherwise wasted space, you’ll ensure that your home delivers years of enjoyment for friends and family.

Even the smallest outdoor area is just a blank canvas, waiting for a little inspiration to bring a new space to life.

When space is really at a premium, the best option is simply to make it multipurpose. Use lighting to pull the eye to the furthest point, creating ”a sense of space.

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Creating a lowmaintenance pool

Low maintenance is a term that is rarely associated with pool ownership. In years gone by, the work required to keep a pool in tiptop condition and looking the right colour whilst being safe to swim in was enough to turn some people off the idea of pool ownership.

However, with pool equipment manufacturers racing to incorporate timesaving technology into their products along with internet integration and apps, we asked Hayward Pool Products whether it really is now truly possible to spend longer in your pool than working on it.

FOR BUSY HOMEOWNERS, WHAT ARE THE BEST CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE FOR REDUCING THE WORK REQUIRED TO RUN A POOL?

Probably the quickest and easiest thing that you can do to make maintenance easy is to cut down on the time and effort it takes to clean your pool. You can do this by investing in an automatic pool cleaner. It will remove debris and scrub the pool for you — all you have to do is remember to empty it. The new AquaVac 650 Robotic Cleaner from Hayward has even done away with filters, meaning you can stay away from the mess and empty it with the touch of a button.

A more long-term solution to improve the ownership experience would be to invest in an automation system to run your pool. Many owners install a pool to improve the lifestyle of themselves or their families. In the past they have been unable to fully enjoy this change due to the work required to maintain and run a pool. Automation removes many of these time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks so the owner can enjoy the lifestyle improvements that a pool can bring.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC HAYWARD POOL PRODUCTS THAT YOU’D RECOMMEND FOR A BUSY HOMEOWNER? WHY?

Hayward OmniLogic pool and backyard automation is the perfect system for a busy homeowner. It provides an easy way to control the chemistry of your pool and spa, as well as the heating, lighting, water features and any other pool or backyard equipment required by the user. The system takes the hassle out of pool ownership by bringing together all the elements of a modern energy-efficient pool and allowing the user to control it with an app. With an OmniLogic installed you can quickly and simply get your pool running exactly how you like it, at the touch of a button.

Owners can access their pool from anywhere as long as they’re connected to the internet. So rather than having to manually switch valves or press buttons around the pool, the owner can do this from the comfort of their sun lounger. You can even get your pool up and running before you arrive home from work, allowing you to get straight in and make the most of your evening.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR BUSY HOMEOWNERS LOOKING TO INCORPORATE AUTOMATION INTO THEIR NEW POOL?

When choosing your pool equipment make sure that you are comfortable with understanding how it operates — modern systems can appear complicated and this can be off-putting to some people. The last thing you want is to be standing around scratching your head trying to figure out how to get your filtration running when you could be in the pool splashing around. However, if a system is set up in accordance with the needs of the pool owner and a good handover is provided by the installer, pool automation can truly transform your ownership experience and turn it into the dream you always hoped it would be.

To find out more about the products mentioned in this article and to find your nearest Hayward dealer, just head to www.hayward-pool.com.au.

HAYWARD POOL PRODUCTS AUSTRALIA

P: 1300 766 571 E: SALES@HAYWARD-POOL.COM.AU W: WWW.HAYWARD-POOL.COM.AU

SPASA SPOTLIGHT

LEADER POOLS

Canberra’s locally owned and operated Leader Pools is a family business that has been transforming outdoor living areas and creating beautiful spaces for clients since establishing in 1987. As one of the region’s most well-respected custom pool design and construction companies, the team at Leader specialise in creating the ideal solution for your needs... and for your space.

This award-winning pool offers the ultimate lifestyle — a seamless integration between indoors and out that offers a functional and beautiful entertainment area. It is a stunning example of the team’s eye for detail, excellence in building and focus on delivering the very best for each client. P: 02 6297 5999 E: SWIM@LEADERPOOLS.COM.AU W: WWW.LEADERPOOLS.COM.AU

Save money on your pool heating

Do you have a pool that sits for the majority of the cold months unused? A pool heater may only cost you an additional 10% of your pool investment, with the added benefit of using your pool 100% of the time. Now is the time to ensure you make the most of your pool investment, by installing an energy efficient heating solution so you can use your pool year-round.

In order to make the most out of your pool heating for the least amount of money, EvoHeat recommend applying as many of the following methods as possible to your heating system:

USING AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HEATING OPTION

Using an inefficient means of heating will not only produce far less heat but will also make your operating bills skyrocket! Using an energy efficient heating solution will provide much lower running costs and reduce your household carbon emissions.

CHOOSING A CORRECTLY SIZED HEATING SOLUTION

An incorrectly sized heater may not adequately heat your pool and will also create larger operating bills while attempting to do so. There are many factors other than the pool volume that will play a role in determining the correct heater size.

A reputable pool heating company will provide you with a detailed evaluation report that analyses your individual pool settings to determine the perfect heater based on your requirements. This report will ensure you don’t overspend on a larger sized heater, when a smaller unit could achieve the same result.

USING A POOL COVER

By using a pool cover on both indoor and outdoor pools, it will greatly minimise the evaporation and loss of heat therefore producing savings of up to 70%! The use of a cover also will trap the existent heat in the pool therefore allowing you to run your heater for a shorter amount of time to reach the desired temperature

— saving energy and your money!

PAIRING WITH SOLAR PV

Solar PV can help offset the costs of running your electric heater and may reduce your pool heating costs to almost nothing! When pairing with a pool cover, solar PV is an excellent choice in reducing your household power bills. will be warmer, and your heater will not need to run as long to reach your desired pool temperature. You may like to consider decreasing your desired water temperature in summer when the outside air is warmer and more comfortable to swim. Reducing your pool temperature by as little as one degree may reduce your running costs by up to 20%. regularly. If the pool’s temperature drops by a significant amount it will require a greater amount of energy to reheat the pool to the desired temperature, rather than keep it stable.

OPERATING DURING OFFPEAK TIMES

By operating during offpeak electricity rates (these are times when households are not using as much energy — generally at night or on the weekend) you can use your heater at a cheaper cost.

APPLYING SHELTERING IN HIGH-WIND AREAS

In high-wind areas your pool should be sheltered to prevent heat loss — this can be done through a variety of means such as landscaping, fencing or well-trimmed hedges.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

With regular maintenance, up to 30% improvement in heater efficiency and up to 25% in savings can be expected when keeping your heater in its best operating state. By providing regular maintenance, you will prevent larger & costlier problems appearing later on, extend your heater’s lifespan and ensure the highest efficiency possible!

For more information on energy efficient pool heating solutions, speak to EvoHeat

NOT RUNNING AS LONG IN SUMMER

In summer or warmer temperatures your heater usage will be reduced because your pool water

MAINTAINING THE TEMPERATURE

It is important to both check and maintain the pool’s water temperature

EVOHEAT

P: 1300 859 933 E: INFO@EVOHEAT.COM.AU W: WWW.EVOHEAT.COM.AU