WA's Best Outdoors 07/08 - All In the Detail
17th of December 2008
When choosing colours and materials, be sure that you’re not just opting for a jaw-dropping end result. Choose products that work well with selected plants and relate with the inside of the house.
In a small area use every centimeter, and combine functions and features. A popular option is to turn a boring wall into a showpiece with a water feature. Not only are water features relaxing and soothing, but they don’t need an abundance of attention to be maintained.
“It’s a fabulous way to introduce water as an element while actually using very little. And the most fabulous eco-systems can be set up around a well-planned and functioning water feature,” says Boutanique’s Vanessa Kelly.
“People often think they’re a lot of work, but with a good quality biological filtration system and pump there’s nothing to do but enjoy.”
A trendy way to bring the indoor outdoors is through details such as tiling or paving courtyards or entertaining areas. When looking at designs in outdoor flooring, the rule is to still keep it simple. Tiles are becoming more popular as people build practical outdoor kitchen and alfresco areas. There is a wide range to choose from and they are hardwearing and very practical for outdoor environment.
Architectural consultant Sarah Knox says tiles add a great deal to the look and valye of an outdoor environment, whether they’re on the floor; wall, or pool and water feature. “In a smaller area clients are inclined to use vertical installations ush as water features due to the lack of wall space. Tiles are great in this area also, with popular materials being grass, natural stone and porcelain,” says Sarah.
Pacing can serve as a unique design aspect while servicing obvious outdoor needs. Durable and cost-effective, paving products can be incorporated into any specific design with a range of colours and finishes. There are hundreds of designs that focus on using different paving products and colours, but try to use the hand of restraint and only work with one or two and the rest will be spectacular. Martin Cuthbert, from Martin Cuthbert Landscapes, says over complicating styles can look cluttered and have no unifying theme. “Coloured paving needs to be simple and clean – mismatching material selections and having complex paving patterns just doesn’t work,” he says. Depending on garden size, a shaded entertaining or chill out area making use of shade sails, umbrellas or small pergola, is very effective. Not only will a shaded area make those hot summer days bearable, it will also protect plants and prevent paving hot spots. Pam Thompson from Glosswood suggests giving outdoor space style by seeking sustainable products and using natural materials where possible. “Design a protected area for comfort and luxury that can be your private sanctuary,” she explains. “Where you have structure with a protected ceiling under a roof products like Glosswood can offer warmth and beauty of timber.”
Picture courtesy of CultivArt Landscape Design
Pictures courtesy of CultivArt Landscape Design, The Garden Store, Pots R Us & Forezzi.
