The latest figures from Commsec show that the size of an average house built in 2018/19 is 228.8 square metre; that’s a 1.3 per cent decrease on last year. Often, this steady decrease in property sizes translates into backyard and entertaining areas that are smaller which means we have to be much smarter with our outdoor choices. With …
Landscaping & Outdoor
Plant styling tips: Expert ideas for apartment living
With apartment, and small-space living, on the rise, so too is our passion for plants. Coincidence much? I think not! When surrounded by concrete, it makes sense that we yearn to reconnect with the natural world. Melbourne-based architect, interior designer and plant cultivator Jason Chongue knows a thing or two about plants; especially when it …
Fire proofing your yard: Five expert tips
While this year’s bushfire season has already been harrowing in its effects, it’s horrifying to think that we’re only at the beginning. With a brutal bushfire season predicted for the weeks and months ahead, we caught up with landscape designer Matt Leacy, of Landart Landscapes, who shares his top tips for mitigating fire risk around your …
Outdoor blinds: Get your backyard ready for summer
Sponsored by: ABC Blinds Whether you’ve got a balcony, courtyard or something more substantial, summer brings so many great opportunities for us to embrace Australia's enviable outdoor lifestyle. And given spring has most definitely sprung (and summer is knocking) it’s a great time to start thinking about your home’s outdoor areas and how to get …
Outdoor round-up: The latest furniture and accessories
While it seems a little odd to even consider the great outdoors (given we're still in the throes of winter) there have been so many fabulous new outdoor furniture and accessories hitting the market lately that we just couldn't wait to share. From outdoor rugs to chic occasional chairs and unusual lighting, here you'll find our pick of the bunch, …
Sustainable garden design: Charlie Albone’s top 7 tips!
While sustainability is an ever-increasing concern for many Australians, it's not something you may have thought about with respect to your garden. From choosing your plants with purpose to harvesting seeds and composting advice, landscape gardener and star of Selling Houses Australia, Charlie Albone is back this month with his top seven tips for …
Future-proof your backyard with these outdoor reno tips
With a slowing property market, Aussie home ownership trends are changing with people choosing to stay put and renovate rather than relocate, according to the 2019 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey. “It’s clear the current market conditions lend themselves towards people staying put for longer. The 2019 survey findings support …
Stylish letter boxes: Boost kerb appeal with our top 5!
Along with stylish landscaping, there's nothing like a smart letterbox to lift a home's kerbside appeal. And with our online shopping addiction showing no signs of abating, the latest letterbox designs have been cleverly created to safely stow large packages too. “Online parcel delivery increased by approximately 20 per cent last year and we were …
2019 trends: home decor, according to Pinterest
Pinterest recently unveiled its fifth ‘Pinterest 100’ report – an annual peek into the top trends that we’ll be seeing over coming year. And with over 250 million users with 175 billion ideas saved to 3 billion boards, the platform is a pretty reliable barometer of trends. Though 83 per cent of home-related searches are for DIY home projects, …
Summer gardening: Expert tips for a lush outdoor room
With the garden increasingly an extension of the inside of the home, we thought it was time to gather some expert tips and tricks for the outdoors as the summer holidays kick off. “Numerous plants burst into bloom or bear fruit at this time of year, but the hotter weather can also be tough on our plants,” says Tristan Eastaugh, product manager at …