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How to turn your cramped backyard into a hidden gem

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We’ve all heard the same story. Cities are becoming more populous, more expensive, houses are getting smaller and backyards are on the way out. While some see the shrinking size of the back garden as the end to an outdoor oasis for entertaining and relaxing after a hard weekโ€™s work, a small garden can often be more easily transformed into a lavish exterior than larger spaces. According to Beaumont Tiles design specialist Rachel Gilding, with a bit of savvy styling and know-how, even the most modest backyards could be magically transformed into a lavish exterior with these three ideas:

A calm watery paradise

Pending the size of your garden, Rachel said consideration should be given to a bath, spa, or water feature to help transform your patch into a bit of beautiful backyard bliss.

โ€œAny water design feature can create a relaxing vibe and brightens any space with its brilliant bluey reflective hues,โ€ said Rachel. โ€œThe feature doesnโ€™t have to be big; water features can create that zen vibe without a massive loss of square metres.

She said a water feature matched with outdoor porcelain pavers will create a beautiful coastal feel. Just make sure your outdoor wall colour matches the neutrality of your paver to maximise this gorgeous aesthetic.

โ€œOn the other hand, you could opt for a darker paver which will give off a stunning, smooth modern feel that is sure to impress. And by opting for outdoor porcelain pavers, you have a durable and long-lasting surface that is slip-resistant and can handle exposure to any household chemicals.ย 

โ€œInstalling them with pedestals or raised supports is perfect for renters and small spaces with open joints creating great drainage which will solve any outdoor bath spills.โ€

Add that firepit flare

Rachel said that while a firepit may seem unrealistic for a smaller backyard, there is a range of smaller braziers or fire pits available that overcome the challenge. โ€œA fire pit is a design feature that draws the eye at a social gathering and is where people will naturally gravitate to.

โ€œIf you have modest space, try a freestanding outdoor fireplace to utilise that limited space you have, just make sure you check your fire regulations before installing this one.

โ€œThis, combined with a stone or wooden bench a safe distance around your brazier and a basalt grey paver as the base and some pot plants can create an amazing wanderlust sanctuary. Adding outdoor porcelain pavers with a concrete base can be the perfect accessory to this area, as pavers can be used as a suitable base thanks to being fireproof and durable.โ€

Being porcelain, these thicker pavers have excellent durability for outdoor weather with UV fade-resistant qualities and they donโ€™t curl on the edges as some natural stones do.

Gorgeous greenery

An all-natural look can be a soothing focus for creating a hideaway from your nextdoor neighbours or the sprawling neighbourhood you live in, and you donโ€™t need too much room for this!

โ€œThis biophilic inspired design is sure to bring you closer to nature,โ€ said Rachel. โ€œItโ€™s all about bringing nature into an overall design narrative, to bring harmony and wellness to the space.ย 

โ€œOne of the incredible ways to make the most of limited space is to make a vertical garden which can create a great privacy screen from your neighbours. It can also be used to grow herbs and vegetables for lovely garnishes for those home-cooked meals.

“Outdoor porcelain pavers are easier to maintain than many other types of material and when you lay them out in a diagonal pattern they will actually make your backyard look much larger than it actually is so you can get an expansive feel to your green sanctuary.โ€

For more on Beaumont Tiles’ outdoor range

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December 7, 2022

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Win a long weekend away for up to six people at th Win a long weekend away for up to six people at the divine @waukivoryestate near Gloucester NSW. Includes late 5pm checkout on the final day ๐ŸŽ‰

Redeemable in February or March 2023.

To enter, simply like this post, follow @waukivoryestate and @interiorsaddict and tag three friends you would love to take with you in the comments.

One entry per person. Entries close midnight Sydney time on Tuesday 14 February.

I've stayed here with my family and the serenity is glorious! There's donkeys! And a firepit! And views and peace for days.

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New @kmartaus home has dropped! Hit up the link i New @kmartaus home has dropped!

Hit up the link in bio for more and links to buy. Enjoy!

#kmarthack #kmarthome #kmartaus #kmartstyling #kmartaustralia #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #bargainhomewares #bargainbuys
Take a scroll through the stunning new art on line Take a scroll through the stunning new art on linen collab from @grottilotti and @linen_house We love it! โค๏ธ

And even if you're not in the market for new linen, the bird cushions would look fab on a sofa. The pink one might be finding its way to my house...

More info on the homepage now via link in bio.

#grottilotti #artistcollaboration #australianartist #australianart #australianartists #bedlinen #linenhouse #boldbedroom #colourfulbedroom #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #jenbishop #bedroomrefresh #bedroomgoals๐Ÿ˜ #linenaddict  #cockatoos #australianbirdsofinstagram
I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scal I'm absolutely loving the simple yet on trend scallop design and colour pop of these lampshades from new brand @soffle_lights 

Read founder Sophie Cartwright's top tips for transforming your rental home on the blog now. Via link in bio.

Which colour is your fave?!

#lampshademaker #lampshadedesign #lampshademaking #floorlamps #lampshades #scalloped #sofflelights #lightingdecor #rentaldecor #rentalhome #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

Take the tour on the blog now. Via link in bio.

#neutralhome #neutralhomedecor #bunkroom #bunkbed #bunkbedsforkids #builtinbunkbeds #skylights #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realhomes #holidayhousesofinstagram #nswsouthcoast #wollongong #wollongonghomes

@projection_build @lumiere_collective @shersonarchitecture 
๐Ÿ“ท@the.palm.co
Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

#kidsroomstyling #kidswallpaper #playmats #feedingchair #nursingchair #nurseryroomdecor #washablerugs #washablerug #bouclechair #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

#bathroomdesignideas #bathroomtrends2023 #showerscreen #showerscreens #archways #apartmentrenovation #interiorsblogger #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno
One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

๐Ÿ“ท @tanikablair_photography 

#interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #gemmapeanut #wedonthavetimeforthis #parentingpodcast #parentingpodcasts #holidayhousesofinstagram #cabaritabeach #airbnbstyle #airbnbstyling #colourandpattern #wallpapergoals #patternedtiles #featuretiles #poolgoals #sparkjoy #yocabacaba #boldinteriors #funinteriors #colourfulkitchen
Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
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Hugo Alley

About Hugo Alley

Hugo Alley is interning at Interiors Addict as part of his Bachelor of Media at the University of New South Wales

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