What to do if you’re going on holiday

If you’re travelling to visit family and friends this summer and want to return to a live garden, water your plants thoroughly and deeply before applying a three to five-centimetre layer of mulch to the top of pots and garden beds to help reduce moisture loss from the soil. 

If a neighbour can water your plants for you, group your potted plants together to make it easier for them (you can put indoor pot plants together in the bath tub). Move tender plants to a shaded spot where they are protected from harsh sun and will benefit from any natural rainfall. Place saucers under vulnerable potted plants, like hydrangeas, to catch excess water for them to drink on hot and dry days.

Prepare for dry conditions

With hot, dry conditions expected, spray plants and seedlings with a drought shield to help reduce water loss from leaves and increase your plant’s chances of survival. 

An application of soil wetter around the root zone in garden beds and potted plants will help get water where it’s needed by breaking down the waxy water-repellent layer that can develop on soil surfaces.

You can also mix water storage crystals into the soil before planting. For existing plants, spoon a few pre-hydrated crystals into vertical holes poked down into the root area. 

Beware bug and storm season

Lawn grubs can rapidly destroy an entire lawn – not what you want during the season of backyard cricket! Armyworm caterpillars can also ruin large patches of lawn in late summer by stripping grass foliage.

You can protect the lawn and control curl grubs and armyworm by treating with a lawn insecticide.

Where thunderstorms are expected, apply a lawn fertiliser towards the end of the wet season to replace the nutrients in your luscious lawn that were washed away by heavy rains. 

Keep your vegies alive in the heat

To keep your homegrown salad bowl fresh, if potted vegies start to get too hot and wilt, move them into a more shaded spot. Lettuce, rocket, parsley, mint, basil, and silverbeet will all tolerate partial shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal.

In tropical zones, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant, lettuce, cucumber, and Asian greens like Bok choy are great to sow now.

Combat fruit flies

Delicious and juicy fruit is perfect for a warm summer, so make sure to keep those pesky fruit flies at bay by using a bait. Look for one that is certified for use in organic gardening, as it will be derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria. Apply it to the lower trunk, foliage or a piece of plywood. Don’t forget to remove any fallen fruit to help deter fruit fly infestations.

To promote sweet and juicy fruit this summer, mulch strawberries and other berries with sugar cane or pea straw to help keep roots cooler and reduce moisture loss from the soil. 

Deter tiny pests

Garden pests like mites will be more of a common problem this summer thanks to higher temperatures. So too are caterpillars, aphids and whitefly.

Look out for mottled leaves and spidery webs created by mites, leaf holes left by caterpillars and yellowing plants from sap sucking aphids and whitefly. Carefully apply a spray to control the most common pests on roses, flowers, vegetables and citrus. Water plants well beforehand, then apply the spray in the cool of the early evening.

The post How to look after your backyard this summer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“We have a lot of our bigger family celebrations out there,” says owner Kait, who loves spending time on the property with her husband Marcus and their children Oli, 10, Jack, nine, Lucy, four, and Bella, three. “There’s so much space for people to come together and connect, or… go off and have fun.”

That principle of connection is at the heart of Quondong. The 30-acre property now serves a multitude of families, as the home of The Play Way, a nature-based therapeutic space where families, and particularly children with disabilities, can learn and thrive. “We know the power of getting children out in nature and how much that can support them in regulating their nervous system and… feeling their best,” says Kait, an occupational therapist.

“Working with your hands and being out in nature… supports your body to feel relaxed” – Kait, homeowner

After purchasing the property in March 2020, Kait and Marcus called on landscape designer Kathleen Murphy to help turn the rundown homestead into an adventure playground, with nooks for relaxation and imaginative play, bike- and wheelchair-friendly paths for exploring and, the star of the show: the vegetable garden.

Behind the vegetable garden design

This is the heart of the property, with garden beds and fruit trees, free-ranging chooks, grapevine-shaded arbours and seating spaces. “That’s where the magic happens,” says Kait, who finds children checking on chooks and nibbling on food.

Kathleen designed the space for flexible use, and particularly for kids of all sizes. She also repurposed an existing shed as the centre of growing operations. It has potting benches and soil bins at varied heights. Garden beds range from ground-level rows to raised planters.

“It’s meant to feel natural and organic,” says Kathleen. This design style – structured, but relaxed – marries beautifully with a rustic palette of timber, rust-toned corten steel, shaggy fringes of ivy and patinaed objects, treasure-hunted from around the farm. “Quondong was a working farm for well over 100 years,” says Kathleen, who repurposed paraphernalia such as an old washing trough.

The health benefits of gardening

The garden provides a full sensory experience for children, from plunging their hands into warm soil to cuddling the chickens that cluck in the shade of the old peppercorn tree. Most of all, it connects them with food thanks to a custom pizza oven by Tait Decorative Iron.

The children have a hand in every part of the process, from gathering wood and making dough, to picking produce for toppings. Even fussy eaters are emboldened by the accomplishment. The therapeutic effects aren’t news to gardeners, but for these kids, it’s revelatory – maybe even life changing.

Tour the tranquil vegetable garden

“You can have a very productive space and still have it beautiful,” explains Kathleen. Shaded by river red gums, children experience the healing power of nature through the simple joy of gardening, orchestrated by occupational therapist Kait of The Play Way.

Landscape designer Kathleen Murphy supplemented raised beds with rows of ground-level gardens. The latter beds are packed with leafy greens such as pak choy, kale and cabbages. Espaliered pink lady apples grow along the corten steel fence.

Kait’s kids love all the produce. The strawberries are their pick of the bunch, grown in raised planters for easier access.

Diverse materials and bed heights create a garden that’s structured but organic, united by a palette of timber and corten steel.

The use of corten steel is echoed in the fence and a gate custom made by Tait Decorative Iron.

Ground bed structures include netting and a tomato frame made from found branches.

“We wanted to create spaces where the kids felt safe and they had the freedom to explore” – Kait, homeowner

Explore the alfresco areas

An alfresco living area provides a necessary place to relax amid the hustle and bustle of the working vegetable garden. “Many of the kids struggle with social engagement and endurance,” explains Kait. Here, they find reprieve on the Coco Republic ‘Navagio’ sofas, sourced by Rees & Rees in Wangaratta. This peaceful area is situated underneath the arbour, shrouded in gorgeous grapevines .

“If it’s really busy in the garden shed and the kids need a little bit more space, this is a lovely chillout zone” – Kait, homeowner

Rees & Rees in Wangaratta sourced much of the furniture, including the Coco Republic ‘Navagio’ sofas.

Teaching cooking skills with a pizza oven

The woodfired pizza oven, designed and made by Tait Decorative Iron, is the centre of activities at Quondong.

Children forage in the garden for toppings – even raiding the chicken coop for the odd egg – then settle down to eat under the arbour (also made by Neil Tait). This is festooned with grapevines for shade in summer and dappled light in winter.

“So many of the kids are really fussy eaters, but exposing them to food and where it comes from and getting them involved in the process, they become so proud of what they’ve achieved and so much more willing to try things that they otherwise wouldn’t try,” says Kait. “If they get their senses ignited, it’s exploring; they’re not focused on ‘I don’t eat that’ and they’ll try things they would never normally try.”

Source book

Landscape design: Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design, kmldesign.com.
Therapy program: The Play Projects, theplayprojects.com.

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The post This healing vegetable garden teaches kids important life lessons appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A guide to growing Hydrangeas in Australia

Types of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas come in many forms, each with its own character. Mopheads and lacecaps are the most familiar: mopheads with their blousy, spherical flower heads and lacecaps with their delicate, flat heads framed by a ring of florets.

Then you have all the architectural drama of paniculatas, with their tall, conical flower heads that age from creamy white to soft pink. Oakleaf hydrangeas bring extra personality with deeply lobed leaves that turn fiery in autumn; while smooth hydrangeas, like the legendary‘Annabelle’, reward gardeners with enormous snowball-like blooms, even in cool-climate gardens.

Best soil for hydrangeas

And then there’s the magic of colour. In Hydrangea macrophylla, flowers respond to your soil’s pH levels: acidic soils encourage blues and purples; alkaline soils reap pink blooms. White hydrangeas, however, remain elegantly indifferent – the neutral observers of the garden stage.

If your hydrangea insists on pink when you were hoping for blue, take a deep breath – it’s just showing off its independence. A little soil tweak with sulfur or acidic compost should nudge it in the right direction. Conversely, a touch of garden lime will help promote pink flowers.

Climate

Hydrangeas are deciduous and easy to grow providing you honour their needs. Most thrive in morning sun with afternoon shade and enjoy rich, well-draining soil. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist, and water regularly, especially in hot, dry weather – they like a proper afternoon tea – but don’t let them sit with soggy feet.

How to prune hydrangeas

Pruning may feel daunting, but it’s simple if you know the rules: mopheads and oakleafs flower on old wood, so only lightly trim them after they bloom; paniculatas and smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so prune them harder in late winter.

Cutting back mopheads can feel like farewelling your flowers, but trust me – a gentle trim right after they bloom won’t bruise their ego. Some slow-release fertiliser in spring also helps encourages generous blooms.

Hydrangeas make a garden feel alive. They suit every style, from romantic cottage plots to modern minimalism, and their flowers lend themselves to fresh bouquets and dried arrangements. Some years they’re bashful and shy, other years they sing their presence across the garden. Roll with it and they’ll reward you season after season.

In a world of ever-demanding plants, hydrangeas are delightfully forgiving – resilient and endlessly captivating. So, next time you wander past one, pause to admire it. After all, a garden without a little magic is just a patch of green.

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The post A gardener’s guide to growing hydrangeas in Australia appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It was a challenge, but Lori was excited to create a sustainable garden to match the energy-efficient Passivhaus in construction. She completed the design in stages, working with builders MVH Constructions as they excavated the site. This collaborative process helped instil a sense of untamed beauty. Says Lori, “That created the layers in the garden and it just evolved from there.”

Homeowners Caroline and Nick, who have two young children, were keen to create a counterpoint to the formal hedges and cottage gardens typically seen in the suburb. Championing the surrounding environment was also important. “The house is very green in its footprint and uses local materials where possible, so we wanted to embrace the modern… and stay on the theme of Australian timbers and aesthetics in the garden,” Caroline explains.

As busy professionals and parents, a low-maintenance design was essential. Lori opted for an organic tapestry of hardy, mostly native plants that don’t need regular watering, and locally sourced bluestone
and granite to create areas for sitting and exploring. The result is reminiscent of a wild and winding bushwalking track.

The design works in harmony with the home. This is at once cohesive and also functional. Since light is critical to the Passivhaus design, Lori was careful to ensure the garden’s trees add shape and structure without interfering with the home’s thermal properties.

“The house is quite tall so we really needed to plant some tall trees that wouldn’t impact the house but provide a bit of shade for upstairs,” Lori explains. “They’re dwarf lemon-scented gums, so they stay nice
and narrow, but will shelter the western sun off the bedroom upstairs.”

Thanks to Lori’s work enriching the soil with compost and gypsum, the garden has flourished, so much so that the plants are now selfpropagating. It’s also a magnet for birds such as pardalotes and magpies, creating a symphony of sounds that can be enjoyed by all.

The garden has truly become a calming contrast to the busy city streets, while the native plants complement the natural beauty. “We love that it’s a little bit wild and rambling and that you get seasonal wildflowers,” Caroline says. “Our boys like to sit on the stone that’s a bit of a garden seat in the front yard and watch the first stars emerge and a few possums run around. You’re in a private native oasis there.”

“There’s always a spot for plants you love. You don’t have to be too strict” Lori McNutt, landscape designer

Source book

Landscape design and construction McNuttnDorff
Landscapes, mcnuttndorff.com.au
Architecture Maxa Design, maxadesign.com.au
Builder MVH Constructions, mvhconstructions.com

The post A lush native garden in East Melbourne that feels like a wild bushland trail appeared first on Home Beautiful.

For a look that’ll last for years, avoid anything that’s already on its way out. “We’re definitely in the no more grey camp, please!” says Melanie Parker, co-founder of interior design studio Ivy + Piper. Read on as our colour experts reveal the new grey and other trending shades, plus how to add these exterior paint colours to your own home.

Exterior paint colours for heritage homes

Going with colours you have a fervour for is important, but also consider the style of your home. If it’s a heritage property, certain shades will feel more appropriate. This Tudor Revival-style home in Brisbane was built in the Art Deco era and updated with help from Ivy + Piper. The exterior is painted Dulux Vivid White with striking Dulux Black detailing, which looks authentic with the aesthetic (as Tudor homes have quite a specific look). “A classic white house with black trim never dates, but we like to see some texture added with brick or stone to accentuate the clean colour palette,” says Melanie.

Classics to try

• Dulux Black
• Dulux Vivid White

Be informed by your home’s original era and architecture when considering shades for its exterior. A fresh coat of paint in colours that suit its origins could be the best option, rather than diving into the latest hot hue.

Style tips for exterior paint colours

Try unexpected pops of colour

Just like the unexpected red theory that has swept interiors, an unexpected pop of colour on your exterior can be equally stylish and trendy. “We always encourage clients to work with some unexpected colour on the trim and soffits,” says Melanie. This home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is a perfect example, featuring Dulux Piglet on the window trims with a custom green on the fascia (the pitched boards beneath the edge of the roof) and soffits (the underside of the roof overhang).

This up-to-date colour combo has endless possibilities. “A pale pink soffit with a dark green main house colour is unexpected but refreshing,” explains Melanie. “When working with old homes with architectural details, don’t be afraid to paint your deck’s ceiling strapping a contrasting colour or pick a two-toned trim combination for the windows and sills.” Stay open-minded about the possibilities of placing colour in interesting places.

Perfect combination

• Dulux Moorland
• Dulux Piglet

Think outside the box when deciding which elements of your facade to define. Walls are an obvious choice, but fascia, fencing, fretwork, window frames and soffits are others.

Where to add accent colours

Bold and bright front door colours

Kate Walker and the KWD team elevated a pink-toned colour palette in this exterior, with shutters in Dulux Recycled which flank the front door in Porter’s Paints Newport Blue. “Most people tend to stick to whites, neutrals or darker charcoals on the windows, fascia and trims outside,” says Andrea. “Doors tend to be more creative, painted in many different colours.” Using a dash of a fun shade on your door or storm shutters can be an easy way to update your facade – and they don’t need to match.

“Front doors are, of course, an easy way to personalise your exterior paint scheme quickly and easily,” agrees Melanie. “Go for bright, glossy shades to accentuate the door’s design and welcome guests in.” If a brazen blue door is too daring for you, opt for a more muted tone that appeals to you. The year ahead is heralding in happy shades of all sorts, from soft lilac to pretty coral and rich plum. The key is to find a splendid paint colour that resonates with you and your style of home.

Popular playful picks

• Porter’s Paints Infinity
• Porter’s Paints Limelight
• Porter’s Paints Newport Blue
• Dulux Recycled

Melanie recommends using a vibrant shade on your front door to energise your home’s facade. For a sense of cohesion, use small doses of the same paint colour elsewhere on your exterior, play with half- or quarter-strengths, or add a complementary hue.

Creating cohesion with exterior paint colours

Timeless yet trendy green exteriors

In recent years, we saw sage green everywhere. Now we’re seeing the full spectrum of this calming colour being used liberally on the facades of homes, from cool mint and warm olive to deep moss. “We love a splash of green on the exterior of a home and it can be accented with contrasting trims in really interesting ways,” explains Melanie. “Our East Toowoomba project features Dulux Remote Control, which can work beautifully on both modern contemporary and traditional homes. Another dark green favourite is Dulux Deep Brunswick Green.” When applied in palatable tones, green can pass as a neutral and is a welcome alternative to grey for Melanie. “We appreciate our lives are far more interesting than grey, and so our homes should be also,” she says.

Greens that are in

• Dulux Deep Brunswick Green
• Dulux Remote Control

If you’re going all in on a gallant shade of green, offset it with crisp white trims and natural details for a look that’s elegant and timeless.

Trendy yet timeless exterior paint colours

Trending neutrals

Your comfort zone colours haven’t gone anywhere, they’re just getting warmer. “We’re seeing greys, stone, greige, tans, beige, sand and both warm and cool whites used on exteriors,” explains Andrea. Dulux White Swan adds subtle depth to the weatherboard facade of this heritage home, while Dulux Lexicon Quarter highlights the ornate fretwork and frames the blues and greens in the decorative front door glazing. “As fate would have it, the original leadlight windows at the front of the house included these beautiful tones,” says interior designer Jessica Viscarde of Eclectic Creative. “They provided a stepping stone to explore colour, and the foundation that we built on.”

When designing for clients, Melanie and her Ivy + Piper co-founder, Elizabeth Flekser, are embracing the shift from cool greys towards creams, browns and earthier tones. “We know everyone feels comfortable with grey as it’s so safe, however it’s been drastically overused. Grey should only really be used on trims from here on in!” she shares. “We’re loving cinnamon and ginger shades, such as Resene Crème de la Crème, Porter’s Paints Biscotti or Porter’s Paints Cinnamon Sugar. Great soft whites are Dulux Natural White or Porter’s Paints Bone, which is still fresh yet soft.”

The new beige shades

• Porter’s Paints Cinnamon Sugar
• Porter’s Paints Biscotti
• Resene Creme De La Creme
• Dulux Natural White
• Dulux Lexicon Quarter

Combine timeless and trendy by using a soft yet spicy cinnamon shade on your walls, paired with deep green detailing on external windows or doors, for a facade that feels warm and welcoming.

Warm exterior paint colours

The post Beyond white: The exterior paint colours that are trending in 2026 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Shop our favourite pizza ovens

01

‘Arc’ XL gas pizza oven in Bone

$1,349 (was $1,499), Gozney

Best for: Compact design

This Gozney model is designed to fit even small outdoor kitchens and outdoor areas, while still perfectly cooking pizzas up to 16 inches in diameter. The design features a lateral rolling flame and burner that perfectly blends modern and traditional cooking techniques and innovations. The burner heats evenly and consistently while the rolling flame replicates the smokiness of traditional wood-fired pizza ovens. It also comes with a stand, for an additional $279.20 (was previously $349). Dimensions are: 53cm (W) x 62.9cm (D) x 34.2cm (H).

Key features:

• Compact design
• Suitable for maximum 16 inch pizzas
• Lateral rolling flame
• Propane gas
• Gas pizza oven
• Freestanding pizza oven

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02

Smart Outdoor Living built-in wood fired pizza oven

$1,087 (was $1,599), Appliances Online

Best for: Traditional wood-fired cooking

“There’s nothing better than starting the fire on a Sunday with your family and baking things together in the pizza oven,” says Stefano De Caro, chef and co-owner of Sydney’s Cicerone Cucina Romana restaurant. This model, smartly designed to sit atop outdoor kitchen cabinetry, creates that classic, smokey and sumptuous flavour thanks to the wood-fired fuel. The high-grade stainless steel construction is rust-resistant and durable, while high-quality ceramic bricks provide heat retention. It can reach temperatures above 400°C, which means you could cook a pizza in just two minutes. Dimensions are: 11.1cm (H) x 79cm (W) x 74cm (D).

Key features:

• Wood-fired pizza oven
• Built-in pizza oven
• Stainless steel construction
• Ceramic bricks
• Rust-resistant
• Durable
• Traditional pizza oven
• Temperatures reach 400°C

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03

‘Koda 2’ gas-powered outdoor pizza oven

$674.10 (was $749), Ooni

Best for: Portable pizza oven

The second generation of the ‘Koda’ design is bigger and better than ever. This portable model sits atop outdoor cabinetry and is perfect for pizzas up to 14 inches in diameter. Reaching temperatures of up to 500°C, Neapolitan-style pizzas can be cooked and ready to eat in just 60 seconds. The tapered flame gas burner directs heat where you need it and reheats the pizza stone 20% quicker than the last iteration of this model. All you have to do is plug it in and you’re ready to go.

Key features:

• Portable pizza oven
• Gas pizza oven
• Temperatures reach 500°C
• Propane gas fuel
• Weighs 16kg
• 5 year warranty
• 60 day money back guarantee

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04

‘Volt 2’ electric indoor pizza oven

$899, Ooni

Best for: Indoor pizza oven

No outdoor space? No worries. Ooni’s electric indoor model is compact but powerful, reaching temperatures of up to 450°C meaning you can cook in a pizza in as little as 90 seconds. And, since most people don’t have space for an appliance that only does one job, this model has a wide temperature range that allows you to bake beyond slices. You could bake cookies, roast vegetables or even cook a mid-week meal in this oven. It even has a dough-proofing mode, to help you proof or defrost pizza dough. A removable, dishwasher-safe filter systems vents smoke and steam, perfect for indoor kitchen use (and keeping the interior clean).

Key features:

• Temperatures reach up to 450°C
• Electric pizza oven
• Indoor pizza oven
• Compact design
• Versatile uses

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05

Cuisinart ‘Pizzeria Pro’ indoor pizza oven

$419.50, Big W

Best for: Budget-friendly indoor pizza oven

Kitchen appliances can be expensive and pizza ovens are no different. Thankfully, there are budget-conscious (yet good quality) options on the market. The Cuisinart electric indoor model is one example. It reaches temperatures of up to 380°C and can cook a pizza up to 30cm in diameter. The stainless steel finish will complement other appliances in your kitchen, while the dimensions are compact enough for a kitchen of any size. With a ceramic stone that heats evenly for optimal pizza base charring, the result is a traditional pizza flavour with all the modern convenience of electricity.

Key features:

• Reaches 380°C
• Electric pizza oven
• Indoor pizza oven
• Compact design
• Budget conscious
• Stainless steel finish

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Shop essential pizza oven accessories

01

Bamboo pizza peel & serving board

$48 (was $60)/30cm, Ooni

Best for: Dual function

A pizza peel is the tool used to slide the food in and out of a hot oven. It essentially acts like a shovel and is a necessary accessory to have in your kitchen. This pizza peel is made out of bamboo, meaning it doubles as a stylish serving board (it could even serve as a cheese board). Versatility is always a bonus. Since the handle on this product isn’t particularly long, we would recommend it for smaller pizza ovens, not large ones.

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02

‘Balance’ turning peel

$119.20 (was $149), Gozney

Best for: Long handle

Turning peels are similar to pizza peels but there are key differences. Turning peels are used to rotate your goods inside the hot pizza oven. As such, they tend to have long handles to assist with this task. The ‘Balance’ turning peel is 90cm in length and has a tear drop shape which is designed to ease the turning motion. Another benefit? The perforated metal allows excess flour to fall through the peel, helping to create a flavour sensation on the crust while avoiding a burnt taste. The blade is made from stainless steel while the handle is sustainably sourced Beech wood.

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03

Oxo steel pizza wheel

$34.95 (was $43.95), Kitchen Warehouse

Best for: Slicing up the pizza goods.

Picture this scenario: you’ve completed all the work of making and shaping pizza dough, you’ve cooked your favourite pizza to perfection and now the only step left is slicing it up. But you only have a regular knife and cutting your pizza up is so much harder. That’s why a pizza wheel is an essential tool in your kitchen. There’s no need to struggle with a dull blade when you’re cutting your pizza into easy-to-eat slices. The Oxo pizza wheel is made from stainless steel and features a sharp blade, plus a thumb guard for extra safety. It’s dishwasher-safe and has a hanging hole, meaning it’s easy to store on hooks (especially in outdoor kitchens).

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04

Soga round divisible wood pizza server board in Brown

$67.41 (was $74.90), Myer

Best for: Serving a whole pizza or a single slice

The design of this wooden pizza serving board is so versatile. With six separate pieces it’s so many serving boards, of all different shapes and sizes, in one. All together it is round, with a diameter of 42cm but it can also be divided into six slices, with a length of 21cm (including the handle) and a width of 15cm. It’s just like a pizza, with six triangular boards that can be used to serve individual portions of pizza to guests. You could even place two of these triangles side by side, pointy end beside handle, creating a sort of rhombus-shaped serving tray. No matter how you want to use this, one thing is clear. This is a classic, stylish and versatile wooden serving board.

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05

Emile Henry ridged pizza stone in Burgundy

$107.10 (was $119), Woolworths

Best for: Baking pizza in your kitchen oven

If a pizza oven isn’t in the budget right now then a pizza stone can give you the next best result. These are made specifically for ovens and grills, creating the kind of crisp crust that you would normally only be able to achieve with a pizza oven. This model is ceramic, in a stylish shade of burgundy. The ridges on the stone help with air flow, creating a crispier crust underneath. The raised edge is good for grip, so that your pizza won’t slip and slide off while you’re transferring it into the oven with your pizza peel.Hot tip: for the best result, preheat the pizza stone in the oven before adding your pizza on top. It is 40cm in diameter.

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06

Pizza peel

$64 (was $80)/30cm, Ooni

Best for: Slim design

This pizza peel is 1.4cm thick. This super sleek and slim design will help you scoop underneath your pizza with ease. After all, no one wants to struggle to retrieve their yummy food from a hot oven. The blade is made from lightweight aluminium while the handle is made from heat-resistant glass with reinforced nylon.

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What types of pizza ovens are most popular?

Rewind thousands of years, and the ovens we see in Roman ruins were built by hand, brick by brick, or fashioned from clay to bake food and flatbreads – the culinary ancestors of pizza. In the 20th century, gas and electric pizza ovens joined charcoal- and wood-burning designs and today, we can choose from all four types – plus multi-fuel models. Unlike regular ovens, the naked flame inside charcoal-, gas- and wood-fuelled pizza ovens gives food a distinctive, smoky flavour that can only be achieved with fire. And while electric models don’t replicate the flavour that pizza purists love, the convenience of their lightweight and compact size is undeniable.

What’s best: freestanding pizza ovens or built-in pizza ovens?

“It depends on how much space you have,” says Stefano De Caro, chef and co-owner of Sydney’s Cicerone Cucina Romana restaurant. Built-in pizza ovens start at around one square metre in size, while reestanding, portable models such as the Gozney ‘Arc’ are about half that size, so grab a tape measure and take stock of your outdoor area. Include at least 500mm for bench space, plus extra circulation room, in a well-ventilated spot ideally undercover. Short on space outside? Consider an electric pizza oven, such as the Ooni ‘Volt 2’. Designed for indoor use, the compact model sits on your kitchen benchtop and reaches 450 degrees Celsius without a naked flame.

What pizza oven fuel is best: charcoal, wood-fired or gas?

Now comes the fun part – flavour! Charcoal and wood pizza ovens need a steady fuel supply nearby, require a higher skill level and can produce their fair share of mess, though the flavour is unrivalled. “It’s an ancient technique, cooking with fire, and that’s what I love most,” shares Salim Gafayri, a chef and caterer in Melbourne renowned for his Neapolitan-style pizza offerings. “The taste is always better with wood-fired pizza ovens,” agrees Stefano. “For built-in pizza ovens, I’d do pure wood – it’s more romantic.” Gas pizza ovens balance flavour with contemporary convenience, more so if you have an existing gas bayonet in your outdoor area. If not, you can pick up a gas cylinder at a hardware store or service station.

Can pizza ovens cook other foods?

“I use my pizza oven for cooking pretty much everything, especially when I don’t want a bad smell in the house,” says Stefano with a laugh. “I cook a lot of vegetables, steak and whole fish, even chocolate pudding, and I bake flatbread to make sandwiches.” He adds that if you are planning on smoking beef short ribs or pork, ensure you buy a wood-fired pizza oven. While smaller ovens are perfect for cooking one pizza at a time, a bigger internal cavity will expand your culinary options.

“If you want to cook something larger, like a roast lamb or three pizzas at once, the cavity of the oven plays a big part – you’ll need a bigger design,” says Salim. “And if you’re baking bread, an oven door comes in handy.” Regardless of the fare you create, make sure the model you choose is well-insulated. “The better the insulation, the better the heat retention of the oven and the better the results,” says Salim. This is important for quality control and for safety reasons, particularly in households with young children.

Which pizza oven accessories do I need?

A launching peel to place your pizza on and a turning peel to rotate it are essential – the larger your oven, the longer the handles should be. “I recommend using a perforated launching peel, because when you pick up the pizza and slide it into the oven, it eliminates the excess flour or semolina,” says Salim. He also suggests using the peel for cleaning: “Tie an old, damp tea towel around your turning peel and use it to reach inside your oven and give the stone base a good clean,” he says.

For prep, use a dough scraper, cutter and proofing tray. An infrared thermometer is also useful to measure the temperature of the oven’s stone base, rather than the internal air temperature. And to enjoy the fruit of your labour? A pizza rocker or cutter and a serving board offer the final flourish.

What temperature should you aim for?

Salim Gafayri, Melbourne chef and caterer advises, “Cooking hot and fast – 400 to 450°C with a nice, rolling flame – equals Neapolitan-style pizzas. Low and slow – 320 to 340°C without too much flame – gives New York-style pizzas.”

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The post Any way you slice it, pizza ovens are the perfect summer cooking appliance appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Whether your dream is a sunken fire pit or cool cabana, our experts provide you with all the inspiration you need to plan, create and decorate your own outdoor living spaces.

Create an outdoor kitchen

Promising extra cooking space, more mingling with your guests and no cooking odours inside, an outdoor kitchen elevates entertaining and turns everyday mealtimes into social occasions.

“Begin by looking at the available space, your everyday lifestyle and how much you entertain,” says Toby France, director of Exterior Architecture. “Be realistic about what you’ll use in an outdoor kitchen. Just a simple barbecue and bench space? Or everything from a fridge to a teppanyaki grill?”

Next, Toby says to consider design and materials. “Robust and low-maintenance materials, such as poured concrete, stone and stainless steel, withstand the elements and suit the ‘solid’ looking aesthetic of an outdoor kitchen.”

Remember to ask professionals about drainage, fire safety, minimum clearances and ventilation.

Plan your pool house

“Nothing embraces summer living like a pool house,” says architect Adam Hampton, director of Hampton Architecture. “Primarily a place to relax and entertain connected to the garden or swimming pool, they often have a flexible, open-plan layout to serve a range of uses, such as guest accommodation.”

Typically, a pool house complements your home and relates to your landscape and pool setting. Adam suggests elevating a structure with “tall ceilings, stacked doors, retractable awnings and shutters”.

Look to resort-style living for interior inspiration, suggests Anna. “Light, with timber accents and neutral, textured fabrics, tropical fans and soft lighting. Think about storage and fixtures like speakers, too. Essentially, create a gorgeous destination in your garden and make it feel like an occasion to go out there.”

Built-in joinery and fold-down beds help to maximise space.

Add a cabana

“Cabanas are great for extending the use of your outdoor space when it’s hot, providing privacy and shade, particularly by a pool,” says Toby. Practicalities aside, cabanas conjure visions of cocktails and the exclusivity of a hired daybed at a chic resort.

“You can create a shaded eating area, but more often it’s about relaxing,” explains Anna. “A large daybed always hits the spot, as do hanging chairs or bean bags that are easily moved. Layer them with outdoor cushions and add wall lights. Think about the things on holidays that make you smile – we’re trying to recreate that.”

The most common cabana design has three sides, and they are mainly built using masonry or timber.

Splash out on a shower

The backyard bliss of an outdoor shower isn’t just for coastal homes or pools. A refreshing duck under one on a hot day? Yes please. And with cold showers now part of our daily wellness routine (or still on our to-do list), where better to soak up the feel-good vibes of nature while boosting your mood, circulation and energy?

“Once you’ve considered water access, it’s about location and look,” says Toby. “For instance, do you want a ‘feature’ or simply an outdoor shower by the gate to wash sandy kids?”

In terms of aesthetics, consider a luxe metal finish and a design style for your outdoor shower that complements your home. “To create an attractive space, look to planting and a backdrop,” adds Toby.

“If you used a beautiful tile elsewhere, repeat that or try weatherboard, which works with many styles, then dress it up with towel hooks and a shelf.”

Lush greenery will bring the finishing tropical touches to your outdoor shower.

Pop in a fire pit

“As our concept of outdoor living expands, a designated fire-pit zone has become another outdoor ‘room’ where friends and family can gather,” says Adam. “You don’t need a lot of space and they’re ideal for underused corners of the garden, adding focus and a meaningful area.”

While a sunken zone isn’t necessary, Toby says it’s ideal for fire pits. “It has a more intimate and immersive feel, especially with in-built seating, and also offers protection from the wind.”

As for fire-pit planning? Confirm requirements with your local council and check if your proposed fire pit is a safe distance from your home and other flammable structures. Choose materials and designs according to their specifications, then weigh up the various heat sources, from dry seasoned wood to ethanol.

Shop the best outdoor furniture

Our editors handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links. Read more here.

Soho Director’s Chair
$230.00 $184 at Provincial Home Living

SHOP NOW

King Cove Reclining Sun Lounge from $2,930 $1,890 at King Living

SHOP NOW

Keira Outdoor Swivel Egg Chair $799 $746 at Harvey Norman

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Luna Outdoor Dining Chair $774 $499 at King Living

SHOP NOW

Malmo Outdoor Lounge Chair $3,645 $2730 at Coco Republic

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Outdoor Pier Round Coffee Table $3,195 $2,396.25 at MCM House

SHOP NOW

Shop the best outdoor accessories

Hudson Bar Cart in Olive
$359 $269 at OzDesign

SHOP NOW

The Bolster Pillow in Laurens Navy Stripe $129 at Business & Pleasure

SHOP NOW

Jardin Patio Umbrella $849 at Basil Bangs

SHOP NOW

Kyla Australian Cotton Pocket Beach Towel $99.95 at Country Road

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Lorne Jug $37.46 $49.95 at Country Road

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Aruba Scallop Edge Stripe Soft Green Cushion $39 $27 at Early Settler

SHOP NOW

The post How to design and decorate a dreamy outdoor room in your backyard appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s no wonder then that Temple & Webster’s Director of Insights and Trends, Lucy Sutherland, predicts outdoor furniture to be huge this Black Friday. “With summer and holiday entertaining around the corner, Aussies will be upgrading their outdoor dining and outdoor lounge settings to create spaces to feel welcoming, easy and ready for gathering,” she says. “The pieces that play well outdoors or lend themselves to festive entertaining are going to be very popular.”

Even though Black Friday falls on Friday, November 28 this year, many of our favourite home brands selling have already started their sales, including MCM House, James Lane and King Living. And we’ve got our eyes on quite a few of their stunning outdoor pieces. If you’re among the many Aussies predicted to be freshening up your outdoor space this Black Friday, we’re sharing all the details on the sales here. What pieces brands are offering at discount, what those discounts are, and when you should buy to avoid missing out.

Your sale snapshot

• Many brands have already started their Black Friday deals on outdoor furniture, including MCM House, James Lane and King Living
• Experts predict outdoor furniture to be a top-selling category for Australians this Black Friday
• In particular, pieces that are made to last in our harsh summers and that work for festive entertaining will be popular

In short, you could be getting up to a thousand dollars of savings on outdoor furniture this Black Friday. So if you’ve been thinking about a new outdoor dining set, or just a coffee table or side table to rest your morning tea and newspaper when you sit outside in the mornings, be sure to take advantage of these massive discounts from now until Cyber Monday.

Explore other Black Friday Sales

• 2025’s Best Black Friday Sales
• Best Black Friday furniture sales
• Best Black Friday mattress sales
• Best Black Friday appliance sales

Advice for shoppers

For some outdoor furniture brands and stockists, Black Friday sales don’t extend to delivery costs. Check those fees before buying, as you might want to throw a few other furniture or homeware updates in your cart to make the shipping fee worth it. Also, once you’ve ordered your outdoor furniture, if you have some you’re getting rid of, book the council pickup right away. It might have to be scheduled weeks from then, and you don’t want to be stuck for too long with the old piece.

Our pick of outdoor dining sets to buy

Our editors handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links. Read more here

Milly Sofa Set With Dining Table
$3299 $2299 at Early Settler

shop now

Le Vent Dining Package (7 piece)
$3599 $2999 at Freedom

SHOP NOW

Torakina Outdoor Dining Set (4 seat)
$1980 $1683 at Koala

shop now

Rio Teak Bar Table & Stool Set
$3399 $3229 at Castlery

SHOP NOW

Our pick of outdoor lounges to shop

Outdoor Douglas Modular
$5190 $3633 at MCM House

shop now

Coast Outdoor Circle Sofa
$3832 $2490 at King Living

SHOP NOW

Torakina Outdoor Lounge (3-seat)
$1350 $1147.50 at Koala

shop now

Clifton Acacia Lounge (5-seat)
$1999 $1499 at Temple & Webster

SHOP NOW

Our pick of outdoor chairs to shop

Manly Occasional Chair Package
$1899 $1599 at Freedom

shop now

Sorrento Outdoor Lounge Chair Set
$1298 $909 at Castlery

SHOP NOW

Bawley Outdoor Armchair & Table
$799 $679 at Temple & Webster

shop now

Outdoor Rowe Single Sun Lounge
$2295 $1606.50 at MCM House

SHOP NOW

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The post Experts predict outdoor furniture will be huge this Black Friday—we found the best deals appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Choose a theme for your festive celebration,” says Home Beautiful editor-in-chief Elle Lovelock. Colour is a strong driver to bring a whole look together. “Green and white nods to tradition, but here we’ve elevated the palette to suit a contemporary setting – bold striped outdoor chair cushions lend a chic poolhouse feel, while shimmering metallics and gleaming crystal add the festive sparkle needed to mark a celebration.”

“Consider all five senses when creating your table setting and environment,” says stylist Nonci Nyoni. “Curate an inviting atmosphere that your guests will want to spend time in – candles or flowers for scent and visual interest, background music and lush fabrics of varied textures for touch and of course, a tasty meal!”

“Use objects of various height’s to add interest to the tablescape – lamps or candles for height paired with shorter vases, glassware and decorative bowls,” says stylist Nonci Nyoni.

Nonci suggests personalising each plate setting with handwritten name cards, “To make them feel extra special this festive season!” Elle agrees. “Reinvent your vintage homewares like plates and napery by mixing and matching with more modern pieces,” says Elle. “Extend the season’s treats to each place setting with individual chocolate gifts for everyone. Each year we wait with bated breath to discover the bonbon offerings from our favourite brands. These are another festive addition to the table with colour, pattern and texture.

Nothing says summer sophistication quite like fresh flowers. “Blousy white roses are always a good idea,” says Elle. “Garden roses are in full bloom at this time of year and you can buy them by the bucketload at market – a surefire way to add elegance to any occasion.” Cluster them in simple glass vases for a relaxed look or pair with silver accents for a touch of glamour. Whether scattered along a long lunch table or arranged in generous bunches, seasonal blooms add instant elegance and a sense of occasion that feels both timeless and fresh.

Beyond the table, consider editing the decor in your entertaining spaces to reflect your chosen theme. Ditch cushions that don’t match, take the plunge to invest in new outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor rugs or umbrellas.

The post The luxe palette redefining festive outdoor entertaining appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The couple, who live here with their three adult children, Patrick, Tom and Sophie, plus two Miniature Schnauzers, envisioned a welcoming garden at the front and a functional outdoor living space at the back, complete with a swimming pool and wide lawn.

The challenge lay in the home’s historical significance. Built in 1923 by eminent Craftsman-style architect Algernon John Elmore and renovated by Neil Architecture, the property had strict council regulations.

Landscape architect Bethany Williamson was enlisted to balance these requirements with the couple’s vision for a beautiful, liveable space. “With a traditional frontage and a contemporary extension at the rear, the design needed to bridge both styles while still feeling cohesive overall,” explains Bethany.

The solution was a modern native garden and palette, which seamlessly integrated council’s mandates for Australian native species, with a more structured design that suited the home’s rustic materials and moody colours.

“We chose plants that are resilient and visually engaging, with plenty of texture, layering and a simple colour palette that enhances the home’s exterior,” says Bethany.

In the back garden, a concrete above-ground swimming pool is the clever solution to pool fencing regulations and serves as the silver-accented garden’s striking centrepiece.

“We love spending time outside in the warmer months, enjoying the pool surrounded by lush gardens,” says Andrew. “Locals often stop to chat as they walk by, offering compliments on how we’ve restored the ‘Elmore’ house and how the garden really suits it.”

Source book

Landscape design BWLA, bethanywilliamson.com.au
Landscaping Iconic Gardens, iconicgardens.com.au
Pool construction Southern Cross Pools, southerncrosspools.com.au

The post A contemporary native garden elevates this Melbourne weatherboard home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It’s being offloaded by former fintech exec Stuart Grimshaw and his wife, Annalise, who, late last year, listed the property for sale with hopes of $19.5 to $21 million, then again in March 2025 with a $17.75 to $19.5 million price guide.

In other words, you could snap up this significant heritage-listed house at a (roughly) 20 per cent discount. Sounds like a bargain.

Also referred to as the Eric Pratten House after its first owner, the Pymble pile was Walter Burley Griffin’s largest domestic commission in Australia, and the last residential project he designed before he and his wife, fellow architect and collaborator Marion Mahony Griffin, relocated to Lucknow, India, in 1936. Sadly, Walter died there from complications following gall bladder surgery in 1937.

Originally from the US, the Griffins also dabbled in town planning, designing a wee city called Canberra, as well as the affluent Sydney suburbs of Castlecrag and Castle Cove and the NSW Riverina towns of Griffith and Leeton.

They championed the Prairie School of architecture, characterised by horizontal lines, overhanging eaves and flat or hipped roofs, solid construction, earthy palettes and ornamental features.

Coppins is a beautiful example of the style, although during its last renovation, many of the home’s original features were gutted. Court orders were placed and some features were reinstated (thank gawd).

The result? An architectural, historical gem that is 25 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, and comes with sophisticated modern-day trimmings. Forbes Global Properties is taking expressions of interest from those with deep pockets.

Luckily, looking is free.

Kitchen, dining and living

The black-and-white themed kitchen, dining and living spaces — featuring Cole & Son ‘Procuratie e Scimmie’ wallpaper — provide a neutral base for future homeowners.

The kitchen’s been reimagined with stone benchtops, fresh cabinetry, a double oven and a wine fridge. Tucked away is a well-appointed butler’s pantry.

Kids’ bedrooms

Among the four bedrooms in the main house, the kids’ rooms are standouts, with chandeliers and slightly whimsical wallpapers, as well as leafy views — sure to inspire young minds during homework time (maybe).

There are an additional two bedrooms in a separate guest house or entertainer’s cabana.

Bathroom

With floor-to-ceiling marble, a dual vanity and deep bath, this bathroom personifies luxury on steroids. Coppins sports five bathrooms altogether.

Outside

What’s better than one luxury house? Two luxury houses. The estate includes a spacious guest house or entertainer’s cabana at the rear, featuring two bedrooms with ensuites, a five-star outdoor kitchen and an alfresco area.

While it was factored into the original garden design — purportedly by Marion Mahony Griffin — the laned swimming pool wasn’t completed until 15 years after Coppins was built.

The Griffins were methodical, leaving no stone unturned (literally) when it came to their vision. It’s rumoured that Walter even designed the dog kennel on the country-style property.

The post The last house Walter Burley Griffin designed is for sale appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Listed through HF Richardson Property, expressions of interest close on 11 November. “This has been an incredible property for the vendors and their family,” real estate agent Matt Poustie says. “It’s only due to growing work commitments outside the Geelong area, and future farming endeavours interstate, that they’ve decided to sell.”

‘Strathmile’ is a country estate just 10 minutes from Geelong, 30 minutes from the beach and an hour from Melbourne’s CBD. Featuring vast lawns, several dams and 13 main paddocks, it’s surely provided the Hawkins kids, Arabella (Belle), Primrose (Mimi) and Henry, with an idyllic childhood. Mimi is a keen equestrian.

For Tom and Emma, it’s been a return to their own roots. Emma also grew up riding horses on a hobby farm in nearby Deniliquin, and Tom’s family has a 3000-acre mixed-purpose farm in the NSW Riverina. They’ve embraced rural life, with Tom telling the ABC last year, “There’s a few things in life that are important to me… The three ‘Fs’ in my life, which are family, farming and football, and I think I’ve got them right in that order.”

Tom runs Angus cattle, and recently joined the Nutrien Ag Solutions livestock team. He inspired fellow Geelong Cats players to take on farming, with Jeremy Cameron and Rhys Stanley securing acreage in the last few years, as well.

“There’s always so much to do when you’ve got land — it’s never-ending — so we’re doing it in stages,” Emma told Country Style in 2022. “Stage one was to establish the landscaping and garden… When we moved in, there was no landscaping at all — it was a house in a paddock. We would be watching TV and we’d see a cow or a sheep come up to the window!”

The price guide for the 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom home is $5.35 to $5.85 million, Matt told Home Beautiful. With enormous picture windows, a crackling wood fire and a sprawling deck, Strathmile is real estate heaven.

“The views from the homestead across the rolling hills to Mt Moriac are absolutely incredible,” describes Matt. “The landscape is just gorgeous and, overall, it’s a very pretty farm — and so close to Geelong!”

Take a tour of Tom and Emma Hawkins’ beloved farmstead.

Kitchen and dining

Living and family rooms

Bedrooms

Bathroom and laundry

Gardens and exterior

The post AFL star Tom Hawkins puts 150-acre cattle farm on the market appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Inside the stately heritage home

Built in 1892 to a design by architect George Jobbins, Fairfield Hall is exactly the sort of significant heritage building admired by homeowners Sandra (who is heavily involved in the National Trust of Victoria) and her husband Steve.

“It’s not a typical Victorian garden, which would traditionally be a lot more decorative, but it’s still a lovely, classic garden” – Paul Bangay

True to type, Sandra jumped at the chance to explore this Italianate edifice when it came on the market in 2020. She was especially excited to get a closer look at its stately brick form, cast-iron lacework and romantic turrets. These features piqued her interest, yet she didn’t expect to completely fall in love. Recalls Sandra, “It’s so original and well built – and it was just too special to let go.”

An overgrown garden in need of love

While the building had been well preserved inside, the garden hadn’t enjoyed the same tender care. Though its size had been largely retained, with a proportionate scale to suit the grand old building, it was really an oversized bed of weeds. “The garden needed a total overhaul,” says Sandra. “There were tree roots growing through everything – the front verandahs even had tree roots growing through them – but there was just so much potential.” And that was too tantalising to resist.

“We’ve come from a place that was extremely formal and predominantly classic in the ’80s, to a more casual, relaxed place, that’s a bit wilder and more in keeping with the way people live now,” Paul muses. It was a transformation that traversed the decades.

“You think a winter garden will be pretty drab, but when you see the silhouette of the branches in the light, it’s pretty special” – Sandra, homeowner

Paul Bangay’s garden design brief

The grand old home deserved a magnificent garden to suit, but Sandra says, “We didn’t want a super-formal garden. We wanted a garden that would change with the seasons, and that would still have structure and flow.” To deliver this, they called on landscape maestro Paul Bangay, whose oeuvre captures exactly the tone of softened formality they wanted.

Timeless design, that would ensure the heritage and layout of the property were treated sympathetically, was key. “But the way to make it more contemporary is through the use of materials,” Paul says. “For example, one of the pathways takes you on a lovely journey past the front of the house and then down the east side. In designing that walkway, we maintained the traditional layout, type of stone and colour, but used a contemporary filetti paving.” Similarly, instead of decorative stone edging, as would have been used in an original garden of the home’s era, Paul specified slender steel edging, over which flowers and foliage spill from the laden beds.

A plant palette filled with flowers

To soften the formality, and to ensure an ever-changing canvas of colour, Sandra wanted a plant palette loaded with flowers. This was a brief Paul fulfilled with a plan including astors, two types of lavender, catmint, ajuga, jasmine, salvias and agastaches.

Despite requesting a floriferous garden, Sandra asked to limit the number of roses. “Because you do have a bare garden in winter if you have tonnes of roses,” she explains. The roses that did make the cut are carefully chosen to provide bang for buck, including vigorous Pierre de Ronsard climbers over the arbour and clumps of bushy Mutabilis, which is covered in butterfly-type blooms for most of the year.

Inside the Paul Bangay’s final result

Paul’s plans were swiftly executed by Julian McCarthy Landscapes. “And our gardener, Deb Richardson, maintains it every week – she’s wonderful, she’s done our garden for 30 years,” says Sandra.

Though only completed less than three years ago, the garden already feels thoroughly well established. Evergreens, from verdant Buxus to blue-toned juniper, form a base palette against which is set a kaleidoscope of flowers and deciduous trees. These shift in and out of focus as the seasons change, creating movement as well as an unfolding, evolving beauty.

The expansive front lawn is surrounded by beds of mass-planted perennials. “The planting is soft, informal, like one big wraparound herbaceous border,” says Paul.

Sandra is also ecstatic with the result. “What I find amazing is we don’t have bare dirt anywhere – everything has grown and filled out so quickly,” says Sandra. “And as the trees grow, it will become more and more beautiful.”

Source book

Landscape design: Paul Bangay Garden Design, (03) 9070 6050, paulbangay.com.

Landscape construction: Julian McCarthy Landscapes, 0417 310 083, julianmccarthylandscapes.com.au.

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The post Paul Bangay transformed a bed of weeds into this grand garden appeared first on Home Beautiful.

How much does a full outdoor kitchen cost?

The price range for outdoor kitchens is wide, depending on how you approach it. If your budget is tight, do your research to find something on the more affordable end of the spectrum, especially if you’re handy enough to install it yourself.

Otherwise, an experienced landscaper would be able to create an outdoor kitchen for you, including building outdoor kitchen cabinets and installing a barbecue, sink and fridge with the help of an electrician and other trades.

Keep in mind that a roof or pergola can increase costs, up to $20k+, depending on the materials used. The same goes for a deck, which can be a surprisingly significant cost. It might be helpful to ask for a breakdown in the quote and keep in mind that certain aspects may require council approval, which can add time and fees, too.

How to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

There are definitely lower-budget options when it comes to an outdoor kitchen. You can buy outdoor barbecue kitchens off the shelf for under $600, not including joinery, if you fancy having a go at outdoor cabinetry yourself. The more minimal you go, the more affordable it will be – you might want to just install a simple bench and barbecue on a deck alongside a dining table.

Decide on your budget first, then look at what materials you’re interested in using and whether they’ll fit in with it. For example, the popular choice of a poured concrete benchtop might be on your wish list, but not necessarily in your price range. You’ll also need to factor in the costs of a licensed plumber and electrician.

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

Depending on what you’d like to include in your outdoor kitchen, you may need council approval. If there are retaining walls above a certain height or you’re including built structures like a roof or a deck of a certain size, this would need to get the tick of approval before building commences.

Check with your local council to find out what can be done without approval and what would need to be submitted via landscape architect plans. For the latter, you may need to undergo a series of tests (at your own expense) to confirm things like whether you’re in a bushfire prone zone and therefore would need to use non-combustible materials to be compliant.

Keep in mind that if you go through the process of getting council approval, you will need to comply to the proposed plan and any specifications they make, such as particular trees not being removed if requested or driveway position requirements. The occupation certificate will only be issued if these requirements are met.

In short, it’s a lengthier and more costly process and easier if you (or your landscape architect) are able to develop a design that doesn’t require council approval. This often can’t be avoided though, and will be a smoother process if you go in informed.

These outdoor kitchen ideas will help you get started.

1. Choosing a barbecue

A barbecue is the obvious choice for an outdoor kitchen, but there are many different types. A built-in barbecue offers a seamless look as it’s integrated into the joinery. A barbecue with a hood helps keep heat inside and cook food through while grilling.

Some barbecues have a rotisserie, which allows you to cook large pieces of meat for a crowd. Think about the number of people you’ll be cooking for, what your go-to entertaining meals are and how often you’ll use it to help you make the best decision.

If the space is enclosed without much ventilation you may need a rangehood. “An electric barbecue requires minimal ventilation, while a charcoal or solid fuel unit will need vented extraction,” explains Russell Crosdale from Winning Appliances.

2. Should you get a pizza oven?

A pizza oven is great for entertaining, thanks to the showmanship of prepping pizza dough, getting the wood-fired oven roaring and watching the bubbles form as the cheese melts. While there are many electric pizza ovens designed for indoor use, they’re not suitable for outdoors. Generally, you want to go for a gas option for outdoor use.

Alternatively, you could invest in a wood-fired pizza oven. These can be built from scratch by someone with expertise in the craft or bought and installed in your outdoor kitchen. Talk to your landscaper about what would best suit your space and the expertise available.

3. Have you thought of these?

Kitchen servery window: It’s helpful to have your outdoor kitchen situated near your indoor kitchen so it’s easier to transport items in and out easily. A kitchen servery window makes this even easier. This one has bi-fold windows that can be slid across to close them when not in use and opened up to invite conversation or to pass plates, condiments, salads and utensils through.

Lighting: When planning lighting for your outdoor kitchen, be sure to combine both task and ambient lighting. The functional task lights might include downlights that point at the barbecue so you can see what you’re doing, as well as lights along a path to get to the outdoor kitchen safely at night. Ambient lights help for when you want to enjoy the outdoor area at night without turning on a glaring bright light above. Softer lighting choices are beneficial for these instances.

Fan: Sitting outside on a dry, hot day is much more pleasant with a fan’s light breeze to cool you down. It’s an inclusion that’s surprisingly often overlooked but makes a big difference.

4. The benefits of privacy screens

Most of us want privacy in our backyards and decorative screens are a great way to achieve this. They’re also a good way to create zones or outdoor rooms for a more intimate feeling without building solid walls.

A popular place for a screen is behind the barbecue in an outdoor kitchen. Simple coloured slats create a sleek look that finishes the space and provides an added layer of privacy.

5. Can you use a regular fridge outside?

It’s so convenient to have a fridge in your outdoor space. You can stock it full of beverages for when people come over, reducing the need to have an Esky filled with ice. It’s not a good idea to use a regular fridge outdoors due to exposure to the elements. Look for fridges designed specifically for outdoor use as they will be more weatherproof.

The post Everything you need to know when planning an outdoor kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Step 1: Choose smart fabrics

“If you’re investing in new pieces, think about how they’ll perform when guests are in the mix,” says Elle. “Washable or protected fabrics are a must – you’ll thank yourself later if red wine meets the sofa. These days, even outdoor fabrics work beautifully indoors. Many are so soft and refined you’d never guess they were designed to withstand the elements, but they’ll stand up to the realities of entertaining.”

Materials and weather conditions play a key role – particularly when choosing between dining and lounging furniture. Anna’s advice is to ensure your outdoor furniture withstands the elements where it will live in your home. “In sunny climates, UV-resistant fabrics and powder-coated aluminium frames help prevent fading and wear. In coastal areas, rust-proof materials like stainless steel or aluminium are crucial,” Anna warns. “Lounge settings often feature cushions, which may need covers or storage in wet weather, while dining tables are usually easier to maintain year-round. Matching materials to your climate and maintenance preference ensures longevity.

Step 2: Blur the line between indoors and out

A seamless party experience often flows between the living room and the garden. “To keep the look cohesive, ensure your outdoor furniture echoes your interior style,” says Elle. “Whether that’s matching materials, colours or shapes, a sense of continuity creates harmony and makes the transition from one space to the other feel effortless.”

Anna agrees that cohesion is key here. “Use complementary materials, colours, and finishes across both settings so they feel unified rather than separate. Define zones with rugs, planters, or lighting — placing the dining area closer to cooking zones and the lounge near a view, pool, or firepit.” Select furniture that can be arranged in various flexible configurations. “Low-profile dining tables or “chat-height” tables can double as both dining and lounge-friendly solutions,” says Anna. “Layering textures and maintaining a consistent design language ties the two functions together seamlessly.”

Step 3: Encourage conversation

In terms of furniture layout, you may need to choose between lounging and dining furniture. “The biggest mistake I see when people set up for guests? Lining seating up against the walls like a waiting room,” says Elle, who instead recommends grouping furniture to promote interaction. “Pull armchairs and sofas closer so people naturally face one another – it makes chatting so much easier.” Anna agrees, adding that space will dictate the functionality of your outdoor entertaining zone. “In smaller balconies or courtyards, you may need to choose one primary function — either a table for dining or a small sofa for comfort. Larger spaces, such as gardens or terraces, allow for both, but creating zones is crucial. Dining areas work best near kitchens or barbecues for easy hosting, while sofas are often placed to take advantage of views, shade, or sunlight. Flow between areas should feel natural and uncluttered.”

Step 4: Set the right number of chairs

At the dining table, more isn’t merrier. If you’re hosting four at a six-seater table, take away the spare chairs. “Empty seats create a sense of absence and can make guests feel awkward,” says Elle. “A perfectly filled table feels warm, welcoming and just right.”

To make the most of your space, consider how you will use it most to hit the comfort factor where you need it most. “Dining chairs are upright and structured, supporting proper posture for meals,” says Anna. “They’re ideal for eating but less suited to long hours of lounging. Lounge seating, on the other hand, is deeper, cushioned, and designed for comfort — perfect for reading, napping, or relaxing with friends.

Dining vs lounging furniture: the pros and cons for your alfresco zone

Pros

• Dining: Perfect for meals, structured seating for larger groups, creates a clear entertaining hub
• Dining: While essential for entertaining, may see less frequent but more memorable use
• Lounge: Adaptable configurations, encourages relaxation, suitable for both small and large gatherings, often more comfortable for long use
• Lounge: Offers more versatility for daily use

Cons

• Dining: Limited flexibility, requires more space, may not be used daily unless meals are consistently taken outdoors
• Lounge: Not ideal for full meals, usually needs side tables or low tables to function well for drinks and snacks

Step 5: Get the cushions right

Cushions can make or break a sofa when entertaining. They should support guests so they can sit up straight without sliding down, but don’t go overboard with outdoor cushions. “If people are perching on the edge because there’s no space to sit, you’ve gone too far,” says Elle. Strike a balance between comfort and practicality.

Step 6: Be the guide

When guests arrive, don’t leave them hovering with a glass in hand. Welcome them, pour a drink, and guide them to where you’d like them to sit. It sets the tone immediately and makes everyone feel at ease.

Step 7: Create moments of movement

How do you determine whether guests would benefit more from a dining table or relaxed lounge seating? “It depends on the type of entertaining you do most often,” says Anna. “For long lunches, special events, or dinner parties, guests will appreciate a formal dining setting. For cocktail evenings, afternoon grazing platters, or casual weekend get-togethers, lounge seating encourages mingling and creates a relaxed, social atmosphere. Many hosts choose both if space allows, creating a natural flow from dining to lounging.”

If space is tight, break up proceedings throughout the day. “One of my favourite entertaining tricks is to stage the evening in different zones,” says Elle. “Begin in the living room or outdoor lounge with drinks and canapés, then move to the dining table for the main event. It keeps the energy fresh and makes the night feel like a little journey.”

Step 8: Define your zones

Help guests identify where to gather by styling with intention. A vase of flowers, a drinks tray or a plate of canapés signals, “This is where you belong.” These little markers make seating areas obvious and inviting, and they double as gorgeous styling touches.

Hosting is all about making people feel comfortable, and your furniture layout plays a starring role. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform your home into the perfect backdrop for a party that flows beautifully from start to finish.

The post Party perfection starts with the right furniture arrangement appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Edna’s monthly articles featured in HB from 1926 and they introduced readers to a whole new way of looking at garden design. Through her imagination and creative vision, she showed people how they could be more inventive and involved in the design of their outdoor spaces, all while advising them to plan out their garden on paper as an architect would plan a home.

“I love all things most gardeners abhor … I like the whole thing to be as wild as possible, so that you have to fight your way through in places” – Edna Walling

“Working out the solution of one’s own problems is the very spice of gardening and in presenting a plan it is not thought that it will be copied in detail, but that the enquiring reader will perhaps find in it suggestions … on paper before the work is put in hand,” wrote Edna in a feature for Home Beautiful. She demonstrated this skill in her charming illustrated plans, which appeared alongside her photographs in many detailed articles about building the 10-hectare village, Bickleigh Vale.

‘Downderry’ cottage in Edna Walling’s Bickleigh Vale

In the softest shade of pink, Downderry in Bickleigh Vale was constructed for Edna Walling’s mother. This really is a fairytale plot. The pretty heritage cottage is surrounded by striking structures of ancient trees. These include copper beach, hornbeam, scarlet oak as well as an impressive English elm. The delicate groundcover of flowers and the rambling garden beds are also full of mixed plantings.

‘Badgers Wood’ in Edna Walling’s Bickleigh Vale

Built in 1937, and sympathetically extended in 1980 by film producer Simon Wincer, Badgers Wood blends original Edna Walling design elements with lush garden ‘rooms’. Local stone, signature low-set windows and a high-pitched roofline draw the landscape inside the home.

Under the current owners’ care, vibrant seasonal plantings join elms, eucalypts, hawthorns as well as heritage blooms. These keep Edna’s vision alive while adding fresh layers of beauty to this cherished home.

‘The Barn’ in Edna Walling’s Bickleigh Vale

This cottage in Bickleigh Vale, which peeks through the shrubs in a delightfully enchanting way, was originally built by Edna Walling for her friend Blanche Sharpe. It started out as a barn and garage, then a bedroom and bathroom were added. Edna herself moved here in 1951 once her own home, Sonning, had been sold.

The first house built in Bickleigh Vale

Edna’s five-page story on Sonning, the home she built first in the village of Bickleigh Vale, featured in Home Beautiful in 1926. It was an extraordinary accomplishment and her legacy still lives on today. Below is an extract from the first of many stories about her ‘joyous adventure’.

Edna’s building column

The task of being my own builder was an enforced one, for the hope of possessing a cot in the hills was likely to be postponed indefinitely by the very high cost of labour and the expense of carting material to the spot where it was needed – a bare hour’s train journey from Melbourne, but right in the open countryside on a hillside. The more I thought of doing the job myself, the more I liked it, and with the idea of recommending the building of a country cottage to readers of The Home Beautiful I have jotted down the following notes:

First of all, of course, I laid down my ground plan, having quite definite ideas about what I wanted, but leaving open certain possibilities for progressive alterations. Then came the selection and collection of material. I considered dressed timber, hewn slabs, sawn logs, and finally decided upon stone. From the moment of discovering that I could work in that most picturesque of all building material I fell victim to the fascinating pastime of ‘collecting stones’. Now, to be perfectly frank, I must say that there are certain drawbacks, which make me hesitate to honestly recommend to my fellow-readers the building of their own cottages in stone … My training in outdoor work as a garden designer … had rendered me indifferent to an unusual amount of ‘dirty work’ and the knocking about of the hands, which the handling of rough stones entails.

Edna Walling’s best gardening advice

In her Letters to Garden Lovers, a monthly column that featured in Home Beautiful for two decades, Edna helped everyday gardeners with her designs, practical gardening ideas as well as plant recommendations. She was also a keen photographer and her photographs graced numerous pages in her features. Here are a few of our favourite entries.

“Dear Gardeners, have you ever noticed how a garden that needs very little attention is so often much more charming and restful than one in which much labour is expended in its upkeep?” – Edna Walling, 1937

“Dear Gardeners, I have just noticed that the Fairies’ Thimbles are in bloom. It is always such a delight to observe the excited enjoyment of children on seeing them for the first time.” – Edna Walling, 1938

“Funny things, gardens. I think they like to be discovered, not shown off … I, for one, prefer the type of garden where as much permanent ground cover as possible clothes the earth … Where there are little surprises invented by Nature, patches of self-sown foxgloves, little colonies of that adorable alpine violet, which will so obligingly clothe the pathway’s edge.” – Edna Walling, 1944

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The post The pioneering garden project that defined Edna Walling’s legacy appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Outdoor entertainment area ideas

1. Geometric curves

Rounded edges are rising to the top. Of course, circular tables have always been in but now they’re really taking centre stage. Scalloped edges and organically curved decor are also a contemporary choice, juxtaposed with sharp lines like those seen in these tree-like candles.

2. Cool stools

If you’re looking for outdoor entertaining area ideas that are casual and versatile, consider stools for outdoor dining. They allow for your group numbers to fluctuate without adding too much bulk in the way of chairs and can be moved around easily for a perch by the barbecue, pool or wherever the sun, shade and chat takes you.

3. Elevated concrete

Think smooth, cream-coloured and with an Italian sensibility like this concrete coffee table. Make it feel extra modern by pairing with the season’s latest spectrum of rust shades and sculptural decor.

4. Retro block walls

The breeze block wall, like the one in this Queensland worker’s cottage is having a revival. If you’re after outdoor entertaining area ideas to add an extra layer of privacy, this is great behind a barbecue or sitting area. Usher it into 2023 with an all-white palette paired with organic textures and shapes or a fruity punch of colour.

5. Browns, blues and blood orange

The colour forecast for the incoming seasons is warmer than usual. We’re talking a big shift away from grey towards colours with more brown undertones. So pink, lilac and beige, along with pale to rich blues. This will continue into 2024.

6. Modern meets island

Embrace the modern wave of bright shades and balance them out with natural fibres such as rattan and subtle hints of island life. Laying your table with a mix from different sets creates an eclectic, casual aesthetic that suits an informal outdoor soiree. Ensure you use similar tones and ground the look with neutral elements.

7. Bright everything

While white on white isn’t going anywhere, bright on bright is inching in. Choose a shade to match your beverage and double down in pool chairs, a parasol and matching glassware. Blood orange with Barbie pink is unexpected but bang on trend.

8. Bar carts

A bar cart makes any gathering into a party and they’re coming in hot this summer. Load them up with the latest in coloured glassware and cocktail-making necessities, accessorised with natural fibres. Coloured everything is the go, so hit the hues in coloured cutlery too.

9. Casual corners

Like a nook but for outside, create moments around your backyard to encourage interaction when entertaining a big crowd (who you might need an extendable outdoor table to accommodate). Layer a blanket with cushions and casual chairs to make people want to hang around. Make it fun with clashing prints: stripes, checks, stripes and moons all work within a tight colour scheme.

10. Outdoor games

Gone are the stuffy dinner parties and in are fun times and relaxed vibes. Bocce, Finnish Throwing Game and other outdoor games are guaranteed to lighten the mood. Set them up around your backyard then sit back and watch while your guests entertain themselves.

Shop outdoor entertaining area ideas

01

Biscay stool, Freedom

$249

If you thought a concrete stool couldn’t be chic (and comfy), think again.

Shop Now

02

Royal Doulton 1815 bright 16-piece set in Multi, Myer

$399

A rainbow of the coolest colours in one set? Sign me up.

Shop Now

03

Bistro Five Gracia outdoor dining chairs, Temple & Webster

$439 (set of 4)

The kind of chair you fall in love with at first sight.

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04

Sorrento Acacia wood outdoor dining table, Temple & Webster

$649

Easily seats six, and it’s just the right shade of timber.

Shop Now

05

Malone oak wood fluted bar cart, Temple & Webster

$269.99

A bar cart elevates any occasion to new heights in hosting. Even better if it has wheels so you can roll it inside or out.

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06

Fazeek Wave coupe set of 2 in Pink

$119 (set of 2)

Cocktail season is incoming… any excuse to buy these pretty glasses.

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07

Business & Pleasure Co. The Sling Chair, The Iconic

$399

For lounging wherever your mood (and the sunshine) takes you.

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08

Sahara placemat in Natural, Pillow Talk

$5.97 (usually $12.95)

The perfect jute placemat to balance out this season’s bright tableware.

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09

Maya scalloped table linen range in Green, Pillow Talk

$4.85 (napkin) / $9 (placemat)

The punchy colours and scalloped edges are everything.

Shop Now

10

9-piece lazy Susan chip and dip set, Pillow Talk

$69.95

Dial back the dinnerware to the swinging 70s with this savvy server. It even spins!

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The post 10 outdoor trends your entertainment space is missing appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“The whole of the backyard had been concreted, with grass placed over the top,” recalls Ed. This solved the mystery of why the grass was dying and water kept pooling under the house. It was clear this bandaid solution needed a deeper fix, so the family briefed Andy on what they wanted from the garden makeover. This included an outdoor space complete with a swimming pool, plenty of room for the boys to run around, plus a studio out the back for Ed’s work as an audio producer and composer. The final request? “No straight lines,” adds Ed.

Perennial flowers

The garden makeover began with excavation, which involved removing 32 cubic metres of concrete, then levelling the sloping yard. Once the area was ready for planting, Andy crafted a palette of herbaceous perennials and native Australian shrubs. This mix ensured that no matter the season, the garden was continually evolving. “Herbaceous perennials are like a tapestry or an Impressionist painting,” shares Andy. “It’s a bit blurry, but you can always see a little detail. It’s loose and structured all at once.”

Paving and decking

The existing deck was retained during the garden makeover, so the main hardscaping elements are the custom pool fence, made of sand-blasted steel to create a rusted appearance, and a winding path of ‘Alba’ crazy paving from Better Exteriors. Plantings elevate the pool fence into an enigmatic feature that blends in with the organic scene.

Together with Josh, Andy positioned the custom steel fence in the garden bed, where evergreen Miscanthus spills out between the vertical fence posts. This means that when viewed from the deck, the pool is evocatively glimpsed, rather than being a standout feature. “It leaves you wanting more, playing with anticipation in the design,” he explains.

The result of the garden makeover

One of Ed and Esther’s favourite aspects of the garden is that, though they are situated in a busy city, their outdoor area feels like a complete reprieve. The weaving garden path contributes to this, interrupted by triumphant bursts of greenery

The different zones in this garden tick all of Ed and Esther’s boxes. The existing deck houses the outdoor living and dining settings, perfect for summer entertaining. The pool and grassy areas provide the boys with room to play. And Ed’s studio suits his working-from-home needs. A herb and vegetable garden completes the garden makeover.

Source book

Landscape design: Andy Murray Landscape Design, andymurraydesign.com.au

Landscape construction: Josh Norman Landscapes, normanlandscapes.com.au

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The post A surprising discovery changed the course of this garden makeover appeared first on Home Beautiful.

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1. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen’s books have captivated readers for more than 200 years, and one of her most beloved, Pride and Prejudice, is being adapted again for the screen. Currently in production for Netflix, the six-part limited series will feature Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell and Emma Corrin, with Jack Lowden as the iconic Mr Darcy.

Since filming only started in July, the locations remain a mystery and Netflix has released just one tantalising image of the Bennet girls walking demurely through a grassy field so far. But you can visit some of the more recognisable settings of previous adaptions, and even Jane Austen’s real-life home.

Open to the public, Lyme Park in Cheshire, UK, subbed in as Mr Darcy’s (Colin Firth) grand estate ‘Pemberley’ in the 1995 adaptation. The lake out the front of the historic mansion was the setting for that iconic swimming scene.

Bookworms flock to the Hampshire cottage in which Jane wrote all of her six novels. She lived there for the last eight years of her life; today, it’s a cherished museum.  

2. We Were Liars

Lovers of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket architectural style, characterised by shingles, gambrel roofs and preppy coastal interiors, will froth over the We Were Liars sets.

Based on the young adult novel by E. Lockhart, it tells the story of a mysterious wealthy American family ‘summering’ on a fictional private island, Beechwood Island, off the coast of Massachusetts. The property boasts four separate (made-up) homes: Clairmont; Windemere; Cuddledown; and Red Gate.

The series, which just premiered on Prime Video, was in fact filmed in Nova Scotia, on the Canadian coast. A sprawling beachfront mansion on Meisner’s Island posed for the exterior shots of the family’s main homestead, Clairmont, while interior shots were reportedly filmed on sound stages in LA (sorry to spoil the mirage).

A rustic cliff-top cottage in Indian Harbour, which was once a holiday rental, plays the part of Cuddledown in We Were Liars.

Lunenburg, a colourful UNESCO World Heritage Site settled in the 1750s by Europeans, provides a picturesque backdrop for the town scenes, including at a ye olde ice cream ‘shoppe’ and a saltwater taffy stall.

3. Outlander: Blood of My Blood

The wildly popular book series and TV show Outlander ran for seven seasons until 2024, and spanned countries and time periods — from 1940s Scotland to 18^th century Scotland (and Paris) to North Carolina during the American Revolution.

It’s all a bit confusing, but there’s no shortage of mesmerising locations to drool over when you binge this ‘historical time travel romance’ series. Fun fact: since much of Outlander’s principal photography took place in rugged Scotland, the country has enjoyed a boom in tourism in recent years.  

Outlander buffs and ‘Heughligans’ — the community of fans of star Sam Heughan — were given even more geographical eye candy when the show’s prequel, Blood of My Blood, premiered in August.

Set entirely in Scotland, key locations include medieval castles Midhope (‘Lallybroch’ in the show) and Doune (Leoch in the show) and the quaint lakeside village of Luss, which are an easy drive from Edinburgh. If you don’t dilly dally, you can visit them all in one day.

If crumbling castles and bucolic hills tickle your fancy, then queue up Blood of My Blood on Stan.

4. The Family Next Door

Bestselling author Sally Hepworth’s novel, The Family Next Door, has been adapted for the screen and we are here for it. Most of the drama occurs in a quintessential Australian cul-de-sac, Pleasant Court, when single, child-free Isabelle (played by Teresa Palmer, who in real life has many kids) moves into the family-centric neighbourhood. Naturally, Isabelle starts to unravel the neighbours’ secrets, and they’re not thrilled.

While the series is set in the idyllic Melbourne Bayside suburb of Half Moon Bay, according to Reddit sleuths, the cul-de-sac featured is actually an hour away in Eltham. Other scenes were captured in spectacular Anglesea, on the surf coast of the Great Ocean Road, and potentially Aireys Inlet.

“It is an honour to be bringing Sally Hepworth’s celebrated novel to the screen, and to be not only filming in the state where it is set, but showcasing to the world the spectacular Victorian coastline,” executive producer Melinda Wearne told the Surf Coast Times.

The interior of each 80s-era house reflects the personalities of the women who live there, from ambitious Ange’s spartan yet stylish renovation to vegan couple Lulu and Holly’s bohemian, low-tox abode.

Despite their different values and aesthetics, the women love a wine of an afternoon, in retro folding chairs on the street, while their kids run between backyards. It’s a lovely snapshot of Aussie suburban life… if not a little foreboding.

5. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Like We Were Liars, this smash-hit series, now in its third season, embodies classic American coastal design. Think, wainscoting, light sconces, floral wallpapers and more hydrangeas than you can poke a secateur at.

Protagonist Isabel’s (‘Belly’) picture-perfect family home, in the fictional Cape Cod town of Cousins Beach, is actually a private residence on a golf course in Wilmington, North Carolina. So, unfortunately you can’t take a peek.

According to People, the real home in The Summer I Turned Pretty has five bedrooms and six bathrooms, an infinity pool and a private boat ramp. A landscaping team was brought in to elevate the already beautiful garden. As for the very Nancy Meyers-inspired kitchen and ‘coastal grandma’ interiors, these were reportedly created on sound stages (sorry).

The country club scenes were shot at the 130-year-old Cape Fear Country Club, while the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill subbed in for Finch College. This was author Jenny Han’s alma mater, making the filming of those scenes are full-circle moment for the writer, no doubt.  

This season, we see Belly flee to Paris — a feast for the eyes for Francophiles and architecture devotees. Come along for the ride on Prime Video.  

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The post See the real locations behind these beautiful book-to-TV adaptations appeared first on Home Beautiful.

1. Measure and order

The first step is to measure your garden area and determine how many grams of flower seeds you will need, I recommend three to four grams of seed per square metre. So as a rule of thumb:

• 1 sq m: 3–4 grams of flower seed.
• 10 sq m: 30–40 grams of flower seed.
• 100 sq m: 300–400 grams of flower seed.

These measurements are a guide for wildflower mixtures and may vary depending on individual seed requirements.

2. Soil preparation

This can be a time-consuming process, so to make the most of your time, it’s best to start this process in late winter so that you’re prepared for spring sowing. When it comes to growing seeds in the ground, you’ll always need to tackle grass and weeds in the desired area for sowing your wildflowers. While some people prefer using newspaper or moistened brown cardboard to cover the area, I personally opt for an organic herbicide like Bioweed to spray the area.

After spraying, I allow the area to rest for two weeks before performing a follow-up spray to ensure all the weeds are eliminated. Once you’re confident that all the weeds and debris have been removed, it’s time to prepare the soil. If you have good soil, simply turn over the ground in the area using a garden fork and spade. If needed, you can add additional organic matter by using compost or soil.

3. Sow your seeds

One thing you will notice once you have received your flower seeds is just how small the individual flower seeds are; poppy seeds, for example, are less than a millimetre in length so it is important to remember the following. Place your flower seeds into a clean and dry bucket, then add fine washed sand (available at most hardware stores and garden supplies). Use 20 grams of fine washed sand per two grams of flower seeds.

Now you have the two in the bucket use your hands to turn over and mix thoroughly together. Once you are satisfied you have mixed the seeds in, it’s time to sow your seeds. While standing in the area you wish to sow, simply grab medium-sized handfuls of your seed mixture and sprinkle over the desired area, being careful not to go too heavy and use all of the mixture too early.

4. Mulching your flower beds

Once you have spread your wildflower seeds it’s important to mulch the area using a sugar cane mulch. This will help retain moisture and prevent birds from eating the seeds. Apply a thin layer making sure it’s not too thick that it prevents the sunlight from reaching the seeds and hindering their germination.

5. Garden watering

It is important to keep in mind the small size of flower seeds. Instead of soaking your plantation, opt for a gentle mist to ensure the seeds remain moist. Regularly water your plantation and gradually increase the amount of water as the flowers grow.

As you focus on sowing your wildflowers this month, I will put together a list of other tasks you can work on in your garden this springtime as well as more flowers and vegetables you can sow. If you’re wanting to use the same seeds I do to create these floral displays, visit Meadow Flowers Australia to view their full range of wildflowers.

The post What to do in your garden this spring, according to a garden designer appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Often found poolside (if you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool), sun loungers are increasingly popular for outdoor settings – especially in summer. So, if lying down with a wide-brim hat, a refreshing drink, and a good book sounds like an activity you’d like more of this season, then you’re in the right place. 

Here, we’ve curated our edit of the best sun loungers that are made to complete your outdoor patio setting this year, based on features including the design, materials and size. We’ve also factored in customer reviews and ratings where possible, to help you choose the best sun lounger for your summer (and beyond).

You might also like Fun in the sun: outdoor furniture trends to try and buy in 2025

The best outdoor sun loungers 2025

Keen to compare warranty, product options, and price? Head to our handy comparison table.

The overall sun lounger

01

Cannes sun lounger in Acacia Natural

from $1299 at Freedom

This gorgeous sun lounger from Freedom is designed for long-lasting relaxation. Crafted from sturdy acacia timber with a sleek slatted design, the Cannes sun lounger will look right at home in any outdoor setting, as well as with other items from Freedom’s Cannes outdoor furniture range.

It also comes in two sizes to suit different spaces and has foam and fibre-filled cushions designed for superior comfort. “These lounges are solid! Perfectly made! We love them,” one customer shared in a five star review on the Freedom website, where they have an average rating of 4.8 from over 239 reviews.

Size: Small (200cm x 75cm x 44cm), Large (200cm x 104cm x 44cm)

Colours: Natural, Charcoal

Key features:

• Foam and fibre-filled cushions for superior comfort
• Removable cushions mean they can be stowed away in bad weather
• Crafted from robust Acacia timber
• Adjustable so you can sit, recline or lie flat
• Available in small and large sizes to suit your space

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The luxury sun lounger

02

Rio outdoor teak two chaise lounges and side table set

from $4129 (usually $4347) at Castlery

If you’ve got a large backyard and want the ultimate sun lounger set up, you may not need to look further than the Rio double outdoor sun lounges and side table from Castlery. This set is made from durable solid teak wood and features beige cushioning made with PO foam for longevity. The result is a ready-made outdoor furniture set that’s big on style, impact, and comfort – just add your favourite beverage and relax.

Size: 205cm x 70cm x 44.5cm per sun lounger; 45cm x 45cm x 45cm for the side table

Colour: Natural Beige

Why we love it:

• Full matching outdoor furniture set instantly upgrades your backyard
• Solid teak wood frame for longevity
• PU foam cushions designed to withstand multiple weathers
• Set comes with a one-year warranty on the fabric and a three-year warranty on the frame for peace of mind

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Best sun lounger for outdoor durability

03

vidaXL sun lounger in solid wood teak

$329.99 at Matt Blatt

A sun lounger that will never go out of style is this slatted wooden one from vidaXL. Constructed from extremely durable teak that is known for its exceptional strength and weather resistance, this is a durable piece of furniture to add to your outdoor space. While it doesn’t come with cushions, that also means you can shop around for some that create the ultimate sense of comfort – or repurpose cushions from existing sun loungers if you’re upgrading

Size: 200cm x 60cm x 30cm

Colour: Natural teak

Key features:

• Made from durable teak wood for longevity
• Adjustable backrest offers four different positions for comfort
• Two armrests provide a place to rest your arms
• Simple wood design is timeless

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Best sun lounger for portability

04

Monaco wheeled outdoor sun lounger

$549 at Temple & Webster

This sun lounger from Temple & Webster can be easily moved from A to B thanks to its handy wheels. It also features a discreet retractable side tray that acts as the perfect spot to hold your summer beverage of choice, and all other poolside essentials (like a good book or sunscreen).

Most customers also love this sun lounger, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 135 reviews – and more than 100 five star reviews. As one customer shared: “Easy to assemble and more importantly the wheels make it extremely easy to move around, allowing you to follow the sun. The cushion tops are very comfortable. The slide out tables are an excellent feature for drinks, phones and books. I bought three!”

Size: 198cm x 67cm x 44.5cm

Colours: Beige, Grey

Key features:

• Design featuring wheels makes the sun lounger easy to manoeuvre
• Adjustable lounge ensures you can find the right angle for optimum comfort
• Removable all-weather cushions can withstand the elements or be stashed away when not in use
• Retractable tray table creates a mini side table for peak convenience

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Best sun lounger for small spaces

05

Adirondack Armchair + Footstool

$249.99 at Temple & Webster

If you are a fan of coastal style, then this classic armchair sun lounge from Temple & Webster will fit right in with your outdoor aesthetic. With a high backrest and extra wide armrests for optimum comfort, it’s a no-fuss option for any outdoor space. It’s also easily foldable and portable and comes with a footstool.

Plus, it has an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars from over 135 customer reviews. “Great quality. Have had nearly 12 months and they are in full sun and not deteriorated. Lots of positive comments from those that visit,” one Queenslander shared in their five star review.

Size: 134cm x 75cm x 96.5cm

Colours: White, Taupe, Navy

Key features:

• Water-resistant, UV resistant, rust-resistant and fade-resistant for longevity
• Classic Adirondack design to elevate the aesthetic of any outdoor space
• Reclining design, large slide-away footrest, and generous armrests provide optimum comfort
• 1-year warranty

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Best budget-friendly sun lounger

06

Gardeon Sun Lounge

$119.95 at Amazon

This affordable sun lounge is ideal if you want a lounger you can simply use as it is – with no need to bring cushions in and out when you want to lie back and relax. It’s made from durable alloy steel and premium textilene fabric (woven from individually-coated polyester yarn) which is comfortable as well as weather and UV-resistant. The simple design also means it will suit just about any space.

Size: 198cm x 86cm x 60cm

Colour: Black

Key features:

• Sturdy alloy steel frame with anti-slip feet
• Premium breathable textilene fabric that is durable and easy to clean
• Weather-resistant and UV-resistant
• Adjustable backrest with six positions to help you find the most comfortable spot
• 1-year warranty

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Best contemporary-style sun lounger

07

Palermo outdoor sun lounge

$499 (usually $599) at Temple & Webster

This rope and acacia wood design from Temple & Webster offers a contemporary and on-trend take on a traditional outdoor sun lounger. The rope is also made from polypropylene to make it more durable, and the open weave means it’s nice and breezy on hot days.

“We love this lounger! The quality and materials are very sturdy and durable, and it looks sophisticated around our pool,” one customer shared in a five star review on the Temple & Webster website, where it has an average rating of 4.7 from over 18 customer reviews.

Size: 190cm x 61.5cm x 31.5cm

Colour: Natural materials

Key features:

• Polypropylene rope lends itself to an all-weather design
• Neutral hue will seamlessly blend into any outdoor setting
• Versatile backrest can be adjusted to six different heights
• 3-year warranty

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Best sun lounger for modern minimalism

08

Andre wicker outdoor sunbed with cushion in light grey set of two

$769 at Luxo Living

Looking for a modern addition to your outdoor setting? The Andre outdoor sunbed is your answer. With a sleek grey hue paired with a white aluminium frame, this sunbed is the epitome of modern elegance. Featuring a thick seat cushion with a small round pillow, and a built-in side table top that is perfect for storing your favourite beverage(s) and snacks, this sun lounge is a must this season.

Size: 189cm x 90.5cm x 56.5cm

Colour: Light grey

Key features:

• Sleek grey hue paired with a white aluminium frame exudes modern elegance
• Thick cushion for extra comfort
• Built-in side table offers convenience and style
• 3-year warranty for peace of mind

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Compare the best outdoor sun loungers in Australia

The post These relaxing sun loungers will elevate your outdoor space appeared first on Home Beautiful.

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How to design a chic green and white garden

14 Australian cottage gardens that could be out of a storybook

Ivy-covered walls lead to romance and whimsy in this garden

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Choose the location for your white garden

Minimalists may opt to devote their entire landscape to a white palette, while others prefer to embrace a white garden as a standout section of a multifaceted landscape, placing it in a strategic spot for maximum enjoyment – such as where it is visible in the glow of moonlight, whether viewed through a window or from a dining patio. The High Meadow Farm garden (shown below), for instance, holds a prominent spot along an expansive stone terrace overlooking the rolling hills.

Plot your white garden design

As with any garden, you’ll want to create visual interest with a variety of plants, including non-flowering specimens – such as the grasses at High Meadow Farm, which soften edges, capture light, and form diaphanous ‘hedges’ in a curved, sweeping pattern. Boxwoods – including white buddleia, a cloud-pruned boxwood – and other evergreen shrubs are other options. Varying the height is equally essential: consider ground covers around the edges, rising to Echinacea ‘White Swan’, cleome, white cosmos, Verbena bonariensis, and five-foot-tall boltonia, with flowering shrubs like rose of Sharon and climbers such as clematis or roses lending further structure.

Picking plants for an elegant white garden

You may be surprised at just how many species fit into a white garden. As with any palette, consider foliage as well as blossoms. Follow Vita’s example and create interest with different shapes, textures and form.

1. Think beyond true white

Taking inspiration from the white-blooming plants at Sissinghurst and other well-known gardens, expand beyond ‘white’ to include bulbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs and flowering trees in a range of shades. What’s more, white blossoms reflect and highlight adjacent hues – and contain touches of other shades, such as blush pink or buttery yellow – and take on a golden glow as they age. Consider, too, plants with variegated foliage for glimpses of white or pale green.

2. Extend the season

Choose plants with different bloom times, referring to the glossaries below for plants that blossom in early spring, late summer and in between – some featured in the garden at High Meadow Farm (shown above), north of New York City. Although lovely year-round, this garden reaches its apex in late summer, just when most other gardens are beginning their decline. That’s when the billowy grasses have reached full size and the dwarf fountain grass is in bloom, joined by peegee hydrangea, buddleia, white echinacea, variegated sedum, gaura and the low-growing rose ‘Carpet White’.

White flowers by season

For a white garden that’s beautiful year-round, include a mix of plants that flower at different times – like these ones.

Early-spring bloomers

• Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
• Helleborus ‘Brandywine’ (lenten rose)
• Epimedium x youngianum ‘Niveum’ (barrenwort, bishop’s hat)
• Leucojum aestivum (snowflake)
• Narcissus ‘Actaea’ (poeticus daffodil)
• Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’ (white bleeding heart)
• Fothergilla gardenii (fothergilla)

Mid- to late-spring bloomers

• Syringa vulgaris ‘Jan van Tol’ (common lilac)
• Pulmonaria ‘Sissinghurst White’ (lungwort)
• Allium ‘Mount Everest’ (ornamental onion)
• Tulipa ‘Purissima’ syn. ‘White Emperor’ (tulip)
• Aquilegia flabellata ‘Alba’ (fan columbine)
• Iris germanica ‘Alba’ (dwarf bearded iris)
• Pieris japonica (Japanese pieris)
• Rhododendron ‘Cunningham’s White’ (white rhododendron)

Summer bloomers

• Boltonia asteroides (false aster)
• Dahlia ‘White Alva’s’ (dahlia)
• Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sonata White’ (Mexican aster)
• Lysimachia clethroides (gooseneck loosestrife)
• Phlox paniculata ‘Mother of Pearl’ (garden phlox)
• Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ (white swan coneflower)
• Nepeta cataria ‘Snowflake’ (white catnip)

Late-summer bloomers

• Thunbergia alata ‘Bright Eyes’ (black-eyed Susan vine)
• Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’ (oriental lily)
• Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Hakone White’ (balloon flower)
• Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana’ (rose of Sharon)
• Hosta ‘Ginko Craig’ (hosta)
• Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ (white rugosa rose)
• Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea)

_{This is an edited extract of Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook by Martha Stewart, published by Harper Collins, $79.99.}

The post Want a garden as chic as Martha Stewart’s? Start with this colour appeared first on Home Beautiful.

When he came to the project in 2021, the 900 square metre property’s Art Deco abode was surrounded by a not-so-splendid landscape. “The original garden was a homogenous planting of Buxus, Murraya and camellias,” recalls Hugh. “There was not a lot of seasonality or change. A big part of the brief was to add layering, texture and interest.” As homeowner Julie describes, one shade of green dominated the garden, without any visual variation.

Inside the ivy-inspired makeover

Hugh worked with Ballast Landscape, which constructed his new vision of the garden. “We pruned the camellias to be more open and sculptural, also adding low-voltage lighting to highlight the trunks and form at night,” says Hugh. “Hedges of Buxus (Japanese box) were transplanted into groups and cloud-pruned to create evergreen anchors through the garden, framing entry points and to direct people through the front door and the original portico.”

Now, shifts of colour occur throughout the garden and with the change of seasons. There are countless nuanced tones of green foliage, as well as a warm palette of autumnal shades. Standout performers include smoke bush shrub with its delicate bronze-hued plumes of foliage, oakleaf hydrangea, Boston ivy and ‘Mutabilis’ heritage rose.

“There is such an energy to the garden,” says Julie. “It’s so inviting when you arrive home and walk down the driveway to the beautiful curved portico.” While Julie and her family have since moved interstate due to work commitments, the garden retains a special place in their hearts. Now nurtured and enjoyed by its latest custodians, it is a sanctuary that truly celebrates nature as it heralds new life.

The hardscaping palette

Early in this 18-month project, the aged green-painted concrete driveway was replaced with a Porphyry stone-paved drive, supplied by Eco Outdoor and installed by Enchanted Landscapes. It now incorporates a paved turntable to access the new double garage at the back of the block. “We also constructed a lovely sandstone seating wall to enclose the terrace and separate it from the new pedestrian path,” says Hugh.

Explore the ivy-covered outdoor zones

Hugh designed an expansive haven endowed with distinct zones for relaxing and entertaining, including an updated pool and informal alfresco dining options beside the pool and on the terrace. The home’s existing pool was reimagined, with new bench seating added and a fully tiled shell incorporated, showcasing glass mosaic tiles from Onsite Supply + Design. The pool’s streamlined new form is capped with travertine coping.

Completed by Outside Signatures, the revamped pool glimmers invitingly in the sun, while reflections of the wall, cloaked in Boston ivy, dance in the water. “The ivy makes the wall drop away and recede into the garden,” says Hugh. “I love Boston ivy because you get the autumn colour and then, when it loses its leaves in the winter, the tracery of the branches.”

Beyond ivy: The seasonal planting palette

One of the most stunning aspects of this garden is undoubtedly the Boston ivy that graces the walls. But you can find even more beauty elsewhere in this oasis.

1. Topiaries of Buxus spheres

2. Cone-shaped hydrangeas

3. Evergreen hydrangeas

4. Boston ivy

5.  ‘PowWow White’ flowers

6. Forest pansy

7. ‘Mutabilis’ rose

Source book

Landscape architecture & pool design: Hugh Burnett, hughburnett.com.

Landscape installation: Ballast Landscape, ballastlandscape.com.au.

Pool renovation: Outside Signatures, outsidesignatures.com.au.

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The post Ivy-covered walls lead to romance and whimsy in this garden appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Top winter flowering plants for Australian gardens

1. Camellias

Known for their beautiful winter blooms, camellias are the perfect choice for some winter colour. These plants are very hardy, with many found flourishing in parks without much attention. There are more than 200 different species of camellias, with Camellia sasanqua (blooms late-autumn to early-winter), Camellia japonica (blooms mid-winter to early-spring) and Camellia reticulata (blooms late-winter to spring) all being great options for Australian winter gardens.

Typically, camellias are best suited to mild, humid climates but will also thrive in cold, mountainous regions. In Australia, they will typically flower between April and September, making them perfect for winter gardens.

2. Daphne

Daphne Odora or ‘winter Daphne’ is a beautiful evergreen shrub with pale pink and white star-shaped flowers. It’s a fragrant flower that will greet you every morning with its sweet scent. Daphne will flower from mid-winter to late-spring, making it an ideal late-winter planting if you haven’t yet gotten around to tending to your garden.

3. Hellebore (winter rose)

Beautiful hellebores are also known as winter roses. These flowers are perfect for winter gardens as they thrive in cold weather (even frosts for those in particularly cold regions), are easy to care for and bring long-blooming winter colour to your garden.

There are 17 different types of Helleborus but the Helleborus x hybridus is the most common one to plant in suburban gardens. While you can plant them in pots, they will thrive in the ground and are perfect groundcover plants.

4. Pansies and violas

Pansies and violas, commonly known as violets, are favourite winter blooms for their beautiful bright colours and English cottage charm. They tolerate cold really well and come in a variety of lovely colours. Pansies and violas thrive in both the ground and in pots, and will flower from autumn all the way to spring.

5. Protea

Proteas are an Australian native winter-flowering plant that will bring a beautiful burst of red (or white, green or sunny yellow, depending on the variety) to your winter garden. These almost jurassic-looking plants are extremely resilient to the cold, with many thriving in temperatures that reach below freezing. They can be planted at any time of the year and will bloom from autumn to spring, with the depths of winter being their peak time.

Choosing the best winter flowers for your region

Choosing the best winter flowers for your garden involves finding the flowering plants that suit your location best. Those in cold areas, such as Tasmania and Victoria, will find that plants resilient to frosts will give the best results during the winter months.

Winter-flowering plants for cold winters

• Hellebores
• Proteas
• Grevillea
• Snowdrops
• Camellia japonica
• Witch hazel
• Cyclamen coum
• Erica carnea
• Correa
• Acacia pravissima

Winter-flowering plants for mild winters

• Pansies and violas
• Callistemon
• Camellia sasanqua
• Daphne odora
• Callistemon
• Grevillea
• Correa

The post The best flowering plants for a colourful winter garden appeared first on Home Beautiful.

That’s when a chance Instagram scroll led her to landscape designer Tim Pilgrim. “A photographer I know posted photos of one of Tim’s gardens and I started following him – I really liked his style,” says Ganga. “I love the free-flowing, natural look of his gardens. While there is plenty of structure, you have the feeling that the garden is a bit wild and seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape.”

From their first conversation, it was clear that this wouldn’t be a typical garden makeover. Ganga, who spends time at the house intermittently, needed a drought-tolerant landscape that would sit lightly in its environment while offering a sense of richness and refuge.

With a few visual references and plenty of trust, she handed creative control to Tim. “I showed Tim some pictures from Pinterest, pointed out a couple of his past gardens I liked, and let him go from there,” she explains. “Most decisions were left to Tim.”

It was installed in the winter of 2021 – in what would turn out to be the wettest season recorded in the Central Highlands. So the garden’s journey began with mud and weeds. “It got off to a rocky start. We were planting into water, essentially,” recalls Tim. “It nearly drowned before it grew!” agrees Ganga.

Around 30 per cent of the plants were lost that year, while the weeds somehow thrived. “With so many garden beds, it was a lot of work to keep under control,” she says.

But the vision was strong: one of naturalistic grace, movement and seasonal beauty. “We picked some colours from the landscape and the shapes of surrounding tree lines, and brought that into the design using topiary forms and block plantings of herbaceous perennials,” says Tim. “We tried to aim for three flowering or focal points at any time through the year, and we celebrate dry seed heads, autumn colour and decaying textures into winter. It’s about working with the wind and the light, letting things move and glow.”

Central to the scheme are ornamental grasses – chosen not just for their drought hardiness but for their movement and visual poetry. “I love the wild grasses in front of the deck,” shares Ganga. “They sway back and forth with the wind and give you the feeling that the garden is truly alive.”

Nestled on a dead-end road and surrounded by paddocks, the home once stood isolated. Now, with the garden embracing borrowed views and echoing the forms of the broader landscape, it feels anchored – like it has always belonged. “You get these amazing sunrises and a beautiful play of light in the evenings,” says Tim. “The view of Mount Franklin from the main deck is just unbeatable… When you have a long view like that, you want to treat the site well.”

“I try to reuse and repurpose what’s on site instead of bringing anything new in.”

Tim Pilgrim, landscape designer

Fittingly, the property is called Omaroo – an Indigenous word meaning ‘beautiful view’. And as Ganga now spends more time outdoors, sitting by the fire pit or watching the wind ripple through the grasses, it’s clear that the name couldn’t be more apt. “It’s continuing to develop and mature, and it’s constantly changing,” she says. “I absolutely love it.”

Source Book

Landscape design and construction Tim Pilgrim Gardens, tpgardens.com.au

The post Explore the untamed charm of this Tim Pilgrim-designed garden in Victoria appeared first on Home Beautiful.

If you’re thinking about turning your outdoor space into a cottage-style garden, selecting the right plants is key. Cottage gardens typically feature old-fashioned flowering plants such as poppies, daisies and sweet peas which, luckily, will still thrive in many Australian climates. If you have the space, vegetable patches, herb gardens, chicken coops and potting sheds are also lovely additions to these gardens.

• Roses
• Lavender
• Daisies
• Delphinium
• Poppies
• Pansies
• Snapdragon
• Sweet peas
• Calendula
• Flannel flower
• Hydrangea
• Larkspur
• Hollyhocks

Cottage garden plants

With the right cottage garden plants, you can just as easily create a beautiful garden in a small courtyard as you can with a big block of land — and these 14 Australian cottage gardens show us how.

14 inspiring cottage gardens

Ashley James’ cottage garden in the Yarra Valley

Garden designer, Ashley James, has transformed his Australian country garden into an English style cottage garden by using varieties of plants that will survive in the Australian climate.

“It’s British inspired, but very naturalistic,” Ashley shares. “The plants are from places like Mexico and South Africa, where they deal with heat and frost really well.”

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An English-style cottage garden more than three decades in the making

This country garden has been lovingly tendered to for over three decades, with it’s plantings chosen for their ability to withstand the area’s scorching summers and frosty winters. 

“It’s not a grand garden – it’s a rambly country garden, a shelter and an oasis” says Margot, who the garden belongs to.

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The bush meets the sea in this charming country garden

This country homestead is surrounded by 100-year-old Bellarine yellow gum trees, pops of purpletop vervain and pretty perennials.

“We wanted to keep the rural bush feeling, and I knew perennials would soften the look of the home,” says garden owner and designer Jason.

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A fairytale garden nestled in the suburbs of Melbourne

Garden designer Ashley James helped a family create a fairytale like garden with romantic plantings and and a pastel perennials in surburban Melbourne.

“The idea was to create somewhere that the kids could play, where the parents could see them from inside the house and know that they were safe. We also created a kitchen garden area so the girls could try growing their own fruit and vegetables,” says Ashley of the lovely space.

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This whimsical country garden in Victoria is a blooming beauty

Craving a layered cottage garden look for her country garden in rural Victoria, the owner of this garden brought in Tim Pilgrim, whose specialises in creating naturalistic cottage gardens.

“I try to choose plants, not just for the colour of their flower, but for their structure into decay,” Tim says. Flowers peak and die back, with new cast of blooms always following on their heels.

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This Southern Highlands country garden enjoys year-round beauty

This two-hectare private property in NSW’s Southern Highlands full of romantic beauty.

“The mist on the lake rolls in from the escarpment, creating the perfect environment for cool climate gardening,” says garden designer Colin Blanch.

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A charming country garden with a lake

Set in a picture-perfect spot, this garden’s rustic outdoor area makes even the chilliest of nights a toasty treat. Cascading informal flower beds jostle for space with rural stone and timber landscaping features, while the adjacent lake is the perfect locale for quiet reflection, swinging in a hammock between the towering conifers that form an evergreen backdrop to the property.

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This charming cottage garden offers escape to the country

Rambling roses, native kangaroo paws and rustic arbours set the scene at this beautiful country house in Victoria, which blends native flowering plants with classic cottage plants.

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A modernist home with a delightful seasonal wildflower garden

Wildflower meadows and water features complement this charming property. Evolving with the seasons, garden designer Heath chose plants that would create year-round splendour. “We wanted a garden that could be celebrated throughout the seasons,” he says.

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A bucolic off-grid cottage garden in the Southern Tablelands

Faced with an empty nest, two avid green thumbs made the move to a remote country property to create the garden of their dreams. However, the cold climate came with some early challenges.

“We’re in a valley, a real frost pocket. We did a lot of research into what would grow here – and even then, plants labelled as cold and hardy shrivelled up and died!”

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A stunning, mountain high garden oasis

Where once there was dry, powdery earth, sparse plantings and a plethora of crazy paving is now richly composted flowerbeds edged in neat box hedging, overflowing with native and non-native plants and set alongside cinder and brick paths in this gorgeous mountain garden.

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A glorious Hamptons-style garden in the Southern Highlands

Time, patience and a passion for overseas gardens inspire a magnificent Southern Highlands patch that has grown in tandem with its owners.

“We have a love of English gardens and American gardens, which goes hand in hand with my style of decorating,” says interior designer and garden owner Melinda, who also drew inspiration from a “very dog-eared” Paul Bangay book. “We only wanted a green, white and blue garden, and some autumn colours when that came about.”

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An elegant garden fit for a century-old home

The restoration of this historic Hobart garden ensures it matches the home in spirit and style.

“The landscape brief was to create the best version of a garden for this style of home – romantic and unique – with a diverse array of plant material,” says garden designer, Myles.

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A Federation home’s low-maintenance front garden transformation

Sprinkled with a seasonal show of vividly coloured plants, lush deciduous trees and sun-dappled hideaways, this garden is a very special, low-maintenance front yard landscape with a sanctuary-like appeal.

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The post 14 Australian cottage gardens that could be out of a storybook appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Beautiful garden landscaping design ideas

1. Green print

Allow your area to grow with you by future- proofing your outdoor design plan. “Boost the longevity of your garden by considering how and who will be using the space, and what that could look like in five to 10 years,” says Matt Leacy, director and founder of award-winning Sydney landscaping company Landart.

2. Pave the way

Gaining ground in the outdoor landscaping space, paving is no longer an aesthetic afterthought. “The key is to design well in the first place, to reduce the amount of maintenance,’ says Ben. “A good path and border should suppress weeds.”

3. Refined elegance

Less is more when making a statement in a small space, as seen in this design by Richards Stanisich. “The key is to simplify while still creating that ‘wow’ factor,” says Matt. “Focus on what you want the area to achieve. If it is entertaining, invest in a sophisticated outdoor dining set – or for a plant focus, a striking oversized feature pot.”

4. English inspiration

This Australian country garden takes inspiration from cottage gardens of Englands, swapping typical English flowering plants for hardier varieties that can handle the Australian climate.

“The plants are from places like Mexico and South Africa, where they deal with heat and frost really well,” says garden designer, Ashley James.

5. Outside in

Focus inward and create a stunning outdoor space that seamlessly connects to the rest of the home. “Draw the eye outside with warm, inviting lighting, and blur the boundaries of the garden with a consistency of indoor and outdoor planting,” says Landart’s Matt. Try downlighting to highlight the entertaining area and get a soft, welcoming focus.

6. Glorious groundcover

Native violet provides luscious groundcover between the stepping stone pavers leading to the pool, while tropical plants create an attractive border.

7. Arbour dreams

This house originally had two entrances, which led to some confusion with visitors as there was no clearly defined front door. To resolve the issue, the travertine steppers leading to the newly designated sole front door were realigned and enlarged and a grand arbour was built.

“The client wanted to add a glass roof over the arbour for weather protection, and we installed three large pots with Pandorea ‘Lady Di,’ a flowering white creeper, which softens the pillars,” says designer, Andrew.

8. Sustainable style

Nestled in surrounding bushland, this sustainable home swaps typical grass for a more envrionmentally friendly native garden that also blends beautifully in with the rough-sawn silvertop ash board and batten cladding on the facade.

9. Tile files

Smart underfooting can be just as important for setting the tone of an area as the table placements on top. “Try large porcelain tiles for a durable and versatile flooring option,” says Mark Curtis, design consultant at Secret Gardens. “Many of the ranges on the market offer indoor tiles with a tailored external version for outside with more grip.”

10. On the green

The humble green lawn need not be dull and uninspiring. It can even add an opulent touch to an overlooked space. “For a smaller, soft blade alternative to the popular Buffalo grass, the Sir Grange Zoysia grass elevates your turf’s aesthetic appeal, adding a luxurious finish to your lawn area,” says Mark.

11. Decked out

Gone are the days of high-maintenance decking. Seek natural finishes and go back to basics with rustic, organic timber. “The weathered silver-timber look is a huge trend right now,” says Matt. “Not only is it a great low-maintenance solution, because you don’t have to oil it every six months. It also creates a stunning soft, organic feel.”

12. Step by step

Lead the way and plan a striking design feature with luxe paved stepping stones that draw the eye to hero pieces while linking your outdoor zones. “Add greenery to bring balance into a more structured courtyard,” says Katrina O’Brien, former managing editor of Home Beautiful. “Try adding a vertical garden alongside low-lying shrubs.”

13. Hit refresh

A fresh coat of paint and new fixtures go a long way to making a good impression at the front gate. Breathe new life into a tired fence or entranceway with a simple refresh.

For a classic exterior, try Natural White paint from Dulux – or to complement a modern aesthetic, opt for cool whites with blue or grey undertones, such as Dulux Casper White.

14. Quiet corner

Make the most of that awkward space and create a cosy retreat. “Hanging chairs are a great way to get a sanctuary in a small space,” says Katrina. “And the best thing is they can be removed when the space is needed to entertain a crowd.” Bring this look home with a ‘Coco’ hanging chair from Byron Bay Hanging Chairs.

15. Level up

Gain the illusion of a larger space by using levels to zone the area. “Layering helps to capture the eye and generates interest,” says Grant Smitten, founder of Macedon Ranges Garden Services. “Play with lighting to create dimension and highlight your garden’s hero features.”

16. Green screen

Make your plants work harder for you by using lush climbing foliage as a subtle privacy wall against unsightly boundary lines and fences. “Try tall, textured fruit trees to create a privacy screen against neighbours, and as a natural wind break,” says Ben Shaw, founder of Ben Shaw Permaculture. Passionfruit vines are always a favourite.

17. Crowd favourites

Marry form and function with a durable outdoor dining set. A non-fixed, lightweight one is always favourable for versatility and longevity, then up the luxe factor with soft, comfy accessories.

“The aim of outdoor furniture is that it should accommodate guests to spend longer outside,” says Secret Gardens’ Mark. “Lightweight furniture is becoming an increasingly popular choice for its functionality.”

18. Sun block

From parasols and awnings to pergolas, there’s a plethora of shade solutions to help you dial down the heat. For a touch of the tropics, add free-standing umbrellas and achieve a resort-inspired feel. For a more permanent, fuss-free fixture, try fabric awnings (Wynstan has a range) as a retractable shade alternative.

“Make sure you consider the current architecture of the home so that the design integrates seamlessly with the existing exterior,” says Mark.

19. Private property

Screening walls need not lack inspiration. Push the limits and transform your boundary line into a design feature with a charming pergola or sculptural trellis. “It’s all about exciting the eye and giving this area more architectural detail and consideration,” says Mark. “This way you’re not only disguising the fact that you have reached the end of the property, but you are giving the space a new life.”

10. Blind spot

Indulge in outdoor entertaining all year round, with weather-durable blinds to enclose the space and create an intimate setting.

“There is nothing more luxe than eating outdoors in the cooler months as well as spring and summer,” says HB’s Katrina. “In addition to outdoor heating, layer up your outdoor dining space with soft textures and plenty of rugs to nab café style.” Winter-proof your outdoor entertaining area with Luxaflex Roller Blinds.

21. Natural connection

Think outside the box when working with the luxury of a protected outdoor shelter. Blend effortless sophistication and classic good looks through the use of soft, dreamy furnishings.

“Always try to continue the look of your inside spaces outdoors, for a strong, cohesive decorating scheme,” says Katrina. “However, opt for hardier covers such as those from Sunbrella to make your outdoor cushions last that extra bit longer.”

22. Take a seat

A retaining wall need not be merely a structural design element. Rather, it can transform your hardworking spaces into a multifunctional seating spot, with the addition of a sleek outdoor bench.

“Built-in furniture can be a great way to maximise your space and really define an area,” says Landart’s Matt. Soften the sharp lines of your retaining wall by adding a plush throw and complementary cushions, and you have a welcoming place to pause and unwind.

23. Bright spark

Be inspired by your surroundings and let your plant choices lead the way when injecting colour and picking your palette.

“We’re seeing a huge demand for perennials such as salvias and agastache, which add a vibrant burst of colour for spring,” says Macedon Ranges Garden Services’ Grant.

24. Raw talent

Nothing whispers laid-back luxury like repurposing an existing structure to create a rustic inspired hideaway.

“For that organic, rustic style, look at upcycling materials such as railway sleepers or breathing new life into existing foundations,” says Grant.

25. Three’s company

Potted plants have the ability to transform any lustreless space. “Try to mix and match the shapes in arrangements of odd numbers, if space permits,” says Secret Gardens’ Mark.

26. Hidden gems

Turn second-hand treasures into decorative tools with inspiring results. “It’s about upcycling and using what you have,” says Lottie Dalziel, founder of sustainability hub Banish.

“Nothing looks better than flowers flowing out of an old wheelbarrow. Not only does it add personality, it’s also great for the environment.”

27. Patch of heaven

There’s something instinctual about living off the land and reaping the rewards of an edible garden. However, a vegetable patch isn’t always at the forefront of landscape design.

“A veggie patch doesn’t have to be ugly – it can actually be quiet beautiful and a powerful design feature,” says Ben Shaw. “Having a good diversity of plants really boosts the aesthetic, so you are harvesting throughout the year.” This means you aren’t left with an empty garden bed between harvests.

28. Colour pop

Bring the inspiration outdoors by injecting a touch of colour to make an easy outside style statement. “Just as it does inside, colour can transform an outdoor room,” says Katrina.

“Use it sparingly on a wall to zone a space, and try unexpected hues for an extra dose of happiness. Just make sure a lighter colour is well maintained.” Steal this vibrant look with Pink Dust from Dulux and pare it back with muted greys. For a more subtle look, try Italian Clay from Dulux.

29. Brick by brick

Nothing says coastal cool like a mid-century-inspired breeze block such as Austral Masonry’s ‘Diamond Breeze’ blocks.

This chic feature wall is just the solution for turning a privacy screen into a bold design statement. “Breeze blocks offer both function and form,” says HB’s Elle. “They make for wonderful screening and bring that instant ‘Palm Springs cool’ look to any outdoor space.”

The post 29 incredible garden design ideas appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A heritage home, such as a Victorian cottage or Federation home work best with either a timber picket fence or a fence made from wrought iron, while a modern brick house would look best with either a brick, aluminium or composite fence. The idea is to look for a fence that compliments your home while taking considerations such as the climate, the level of upkeep you’re willing to accept and your budget, of course. 

Here we run through 11 amazing front fence ideas featuring timber, brick and the affordable all-rounder: aluminium.

11 front fence ideas to inspire

A modern farmhouse three-rail post fence

Classic country style

A classic country style three-rail post fence sets the boundary around this modern farmhouse property. Popular with rural homes, this fence type has an open design that feels relaxed and welcoming. Then, the stacked stone adds an element of contemporary luxury to the farm look.

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A high picket fence protects a Melbourne heritage home

Pretty and private

While a traditional picket fence is relatively low to the ground, this white picket fence is much taller, resembling a grander Victorian style of fencing. Offering more privacy to the property, these tall picket fences are well suited to Australian heritage homes that are positioned close to the street.

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A traditional picket fence

Heritage beauty

The traditional picket fence lining this gracious circa 1900 house blends beautifully in with the rest of the exterior. Opting for a similar shade of dark beige ties the exterior look together, while allowing the white window frames and fence posts to pop. The picket fence will always be a charming choice for those wanting to add character to their homes.

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Timber picket fence

Perfect for a period home

When you think of fences, the first type of fence that probably comes to mind is a picket fence. A picket fence is traditionally made from evenly spaced timber boards attached to horizontal rails that dates back to America’s earliest colonial period (from about the 1620s to 1720s). The tops of the timber boards were originally pointed to deter intruders, but modern versions are simply decorative. 

A bespoke picket fence with hand-carved finials gives this Federation home a delightful, old-world charm. 

Brick fence

Warm and strong

Opt for brick if you’re looking for a timeless, durable option that will add warmth and structure to your home’s exterior. Brick doesn’t have many downsides, but it is a relatively expensive option both in material and labour costs. But take heart, brick is versatile and can work alongside other more affordable materials like aluminium to create a cohesive, yet cost-effective fence. 

Take style notes from this Brisbane home which combines a modern aluminium picket fence with a panel made from reclaimed red bricks. Passersby often stop to ask about the red bricks, which were sourced from a recycle yard in NSW. 

Modern picket fence

For contemporary homes with a timeless design

After many years living in New York, the owners of this newly built Melbourne home were inspired to build a home just like the grand houses in The Hamptons, a popular holiday destination in the US. White picket fences are one of the key elements of the style.

This square picket fence features simple straight lines and very little ornamentation or flair, resulting in a look that is at once timeless, yet modern. 

Concrete fencing

The ultimate in privacy and seclusion

Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in Australia, and today, this sturdy material is becoming a design feature in its own right, rather than something to be hide. The best match for a house that heroes concrete is, of course, a concrete wall. A concrete fence provides plenty of privacy and also creates a sound barrier, excellent for homes located on a busy road. Pre-cast concrete fencing options have made this option relatively affordable, and these products can be customised with cut-outs and curves and to suit your home.

A fresh coat of paint in Dulux Colorbond Surfmist Half and stone detailing at the entryway of this renovated coastal home completely refreshed the look of this 80s-era build.

Stone fencing

Textural and inviting

It may seem counterintuitive, but stone can really take a strong, fortress-like structure like a fence and make it feel warm and inviting. And while a front fence made entirely of stone is uncommon, using even just a touch of stone in strategic places (like either side of the front gate) can have a huge impact.

At this newly built Brisbane home, stone detailing adds to the coastal, private vibe of a concrete fence paired with a slatted, automated aluminium driveway gate.

Aluminium fencing

The affordable all-rounder

Aluminium is tough, affordable and versatile – making it a great choice for almost any type of Australian home. It is corrosion and rust-resistant, making it an exceptional choice for coastal areas. It won’t attract termites and the powder-coated surfaces requires very little maintenance or upkeep. Aluminium is also lightweight and easy to mould to almost any kind of application. DIY aluminium fence panels can be custom ordered from Bunnings, with prices starting at about $300 per panel.

A white aluminium fence with an automated sliding gate lends a modern touch to the exterior of this classic Queenslander.

Composite fencing 

The best of wood without the woes

Composite fencing is made from a combination of wood fibres (or sawdust) and plastic – resulting in a durable, weatherproof fence that has all of the aesthetic qualities of wood without any of wood’s limitations (rot, splitting and upkeep, to name a few).

Composite fencing is available in a range of colours and styles to suit almost any type of home, whether it’s a modern farmhouse or a mixed-materials contemporary home.

Go green

Fix a tired fence without lifting a hammer

Got a lacklustre front fence that is structurally sound and not quite worth replacing? Give it a revamp with plants. There are two main options you can go with here: a classic, manicured hedge or a fast-growing climbing plant.

A hedge will add extra privacy, shade and a sound buffer as seen in this Hervey Bay oasis, while a climber like Boston ivy will quickly conceal a sad or crumbling fence with minimal fuss.

The post 11 eye-catching front fence designs that make a stellar first impression appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Filling an interior with plants also has salutary effects, not only because plants cleanse the air and are beautiful to look at but also because the very act of nurturing and caring for them is so life-affirming.

Homes with spaces open to the outdoors, such as balconies, verandahs, loggias, or porches, have a direct connection to the outside world. These open-air ‘rooms’ are particularly beneficial for people who work from home. If your outdoor room is covered with a roof, focus on air quality. Incorporate overhead fans, and make sure the space is open on two sides to take advantage of breezes and keep the air moving.

In addition to viewing nature from your windows or your open-air spaces and having rooms full of house plants, there are less obvious ways to make you feel connected to nature. Use organic materials such as wood for flooring and furniture, instead of plastic or laminate. Bring the outside in by creating a fireplace surround out of stacked boulders. Consider adding rough-hewn timber beams to support a high ceiling.

For homes that have no views of greenery, earth tones and blues and greens – the colours of the sea, the sky, and foliage– bring nature inside and have a soothing effect. Keep it subtle. Opt for fabrics and textures that evoke nature such as moss-like chenille, twisted rattan, hemp, linen, cotton, leather, sisal, and more.

Beautiful, floral-patterned wallpaper and fabric also help to bring the outdoors in. Introduce natural scents that summon up memories of favourite flowers, walks through the woods, or beach vacations. Amass found pieces of natural beauty such as shells or pinecones on tables or shelves. Even things that are not inherently beautiful make a statement when grouped.

If you have a garden, you can simultaneously derive health benefits from it and contribute to the wellbeing of the planet. Cultivate wildlife-friendly gardens with water features, and avoid chemical pesticides. Opt for sustainable, preferably native plants and wild grasses that are hardy and require little attention. Avoid varieties that don’t thrive in your part of the world. Cover an arbour or pergola with deciduous vines such as creeping hydrangea to create a perfect refuge for summer dining.

This is an edited extract of ‘Natural Living by Design’ by Melissa Penfold, published by The Vendome Press, available from Dymocks for $69.99.

The post How to stylishly bring nature into your space, according to Melissa Penfold appeared first on Home Beautiful.

A magnolia tree took up a lot of space and the hedging around the perimeter felt confining. Even their children, Henry, 22, Matilda, 19, and Jude, 13, plus Labradoodles George and Ringo, didn’t spend much time outside. After almost two decades, Margot and Ross decided it was high time for a change.

Landscape design and construction company Formed Gardens came recommended by friends, so the couple reached out to them and started the process. However, they faced another delay. They lived in a heritage home in Sydney’s Inner West, so once plans were submitted to council, it still took nearly nine months for them to be approved.

Finally, Formed Gardens director Luke Baldwin began building the garden Margot and Ross had dreamt of for so many years.

I love how the garden, although it’s a small space, still feels generous and open.”

Luke Baldwin, Landscape Architect

The brief called for a pool as big as the space would allow, without overwhelming the garden. The magnolia tree was removed to accommodate it, with a crepe myrtle tree planted on the opposite side of the yard. Another must-have was an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbecue, plus an alfresco dining area on the deck.

“We recycled the timber from the previous deck, sanded back and freshened up,” says Margot. A curved glass fence cuts through the hardwood decking, forming a small but significant detail that visually links the poolside tableau with the alfresco cooking and dining zones. Beyond it, the pool stretches from the deck to the rear wall.

The hardscaping palette exists harmoniously with the garden’s new planting scheme. Green-blue pool tiles nod to the tonal foliage that grows against the opposite wall, while sweet-scented Armand clematis climbs over the fence and softens the perimeter.

The fence, in turn, is finished in the same shade as the home’s exterior trims. There’s an easy flow between all these different zones, and the garden’s enjoyment is enhanced by the low-maintenance nature of the plantings.

Foundation stone

The garden, while modern, had to complement the Victorian architecture of the heritage home. “We tried to work with the natural colonial materials,” explains Luke, who bordered the pool with sawn sandstone from Australian Sandstone Merchants. Existing sandstone became stepping stones at the rear of the yard. “It pays homage to that period and character,” adds Luke.

In the end, the project progressed smoothly and was completed within a short six months, and the family couldn’t be happier. “We sit outside every night and have dinner, which we didn’t do before,” shares Margot. “We use the pool all year round, adults and kids, because it’s heated.”

It truly is the dream garden they had all longed for, which now fills their daily lives with joy. It just took 20 years to get there.

Landscape design & construction: Formed Gardens, formedgardens.com.au.

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The post An inner city garden makeover that finds room for a swimming pool appeared first on Home Beautiful.