Turn that uninspired garden corner into a stylish, modern space. Our home is the most sacred place in our lives. It is a place where we relax, find comfort and return to after a hard day’s work. Each home is different and each home is an expression of the owner’s personality and style. Every part of the home also has its own importance for the person living there.

Many times while designing our outdoor spaces, we tend to focus on the areas we spend most time or the areas that are highly visible, such as the front yard or the back yard. But what about those areas that aren’t highly visible or that you don’t spend a lot of time in. What’s happening to those? Are they being neglected and unloved? If the answer’s yes, then we have some tips to turn this neglected area into a space you’re sure to be proud of.

Gardens:

Firstly we’ll touch on garden corners. These types of corners are free from walking traffic, allowing plants and flowers to grow beautifully without any disturbance. There are many ways to enhance a garden corner. Why not fill the corner of your garden with a large, colourful pot filled with a beautiful tall plant to create an eye catching space or even try planting a lemon tree and watch it flourish and come to life over time.

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Another alternative could be to section off the corner using large rocks and planting a variety of herbs to create your very own herb garden. All of these practical ideas are sure to brighten any garden and provide your space with the life and facelift it deserves.

Water features:

The addition of water structures such as water fountains, rock pools and water falls is a great way of decorating the corner of any outdoor area. Depending on the size, water features need not take up too much space allowing you to create a natural looking habitat amongst your garden. For added effect why not install spot lights around your water feature. The lighting will enhance your water feature and provide you with extra lighting whilst entertaining at night.

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Sitting area:

Another solution to transforming a tired, uninspired garden corner could be to create a stylish, modern seating area. Utilizing the space in this way means you, your family and your guests have another alternative when it comes to sitting outdoors. Finish with some funky cushions, a coloured pot and a coat of paint and in no time you’ll have a contemporary outdoor area suitable for entertaining and relaxing.

Image source: http://www.smittenstudioonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/patio-lounge-built-in-benches-smittenstudio11.jpg

Storage:

Or why not use the corner of your outdoor area to showcase an outdoor storage solution. Sheds are commonly placed in the corner of an outdoor area and are a great solution when it comes to storing outdoor items and protecting them from the weather. To avoid your shed becoming an eye-sore, surround it with plants and garden beds to create a unified landscaped area.

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Another storage solution is an outdoor cushion box. Many outdoor areas have outdoor furniture with included cushions. To prolong the life of the cushion fabric, why not place your cushions in an outdoor cushion box. This will ensure your fabric stays looking good as new for many years to come.

So if your outdoor garden corners are looking a little neglected why not take up some of these ideas and transform your area into a space you’ll want to show off for many years to come.

Considering the design and layout of your outdoor area – When the time comes to start thinking about the design and layout of your outdoor area considerations must be made to ensure the end product is one that you’re not only happy with, but one that reflects your style and one that you could see you and your family enjoying for many years to come. A well designed outdoor area should flow freely from the outdoors in. Design elements such as colours, textures and patterns should be considered as well as the types of materials to be used. All of these components allows the homeowner to build and design a functional, appealing outdoor area that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Planning is the key

Creating an outdoor living area conceptually requires thought and time. To begin, it’s always a good idea to sketch any ideas you may have and list some key points in which you would like to include in the design.  Remember to include any existing paths, flower beds, fences, garden beds, deck areas etc. Add characteristics you want to achieve and then think of dividing the project into several phases. This initial planning phase will ensure the rest of the project runs smoothly and hassle free.

Once you have an idea of what you would like, a great starting point would be to consult a landscape designer. With their expert advice, they’ll be sure to guide you in the right direction and give you tips and ideas you may have not thought about.

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Another great resource is Google and landscape design books. Searching through these resources may help you develop ideas you may have not yet considered. Also speaking with relatives and friends who have re-designed or designed their outdoor areas from scratch is another useful tool. Gaining insight into other people’s ideas will ultimately help you develop an area you will be happy to use for many years to come.

Consider your space

An important point when it comes to designing your outdoor area is to consider the space in which you have to play with. There are many factors that will determine how your area will look. Have a walk around and access the space. Make note of what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to remove. You may also have existing elements you’d like to keep such as a shed, deck or path, so consider these when designing and planning your space. Considering the amount of sun and shade your area will receive is also important as is considering the view. For effective results design an area that will make the most of any view you may have. Having adequate drainage and safely built decks and pergolas will also ensure the end result is of the highest standard.

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Materials that reflect your style

Choosing materials is important when it comes to designing your outdoor area, as they will define the overall look and feel of your space. Choose materials that you can not only afford but that work well together to create an effective, long lasting outdoor area. At this stage, it’s also important to consider the inside of your home and your personal style. By doing this you’re outdoor area will flow nicely from the indoor area and in effect create a unified look and feel.

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Less is more when it comes to colour

Colour is a powerful tool in creating a visually pleasing design. As is with your material choices, your colour choices should reflect your personal style. An idea would be to take note of your colour choices inside the home and reflect this same look and feel outside. By doing this you create a free flowing space from the indoors to the outdoors.

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Too many colours can create a busy space that fills cluttered and uneasy. Less is more when it comes to choosing colours. Unifying the visual design of an outdoor area can be achieved with the use of one colour. This colour will become the feature of your space. You can then choose to support this colour by using a couple of complementary colours. Just remember the simpler the better. Don’t over-do the colour. Two or three colours is usually ideal and if you stick to this rule we guarantee you’ll create a space that’s both visually pleasing and one that you’ll want to show off for many years to come.

Decorating your space

Decorating your outdoor area need not be a hassle. You may have items such as old pot plants or bird baths laying around your home that just need a bit of a makeover. Rather than heading out and buying new pots or a new bird bath, why not get creative and update what you already have. There’s nothing a bit of DIY and a coat of paint can’t fix! Scatter cushions are also a great way of adding a splash of colour to any space. Not only are they comfortable and add a homely feel, they can also be purchased in an array of styles, colours and patterns. Another alternative is to visit local op shops where you may find that perfect piece to help decorate your area. Pinterest, Instagram, design books and Google are also great resources when it comes to finding ideas and tips to decorate your space. At the end of the day you want to create and decorate a space that you and your family will enjoy and one that reflects your personal style. The options are endless when it comes to decorating. Just have fun, be creative and be you!

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Plant choices

When it comes to choosing plants and flowers for your space, considering the environment and climate conditions in which you live is very important. For example if you live in northern Australia where the temperature can get extremely hot, consider plants that are going to survive the warmer weather and vice versa if you live down south where the temperatures are cooler in comparison, consider plants that prefer the colder climate.

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At the end of the day, the world is your oyster when it comes to designing your outdoor area. With these few considerations and tips you’re sure to create a space that will be enjoyed for many years to come. The biggest tip we can give is have fun when planning, choosing and designing your outdoor space. Take the time to explore different options and let your creative juices flow.

Landscaping and designing your pool area. Before we know it the warmer months will be upon us again and pool season will be in its prime. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, you know the pleasures it can provide. The cooler months, is a great opportunity to review your space in terms of landscaping and design. Below are a few tips and considerations to help you along the way.

Creating shade

Shade clothes or a large umbrella are a great idea in ensuring your pool is well covered during the warmer months. The Australian sun can get extremely hot during the summer period so ensuring your pool is covered adequately is very important. There are many colours and designs available, especially with outdoor umbrellas so choosing a design to match your existing area need not be a hassle. Here at Outdoor Living Direct we have large cantilever umbrellas which are sure to look great poolside and provide protection to your area this season. Check out this link for our full range of umbrellas: https://www.outdoorlivingdirect.com.au/umbrellas.html

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The cooler months also provide a great opportunity to ensure your shade choices are clean and ready for the summer season. Pressure hoses are great in removing stains/mould/mildew etc.

Adding plants

For some pool areas, the landscape around the pool may seem boring or unfinished. Adding plants to your pool area will help to create a space that feels and looks like a sanctuary. Local markets sell all sorts of plants at reasonably low prices. Adding mulch or pebbles in-between the plants will also help to improve a dull looking space.

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Another way to improve the look of your pool area is to add bright coloured pots filled with colourful plants. Pots can be picked up from home hardware stores at reasonably cheap prices. Another alternative is to create your own. Simply purchase a plain terracotta pot from your local home hardware store and paint it using different colours and patterns. This a cheap and inexpensive way of adding a personal touch to your outdoor area. Plus we promise you’ll have lots of fun along the way!

Positioning of your furniture

The positioning of your furniture including any lounges, pots, candles, tables etc is important as this helps to create the overall look and feel of your space. Just like you would arrange furniture indoors, take a moment to review the positions of your outdoor furniture.

Fencing

When it comes to pool safety a fence around your pool is a must! Most communities these days require pool fences complete with a lock and high enough that small children can’t reach. There are many design choices on the market when it comes to pool fencing, so there is sure to be a style to match your existing outdoor home decor and colour palette.

Revamp your existing furnishes

Did you know that changing a small detail in your pool area can make a big difference? For example you may decorate your outdoor furniture with some cheerfully bright scatter cushions. Changing your outdoor cushions with a new style can create a whole new look and feel you never thought imaginable. Look for inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram or Google. There are many different patterns, textures and colours out there, you just have to find the one that works best for you. Or if you’re handy with a sewing machine, why not whip up some new cushion covers and place them over the top of your current covers. That way when you get tired of one, you have options to choose between. A simple DIY project which shouldn’t take too long and the outcome is sure to please.

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At the end of the day the choices you make for your pool area should reflect your personal style. These are just a few tips to help you along the way, but have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your outdoor area should be one that you will enjoy for many years to come, so take the time and enjoy what you’re doing.