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Contenido patrocinado
Outdoor Project: Pave Your Way to a New Backyard
Revamp your exterior and give your home the facelift it deserves
Contenido patrocinado
Updating your interior and giving it a seasonal spin is something most of us do regularly, but when was the last time you looked at your outdoor space and gave it the love it deserves? We don’t just mean buying a few new pots and plants either, we’re talking stairs, walls, floors and facades – all the areas that often get overlooked.
One of Australia’s largest building product manufacturers, Brickworks Building Products gave us its advice for getting your outdoor space looking tip-top – read on to see what should be on your revamp list this summer…
One of Australia’s largest building product manufacturers, Brickworks Building Products gave us its advice for getting your outdoor space looking tip-top – read on to see what should be on your revamp list this summer…
Overhaul Your Stairs
Whether your garden is steep, slightly sloped or flat, using various heights in the design can add interest and help bridge the gap between levels – and nothing works better than a set of stairs. No longer just a practical design element, stairs are an efficient means of changing levels and can be used to really set the scene between two different areas.
It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing existing steps that are looking a little tired, or investing in a new set, the rules are the same – make sure you choose your materials carefully. Why? Well, exterior stairs can become slippery so you want something that will give you grip and that also looks aesthetically pleasing. Concrete blocks, for example, can transform a mundane area into a stunning feature and are ultra-durable, too.
If you have a wide terrace, go for equally wide stairs to really show off the space in your backyard. Alternatively, if space is tight, consider placing your steps at an angle to create a more interesting design feature.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget a handrail (if the steps are steep) and lighting to highlight the difference in levels.
Whether your garden is steep, slightly sloped or flat, using various heights in the design can add interest and help bridge the gap between levels – and nothing works better than a set of stairs. No longer just a practical design element, stairs are an efficient means of changing levels and can be used to really set the scene between two different areas.
It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing existing steps that are looking a little tired, or investing in a new set, the rules are the same – make sure you choose your materials carefully. Why? Well, exterior stairs can become slippery so you want something that will give you grip and that also looks aesthetically pleasing. Concrete blocks, for example, can transform a mundane area into a stunning feature and are ultra-durable, too.
If you have a wide terrace, go for equally wide stairs to really show off the space in your backyard. Alternatively, if space is tight, consider placing your steps at an angle to create a more interesting design feature.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget a handrail (if the steps are steep) and lighting to highlight the difference in levels.
Invest in Your Pool Area
If you’re looking to revamp your pool area or install a new one from scratch, the type of surface you choose to surround it with will be one of your most important decisions.
Not only does the finish need to complement the rest of your exterior and look attractive, it should also be able to maintain its good looks and performance through the harsh Aussie climate, whether that’s blistering heat or heavy storms. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself re-doing it again in a few years’ time.
Stone pavers are a great example of bricks that need minimal maintenance, as they don’t degrade like timber and have eco benefits, too.
Bonus tip: Don’t restrict your paving to the standard patterns – try adding some energy to the area by laying it diagonally or in a brick formation instead. Then you can add a complementary border in a similar tone, or go for a contrasting inlay in a standout terracotta red or darkish grey.
If you’re looking to revamp your pool area or install a new one from scratch, the type of surface you choose to surround it with will be one of your most important decisions.
Not only does the finish need to complement the rest of your exterior and look attractive, it should also be able to maintain its good looks and performance through the harsh Aussie climate, whether that’s blistering heat or heavy storms. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself re-doing it again in a few years’ time.
Stone pavers are a great example of bricks that need minimal maintenance, as they don’t degrade like timber and have eco benefits, too.
Bonus tip: Don’t restrict your paving to the standard patterns – try adding some energy to the area by laying it diagonally or in a brick formation instead. Then you can add a complementary border in a similar tone, or go for a contrasting inlay in a standout terracotta red or darkish grey.
Turn Your Attention to the Facade
Gone are the days when the exteriors of homes were all made from one material – part of the beauty of today’s modern house is the contrast of textures and colours used. However, with all types of brickwork it’s important to consider the style of brick that’s right for your home.
Using wide brickwork, like these shown here, gives it a sleek appeal that complements the modern architecture of the property and echoes the lines of the decking and long slim windows.
Bonus tip: Research what material would work best for your brickwork – clay, for example, is an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Gone are the days when the exteriors of homes were all made from one material – part of the beauty of today’s modern house is the contrast of textures and colours used. However, with all types of brickwork it’s important to consider the style of brick that’s right for your home.
Using wide brickwork, like these shown here, gives it a sleek appeal that complements the modern architecture of the property and echoes the lines of the decking and long slim windows.
Bonus tip: Research what material would work best for your brickwork – clay, for example, is an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Add Privacy and Structure
Garden walls are ideal for adding privacy or creating a backdrop for your garden and they don’t have to look unattractive – opt for a material and design you’ll be proud to show off. There are lots of choices, so take your time and do your research to get ideas for a design that’s right for your garden.
If your plot is looking a bit lacklustre, maybe opt for a coloured brick, or go for a staggered effect to turn it into an interesting feature?
Bonus tip: Why not use your wall as an outdoor herb kitchen and fill wall planters with aromatic plants that are ideal for cooking?
Garden walls are ideal for adding privacy or creating a backdrop for your garden and they don’t have to look unattractive – opt for a material and design you’ll be proud to show off. There are lots of choices, so take your time and do your research to get ideas for a design that’s right for your garden.
If your plot is looking a bit lacklustre, maybe opt for a coloured brick, or go for a staggered effect to turn it into an interesting feature?
Bonus tip: Why not use your wall as an outdoor herb kitchen and fill wall planters with aromatic plants that are ideal for cooking?
Create the Illusion of Space
Not blessed with the largest of gardens? Don’t fret – by using longer-style bricks you can give the impression that your plot is much wider than it is. Not only that, but the clean lines from longer clay bricks can offer a seamless look that is ideal for modern and urban outdoor spaces.
Concrete blocks are also a clever way to help divide and ‘zone’ your space. Create little nooks, with seating areas, planters and flowerbeds to create interest and fool the mind into thinking it’s a much larger garden than it is.
Bonus tip: Build small planters from concrete blocks, to frame or enhance areas of your garden, for a mix of plants, flowers and foliage.
Not blessed with the largest of gardens? Don’t fret – by using longer-style bricks you can give the impression that your plot is much wider than it is. Not only that, but the clean lines from longer clay bricks can offer a seamless look that is ideal for modern and urban outdoor spaces.
Concrete blocks are also a clever way to help divide and ‘zone’ your space. Create little nooks, with seating areas, planters and flowerbeds to create interest and fool the mind into thinking it’s a much larger garden than it is.
Bonus tip: Build small planters from concrete blocks, to frame or enhance areas of your garden, for a mix of plants, flowers and foliage.
Add Texture
Gardens that feature a mix of materials are often the most interesting to look at, so make sure yours has a variety of both smooth and rough surfaces. Concrete blocks are ideal for this, as they often have rougher surfaces that’s great for rustic or country-style gardens, as well as sitting neatly next to smoother render for a more modern approach.
Bonus tip: For an extra textured finish, choose a concrete block that has undergone a bolstering process, which chips the edges of the brick to give it a rocky appearance.
More: For more information about Brickworks Building Products, click here.
Tell us: How have you revamped your outdoor area? Share with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments section below.
Gardens that feature a mix of materials are often the most interesting to look at, so make sure yours has a variety of both smooth and rough surfaces. Concrete blocks are ideal for this, as they often have rougher surfaces that’s great for rustic or country-style gardens, as well as sitting neatly next to smoother render for a more modern approach.
Bonus tip: For an extra textured finish, choose a concrete block that has undergone a bolstering process, which chips the edges of the brick to give it a rocky appearance.
More: For more information about Brickworks Building Products, click here.
Tell us: How have you revamped your outdoor area? Share with your fellow Houzzers in the Comments section below.
- This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Leer más
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Leer más