50 GREAT OUTDOOR & GARDEN IDEAS

1 GREEN PRINT

Allow your outdoor area to grow with you by futureproofing your 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 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.”

3 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.

4 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.”

5 ON THE GREEN

The humble lawn (above) 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