Create resort-style outdoor living spaces at your place

WITH the right touches, an outdoor living area can add another dimension to your home and it can even make it cooler. We share some expert tips.

The Brizscapes creation for Anthony Clouting and Louise Foster. Photo: Dominika Lis

WITH the right touches, an outdoor living area can add another dimension to your home and it can even make it cooler.

It’s a view promoted by Malcolm Van de Graaff from Brendale-based landscapers Brizscapes.

“These days it’s an extension of our interior home, we’re spending more time outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine and the climate we have is perfect for it,” Malcolm says.

“Done correctly, an outdoor living space can make the house cooler using green grass and lush gardens. They also add value to a house.”

One of his recent projects was transforming Anthony Clouting and Louise Foster’s backyard from one with grass and a garden shed to a place they can enjoy with family and friends.

“We wanted something that we could use, not just something that looked nice,” Louise says. “It’s pretty much doubled the living and entertaining area of the house. We couldn’t be happier with it. I think it’s the perfect garden for this house and our lifestyle.”

The Brizscapes creation for Anthony Clouting and Louise Foster. Photo: Dominika Lis

Malcolm added bench seats, raised garden beds, paving, a portable fire pit, screens, gardens and a low-maintenance lawn using Sir Grange turf — a shade and drought tolerant grass.

He’s also installed a Skydrop smart watering system, which detects when it has rained and when the garden needs water. It’s a feature Anthony loves, along with the fire pit area.

Having a portable fire pit means it can be moved out of the way in summer or stored if it is no longer in use.

At the moment, the couple uses the fire pit regularly and they use the outdoor space most nights. “It’s beautiful sitting out here with the dogs,” Anthony says.

Anthony Clouting and Malcolm Van de Graaff toast the new garden. Photo: Dominika Lis

Malcolm has been in the industry for about 20 years and says turf species, along with the variety of pavers and range of technology on offer had changed during that time.

He says key to achieving the outcome you’re after when creating an outdoor space is having a clear idea of how you want to use the area and how much you’re able to spend.

Anthony and Louise’s garden has been nominated for a Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Award in the residential under $50,000 category. The winner will be announced in November.

Visit brizscapes.com.au

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TIPS TO CREATE YOUR OWN OASIS

Plan: Have a clear idea of how you will use the space and what you want to achieve

Budget: Know exactly how much you can spend and stick to it

Advice: Seek advice from an expert who can help you achieve the look you’re after