WORKBOOK Outdoor living Open the doors Why go away this summer when you can create the great outdoors in your own backyard? Words Jane Thomson PHOTO Jake Fitzjones/Gap Interiors Courtyard corner Your courtyard doesn t need to be a dead space. You can create a fresh and inviting area like this one by growing plants in pots or creating some inbuilt planters. This kind of courtyard is tidy and inviting with 1the clipped buxus in pots, while the grouped sub tropical plants add texture with a variety of foliage shapes. homestyle Dec/Jan 14 129
HOMES xxx 4 Candle LigHT An easy and inexpensive way of creating a candle-lit setting can be achieved by using a selection of old jars. Here we popped tealights into a collection of everyday clear jam jars, vintage pickle ones, a few Agees and some vintage vases. You could also use coloured jars for a more rustic, relaxed look. 2 3 Outdoor room The cosy setting of this elegant outdoor room allows the owners to enjoy alfresco entertaining all year round. Designed by Auckland-based Jones Architects, the room flows seamlessly from the interior living spaces continuing the high stud and batten ceilings throughout. The woodburning fireplace adds ambience and warmth for those cooler evenings. Hang it all Outdoor furniture is often left to deteriorate in the elements. But you can create a clever exterior storage solution by finding a spot to hang up your outdoor furniture and bean bags, then instal large hooks or brackets from any good hardware store. 130 Dec/Jan 14 homestyle PHOTOGRAPHY Emma Smales, except LEFT Devis Bionaz/Gap Interiors
WORKBOOK Outdoor living 5 MAKE SHade WHILE THE Sun SHIneS Additional alfresco dining and living space was created by adding a pergola to this classic Auckland villa. The pergola offers an extension to the home s main living area or a retreat from the sun on hot days. homestyle Dec/Jan 14 131
6 BRIng THE INSIDE OUT If you have an empty porch, balcony or patio area you can easily update the area and create a room outside to lounge, entertain, dine or simply escape to. Create a Moroccan theme like this one with a vintage day bed, a colourful kilim rug and plenty of foliage in pots. 7 Let there be Lawn Now the weather's heating up, it s time to give your lawn some extra attention. Using your sprinkler, irrigate early in the morning and make it a long, slow soak rather than a quick, light one to encourage the roots to search deeper for water. Raise the mower blades for a light trim and mow less often every fortnight is ideal in summer. PHOTO Larnie Nicolson PRODUCTION LeeAnn Yare 132 Dec/Jan 14 homestyle PHOTO Spike Powell/Gap Interiors
WORKBOOK Outdoor living PHOTO Emma Smales 8 Turn up THe heat Summer evenings are not always balmy, so maximize your outdoor entertaining space with an outside fireplace. This courtyard is private and cozy, and offers plenty of space to relax in front of the fire. Gas fireplaces are a hasslefree alternative to a woodburning fireplace, yet still provide the much-needed warmth in the evenings. 9 Into the tropics If you have a pool you'd like to turn into an oasis, consider making some extra space for planting around the perimeter. To create a sub-tropical scene like this one, plant cycads, palms, bromeliads, puka trees, bird of paradise and a mix of succulents. PHOTO Sally Tagg homestyle Dec/Jan 14 133
WORKBOOK In association with Resene Lawn lounging Lazy summer days call for comfort and colour outdoors Mokum Hula Fire polyolefin, $204/m, from jamesdunlop.co.nz Lucaya Mango acrylic, $46/m, from marthas.co.nz Bells Beach polyolefin, $67/m, from warwick.co.nz GAP Interiors/Tria Giovan Collioure Rouge acrylic, $185/m, from Madder & Rouge Florence Broadhurst Cockatoos UV polyester, $216.20/m, from paperroom.co.nz Paint Get The Look Taking inspiration from the Tropics this vibrant scheme combines prints in rich, warm shades with a shot of green. Choose furniture in natural textures, then layer with print and patterned fabrics in weather-resistant materials. Finish this relaxed look with homewares and accessories from around the world such as ornate stools that double as side tables with and lanterns for ambient lighting. Mokum Arabesque pimento polyolefin, $227/m, from jamesdunlop.co.nz RESENE Home RUN RESENE BUTTERFLY RESENE APRIL SUN RESENE Coco RESENE GLAMOUR puss RESENE VIBE RESENE WINDFALL RESENE GALLIANO If you re brave enough to try the colour-blocking trend outdoors, here s a great selection of paints to get you started. To complement the greens in your garden, choose warm, bright hues to paint garden seats, planters, cape cod chairs and outdoor features in striking Resene colours. Break open the Resene Testpots and get creative. Combine with Resene Sandtex Mediterranean finish for a lightly textured sandstone effect. resene.co.nz