We think it’s one of their best. “Bumblebee” sports soft yellow paintwork on the exterior that is all kinds of lovely and inside the interior fit-out is absolutely charming, with touches of brass in the tapware and trims for just the right amount of decorating sass.

What’s really inspired though is the use of rattan in the cabinetry – it’s exactly what the breezy material is designed for and in a small space like this packs a punch visually, without being overstated.

Pale timbers throughout blend beautifully with the beachy vibe of the van and super clever is the use of all white paint for the walls and cupboard overhead, except for above the kitchen cupboards, which works to subtly divide the living and cooking zones.

Even a cheeky pendant light hangs above the tiny dining nook, which converts to a second bed and is upholstered in a family of fabrics with retro patterns and a soft palette to match the natural timber and lemon tones.

“It’s divine! I could easily move in here on the weekends.”

Katrina O’Brien, former Home Beautiful acting editor

The entire interior design is a great lesson in how to make the most of a small space – storage abounds in nooks and crannies and vintage details of the caravan are kept intact and the palette is consistent throughout right down to the simple, sheer curtains billowing in the breeze and marble-look splashback and dining table.

Rather than hit the road and live the vagabond life in this petite pie of a mobile home, Michael and Carlene renovated “Bumblebee” for sale.

The post Take a tour through this vintage caravan renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Garage removal

The old garage was removed to make way for extra living space downstairs and a new garage was erected on the other side, leaving a proper yard and the opportunity to enhance the front entrance of the dwelling and celebrate its architectural heritage. New ground-floor windows were installed with weatherboard detailing to match those on the second floor.

While the new staircase to the front door remained in essentially the same position, a landing was added and the run-down awning that had seen better days was removed to reveal and extend the front facade of the building.

The driveway that was cluttering the front yard was also removed and replaced with lush turf that no longer detracts from the entrance to the home. Inside, the space downstairs was reimagined within the same footprint to incorporate an open-plan layout and extend to produce a spacious indoor-outdoor living zone at the rear of the home. 

The original character of the home was retained, now celebrated in coastal blues and accented with fresh white paint on the window frames, latticework and staircase. New grass was laid and a paved walkway was introduced to create a defined entrance, leading up to the brightly painted new stairs. A white picket fence is the pièce de résistance for what is now a charming coastal abode.

Backyard exterior makeover

In the backyard, the classic Hills Hoist clothesline and the tired lawn were ripped up to create space for a generous inground pool. A bank of new large sliding doors was the perfect makeover at ground level to encourage indoor-outdoor entertaining – now a breeze – while the glass fence beautifully integrates the pool seamlessly into the design.

The post Before and after: A stunning outdoor renovation appeared first on Home Beautiful.

For just $60,000, the old garage was transformed into a bright and incredibly relaxed, one-bedroom home and business base. Builder Jai Ramage of Timber Artistry put up the new timber stud frame and Colorbond gable roof that gives the cottage its beach-hut flavour, while the grey mauve weatherboard cladding and white trim deliver serious coastal chic. A raised deck opens the interior to the ocean breeze and sprawling garden.

The humble design was based on the existing blueprint of the old garage to save on infrastructure. And when the fibro walls came down, the old windows and doors were salvaged for reuse, giving a sense of heritage to the cleverly built house. The floorplan was magnified with a scheme of white walls, whitewashed timber floors and driftwood-like rafters with homemade garlands adding the occasional colourful accent.

Whitewashed timber boards look as though they have washed up on the shore but they are the result of an afternoon with a belt sander. Sourced from a local timber yard, the boards came primed in white but were sanded back to achieve a warmer look.

Bedroom on a budget

The textured ceiling finish continues in the bedroom which is filled with crafty solutions, including a bounty of upcycled furniture. The bed was just $60 on Ebay and, with a couple of coats of white paint, fits the cottage’s effortless sun-bleached style. All-white bedlinen keeps the look breezy and beautiful.

Budget bathroom makeover

Keeping with the all-white palette, affordable fittings from Hardware & General were chosen for their simplicity in the bathroom. An integrated vanity unity saves on space and the result is understated but also elegant.

Home office

The desk is yet another bargain decorating trick. ‘Vika Arthur’ trestle legs from Ikea were paired with an old bedhead as the desktop. Louvre windows admit a cross-breeze that can be directed up into the pitched ceiling where natural light floods the space. Table lamps are at the ready for task lighting as the sun goes down.

Outdoor entertaining

Sandstone crazy paving brought the alfresco area to life, topped with a white-washed linen-covered dining setting. While the garden is shared by all the family, there’s room for everyone, but a hammock piled high with cushions is an ideal respite.

More garage conversions to inspire

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Before and After: Shed to gorgeous guest house

This adorable tiny home was created in a disused backyard shed

Before & After: from garage to guest house

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The post A newlyweds’ nest for $60,000 appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Traditional timber board cladding was used extensively throughout Australia in the 20^th century due to its availability and cost-effectiveness as a building material. However, time has shown timber to be notoriously high-maintenance, not to mention problematic in bushfire-prone regions, so today’s weatherboard-style cladding is bringing modern innovation to heritage styles.

This is Modern Heritage

The Modern Heritage design style celebrates the contrast between old and new. Through thoughtful restoration of original heritage homes using contemporary materials, Modern Heritage elevates traditional design with modern functionality and style.

The key is in the cladding and embracing the contrast between old and new. It might sound contrary, but the results achieved in this Balmain renovation proves it works.

The inner-city cottage to spacious family home

Three Birds Renovations are known for their home transformations through their Reno School and Styling School. Bonnie, one of the founders, hails from a family with a passion for renovation. On this project Bonnie collaborated with her brother, Casey Scott of Kinwolf Projects, who led the Balmain cottage renovation.

The cottage underwent significant updates, evolving from a single-story structure into a spacious family home with a second level and two new bathrooms. Adhering to Balmain’s historical preservation requirements, the renovation maintained the cottage’s original street-front aesthetic while incorporating a plethora of modern elements.

A small-space renovation in a historic area had its challenges, says Casey, which only added to the team’s sense of achievement. “That’s the beauty of Balmain,” he says. “You must keep it in its original state, but you can give it little modern tweaks or hints. You never know what’s behind (the façade).”

Classic style given a modern twist

Creating this picture-perfect, deceptively spacious home took some planning. “With inner-city spaces, you’ve really got to be smart with every inch of the house,” says Casey. Strategic use of durable materials like Hardie fibre cement cladding maximized space without compromising aesthetics. Clever design choices, including curved features, skylights, and a light colour palette, enhanced the sense of space throughout the home.

The modern extension expanded the home both up and out into a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home. Exterior cladding played a crucial role throughout the renovation, expanding the home while preserving its heritage. Linea Weatherboard provided traditional charm, while Hardie Fine Texture Cladding offered a contemporary touch resembling render.

The renovated cottage boasts a designer kitchen, powder room, and a standout alfresco area perfect for entertaining. Blending old and new seamlessly, the custom arched doorways and a soothing colour palette perfectly complement the courtyard’s textured concrete and greenery.

It’s when you look forward from the rear of the home that the success of the design becomes clear. “This is the thing that’s kept me ticking the whole time,” Casey says, saying he particularly loves the Hardie Fine Texture Cladding’s rendered look, which ties with the concrete used in the area, and contrast with the more traditional Linea Weatherboard painted in Dulux® Whisper White. “With the traditional lines running through it, the shadows hit it, and you just get those nice little details,” he explains.

The result is a clever and space-enhancing transformation into a dream family home. If you’re looking to create your own Modern Heritage style home, download the handbook from James Hardie and you’ll find everything you need to elevate your heritage home into the modern home you’ve been dreaming about.

The post How to elevate a traditional home exterior with a modern twist  appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Exposed to the elements, the once dilapidated structure was, until recently, in danger of being washed away with the tide after years of neglect. Now, it’s renovated and fully equipped to host any number of guests at a moment’s notice.

The boathouse

Part of a site-wide renovation, the boathouse and lower garden section came to the owner’s attention once work was well underway on the main home. “The entire project took around two years from first meeting to completion,” says interior designer Jodie Carter. “As we started to make progress in the main house, the owners were ready to make a start on the boathouse design.”

While the main home has an elevated coastal feel, the owners wanted the boathouse interiors to have a sense of fun, with a blue and white colour scheme matching the holiday-like purpose of the building. “Both the boathouse and outdoor dining/kitchen areas are an entertaining space for the family,” explains Jodie. “Whether it’s the kids hanging out with their friends or a party after a day on the water, they wanted somewhere comfortable to have a few drinks and cook a pizza while watching the sun go down.”

To get the ball rolling, Jodie enlisted the help of head contractor and builder Hamish Roughley, who quickly realised the well-loved and much-used boatshed was further gone than anyone realised. “When I initially looked at the boatshed, it seemed in okay condition, but as we dug deeper, we discovered extensive issues,” says Hamish. “In reality, it was not far off from being blown over.” What started as a makeover became an attempt to save the structure from washing away.

Prone to flooding at high tide, the boatshed’s walls and door frames were almost non-existent thanks to rot from water exposure, while the adjoining yard was suffering under the perennial shade of two stately figs. “It was all quite a challenge on the waterfront,” says Hamish. “Working with the tides and the logistics of barge work to get materials to and from the job certainly added another level of complexity.” Construction work included restoring the boatshed by lifting it to pour concrete support piers, rebuilding the crumbling sea wall and jetty, and repairing the existing entertaining areas.

While the building team was hard at work on the boatshed, the landscapers were busy creating a modern, low-maintenance garden utilising the existing mature plantings and structural retaining walls. Landscape designer Amanda Elboz chose a plant palette including succulents and sculptural species to add shape and texture.

“The tonal colours of the plants are serene, with a pop of colour from the Strelitzia reginae when it flowers in late winter and spring,” she says. Crassula ovata ‘Bluebird’ and Mexican lily provide a blue-grey backdrop, while the feature plant, Nolina nelsonii, was chosen for its architectural lines and extreme drought tolerance. Korean Buxus, Pittosporum ‘Golf Ball’ and Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffet’ are clumped in groups to create low-maintenance volume.

“The space has been created to celebrate the figs.”

Amanda, landscape designer

Although it was a challenging project with difficult access and a steep site, Amanda says it was an opportunity not to be missed. “What I love most is how the garden is framed by the overhead Moreton Bay Figs. They bring a sense of scale and wonder,” she says. The result is a place of peace and tranquillity that is perfectly in sync with the surrounding natural environment.

Landscape design: Space Landscape Designs, spacedesigns.com.au.
Interior design: Jodie Carter Design, jodiecarterdesign.com.au.
Builder: HR Constructions, hrconstructions.com.au.

SOURCE BOOK

The post Saved from the tide, this renovated boathouse is a backyard beauty appeared first on Home Beautiful.

One day you might be looking around and realise that everything in your once-modern abode is looking just a little tired.

The problem

Trudy and Rob’s Windsor Downs home in NSW was designed and built in the 1990s – at the height of the Australian obsession with Federation revival style. It was time for an update, they say.

It featured all of the design elements of the time – green and cream-painted timber trims, a dark timber kitchen and worn concrete tiles on the roof undefined.

“The other roof was a concrete roof,” explains Rob. “It started to discolour and go quite light and greyish. We weren’t really that keen on the look of it and we thought that it was time for an upgrade. We wanted to get something that holds its colour, which is why we chose Terracotta.”

Trudi says that the house, while perhaps a little outdated, was essentially well designed internally and externally, so they decided to keep the floorplan, but just refresh everything, starting from the roof, with classic Hamptons style in mind.

“It’s structurally and cosmetically a very nice looking home,” she says. “It addresses the land that it sits on well. It’s a good-sized home and it has good bones. It just needed to be brought up to date.”

The solution

They engaged Dreamroof for the roofing job, which included replacing and updating the guttering and was the biggest part of the property’s overall – essentially taking it from a dated Federation look to a Hamptons-style home.

“It was all part of a major renovation,” says Trudy. “Essentially starting from the top down. We saw that the whole property looked dated as compared to what modern properties look like now.

The works

“So, we started at the top and we worked all the way down, which is why we did the roof and then we did the gutters and then we painted,” says Trudi. “And then we put in shutters. Then we revamped some of the garden.”

A quintessential Hamptons-style garden often features hedging, so tools like Fiskar’s PowerGear X Hedge Shear were needed to recreate the formal look.

Streamlined roof tiles

Monier Roofing’s stylish Terracotta Nullarbor tiles in Peak colour refreshed the house by adding a statement and dramatic finish to the exterior and changing the Federation aesthetic to a more modern Hamptons style.

A fresh coat of paint

Trudi and Rob say that just by replacing the guttering and painting the timber trims in Dulux Whisper White gave the house an instant facelift. Guttering and dark trims are in Dulux Monument.

The result

The new roof tiles are sleek and dramatic – the look that the couple wanted – in order to achieve the streamlined style to align with the house’s new façade.

And while the couple have no plans to sell the house, they say they were mindful of the fact that because the Terracotta won’t fade, it will maintain its colour if they change their mind in the next decade and put it on the market.

The post Outdoor transformation: a tired brick home is now a Hamptons dream appeared first on Home Beautiful.

Home Beautiful’s editor in Chief Elle Lovelock shares her outdoor renovation diary to inspire your own alfresco makeover. Watch the video above to discover more. 

Rework what you have 

When we bought the house, it had a charming cabana complete with an outdoor kitchen in the backyard, but we never used it. It was going to cost too much to remove the structure, so we repurposed it instead. Now, the space functions as a greenhouse, dining area, storage shed and laundry. All beautifully styled, of course!

Cladding tips and tricks

After stripping everything out of the cabana the walls looked a bit shabby, so as a simple fix we clad them in EasyVJ150 panels from Easycraft. I loved the look so much I had all the joinery (more Kaboodle Kitchen units) clad in the same panels and painted the lot in the soft Porter’s Paints French Green for a cohesive finish.

Greenhouse ideas  

I’d always wanted to grow my own herbs and veg, but we have possums in our neighbourhood and they eat everything. So, to make sure they don’t get into the greenhouse, we had a Zip Style awning from Wynstan installed on the open side.

We opted for the fabric Nougat 508 with hardware in Paper Bark and it’s absolutely brilliant – you can see through it, and it lets the airflow in for the plants, but keeps the wildlife out. Not to mention the mosquitos if we’re dining alfresco.

Lovely lighting

The greenhouse is an extension of our home, so I wanted the lighting to be beautiful. We chose a gorgeous pair of bronze outdoor sconces by Diane Bergeron from The Montauk Lighting Co. I love supporting Australian design.

Stylish tiles

The tiles from the cabana were in good condition, but didn’t suit the new aesthetic, so we laid beautiful travertine pavers in Oyster Grey from National Tiles over the top. They patina beautifully so they’ll age well.

International style 

I’ve always loved the classic look of awnings over restaurants in the high streets of European and British towns and cities, so I used this as a reference when designing the exterior of my house. I showed the team at Wynstan what I had in mind, and they recommended their Pivot Arm awnings.

They give you fabric samples so you can colour match to the rest of your exterior finishes – we chose Monument 542 to complement our render in Dulux Colorbond Dune. Plus, they’re made in Australia so the process is quick and easy. And having just experienced some very hot days here in Sydney, they sure keep the heat inside to a minimum, too!  

• Elle’s renovation diary: kitchen
• Elle’s renovation diary: living/dining
• Elle’s renovation diary: bathroom
• Elle’s renovation diary: bedrooms

Feeling inspired? Explore more of Elle’s renovation series here:

The post Elle’s renovation diary: alfresco appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The traditional concept of a backyard doesn’t have to be a vast lawn with a shed and swingset for the kids. Even the smallest balcony, deck, paved courtyard or lawn can stimulate the senses. It all depends on how you use the space. Read on for our favourite small backyard ideas to capitalise on what you do have, instead of what you don’t.

How do you make a small outdoor area look bigger?

“Less is more,” says Richard Unsworth, leading landscape designer and co-owner of renowned outdoor store, Garden Life. “Don’t try to squash everything into your small backyard. Decide on how you might best use your space (ie for lounging, dining, kids play, or simply viewing) then plan a layout to maximise sunlight, shade and privacy, without too many elements”

Think outside your own square when looking for backyard garden ideas. “Borrowing a view is a fantastic way of creating the illusion of space,” says Kevin Parker, Senior Horticulturalist at The Greenery Garden & Home  “Be it a neighbouring tree/s, a distant landscape view or a feature within the garden itself.”

“The use of layers of plantings to hide property boundaries and give a feeling of depth.”

Kevin Parker, Senior Horticulturalist at The Greenery Garden & Home

Sometimes it’s what you can’t see that has the most visual impact. “Screening fences or neighbouring structures block visual barriers and give an illusion of more garden greenery,” says Kevin. “The use of circular paved or timber sitting areas at different levels in appropriate areas encourages people to stop and enjoy the smaller space, as do fragrant plants strategically positioned.”

Keep it simple and look to essentials in design and layout. This is where the less is more design principle applies. “Combine diagonal lines, flooring or planting beds to draw the eye and lengthen the visual space,” suggests Linda Brattlöf, CEO and Founder of Garden Glory luxury appliances. 

“Keep your finishes palette (e.g. paving, fencing, paint colour, materials and furniture) simple and timeless,” says Richard. “Let the location, architecture, and interior style of your home guide your external selections, so the spaces are cohesive.”

The best plants to choose for a small backyard

Plants are key to maximising the use of limited space in a small backyard. Just as you would choose furniture and objects indoors, an appropriate selection of plant varieties can enhance your small backyard. Small- to medium-growing trees allow more natural light into a small space. “Larger trees in small spaces create a feeling of overcrowding and shading making the areas appear smaller,” says Kevin.

Clever landscaping techniques can create an illusion of a larger space in a small backyard. “It sounds counterintuitive but in a small garden, lots of small pots can make a space feel overcrowded,” says Richard. “Instead, select one large-scale hero planter to provide the illusion of space and create a strong, single focal point.”

“One of the best plants for vertical screening in smaller spaces are the non-invasive varieties of bamboo,” says Richard. “Favoured for their tall, vertical screening ability and variety of decorative culms (stalks), particularly good for narrow spaces and also do well in containers.” Kevin agrees. “For privacy in a narrow space or along a boundary line, we love bamboo, specifically Slender Weavers Bamboo (Bambusa textilis gracilis) is a great option in the right garden setting.”

The best trees for a small backyard

Don’t let a tiny area stop you from making a statement with a tree in your backyard, whether in-ground or in a pot. “A small tree in an inner-city courtyard or backyard is a must!” says Richard, noting that the benefits extend beyond the visual. “Not only will the right tree provide shade and privacy, but it will also help contribute to the local biodiversity.” Kevin agrees. “Growing dwarf varieties of fruit in pots is a fantastic space-saving idea and a welcome addition to indoor or outdoor cooking.” he says. Select one or two statement trees or shrubs, depending on space availability.

Top 3 trees for a small backyard:

Banksia integrifolia or Banksia serrata

Olea europaea (olive tree)

Juniperus ‘Keteleeri’ (cloud tree)

Crepe Myrtle

Cercis Forest Pansy

Where to plant in a small backyard

Select plants that are suited to the environment and follow the sun where possible to give trees and plants the best chance of survival. ”Often smaller spaces have limited sunshine due to neighbouring buildings, overhangs, or trees, therefore shade or semi-shade tolerant plants may be required,” says Kevin. Consider using pots for herbs and vegetables to allow for movement around a small backyard where garden beds have limited sunlight, but avoid cluttering the area.

How you plant is just as important as what you plant in a small backyard. “Layered planting provides depth and can create the illusion of space in a smaller garden,” Richard suggests. “This could be multiple planting layers, or in the smallest of spaces we often pleach (clear and raise the canopy) screening trees or shrubs to provide space to underplant with interesting plant textures.”

Vertical Garden ideas for a small backyard

“If there’s no place to go, go up,” says Linda. “Use walls, fences and trellises for vertical gardening, hanging plants or install shelves to free up useful space.”

Utilising the walls and fenced surfaces in your backyard garden for space-saving plant possibilities is a great idea, says Richard, but warns that they’re tricky to get right. ”If you’re keen on a vertical garden we suggest you go to a greenwall specialist, like Vertikal and invest in a system that’s installed and maintained by professionals.”

Do your research before settling on a garden wall and be realistic about your ability to nurture it – a bunch of dry, empty planters is not a good look and some varieties perform better than others when planted vertically. “Our go-to alternative is to use climbing plants on structures like walls, stainless steel wires or mesh framework,” says Richard.

“Vertical-growing plants (taller than they are wide) allow screening of buildings, fence lines, etc without restricting movement through the space,” says Kevin. “Stainless steel tensioned wires add interest to smaller spaces, or consider using decorative metal or timber screens to add an element of interest.”

“Evergreen climbing plants such as Chinese Star Jasmine are quick-growing and provide year-round screening and sweetly fragrant Spring/Summer flowers,” says Kevin. “When suspended between supporting posts and covered with an evergreen climbing or espaliered plant such as citrus, apricot or peach for instance, this allows for the growing of fruit which may otherwise be restricted due to sun and space requirements.”

“The key to success is to plant the climbing plants into deep soil (not a pot) and select a climbing plant that will thrive in the light and water conditions of your space,” says Richard.

How do you decorate a small backyard?

Lighting and colour schemes can be used effectively to make a small backyard appear more spacious and inviting – the sky is literally the limit. On balconies, decks and under pergolas, Linda suggests fun styling and focal pops of colour, such as a fountain, statue or vigorous plant to create a sense of depth and distract attention from the confined space. 

“Use lighter colours for furniture, flower pots and cushions to reflect more light and create an atmosphere with more openness.”

Linda Brattlöf, CEO and Founder of Garden Glory

Often large format items such as pavers make a small space feel bigger. “Selecting lighter coloured landscape materials such as paving and paint make a smaller space appear larger,” suggests Kevin. The same goes for furniture, flower pots and cushions. 

Why not have a little fun and decorate with colour in your outdoor space? Linda suggests dark colours or cool tones on the wall or fence to create the illusion of depth and beautiful, uncomplicated design and to keep the space, “free of frills or too many plants to create an open feel.” Be adventurous. “Colour can evoke the feeling you want to create within a garden,” says Richard. “It can also provide a pop of colour as a feature element, not just in walling or fencing, but with your pot selection.”

Lighting ideas for a small backyard

“Garden lighting is crucial for any size garden,” says Richard. “First consider functionality, e.g. lighting for wayfinding, such as paths and steps. Then plan for feature lighting. This involves uplighting your garden’s key features, like trees or seating areas. Finally, make sure lighting shows the extent of the garden at night.”

Kevin adds that mounted outdoor mirrors can also improve the illusion of space, particularly when used together with effective lighting, extending the use of your garden outside normal hours. “Using lighting at night to highlight walking or sitting areas or spotlight feature trees or statuary adds a sense of mystery!” he says.

“Don’t just light up areas close to your house, provide lighting throughout the whole garden, to create a sense of the depth of the space.”

Richard Unsworth, Garden Life

Choosing furniture for a small backyard

While essential in any backyard, outdoor furniture can take up crucial meterage at the expense of room to move, work and play outside. Measure up and be selective when buying outdoor furniture for a small space. “Choose small furniture that fits the space, such as bistro sets, folding chairs, or built-in benches,” says Linda.

Create different functional zones to avoid overcrowding and arrange plants and furniture accordingly. Where possible, cross over these uses such as dining, lounging, and planted areas. “Opt for multi-purpose furniture,” Linda suggests, “A couch with home accessories or a dining table that can also double up as a work area.” Copy indoor decorating ideas by combining storage with seating. “A favourite landscape feature for small spaces is a built-in bench seat,” says Richard. “When designed well, they are a versatile solution for dining, lounging and storage for garden tools and kid’s toys.”

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The post Got a small backyard? Here’s how to make it feel big appeared first on Home Beautiful.

According to research by Booking.com, three in four Australian holiday-home owners are considering turning their weekender into short-term accommodation due to the rise in living expenses. And there is money to be made. The average monthly revenue for a short-term rental in Hobart, for example, is about $3800. But there’s more to it than popping clean linen on the bed and sticking some photos online.

How to prepare to rent out your holiday house

You will need to choose a vacation-rental platform such as Airbnb, Booking or Stayz (or a combination of platforms) if you want maximum reach. Suss out the competition: use these sites to research similar holiday homes in your area. This will help inform your pricing, too.

Get to know your local government regulations on renting out holiday homes, which changes from state to state. In many parts of New South Wales, for example, you can only rent out short-term rental accommodation for 180 days per year if you don’t live on the premises. If you do live on the property, renting out a granny flat for example, you can rent it out for 365 days per year.

How to style your home as holiday accommodation

Most importantly, styling is everything, dah-ling. The survey by Booking found that the number-one reason people choose one holiday home over another is because it appears to be clean and tidy (65% of respondents picked this option). Almost 45% of respondents say the quality of the interiors and decor affect their decision.

So, we asked Simone Mathews of Soul Home to share her top tips for turning a private holiday house into short-term rental accommodation. Simone has created blissful beachy holiday homes such as The SOUL of Gerringong, The Pause and The Palm House Gerroa, so rest assured, this interior designer knows what she’s talking about.

Check your location

“Location, location, location! A holiday rental needs to be in the right spot; if it is a coastal property, the closer to the beach the better. The classic Australian beach house still tops the list for Aussie travellers as the most appealing home to book (61%), reports Booking.com. If your place is in a remote location, make sure that the neighbours are not visible.” 

Include these must-haves in the bedroom

“Many of these are often overlooked. Invest in:

• a comfortable bed — guests will always remember if they had a great night’s sleep or not
• a full-length mirror in all the guest rooms (or one in the property, at least). Think of it like a hotel room — guests want to be able to check their reflection before they go out
• and wall hooks in guest rooms are so handy for hanging things up, even if there’s a wardrobe, since a lot of guests don’t unpack.”

Provide enough of everything

“This is one of the hardest things to get right when preparing your home to be a holiday rental: understanding the quantities of items your guests will need. As a general rule, you need three of everything when it comes to linen and towels, for example, to ensure that your property/business runs with ease.”  

Style for your market

“A common mistake is creating a holiday-home space to your own taste, rather than to the target market of guests to the area. Be careful not to ‘over-style’ the property, as well.” 

Don’t make it too precious

“A holiday property should be set up with quality in mind, but you also want guests to be able to relax from the moment they arrive, and not be anxious during their whole stay about breaking something.”

Try these simple but affordable hacks 

• “Make your guest rooms feel like a hotel suite: install wall lights on either side of the bed paired with simple side tables.”
• “Display tableware in your kitchen on open shelving to instantly add style to the kitchen and make it easy for guests to find things.”
• “Add greenery: it always lifts a space and allows guests to feel connected to the outdoors. That is what the majority of all holidays are about! For real plants, ivy and peace lilies are really hardy. Or, you can use faux plants; just remember to dust them regularly.”

Rent your home out for photo shoots! 

Don’t have a holiday home or not ready to be a card-carrying Airbnb host? You can still turn your stylish abode into a side hustle with platforms such as Aloca — an online community linking property owners to creators for shoots, workshops, events and ‘micro-weddings’. Rent your property out for a couple of hours to a full day. Sounds like easy money to us. 

The post How to turn your holiday home into a side hustle appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“The landscape brief was to create the best version of a garden for this style of home – romantic and unique – with a diverse array of plant material,” says Myles.

“To ensure it felt like it had always belonged, we did extensive research on the heritage of the house,” says Myles. The grounds are a textbook expression of traditional Arts and Crafts style, with elegant transitions between each garden room, old-fashioned trees, shrubs and curvilinear perennial beds flowing over lush, rolling lawns.

An artistic application of colour, shape and texture is evident at every gorgeous turn. The retaining walls, paving and steps – crafted by local stonemasons with historic Tasmanian sandstone – further define the journey through the just under two hectares of land. “It’s a very structured but wild garden,” says head gardener and horticulturalist Anthony O’Reilly.

Myles retained the significant trees and added mature ones to gently demarcate the various areas and provide privacy at the property’s perimeter. In spring through summer, a meandering line-up of oak, birch and laurel trees form a green canopy for a hydrangea walk that bursts with blooms and thrives in the dappled sunlight and clay-based soil. “The shrubs and flowering trees provide lovely flowers and foliage, including viburnum, hawthorn and snow pears,” says Myles.

Anthony works full-time on the property with a small team. “We are constantly feeding, composting and watering because there is so much plant life,” he shares. The property also incorporates a vegetable patch that is cared for by the homeowner’s father, who takes great delight in gardening with his young granddaughter.

The area contains a grid of 24 raised beds and a greenhouse designed and erected by Hartley Botanic. Victorian-era in style, the charming greenhouse is a nod to the past and one of many elements in this special estate that stirs a comforting nostalgia. After a decade of restoration, Myles observes that “the garden has now found its own equilibrium”.

Made with aluminium and glass, the striking greenhouse is from Hartley Botanic in England and set on to Tasmanian bricks. A vintage birdbath sits in between local sandstone pavers and raised vegetable beds made with reclaimed hardwood. “The dovetail joints in the timber are beautiful,” Anthony notes. The garden features beds of purple salvia ‘Santa Barbara’, star magnolia and May bush. 

“We are just enjoying the actual gardening and the maintenance, and trialling new plants” Anthony O’Reilly, head gardener

Sandstone steps leading to a perennial garden are framed with the colour-popping salvia ‘Wendy’s Wish’, ‘Hidcote Pink’ and smoke bush. The manicured boxleaf honeysuckle topiary adds contrast. “If you have structure against something wild, it shows off each plant quite well,” offers head gardener and horticulturalist Anthony O’Reilly.

The plant material was chosen to suit Hobart’s climate and strong seasonal change. This led to the design, which focused on English perennial borders, shrubbery displays, an eastern terrace and hydrangea walk. 

“As you move further away from the main home, there are more woodlands and shrub beds with ground cover like violets and campanulas to smother the weeds,” Anthony explains.

The inviting textures of May bush, fragrant rosemary and the purple-toned fringe flower combine under a horse chestnut tree; gates hidden by lush growth lead to secret shady nooks by the pool; sandstone steps integrated into the sloping lawn add to the manicured aesthetic; the fluffy pink perennial, ‘Queen of the Prairie’, rises above the dramatic foliage of the gunnera plant.

SOURCE BOOK

Landscape design: Myles Baldwin Design, (02) 9699 2622, mylesbaldwin.com.

The post An elegant garden fit for a century old home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“What we needed to do was to really enliven the garden, to refresh it, and renovate it,” says Barbara Landsberg, Garden Designer.

The brief was to renovate the pool area and surrounds plus create better access to the garden above, which had become overgrown. But the refresh didn’t necessarily involve making drastic changes. “That was something that was quite important, that we retained its character because it’s an enormous garden and we were working in one half of it,” says Barbara.

“The other half was going to almost, more or less, remain the jungle it is because the pathways through it were still in passable condition – that was possibly going to be another stage of work – and it was full of very large, lovely old trees.”

The work encompassed the terrace surrounding the pool, a mid-garden and a garden behind the house. The owner wanted to once again have accessible pathways to wander through and to be able to sit and enjoy spending time in its surrounds. While the pool stayed the same, the surrounds were renovated and new planting added. The old sandstone around the pool was removed and new sandstone laid in its place.

The planting throughout the property features a mix of textures and hues creating contrast and interest. The garden features “so many plants,” says Barbara. The main “hero” plants are the giant taro, with its huge elephant ear-like leaves, and the bromeliads with strong rosette forms and purple leaves. 

Three slightly different plant palettes were chosen – one for around the pool, one in the mid-garden and one in the upper garden area. “Planting was difficult in that it is one of those Sydney gardens that gets a lot of shade, then gets beating sun,” Barbara recalls. “We also needed to cohere with the existing garden plants which is somewhat classic Sydney and sub-tropical.”

While the pool stayed the same, the surrounds were renovated and new planting added. The old sandstone around the pool was removed and new sandstone laid in its place. “The old sandstone was deeply worn and had also started to buckle so that was lifted and the new terrace of Sydney sandstone was put down,” says Barbara.

A sandstone rock face runs from the top of the property down towards the pool and provided challenges with the design. “It’s really beautiful but makes planting the garden extremely difficult because there’s little soil in some areas so we had to work out how to retain enough soil in which to plant,” explains Barbara. Drainage was also a big issue with a series of “unseen” drainage channels installed. 

SOURCE BOOK:

Garden designer: Barbara Landsberg, Lnadsberg Garden Design, (02) 9387 1155, landsberggardens.com

Landscape builder: BLAYD Architectured Landscapes, blayd.com.au

Softscaper and mainenance: Fynbos Gardens, fynbos.com.au

The post Tropical wonder: an eastern suburbs garden revival appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The dreamy pool is the quite literally the centrepiece of this new home, a family abode spanning two blocks on the waterfront at Paradise Point. The project took two and a half years, including 18 months on the build, and appeared in the twins’ web show, The Design Duo Series. 

In each 8-minute episode, Alisa and Lysandra document the renovation of a new section of the house. No expense has been spared, with a cellar, cinema, pontoon and the poolside cabana adding family-friendly luxury. And the clients didn’t want a typical coastal home; opting for a more urban ‘Melbourne’ feel instead.

At the top of their wish list was a space to sit comfortably near their children while they’re swimming. It needed to offer shade from the sizzling Queensland sun and blend with the aesthetic of the house. Alisa and Lysandra were only too happy to oblige, creating this cabana fit for a Slim Aarons photo.

“This is the space I would use the most out of this whole house,” Lysandra remarks in the episode. “It’s Queensland, they can use this all year round,” adds Alisa. “We’ve designed this banquette seating so they can sit here with a glass of wine and food, watch the kids and jump in the pool. What more could you want?” 

The cabana lightens up the space, which, in keeping with the house’s urban aesthetic, is dark and moody thanks to ‘Nero’ bricks by PGH Bricks. A charred timber feature wall inside the cabana ensures it still ties in with the vibe. It’s the pair’s favourite feature. “The charred timber adds texture and fits seamlessly with the exterior,” they explain.

In splashing distance is a powder room with a shower and toilet so kids (or adults) don’t traipse water through the house. Poco Navy Artisan wall tiles from Beaumont Tiles add a playful and retro touch. 

A lot of grunt work went into what’s now a relaxing space. In designing the cabana, Alisa and Lysandra faced unexpected challenges such as ensuring proper ventilation and lighting, incorporating functional storage solutions, and selecting materials that could withstand exposure to moisture and sunlight.

It was worth all the hand wringing. The Design Duo have masterfully created a chic poolside space the owners can relish for years to come.

Alisa and Lysandra’s pool cabana design tips

• Ample shade and comfortable seating are must-haves. After all, this is probably where you’ll be spending the most time when you’re by the pool, so comfort and sun protection is key. 
• Incorporate storage into your cabana design, especially if you want to hide pool toys!
• Don’t block access to the house or pool. This is impractical and ‘cuts off’ the space, making it look smaller. 
• Enlist the correct trades for the build, just as you would for a house. For example, an accredited builder and electrician.
• Use water- and UV-resistant material for cabana seating.
• Consistency is key! For a nice flow, tie in elements from the rest of the home.
• Add personality with colour and texture in the form of cushions and plants.

You can follow @alisa_lysandra on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes action.

The post Alisa and Lysandra have designed the pool cabana of your dreams appeared first on Home Beautiful.

“Many of the beautiful hotels we stayed in had stunning cabana lounge areas,” says homeowner Riza, an interior stylist and owner of Villa St. Interiors. Converting the garage into an accompanying cabana took some consideration, but the result was certainly worth the wait, giving the family of five their very own backyard resort.

“We took it very slowly and spent hours each weekend, talking and drawing plans”

Riza, Homeowner

THE FACTS

Original Room: A two-car garage built in the 1980s, with timber walls and a concrete slab floor.

Time frame: Slowly – it took more than eight years!

The works: Riza and Cam used the structure’s existing footprint to draw plans for a bathroom, kitchen and built-in barbecue, with plenty of open space left for entertaining.

Major Changes: The front and one side wall were left open, and breezy clerestory openings were cut in the rear and remaining side walls.

Lessons learned: “Planning, planning, planning,” says Riza. “We pre-planned for sewage, electricity, solar and placement over several years.”

Kitchen

Adding a kitchen area complete with dishwasher has made the pool house a self-sufficient entertainment zone. Subway tiles from Bunnings for their classic appeal, and added a Mondello ‘Maestro’ gold lever handle mixer and complementary gold edging for an upscale touch. Simple ‘Ringhult’ high-gloss cabinetry and ‘Ekbacken’ worktops for the benches, both sourced from Ikea, were a cost-effective choice. “These were modified with beautiful glass Art Deco handles I brought in from the US to add a bit of glamour,” explains Riza.

Dining area

Riza and Cam lived in Hanoi, Vietnam, for several years before their three kids were born. The French-Vietnamese dining setting and the ‘Tahitian’ fans sourced from Beacon Lighting work as a reminder of their former home. Beyond, beneath the mango tree, a restored fibreglass table setting is ideal for alfresco moments.

“It’s just one room, but it needed to function as kitchen, bathroom, lounge room and equipment room”

Living area

The seating zone  is anchored by a cane suite, which Riza found in an op-shop and had sandblasted and painted before adding custom cushions from Clark Rubber (for similar, try Naturally Cane). Throw cushions picked up in India, along with black-knotted ones from Adairs, complete the chic look. The cane side tables and chest were given to Riza by her parents and revamped in white, while a vintage painting and a round mirror. 

EXPERT’S TIP:

Cleverly concealed storage was the key to ensuring the existing garage footprint would be adequate to cope with the multipurpose realities of a practical pool house. “We needed to design enough subtle storage for it, and planned the wall-length storage bench behind the sofa for just that,” says Riza.

For more inspiration click here.

The post Before & After: A backyard shed becomes a stunning pool cabana appeared first on Home Beautiful.

The swimming pool has been given a revamp, an expansive merbau deck is now the perfect spot for children’s games and entertaining, and new greenery supplements existing plantings to create a lush, tropical garden feel.

The existing pool, with its uneven ‘crazy paving‘, was ready for a makeover. The original pebblecrete pool shell stayed, but the paving was ripped out and the whole area relaid with cement-based pavers. A new dwarf retaining wall behind it now holds in place a raised garden bed, faced with cladding made from reclaimed sandstone. 

The mature duranta tree was retained and underplanted with a mix of ficus lyrata, prince of orange, philodendrons as ground cover and bromeliads, with the bronze tones of the underfoliage picking up on the sandstone.

A tiny scrap of exhausted lawn has been sacrificed for pavers from Eco Outdoor, while the original steel shed beyond, now veneered in brickwork and clad in cedar batons, is an attractive storage area for the pool equipment and toys.

A decorative rusted-metal screen is set into a chocolate-coloured rendered wall with an orange-painted backdrop. It gives the garden a dramatic focus, especially at night when shadows are cast across the space. A bank of long planters runs right along the base. 

“Framing in white pots allows the chocolate brown and rust to stand out,” says Andrew. Existing mature greenery, supplied by cordylines and ferns, has been supplemented with a mix of easy-care plantings and sculptural pots that deliver hits of green throughout the space.

The unwelcoming narrow side entry and front garden have also been given a revamp. The driveway is now a smart blend of poured concrete and oiled hardwood framing, with a mass planting of Pennisetum advena ‘Rubrum’ on the nature strip introducing a softening effect. 

The stepped side entry combines a custom-mixed slab of concrete blended with Cowra pebbles as a terrazzo effect, and merbau decking. Andrew also reworked the plantings, retaining some statement greenery, taking cuttings from the existing cordylines and planting them on. Adding birds of paradise and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ extended the tropical feel.

The post Urban oasis: a tropical family-friendly garden makeover appeared first on Home Beautiful.