Clever paving design can transform the look and feel of your backyard, heavily influencing the way you and your family utilise the outdoors. By adding structure to your backyard through paving, you can define your space and create balance between the softer elements, such as your plants. 

Whether you’re dealing with a small space or the luxury of an expansive alfresco area, paving patios are a great way to add impact and delineate the space. Depending on how pavers are laid, they have the unique ability to follow curves and difficult shapes, creating interest and impact without the need for constant upkeep. 

The rustic, robust profile of Austral Bricks Piccolo Paver provides the opportunity to transform your pathway, entrance, garden or indoor-outdoor living area into a space that sings. Rich in historical character, the elegantly textured facings of these bricks are reminiscent of their Italian namesake – instantly evoking picturesque images of paved piazzas, warmed by the summer sun. Here, we’ve put together four of our favourite paving patterns, to get you inspired this summer.

Stack Bond

As the simplest of all paving patterns, the stack bond creates a strong, visual line by laying bricks in a side-by-side pattern. Known to be the most suitable pattern for walkways, the stack bond has a much stronger bond with the strength to withstand greater foot traffic compared to other paving patterns. 

Running Bond

A popular choice for Australian backyards, the running bond is considered eco-friendly due to its minimal cutting and wastage. Extremely strong and durable in its laid pattern, the running bond can handle impressive weight from furniture and other outdoor accessories which makes it the ideal pattern for alfresco entertaining areas.  

Herringbone

Laid at either a 45 or 90-degree angle, the herringbone pattern involves laying two brick pavers in an ‘L’ shape, creating a strong visual impact. This particular pattern provides the best interlock to prevent bricks and pavers from shifting and withstanding significant weight, making it particularly ideal for driveways and high traffic areas. 

Basket Weave

Paying reference to the way strands of bricks seemingly disappear under other bricks to create a weaving-like pattern, the basket weave pattern has been used for centuries – seen decorating ancient towns across Europe. The bricks are laid in pairs both horizontally and vertically against each other to create a visual effect that is highly desirable in alfresco and entertaining areas within your backyard.

“Take your outdoors from a sad, neglected space to a spectacular oasis where you can relax, entertain and simply enjoy the great outdoors.”

“Take your outdoors from a sad, neglected space to a spectacular oasis where you can relax, entertain and simply enjoy the great outdoors.”

The post 4 Stunning Paving Ideas, Just in Time For Summer appeared first on Brickworks.

1) Firepit for year-round fun

The ultimate party-starter, a firepit is a great way to ensure that you can host even on the cooler summer evenings. A great place to inspire gatherings, evenings spent around a firepit are always memorable. If your outdoor area has the space, consider installing a fire-pit. They can be embedded in decking or stand-alone, but either way, they’re a great addition to a relaxed alfresco dining experience.

2) Install an Undercover Patio 

An undercover patio will allow you to stay dry amidst the crazy summer storms, and not put a dampener on your summer soirees. If your home has an undercover patio, it’s the perfect space to set up an alfresco dining suite and barbeque.  

Project…OP9 House // Architect…Office88 // Builder…Auspec Projects // Photography…Kat Lu // Products…Bowral Bricks, Bowral 50 Chillingham White Austral Bricks La Paloma Gaudi

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3) Consider Breeze blocks 

If you’re looking to create a cool alfresco dining space that maximises Australia’s beautiful breeze whilst offering a dappling of protection from the sun, why not consider installing Breeze Blocks? As well as creating a welcome reprieve from harsh sunlight, Breeze Blocks are the go-to for those wanting to create a subtle outdoor feature without requiring a large-scale renovation. If you’re a fan of 1970s architectural styling, you can use this masonry feature to create a nod to the era, with an umbrella and some Monstera Deliciosa. 

4) Make the most of your existing infrastructure 

Within your garden, work out where the best spots are. Where gets the most of the afternoon sun? Where offers a shady reprieve amidst the harsh mid-morning glare? Mapping out these blissful zones will allow you to make the most of your garden, and ensure your alfresco dining space is comfortable regardless of the weather. 

5) Install a Pergola 

If you’re wanting to imbue your garden with a little bit of La Dolce Vita, a pergola is the perfect place to start. Similar to breezeblocks, a pergola adds a level of protection from the elements whilst still allowing a breeze and filtered sunlight to shine through. An added benefit of a pergola, is the ability to cover and shield from unsightly views.

6) Create a BBQ Hub 

If grilling and barbequing is a big part of your alfresco dining experience, consider creating a BBQ Hub. This can be a great way to integrate your barbeque into your outdoor infrastructure, creating a more streamlined look. You can also expand this out to create benches and a seamless flow to a seating area. 

7) Create an Indoor/ Outdoor Flow

Many successful homes have a seamless flow between indoors and out. Offering the best of both worlds, this design style allows for the protection and comfort of the inside dining space, whilst creating an engagement with the outdoors. An added benefit of the indoor/outdoor alfresco dining space is the ability to host all year round!

8) Optimise a poolside location

If your home has a pool, make the most of it! Create a summery alfresco dining space that runs alongside the pool and imbues your garden with the charm of a luxury European villa. 

 9) Create a jungle oasis 

Integrate plants and luscious greenery into your alfresco dining space to create the allure of an exotic outdoor jungalow. By encompassing your alfresco dining sphere with rich greenery, your alfresco dining experience will feel like a sojourn to a tropical oasis. 

Project…Finucane // Architect…Arkhaus Studio // Photographer…Alexander Mayes //

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“As well as creating a welcome reprieve from harsh sunlight, breeze blocks are the go-to for those wanting to create a subtle outdoor feature without requiring a large-scale renovation.”

“As well as creating a welcome reprieve from harsh sunlight, breeze blocks are the go-to for those wanting to create a subtle outdoor feature without requiring a large-scale renovation.”

The post 9 Tips to Transform Your Garden Into a Beautiful Alfresco Dining Space appeared first on Brickworks.

Trend 2: Curved Walls

Instantly creating softness, curves play a role in the biophilic design trend that seeks to incorporate nature into our built environment. Curves are aesthetically appealing within architecture, influencing our emotions and how we feel. Appropriate for all forms of architectural and interior styles, curves create a bespoke piece of architecture that can be customised to embrace its beauty. Fluid design creates a point of interest to a landscapes aesthetic with curves often designed to soften the impact of a building, helping it meld into the surrounding landscape.

Trend 3: Courtyards

Inner-city living has led our gardens to slowly shrink with courtyards, patio balconies and front yards utilised as an opportunity to maximise the outdoor space available to you. Even the smallest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into a beautiful oasis. You can create a tranquil garden to escape to by utilising vertical space with GB Masonry Wedge Breeze Blocks to add a sense of natural light and air flow into the area. Garden pebbles and crazy pavers are not only low maintenance, but bring texture and contrast to the area. Inserting spaces between pavers allows grass to grow, softening its surrounds with lush greens.

Trend 4: Pathways

Incorporating pavers and bricks into your landscape design creates an unexpected visual appeal that adds texture, warmth and impact to a space. Slimline brick paving can give an outdoor space not only added interest, but a unique perspective. Garden pathways are functional elements and can certainly be more than just a bland concrete slab connecting to your home. Garden pathways are not only a great way to make a statement, but they essentially keep your feet out of the mud, and the grass undamaged.

Trend 5: Pavers

Pavers are a great surface for any outdoor area. Australian backyards need to be able to withstand extreme climates, and pavers are the perfect means to create a space that withstands the weather and requires little to no maintenance. This is particularly important when landscaping a pool area, as the pavers need to be able to withstand exposure to salt, chlorine and other chemicals. For a super durable and non-slip paver I would suggest using a Keope porcelain tile, which are extremely high-performance whilst creating an incredible visual impact in landscaping applications.

The post 5 Landscaping Trends To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on Brickworks.

A little bit of contrast, Matt explains, helps the hard-scaped areas to settle into the garden and creates a softer effect.

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While you might choose to match the indoor flooring with pavers for a seamless flow, landscape designers will very rarely choose to match the facade of the house. The facade will certainly provide inspiration in colour, texture and style, but seeking an exact match between exterior walls and paved areas is usually a design no-no.

“You don’t want the floors to look like a continuation of the walls, as this becomes overbearing, making the house look higher and bigger than it is,” says landscape designer Matt Leacy of Landart. A little bit of contrast, Matt explains, helps the hard-scaped areas to settle into the garden and creates a softer effect.

Contrasting shapes can also be a handy tool, particularly in the context of a modern home. Contemporary builds are often full of flat, untextured surfaces and boldly uncompromising shapes, but while these sharp, rectangular shapes create a clean, minimalist look, they can sit harshly in the landscape. Contrasting shapes, textured surfaces and organic curves are fantastic for softening the hard edges of a modern build and creating a look that’s more sympathetic with nature; think rounded pavers, curved garden beds or natural stone.

Lastly, consider how the outdoor spaces will be viewed from indoors and the impact this will have on the way those interior spaces look and feel. This might be as simple as planting a statement tree or positioning a built feature to be appreciated from indoors, or choosing not to crowd out the natural light in the living room with oversized shrubbery.

Matt uses the example of a recent project in which the living area was two storeys up from the outdoor zone. Seeking to create a strong connection where there was none before, he chose bright, almost-white pavers, which bounced light around the previously dark south side of the house. To see more of this project, view our Your Outdoor Home video series.

The post How to create an outdoor space that complements your interiors appeared first on Brickworks.

“This might mean a little forward planning – either buying in the mid-year sales for the next summer, or stocking up in the January sales and starting your project during the warmer months,” Harris suggests. “Maybe start by making a list of what you need, and then hunt all the items down when they’re on sale.”

2. Select products that you can DIY

“To save money on installation costs, try to buy products that you can build or make yourself rather than having to pay a tradesman to do it,” she says.

3. Refresh, don’t replace

“It’s much more economical to refresh what you have rather than replace it with something new. For example, you can repaint timber chairs, re-cover outdated cushions and re-stain your deck. This will help you save tons of money, and it’s much more environmentally sustainable, too.”

4. Repurpose household items

“This is all about using your creativity. You could make a feature light fitting out of an old glass jar or use a metal bucket for plants instead of buying a new pot. Look for inspiration online: there are millions of ideas on how to create interesting garden features – from planter pots to candle holders – from what you might have lying about the house.”

5. Use multipurpose products 

“Multipurpose products are great for tight budgets. For example, say you are building a retaining wall and have leftover blocks. You could use them to build a simple bench seat or coffee table. You could also use them for garden bed edging or to build a simple fire pit. A quick internet search will give you dozens of ideas, and good instructions. Another thing to keep in mind is that most businesses will give discounts on bigger quantities, so the more you buy and use one product for several projects, the more you could save.”

6. Look at current trends – and then adapt

“This is about looking at what is trending and then incorporating those ideas into your space on a budget. For example, one of the biggest trends in outdoor style at the moment is the idea of using mixed materials such as concrete, timber, rope, wicker and aluminium. You can achieve this look without a lot of money by doing things like refreshing your old timber chairs with some thick rope on the legs or re-covering cushions with canvas. Think about building a concrete coffee table with concrete blocks – a reasonably easy DIY project – and repurposing an old aluminium bottle into a light fitting.”

The post Six clever tips on how to renovate your backyard on a budget appeared first on Brickworks.

1.Include spaces for relaxation

Outdoor areas needn’t be just for entertaining. A quiet nook can be invaluable when you want to escape for a little me-time. A thoughtfully positioned sun-lounger or hanging chair, preferably in a spot with a leafy outlook, can create a private getaway for one. Don’t forget to design the space so you can relax there of an evening, too – ambient lighting will help set the mood. Invest in citronella candles or coils to keep any insects at bay and plant basil, mint, lavender or marigolds as these are natural deterrents.

2. Refresh and repair

Updated paving and pathways can transform your outdoor area from a space that’s seen better days to an inviting place to be. Large-format pavers, for example, can make an outdoor space look and feel clean and expansive. Now is the time to weed, prune, mulch and fertilise your garden so it’s looking its best, and fill in any gaps with flowering plants that add colour all season long. Also, look over any timber furniture, decking, pergolas or fencing – the onset of spring is the time to clean, restain, repaint and do general maintenance.

3. Get ready to party

A party to you might be getting together with a few close friends, while to others it might mean inviting dozens of people over. However, you like to socialise, tailor your outdoor area accordingly. An outdoor kitchen, plenty of seating options and a music system suit bigger crowds, while cosy festoon lighting, armchair nooks and intimate dining areas set the scene for small gatherings. Make any get-together festive with colourful outdoor rugs, cushions and statement pots and plants.

4. Add some designer style

Inject some architectural flair into your outdoor area with retaining walls, raised garden beds and bench seating – they neaten up edges and add interest and texture. Retaining wall blocks in dark grey will recede into the background and make greenery and flowering plants pop. Segmental interlocking masonry blocks make good-looking, easy DIY retaining walls or raised garden beds in no time. If you prefer a more rustic feel, timber-look concrete sleepers are a good choice – and last a lifetime. Replace pool decking that looks worse for wear with slip-resistant engineered pavers or cement-based composite decking boards. They’ll give it an instant revamp and will dramatically reduce maintenance for years to come.

5. Make use of the whole backyard

Your house may have a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, but why stop there? Think beyond the deck to create garden rooms that draw you outdoors. A sunken firepit with bench seating; an outdoor jacuzzi under a pergola draped in wisteria; stepping stones that wind through a herb garden; a balustrade breakfast bar facing out into the garden – the only limit is your imagination. Strategic lighting will make areas even more enticing when the sun goes down.

The post Five easy ways to spruce up your outdoor space for spring appeared first on Brickworks.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Gardens are increasingly being seen as an extension of indoor living rooms, so the once ubiquitous barbeque table has more recently been eschewed for plush outdoor sofas, low-slung modular furniture and built-in benches with outdoor-grade upholstery. Cushions and removable slipcovers can be a great way to introduce colour and personalise your outdoor living space, with most fabric houses now stocking an array of fabrics that are hard enough to withstand the elements without skimping on aesthetic appeal. The new wave of freestanding modular outdoor kitchen units cater for those who would prefer never to venture indoors this summer, while a chic outdoor rug can blur the line further between indoors and out.

ZONING

Articulating subtle or marked distinctions between outdoor zones can create visual interest and help define the experience of moving through a garden. When it comes to planting, a mix of clipped forms among wilder, fecund foliage creates a fantastic sense of contrast, and the same can be achieved with a shift in ground cover. Whether laid with gravel, timber decking, paving (in a beautiful San Selmo reclaimed brick) or irregular pavers interspersed with moss or dichondra, the choice of surface material can define an outdoor living ‘room’ as distinct from other zones, while a mix of hard and soft elements imbues a layered, textural quality within the garden.

STATEMENT POTS

Our love affair with the Fiddle Leaf Fig is certainly not going away, so a statement pot is still an essential purchase no matter the size of your outdoor area. Cluster three or four pots of varied scale – one should be especially oversized in order to anchor the space – with a mix of complementary textures such as aged terracotta, marble, terrazzo, painted brass, rusted metal or concrete in a Turkish-style whitewash or an eroded, rough-hewn finish. Just as interiors today are defined by a spirit of eclecticism, contrasting traditional urns or terracotta pots with more contemporary shapes can create a stylish juxtaposition outdoors, too. Mixing Mediterranean olive trees, banksia, cumquats or lemon trees (under planted with succulents)alongside low pots of topiarised buxus, edible herbs and other parterre elements can affect an appealingly discordant look.

TREND: 1970’S

The 1970s has been a juggernaut fashion trend for the past few years so it’s little surprise we’re getting nostalgic when it comes to designing our outdoor spaces. Feature walls in besser brick masonry softened with bougainvillea or jasmine are a striking backdrop for the new school of outdoor umbrellas, dining settings and even drinks trolleys, which all hark back to the halcyon days of endless summer barbeques. Designers such as Adam Goodrum are channelling childhood memories and a distinctly Australian design vernacular for their outdoor furniture offerings.

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