1. Indoor / Outdoor Living

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Designed by Growing Rooms in collaboration with Luigi Rosselli Architects. | Featuring: Eco Outdoor Malua® lounges

Australians have a great appreciation for living outdoors as seen here in this design by Growing Rooms. Regardless of the size of the outdoor area, designers consider this an opportunity to create another living space and increase the inhabitable square footage of a home.

2. Entertaining Amenities

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Garden designed by Harrisons Landscaping in collaboration with Hare & Klein

It’s not uncommon to see outdoor entertaining amenities that rival those found inside. With the amount of time spent outside, it’s no surprise Australians see the value in spending money on quality facilities like this outdoor kitchen by Harrisons Landscaping.

3. Natural palette

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Outdoor Establishments garden featuring Crackenback stone

The use of natural materials both indoors and out is incredibly popular in Australian design, as seen here in this garden by Outdoor Establishments. Timber and stone are typical materials you’ll see used outdoors as they marry well with the soft landscape and age beautifully over time.

4. Mass Planting

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Garden designed by Michael Cooke Garden Design | Image: Brigid Arnott

Mass planting using a mix of native and exotics is an effective way Australian designers are adding texture, depth and interest to an outdoor space. Planting on mass like Michael Cooke Garden Design has done in this coastal property also helps reduce the growth of weeds which is essential for those looking for a low maintenance solution.

5. Vertical planting

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Garden and pool by Eckersley Garden Architecture

Australian designers are continually addressing all planes of a garden, not just the ground. Overhead draping of vines, vertical gardens and creeper-clad walls are a common sight in Aussie gardens – a trademark style of one of the leading design teams Eckersley Garden Architecture.

6. Creating Destinations

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Garden by Fig Landscapes featuring Eco Outdoor Jan Juc bench, Barwon® chairs and cushions.

For homeowners, a garden isn’t just a space to look out onto. Many desire an outdoor area that draws you out from the interior, offering discovery and surprise. Fig Landscapes have done just that in this garden by creating a destination with seating, planting and the all-important fire pit.

7. Hardy Plant Species

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Rooftop Garden by Adam Robinson Design | Image: Natalie Hunfalvay

It’s no secret, Australia has one of the harshest climates with some areas battling extreme summers and frosty winters. This can take a toll on gardens, especially those in exposed areas like beach frontage or rooftops. Choosing a palette of hardy plant species, like this garden by Adam Robinson, is essential for the longevity of Australian gardens.

8. Seamless Integration

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Garden and pool by Landart Landscapes

Pools take up a significant amount of space in the garden (not to mention budget) so integrating them into the design is a high priority. This garden by Landart Landscapes illustrates how addressing the pool in relation to all areas of the outdoor space results in a cohesive and function garden.

9. Guided By Levels

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Garden by Sticks and Stones Landscape Design in collaboration with Cadence & Co.

We’re no strangers to steep rugged sites like this one on Sydney’s northern beaches. However, instead of fighting the terrain, landscape designers use this to inform the layout and usability of the space. Sticks and Stones Landscape Design were guided by the levels in this garden creating a meandering path that incorporates seating and lush tropical planting.

More of this project can be seen here

10. Consistent Palette

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Architecture and outdoor spaces by B.E Architecture

Forming a visual connection from the interior and exterior is important in Australian design. One of the most popular ways to do this is by using a consistent materials palette as B.E. Architecture has done here. By extending the Tornio bluestone from the inside out, they’ve enhanced the feeling of space and created visual cohesion.

More of this project can be seen here.