A garden path is a great design feature to lead guests to your home, make use of excess room down the side of your house, or simply to walk through and admire your space. When designed beautifully, these a garden path can become more than just a means of getting from A to B, but a stand-out landscape feature in their own right.

What is the cheapest way to make a pathway?

Garden paths don’t have to be expensive. There are heaps of cheap DIY garden path ideas that you can easily install yourself in a few hours. Think of things you may already have lying around in your garden shed, such as excess mulch and leftover bricks, or even broken tiles and rocks!

From contemporary walkways to stepping stones and meandering trails, you’re sure to find inspiration for your own landscape in these charming garden path designs.

The best garden path ideas to inspire you

While the spacing on this path looks mismatched, it was actually created to suit the homeowner’s stride – adding a personalised touch to this wonderful Sydney garden.

A curved, paved walkway creates a sophisticated yet subtle journey to the front door in this beachside getaway.

In this rambling garden, a series of curated plantings frame a magical pathway around the exterior of this Federation home.

Agave pack a punch and add a stunning sculptural element to any garden. In this multi-functional family garden by Amanda Oliver Gardens, they have been used to line the side path, creating a cool and contemporary passage to the outdoor entertaining area.

The owners wanted a balance of lawn, plantings and tiled surfaces, in a design that respected the architecture of their heritage-listed harbourside home. “Using stepping stones rather than a solid path alleviates the impact of the hard surfaces,” says landscape designer Matt Cantwell.

It may be only an hour from Melbourne but this sprawling, romantic country garden belongs in a fairy tale. Hedges of box (left) and Escallonia delineate a gravel pathway.

Tropical plantings of Elephant Ears, Philodendron ‘Hope’ and ‘Xanadu’ and heliconias along the garden path provide lush, year-round greenery in colourful contrast to this luxury coastal home’s timber exterior.

A couple’s garden in the Queensland town of Stanthorpe is a shared passion that brings them joy, season after season. The front garden, where gravel paths border mass plantings of roses. Lush wisteria softens the fence line.

The entrance to this sophisticated home with water views is accessed by stepping stones positioned over a pond. The design, which features water lilies and sculptural plantings, was created with the intention of sending positive energy into the home.

The rambling garden of this quintessential cottage in Toowoomba spills out over the path leading to a shed that has been refurbished with weatherboard panels and stained-glass windows from local salvage yards. “I just wanted it to be full and lush, and for every area to be beautiful,” says the owner Caitlyn Mason.

Fragrant plantings combine with a relaxed, contemporary approach in this family-friendly garden designed by Fiona Ericsson of Sticks & Stones landscape design. The path and steps to Freya Reid’s Sydney front door are ModWood composite decking in a Silver Gum finish. “I like that ModWood has an element of recycling to it, and it’s fairly indestructible,” says Freya.

Freshly graduated landscape designer Sam Crawford used her own garden in rural Victoria as a training ground. But the alluring results suggest the skills of a seasoned professional. On the so-called “wine walk”, clipped Westringia fruticosa contrasts with Quercus palustris ‘Green Pillar’ oaks, left, and Acer negundo ‘Sensation’ maples.

Generations of loving care have gone into the making of Evandale, a beautiful country garden. The wisteria walk, planted in the 1980s, is a triumph produced by 16 plants. “Good old, tough wisteria,” says garden owner Jenni. “The perfume is lovely when it’s in full bloom in spring.” The mauve flowers are complemented by the deep-green leaves of the massed agapanthus.

This tropical garden designed by landscaper John Couch is full of lush, emerald foliage that transports you to North Queensland or Bali.

This cottage garden in Victoria’s north-west was lovingly restored to its former glory to honour landscape designer Edna Walling. Lamb’s ear (Stachys lanata) lines this charming path in the School House Garden.

A newly built home looks as if it has been in place forever thanks to the lush gardens that enfold it.The journey “through the lush garden dappled with shadows is something we were keen for the clients to experience”, says architect Nick Tobias.

Garden designer Fiona Ericsson of Sticks & Stones Landscape Design has created a gentle, meandering path with informal garden beds of attractive, easy-care plantings. “In small spaces, the design rule is less is more,” says Fiona.

A perfectly paved path is an elegant feature in the surrounding garden of a stylish country property in Victoria.

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Planting a lush entry garden can add a dramatic and eye-catching feature to your home’s exterior, and there are plenty of options to choose from! Depending on the style of your home and its location, you’ll want to consider which garden design style will suit your house best as well as which plants will thrive best.

Do you, for instance, prefer the neutrality of silver leaf plants or the dramatic silhouettes of succulents? Is cloud pruning a look you’re fond of? Or do you prefer the hardy nature of native Australian plants? The possibilities are endless.

To help inspire your home’s front garden, we’ve pulled together 21 of the best ideas to inspire you.

Front garden inspiration for Australian homes

Feature plants and sculptures create drama in this California bungalow’s layered garden. Ground cover plants, such as succulents, create a soft base from which larger plants tower.

The cacti and succulent-laden garden is the perfect fit for this Palm Springs-style home in Henley Beach in Adelaide. Quartzite pebbles and stepping stones add the finishing touch.

This Edwardian-style home sports an earthy green palette that is reflected outside in its native garden. The home’s classic aesthetic is met by an informal garden that boasts flourishing ground cover and organic-shaped stepping stones that lead the way to a timber deck.

The sustainably-clad exterior of this contemporary Booker Bay home is surrounded by olive, yucca and rosemary, which come together to create a silvery garden border to the dark facade.

This Californian-style modernist home in Byron Bay is a mid-century lover’s dream, with its elevated aspect and white facade. In keeping with the home’s Palm-Springs-style aesthetic, the front ‘desert garden’ is minimal, featuring a Livistona palm, golden barrel cactus and a number of agaves.

The garden of this very Australian mid-century era home in Adelaide Hills plays to its strengths; tiered planting, native shrubbery and a towering gum make up the centrepieces of this home’s quintessential exterior.

The classic exterior of this quintessential WWII Queenslander home was retained during the reimagining of its interiors. Here, a large tree shades the facade and perfectly kept grass below it. The garden is partially elevated, with the carport below.

The front entrance garden of this renovated 1930s home is much like the interiors that follow it; understated and minimalist. The planting lets the curves and linear details of the exterior speak for themselves, highlighting architectural details and features.

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ spills over the wall, under the canopy of four crepe myrtle trees in the front garden of this home. A shallow bed of succulents on a reinforced and waterproofed garage roof is a clever solution to the sun glare that used to reflect into the house.

A pathway of steppers is a relaxed treatment where a solid path isn’t necessary. These steppers are mini pieces of the main paved area, formed in situ repeating the stone paving.

Creeping kidney weed (dichondra repens) is an effective groundcover in this front garden, preventing the growth of weed and adding a stunning visual alternative to grass. A mature tree such as this frangipani, adds instant age and character to this garden.

Trimmed hedges and young trees create a traditional and formal look in the front garden of this renovated Edwardian house. The rich greenery creates a striking contrast against the home’s red brick facade.

An inviting and easy-to-maintain garden is achieved using sculptural plants and white pebbles that also provide texture in this Moroccan-style home in Melbourne.

An array of lush plants set against a white weatherboard backdrop create a relaxed tropical entry.

While this lush front garden may not boast too many flowering plants, a rich mix of foliage in a range of different shades and silhouettes creates a visually stunning effect.

This Macmasters beach house looks perfect at home in its bush surrounds. The home’s cedar battens highlight the stunning banksia tree in the entryway.

If you’re after a low-maintenance sculptured garden, plants such as Westringia ‘Aussie Box’ and ‘Grey Box’, naturally grow into tight, round balls so you don’t have to clip them into shape.

Inspired by a childhood spent growing up in the bush, this nature-inspired home in Riverview features a front garden filled with shrubs and plants that wouldn’t seem out of place in the wild.

Striking seasonal plants means the look of this garden is constantly changing. The sculptural pruned hedges to the front complement the rigid form of the entryway, adding height and visual depth.

The crisp white exterior of this minimalist-style home makes a statement with a pair of potted trees standing on either side of the door.

Textural foliage serves as a counterbalance to the modern concrete steps. The slope by the steps is planted with miscanthus ‘Hiawatha’ and chalksticks groundcover.

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The Sydney-based couple have two children, Grace, who is almost three, and Hari, who just turned one. Originally from South Australia, Sarah and Arj met at medical school in Adelaide. Their careers as doctors have taken them all over Australia, with a stint in Canada’s Vancouver, but scrolling their home state’s real estate listings during the COVID pandemic inspired a long-term goal to return to Adelaide. Finding Vihara Valley in the heart of the Adelaide Hills set the wheels in motion.

“Even through Facetime, we could tell the place had character and such a beautiful charm. We bought the property without looking at it in person, but my folks did, and they couldn’t stop talking about it,” says Sarah. Her parents, Bob and Penny Hannam (77 and 68, respectively), are the current caretakers of Vihara Valley, which is located 20 minutes from their home in Adelaide’s CBD.

The previous homeowners were an equestrian family who lovingly restored and extended the historic 1860s-era homestead during the 20-plus years of their residency. They also brought structure to the grounds. “The garden was designed to have different things flourishing as the seasons roll through. It’s quite spectacular,” says Sarah.

The family kept horses and built a full-size dressage arena and an American-style barn with multiple stables, wash bays and a tack room. They installed the solar-heated pool by the house, positioning it to take in the postcard-worthy view of the neighbour’s vineyard.

The verandah-wrapped homestead boasts green vistas from every window and set of French doors. The landscaping features the formality of clipped hedges and topiary focal points, the artistry of which is maintained by gardener Barry Godomsk. Hired by the previous homeowners, Barry works at Vihara Valley one day a week. “He is very valuable in helping us understand the seasonality and risks in the garden. We’ve developed a strong relationship working together,” says Bob.

As a retired agricultural scientist dedicated to soil science and agronomy, Bob also brings knowledge and expertise. Hailing from a cattle and sheep farming family in the Adelaide Hills, he is handy with equipment and often works the tractor slasher to maintain the property’s five paddocks. “In addition to that, I am a pretty keen gardener at home, and I like lots of colour. That’s what we are trying to infuse at Vihara Valley,” Bob offers.

Daphne, camellias, salvias and climbers such as jasmine, mandevillas and wisteria promise flushes of colour and an enhancement of the garden’s total sensory appeal through texture, form and fragrance. As for the terrain, Bob explains, “It’s acidic soil, which is quite common in the Adelaide Hills. It’s a sandy loam over solid clay, so it’s not the most fertile, but it’s workable with some fertiliser and plenty of organic matter.”

Many bulbs were already in the ground – including jonquils and daffodils – but Penny planted a mass of daffodils in one paddock to create a bold, chromatic feature. “There is also a very nice creek visible from the house, which we hope to shape into a landscape with beautiful trees,” Bob shares. “We’ve planted claret ash and maple down there already.”

“It’s our family home…where we can eventually watch our grandkids run around the garden.”

In addition, Sarah and Arj talk of putting in grape vines – chardonnay and pinot noir varietals do well in the region – and carving out space for a generous vegetable garden. Gestures like these confirm the family are sculpting a meaningful future at Vihara Valley, visiting as often as their packed schedule allows. “Sydney life is hectic, and this property provides an escape for us. It also gives us something to aim towards when we want to start slowing down,” says Arj. “It’s our family home that we hope to grow old in, where we can eventually watch our grandkids run around the garden.”

The post A “good omen” began a family’s journey with this homestead and its spectacular garden appeared first on Homes To Love.

There’s nothing Australians love more than kicking back in the summer, entertaining outdoors, and having alfresco meals on high rotation. But as many of us know, finding the perfect outdoor setting that fits your vision, can stand up to the elements and works within your budget is no easy undertaking.

From luxuriously upholstered outdoor couches to insta-worthy hanging chairs, we’ve searched our favourite gardens, the top furniture brands and toured the best showrooms to bring you Australia’s best outdoor furniture. 

From full-fledged outdoor dining settings to versatile seating and a comfy lounge, we’re here with the lowdown on about choosing the perfect outdoor furniture for your backyard, as well as our favourite brands and picks.

The best outdoor furniture brands to shop

• Freedom
• Aura Home
• Outer
• Castlery
• Lounge Lovers
• Olan Living
• King Living
• Eco Outdoor
• Cosh Living

Create outdoor zones

The holiday period is peak time for catching up with family. While that can be wonderful, putting related people together means that things can get awkward and stuff may be said. Handle it by splitting the crowd, literally. A trick of the design trade is to set up zones to create moments and opportunities for conversations in your outdoor space, says interiors expert Shannon Vos. This will help inhibit the craziness that can come with hosting a crowd.

Create multiple spaces for a couple of people to connect and converse, and you’ll have an outdoor set-up that invites people in and encourages them to stay (this may or may not be a good thing).

These zones could be anything from a few settings around a pool, a couple of spots to sit on the deck, or even totally separate zones in a bigger backyard.

How to style outdoor settings

Just like an indoor furniture arrangement, an outdoor zone needs to flow. People need to move around or through your zones, so it’s important to have the set-out and scale just right.

Far too many times I’ve seen giant outdoor lounges (that homeowners fall in love with) crammed into tiny spaces on decks and in yards and they don’t look good.

Work with the space you have and don’t overdo it. On top of that, your exterior aesthetic should flow and complement your interior one, and your patio, deck or yard should be treated like another indoor room.

Similar colours, textures and shapes should be used to create a sense of cohesiveness.

A successful outdoor kitchen, for example, flows from inside to out with similar (if not the same) benchtops and cabinetry as the indoor kitchen.

How to look after outdoor furniture

Outdoor materials have come a long way since the brittle plastic furniture our parents owned, but most quality pieces are either made from timber, aluminium or a plastic-based composite.

That said, all these materials need regular upkeep as the harsh Australian weather can play havoc with anything left outside.

Timber will dry out and split in no time; aluminium bubbles and calcifies almost like rust; and plastics can fade quicker than you can say ‘three-year warranty’.

To properly care for and protect your outdoor furniture, you need to wash it regularly – that means a couple of times each year – to get rid of the salt, dust and grime that creates an environment of erosion.

Timbers, particularly tropical timers, look and perform great outdoors, but they will need a lick of oil every so often, so if you are looking at a teak lounge set, buy a brush as well.

How to create an outdoor setting on a budget

As a general rule, if something is cheap, it probably won’t last, especially if it lives outside. But there are a few ways to save on outdoor furniture.

Consider buying individual pieces one at a time, instead of the entire set at once (checking that the style won’t be discontinued anytime soon).

A new table for alfresco dining can look great, but aged chairs will make it look drab, so restore any furniture you’re planning on keeping to maintain that new look aesthetic.

If you’re an upcycler, timber furniture that has seen a few seasons can be brought back to life with a few rolls of sandpaper, some elbow grease and a decent lick of furniture oil.

As well as that, old and tattered fabrics are easily reupholstered with a UV-stable fabric such as Sunbrella or Sunproof. And remember, rustic is the new chic and stumps make great stools, as long as you source them ethically – no National Parks please!

furniture flops

Don’t wallow in regret over the wrong purchases. Here are our top tips to avoid outdoor furniture disasters.

• Avoid thin legs on chairs if placing them on grass; they will sink into dirt quicker than a stiletto after a rainy day.

• Cover your fabrics and furniture. Or better yet, bring them indoors when not in use. Prolonged exposure to rain and sun quickly ages furniture.

• Use timbers designed for the Australian summer. Non-tropical timbers don’t handle humidity well, so get to know your woods.

• Black furniture and fabrics will absorb every bit of energy and heat from the sun, resulting in burnt bums and faded fabrics.

The ultimate guide to outdoor furniture

Outdoor dining sets

Bring happy hour, barbecues and dinners outside with statement outdoor dining sets for all budgets. Outdoor furniture doesn’t come cheap, so you want an outdoor dining set that will stand the test of time, that still feels fresh come next summer and the one after that.

READ MORE

Outdoor bench seats

There’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors, and being surrounded by nature is even better when there’s a decent place to sit or recline. Enter the outdoor bench seat; a not-clunky, elegant, and versatile piece of outdoor furniture so adored that lovers carve their names in them, poets daydream on them, and you and your family can sit, eat, prop stuff, and build forts on them. Here are the best outdoor bench seats for your backyard or patio.

READ MORE

Outdoor lounge chairs

Those gorgeous days that drawl into magical alfresco evenings are something special indeed – but it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference. Case in point: outdoor lounge chairs. Here’s our round up of comfortable outdoor sofas and outdoor lounge chairs that offer beauty as well as durability.

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Outdoor dining tables

From rounded outdoor dining tables to wooden tables that fit six – or more if you squeeze in – we’ve rounded up the best outdoor dining tables that will lay the foundation for all your outdoor soirees this season.

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Outdoor rugs

An outdoor rug is a stylishly simple accessory that will tie everything together in your outdoor space. Hard wearing and beautiful at once, a rug will also protect bare feet from hot tiles sitting all day in the sun. Plus, they’re the fastest way to cover up a regrettable tile or paver choice, because we’ve all seen those debacles. Choose an outdoor rug that will make your alfresco space cosy in the winter and that withstand whatever weather the year throws at you.

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Affordable outdoor furniture

If there’s one thing Australians love more than the extended sunshine itself, it’s alfresco dining. Migrating from the couch and venturing into the great outdoors (well, your backyard) is the best opportunity to spruce up your alfresco living area with some new furniture — and these days the possibilities are actually endless. From market umbrellas to all-weather armchairs, here are some of the latest affordable outdoor furniture buys to inspire your next gathering.

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Outdoor furniture sets

We love these Oiside ‘No.12’ wire-frame lounge chairs from Robert Plumb, but there is a vast array of outdoor chairs for all styles and all budgets out there. Here are the best outdoor chairs in Australia right now. Here are the best chairs, tables and outdoor furniture sets to shop in Australia.

READ MORE

The post Outdoor furniture ideas for your backyard setting appeared first on Homes To Love.

Whether you own a Victorian terrace or a Hamptons-style home, an eye-catching front garden design is great for creating a warm welcome for visitors.

From neatly clipped hedges to pretty pot plants, we’ve rounded up 17 fabulous front yard landscaping ideas to inspire you to refresh your own.

How do I build privacy on my front lawn?

For some people, their front gardens are bigger than their backyards, or perhaps there is a swimming pool taking up most of the space. For others, they may be fortunate enough to have a front verandah they want to make more usable with some added privacy. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of clever ways to create a more private front lawn.

These include:

• Plant mature trees for shade and extra shelter
• Grow a large hedge (you can find some of the best hedging plants here)
• Add a privacy screen
• Grow lush vines or jasmine over balconies to block the view
• Add a front fence

Shop front yard landscaping ideas

17 front yard and garden landscaping ideas

An exquisite variety of robust, rugged plantings come together in this Mollymook garden. Recycled hardwood sleepers lead to the front door and tree aloes underplanted with star jasmine add drama to the front garden design.

Striking seasonal plants means the look of this garden is constantly changing. The sculptural pruned hedges to the front complement the rigid form of the entryway, adding height and visual depth.

If you’re after a low-maintenance sculptured garden, a landscaping design such as this with plants including Westringia ‘Aussie Box’ and ‘Grey Box’, naturally grow into tight, round balls so you don’t have to clip them into shape.

The fabulous planting scheme in the front garden for this modern home on Victoria’s Surf Coast is entirely indigenous, which was a requirement of the local council.

Once a barren stretch of lawn, the front garden design of this large Melbourne home has been expertly shaped into a lovely, layered wonderland befitting a special historic home.

Recognising the potential in an undeveloped garden scored Sydney landscape designer Nicola Cameron her dream family home. The front garden designs include a concrete path and steps weaving through the beds of natives in the front garden.

This seaside garden features natural stone wall cladding in warm and cool tones that blend with the coastal surrounds. These steppers are mini pieces of the main paved area, formed in situ by repeating the stone paving.

This manicured front yard includes stepping stones made out of Wistow slate and clipped balls (Buxus in front of the fence and Westringia behind), illustrating an atmospheric, yet sophisticated entry point.

A path of stone pavers, surrounded by lavender gives this Tasmanian abode a little slice of European style.

This 1930s Georgian Brick home is surrounded by manicured gardens that boast neatly trimmed hedges and clipped balls, which are framed by red brick inlays.

This front garden design features straight trunks of peached pair that are emphasised through an expanse of white sandstone paving providing a simplistic and welcoming front yard.

The front yard of this Victorian house may not look large, however, the combination of grass pavers, shrubs, and succulents adds an element of texture to the space.

Balconies and terraces, which are accented by palm trees and other greenery, wrap around this home on the Gold Coast to further accentuate the crisp lines of Brazilian-style architecture.

Sandstone steps and sculptural plants soften the facade and create a low-maintenance front garden for this Newcastle home.

Landscaping in the front garden of this Hampton-style house in Montauk was achieved with a light touch using indigenous planting and concrete steps.

A bright blue door and elegantly sculpted Chinese juniper hints at the design surprises inside this Victorian terrace in Melbourne.

Custom aluminum vertical battens at the front of this coastal home make a visual impact on arrival and are the perfect solution to filter light and provide privacy. Continuing inside, the screens pivot open to reveal doors leading to the playroom and living area.

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Trees are an invaluable asset that not only enriches the look of a landscaped garden but can also significantly elevate the desirability and marketability of a property. If they’re the right type of tree, that is. 

While trees do a lot of good, they can be a maintenance nightmare if poorly selected, planted too close to a building or if they block access or a view. When choosing trees for your garden, opt for named varieties that grow to a known height and width to make the available space in your garden. 

Deciduous trees — those that lose their leaves in autumn and winter — allow sunlight to filter into gardens during winter so are a great choice for suburban gardens. There are even some kinds of trees that protect homes from bushfires. 

Below, we explore seven tree varieties that will likely add value to your property, and three types to steer clear of.

Tree varieties that are likely to add value to your property

1. Frangipani tree

Frangipanis are small succulent deciduous trees with fragrant white, pink or apricot flowers in summer and autumn.

They grow best in temperate to tropical climates and will reach 3-5 metres in height.

2. Crepe myrtle trees

Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), is deciduous in winter with long-lasting colourful flowers that bloom from late spring to late summer.

They will grow up to 5-7 metres in height.

3. Maple trees

Japanese maples are particularly likely to add value to your home.

Try Acer palmatum or the larger japonica.

These compact deciduous trees have vibrant autumn leaves but are best in cool to temperate gardens and will grow up to 2-5 metres.

4. Evergreen ash trees

Evergreen ash (Fraxinus griffithii) is a compact evergreen with light ferny leaves and tassels of flowers.

It will grow from 3-5 metres in height.

5. Magnolia trees

Named varieties of evergreen or deciduous magnolias are elegant trees.

Evergreen magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora) flower throughout the year and grow in most areas; deciduous magnolias (such as M. x soulangiana) flower in late winter and are best in cool to temperate zones.

Size varies depending on the species of magnolia.

6. Ornamental cherry trees

There are many ornamental cherry, peach and plum trees (Prunus spp.) to bring that breathtaking cloud of pink or white spring blossom.

In warmer zones substitute bauhinia or tabebuia.

7. Citrus trees

Citrus trees such as lemon, lime, orange or mandarin will be a hit with most buyers.

Everyone likes a productive tree and while many do well in gardens (apples, pears and even nut trees such as macadamias) citrus is universally appreciated.

Trees that can decrease your property value

Not all trees add value. These three varieties are likely to have an adverse impact on your property value:

1. Evergreen conifers: Conifers, especially the tall and fast growing Leylandii cypress

• Gum trees: Gum trees of all kinds are a worry particularly to homes in fire-prone locations

• Liquidambars: Liquidambars will not add value as they are viewed as costly either in terms of removal or ongoing

  maintenance.

The post How the right trees can add value to your property appeared first on Homes To Love.

Swathing your home’s exterior with white paint is an effective and relatively simple way to update it without making any structural changes. Aside from looking crisp and clean a coat of white paint can also make a small house look bigger and keep the internal temperature down – Perfect for hot Aussie summers.

Be inspired to freshen up your facade with these 21 homes that boast a sleek aesthetic thanks to their all-white exterior and see the top white paints they used to achieve it.

white home exterior

Surfing legend Mick Fanning’s three-storey house with Hamptons overtones, including attic gables, is a landmark along the Gold Coast seafront. Perched on the dunes, the seaside home – styled by Three Birds Renovations – reflects the love of sun and ocean that helped make him a household name.

white home exterior

It was the white exterior of this heritage home on Sydney’s north shore that first captivated the owners – the classic lines and details were reminiscent of homes in Adelaide, where the couple grew up.

white home exterior

This renovated white weatherboard house‘s fretwork might look original but it was installed by its owner and interior designer Terri Shannon.

white home exterior

The crisp Dulux ‘Vivid White’ facade of this freestanding late-Victorian villa acts as a blank canvas for the myriad of artworks presented inside.

white home exterior

Annual road trips exploring the American coastline inspired this family to add a touch of East and West Coast style to their white-washed Hampton-style waterfront home.

white home exterior

The white exterior with timber pillars on this timeless, coastal-meets-farmhouse family home in the Gold Coast reminds the owner of “coastal holiday homes you find in Byron where you feel completely at ease.”

white home exterior

Bringing an older property into the modern era takes masses of patience and a steadfast vision, but this 19th-Century home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore delivers lashings of elegance and functionality for a family of five.

white home exterior

A white exterior accentuates the Spanish-style garden to spiral columns of artist Annie Everingham’s Spanish Mission-style bungalow in Newcastle. The moment she saw it from the street, she fell in love.

white home exterior

Horticulturalist Natasha Morgan’s 1800s-era timber cottage in Spargo Creek, Victoria features a pretty, white-painted facade. The building was formally used as a post office.

white home exterior

Though it was a Dijon mustard colour, owner Seamus could see that the 1850s property had a lot of charm and potential. “I painted it white outside, then whitewashed the walls and ceilings inside to make the house look more alive and open.”

white home exterior

The renovation of this gracious Victorian terrace in inner Sydney has seen it make an illuminating move into a brighter, more inclusive way of living without shedding its beautiful heritage facade.

white home exterior

A weekend property has been transformed into a yearned for country home with plenty of room for friends and family. The Georgian facade of the country cottage is both inviting and classic.

white home exterior

A minimalist, low-maintenance garden featuring palms and hardy cacti, combined with the crisp white exterior, give this cool Queensland home a Palm Springs vibe.

white home exterior

Homeowner Tam saw past the salmon-pink exterior of this Spanish Mission-style house, transforming it with paint in Dulux Lexicon Quarter. It now boasts a fresh aesthetic to complement minimalist interior.

white home exterior

A new build in the beachside enclave of Casuarina on the NSW north coast blends classic mid-century design with modern Australian architecture. Crisp white walls echo the home’s Palm Springs holiday vibe with a yellow door painted in Porter’s Paints Ping.

white home exterior

This Art Deco home on Sydney’s lower north shore looked as if its best days had sailed, but a masterful restoration and fresh lick of paint has changed its course forever.

white home exterior

The French art deco influence is instantly apparent in this glamorous home’s curved facade. The architecture, custom balustrades and entry gates are all designed by Greg Natale.

white home exterior

The facade of this two-storey home fulfilled the owners brief of contemporary but not stark. “I wanted it to be white with a traditional pitched roof line”, says owner Lauren.

white home exterior

A dark 1950s fibro cottage on Sydney’s northern beaches has been transformed into a light and bright four-bedroom oasis fit for family living.

white home exterior

Once an “ugly duckling”, this 1990s home on the NSW Central Coast is now a welcoming family retreat with a bright and inviting facade.

white home exterior

The exterior of this Georgian-style home inspired by the Obamas’ residence presents a fresh facade painted in Dulux ‘Vintage Linen’.

The post 21 fresh white house exterior ideas appeared first on Homes To Love.

If you find your outdoor space lacking in its current state, take a style cue from interior stylist Steve Cordony.

1. Consider scale, season and space

According to Cordony, the ultimate patio is based on three key ‘S’ words: scale, season and space. “Make sure the scale is correct so the setting isn’t so big or small that it looks out of proportion,” he says.

Keep environmental and seasonal factors top of mind too. “If the space is or isn’t under cover, it could potentially affect the materials you choose.” If you want year-round upholstery, look for a fabric that’s UV and fade-resistant, easy to clean and designed to resist mould. Try Broadcloth by Sunbrella at Eco Outdoor. The lightweight fabric is ideal for outdoor cushions.

“Also map out how you want the space to function.” Weigh up its primary function and factor in other practical elements such as whether outdoor storage and lighting are necessary. How you intend to use the space, and how frequently, will ultimately steer the design direction.

2. Accessories improve any aesthetic

“The biggest mistake I see with outdoor patios is not accessorising and creating a finished space,” says Cordony. He recommends taking a similar approach to interior styling.

“Outdoor rugs, greenery and planters, lighting, scatter cushions and table accessories are elements we use with our interiors, but sometimes fail to utilise in outdoor spaces,” he says.

If in doubt, opt for a monochrome colour palette and all-weather materials such as rattan and bamboo — which have the added bonus of being cost-effective. Cordony also lists hurricane lanterns, towels and stylish storage solutions for cushions and tableware as his outdoor styling essentials.

3. Extend the indoors outside

Your outdoor space — be it a garden, patio or balcony area — is an extension of your property’s interior, not a separate entity, so treat it as a continuation when choosing furniture and accessories.

“The outdoor space should definitely work with the interior setting in terms of colour palette, materials and style,” says Cordony. “If your interior space is contemporary with clean lines, then your outdoor setting should reflect this style.”

4. Durability and design are not mutually exclusive

Outdoor seating may be used less than interior sofas and armchairs, but the fabric has to work twice as hard to battle the elements, while still ticking style and comfort boxes. “Durability, price and design aesthetic are some factors to consider when choosing outdoor fabrics,” says Cordony. “There are different fabric groups and weights ranging from light residential use to heavy commercial grade, plus a range of UV levels and stain resistance.”

He also recommends looking for fabric that has proven experience in dealing with moisture and mildew levels, as well as sun exposure. The new range of Sunbrella fabrics for Eco Outdoor boast all three and balance durability and design. They have a chic colour palette across a range of fabrics that can be used for curtains, outdoor cushion covers, furniture upholstery and, as the name suggests, umbrellas. All of the fabrics can also be cleaned with bleach while retaining their original colour ensuring they last summer after summer.

5. Try emerging trends

Whether you pride yourself on having the most up-to-date homewares or can’t quite decide if a new trend is for you or not, your backyard is a prime space to road-test new trends. “Texture is a huge trend as we head into summer,” says Cordony. “Look for fabrics including bouclé, linen, velvet and terrycloth paired back with raw timber, natural timber and ceramics.”

European motifs and graphics are also an emerging trend to try this summer. Find them on cushions, tableware and accessories.

Brought to you by Sunbrella. Experience Sunbrella’s leading outdoor upholstery in Eco Outdoor’s new fabric story.

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