Alfresco Living

By Heidi Cox

Tuesday, December 01, 1998

Karen and Michael Bowller’s pergola and patio area had seen better days. But the Bowllers could see the space had great potential, so they called in the Country Looks team, headed by Heidi Cox, to help create a Tuscan-influenced courtyard that would be smart, yet warm and welcoming.

Before photographs show the area was an ordinary suburban yard, looking a little past its prime. Karen and Michael wanted to inject some sun and warmth into it by capitalising on the area’s sunny aspect. To begin the transformation, the old, rickety pergola was removed and the paling fence was replaced with a concrete wall and planter box.

The area’s old concrete ground surface was resurfaced using a two-tone decorative cementitious coating, design Modena, by Cti, a business specialising in various coloured and finished concrete resurfacing. The surface colours were chosen for their rustic, but contemporary qualities by Cti experts who can advise their clients on the best colour combinations to achieve a particular look. The handmade effect on the main surface area was achieved using a smooth, trowel finish, and the decorative, blue edging was created by hand. Costing abut $2500, the end result has transformed the ground space without the mess or expense of replacing it entirely.

Openings to an undercover room situated at one end of the patio were covered with weather-proof, clearview system, plantation shutters with 89mm blades, from Vogue Vinyl Shutters. Installed to offer the option of closing the undercover area off, the soft almond-coloured shutters, priced at $1818, give an authentic Tuscan look and define the courtyard boundary.

Our Australian sun can at once be a blessing and an annoyance, and controlling it is essential in the outdoor room. We installed a Windoware awning to protect the area during the day. The awning has retractable folding arms which eliminate the need for cords, beams or posts. It has a five-year component guarantee and is priced at about $2000. A range of furniture from Jati has been chosen to complement the new-look courtyard. Keeping in mind the area’s many future uses, we chose a long table (92cm X 185 cm) from Jati’s Harrington range. A smaller, square table (70cm X 70cm) has been chosen from the same range. Harrington folding teak chairs have been used for their versatility –they can be set around the large table, or stacked away when not in use. A pair of folding arm chairs from the same range sit well at the head of the table, and a teak steamer and Granberric bench are romantic additions.

Gorgeous cushions, cutlery, glassware, plates, bowls, and more, from The Mosman Storehouse, give the Tuscan-feel retreat its final touches for outdoor entertaining. Bright yellow cushions and napery, accented with items in blues and greens, give the courtyard a summery theme. Glassware, including two fruit-filled, pedestal bowls, and a cream runner have given a touch of elegance to the long, teak table. And candles placed on the table and scattered throughout the garden give a romantic ambience.

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