Geelong Coast Home and Lifestyle Spring 2020

TREND ALERT UPDATE YOUR INTERIORS PAGE 9

NEW COMMUNITIES WANDANA ESTATE PAGES 10-11

MY GARAGE AN ODE TO ‘ODDS AND SODS’ PAGES 28-29 PAG GES 2 8-29

COVER STORY AT HOME WITH

FIONA

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Content SPRING 2020

9

16-17

24-25

Latest trends

Homes

Make your walls pop

Concrete escapes the urban jungle

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18

New communities

New communities Homebuyers are keen to invest in a future at Mount Aliza Estate

Call one of Victoria’s prettiest playgrounds home

28-29

20-21

My garage

When first impressions count

Inside the ultimate man cave

10-11 New communities Welcome to Villawood

30 12-13 In Conversation

Meet a young woman who left behind the spotlight to care for her father, and couldn’t be happier

Pests be gone

23 New communities

31

A luxurious community in the coastal town of St Leonards

Inspiration to create your own backyard oasis

Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is a Star News Group/Geelong Independent publication.

MANAGING EDITOR: Lisa Korycki WRITERS: Carole Levy, Esther Lauaki, Justin Flynn, Luke Voogt PHOTOGRAPHY: Lousia Jones ADVERTISING: Sales Executive: Rob Saunders robert.saunders@starweekly.com.au www.homeandlifestyle.geelongindy.com.au facebook.com/gcmaggeelongcoast/ @gcmaggeelongcoast ISSN: 2200-6605 ABN: 55 006 653 336 ACN: 06 653 336

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GEELONG COAST HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Unit 1, 47 Pakinton Street, Geelong West 3218 (03) 5249 6700 All material appearing in Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine is subject to copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material. Geelong Coast Home & Lifestyle magazine takes all care to ensure information is correct at the time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or editor.

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COVER STORY

AT HOME WITH

Fiona

Fashion designer Fiona McPherson moved to Jan Juc 21 years ago. In that time she has seen many changes in the industry and to her home. She speaks with JUSTIN FLYNN.

You founded Oishi-m, a very successful children’s fashion company that closed down in early 2019. Now you have Okki, which is a grown-up version. What does your day look like?

I do everything for the business. I generate the business, marketing, PR, sourcing, production, design, cutting, manufacturing.

Okki is the evolution of Oishi-m. It’s basically the adult version. I do women’s apparel and venture into a bit of homewares as well. With the demise of Oishi-m, it feels right to start up my kidswear again – OkkiD.

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Has fashion always been a part of your life?

My grandmother and grandfather used to do all the illustrations for Georges [department store] and Women’s Weekly. They’ve been in the fashion game forever.

I think it just came from loving fashion as a kid and when I was a teenager – you follow all the trends and when you start to travel around the world, you don’t have the budget for High Street fashion so you start being quite creative.

I’d find some scrap fabric in Camden

■ Picture: Louisa Jones

[London] and spend the weekend just sewing up garments by hand.

[When] I came back to Australia I just started partying really hard with all the gay guys. We’d go off to all the nightclubs and every weekend I’d have a different outfit that I’d make on a Saturday.

Where did you grow up?

>>>

I grew up in central Victoria in Maryborough and then moved to Eltham in grade 6. Twenty-one years ago I moved down here.

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COVER STORY | AT HOME WITH FIONA

What brought you to the Surf Coast?

I needed a bit of a career change. I used to do a lot of stuff for Village Roadshow and Channel 10 in the online entertainment area, and I really wasn’t interested in that, so I thought I really wanted to move down by the coast because I used to surf quite a bit, which I don’t do anymore. I found myself a job at Rip Curl and just learnt the ropes. So rather than going to uni I learnt through all my peers and I have some really great friends who are amazing designers and talented illustrators. I learnt a lot through that.

But then you found that working for someone else wasn’t really your calling?

Being a sole parent with two kids, there was just no way I could be a reliable employee.

So I figured out that if I can’t be employed by somebody, I have to make it work around the kids. I have to generate income by myself. So I took my skills and I’ve been doing it ever since.

The fashion industry sounds glamorous, but I bet it’s not all the time?

That’s the fashion game. It’s never going to be easy. You always have to work really hard at it.

It all looks glamour and glitz but today I’m dressed up in my factory wear, I’m in my heated jacket and out in my garage and it’s freezing cold, cutting fabric and tracing patterns.

It’s relentless.

Tell me a bit about your home and what renovations you’ve done.

I live in a late ’80s build. The bathroom was pretty average. Typical terracotta tiles and tackiness with seashells and stuff.

For a little while we had this black mould growing and I called up insurance and they came and evacuated the house straight away.

Apparently black mould is terrible.

They ripped out my whole bathroom and I had to put all the old stuff back, which the builders were just about to do. I caught them doing that so I said “no, I’ll go and source some stuff straight away”.

I went into Geelong Tiles & Bathware with my beautiful friend Melinda Skoko and we had to create this bathroom in two hours.

It was hilarious. The first thing the builder needed was the bath so I put it in the back of my car and hooned down the freeway and got it here just in time before they put the old retro one in.

The pictures are great.

The kids and I feel like we have a hotel luxury bathroom in our crazy little house. It’s one of the rooms during the first [COVID-19] lockdown that we spent so much time in because the kids just love having a bath. At the end of working in the garage all day it’s so nice to sit there and bliss out.

That’s the fashion game. It’s never going to be easy. You always have to work really hard at it.

■ Pictures: Louisa Jones

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COVER STORY | AT HOME WITH FIONA

You have a lot of artwork around your home.

Where did it all come from?

It’s mostly all generated by me and kids or friends or family. All the original stuff that my grandmother did for Women’s Day and Georges – all the charcoal sketches.

Most of the furniture is either friends’ offcasts that they were throwing out or secondhand or I built myself.

Do you think it’s important to spend your money locally when doing renovations or buying furniture?

It’s a community. I just wanted it all to be local.

I just really think we can do it all here. It might cost a bit more but people are starting to change their tune as to how they purchase things.

I built my bed, I built a desk, renovated the television cabinet and the table was badly stained but now it looks brand new.

I could have gone and got a boring cutting table … for a third of the price but would I be happy? No. Would it last forever? No. Would it have a story? No. Would I love working on it every day? Definitely not.

Tell me a bit about your shed that you work in?

What’s next for your home?

I call it the Mini Factory, Justin. It’s a treasure trove of fabric and during the last lockdown I thought I won’t be able to go to the big factory in Moolap anymore so I’ll have to build it into my own little garage.

It’s going to be an evolution this home. The dream is to turn the garage into a studio. I’d love a mezzanine in the studio as well and I’ll get a carport because I really like my car being protected. It means if there’s a hailstorm I don’t cringe.

I got Dean Kellett from Kellett Built to make my big cutting table and we designed it together and crafted it just before all the orders for masks came in.

Good luck with Okki and OkkiD. It sounds like you have a loyal client base.

It’s got my beautiful industrial cutting machines which are just joyous to use with my chainmail Michael Jackson glove.

I have a lot of previous clients from Oishi-m and a lot of local ladies as well who have been amazingly supportive.

I get to play my music really loud, my kids don’t come out and bother me while they are homeschooling. It’s great, what’s not to love?

It will be interesting to see what happens now that I’ve started OkkiD and whether it will attract the old clientele from Oishi-m. ●

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LATEST

TRENDS Rattan and cane Rattan and cane is the latest design trend to undergo a revival.

Back in its [first] heyday in the 1970s it was predominantly confined to outdoor and patio furniture because of its weather resistant properties.

These days it’s still a key design element on many back decks and in outdoor ‘rooms’, but it’s also finding its way indoors in everything from storage to light fittings and side tables.

Nothing says Bali-inspired relaxation like a beautiful rattan lounge chair to recline in. Add some comfortable cushions, position yourself under a shade umbrella and your summer days are taken care of.

There are still plenty of the traditional cane chairs on the market but the outdoor staple has been given a modern twist with some creative new designs, shapes and colours.

You can bring that relaxed vibe inside with a day bed in a sunny spot, a feature chair and side table in a cosy corner.

If you don’t want a full dining suite inside, high-backed cane chairs look stunning with a beautiful timber table.

To add a touch of the current trend without a full makeover, you can’t go past rattan storage boxes, foot stools and baskets – use them in the bathroom, laundry or pop a pot plant in an oversized basket.

Floral wallpaper Looking for a way to bring the outside in but don’t fancy yourself as a green thumb? Floral wallpaper could be your answer.

Modern wallpaper designers are far from

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the gawdy velvet-embossed patterns that once graced the walls in hotel foyers everywhere, and floral designs are particularly popular at the moment.

They can be used in just about every room in the house, adding a feature wall or two, or to cover the entire room.

You can go moody, bold, bright, romantic and subtle – the pattern design and colour choice will add a whole new feel to your room.

Bold, dramatic florals will add a striking point of difference to a dining room, bring some life to a forgotten stairwell or bring a sense of calm to a bedroom.

Black and white

■ Black and White

Picture: iStock

■ Floral Wallpaper

Picture: iStock

Monochrome decorating is not going anywhere soon.

The use of black and white in interiors has inspired for decades with its ability to transform the feel of a room.

It can bring a fresh, clean look to any room, be bold and modern or bring some warmth to your decorating.

You can dive headfirst into all white floors and walls with pops of black in light fittings, furniture and accessories. Or introduce the monochrome palette with layers of cushions, window dressings, rugs and photo frames.

Add a bold, black and white patterned tile in the bathroom. You’ll get a striking effect using it either as a feature wall or on the floor.

Bring a forgotten corner to life with a black feature wall and a montage of your favourite black and white prints, or a black-framed mirror. ●

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GC HOMES | VILLAWOOD WANDANA ESTATE

■ Wandana Picture: Supplied

Hitting the magical heights Neighbours who met up when camping outside the land sales office before the first sales release are now chatting over fences in Villawood’s stunning hilltop estate, Wandana, writes CAROLE LEVY. This delightful parcel of land has panoramic views across Geelong and Corio Bay to the You Yangs and Melbourne, as well as across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and out to Bass Strait. Turn west, and sunsets do their thing as light glides down over Mount Moriac and the undulating Barrabools.

As Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe says, “Whichever way you turn, you’re on a winner at Villawood Properties’ premium ‘Life at its Peak’ project.”

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Now, Wandana’s exclusive southern aspect, Zenith, is coming to market, with every expectation these lots will be snapped up as quickly as earlier releases.

HILLTOP HISTORY Wandana’s more than just a well-elevated part of the world. It’s a place that’s been part of Geelong’s psyche for well over a century – certainly since printer John Cochrane Brownhill gave Geelong a public park there in

1907, known at the time as Panamora Heights.

His offspring maintained a lengthy media association with Geelong; two sons editing the Geelong Advertiser – one of them, Walter Randolph, also authoring the definitive 1955 doorstopper, The History of Geelong and Corio Bay. Also a World War I hero, Walter was mentioned in despatches and was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal.

The Brownhills are recalled in Brownhill Drive, in the first stage of Villawood’s Wandana.

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GC HOMES | VILLAWOOD WANDANA ESTATE

GEELONG FAMILIES CONNECTION It’s fitting but no surprise that another long-time Geelong tribe had championed the Brownhill cause: the Fagg family, with Barry Fagg at the helm, armed with a weighty catalogue of historical information.

The Fagg’s are part of a four-way venture to develop Wandana, which Villawood brought to market in October 2017 to such buyer inquiry that the first tranche of lots had to be publicly auctioned to keep the punters happy.

No surprise, either, that these first lots drew an average half million dollars each. The best lots in town were always going to attract fierce interest, including a 20-bid battle for one block.

Two hundred people turned out for the event, by the way. As Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said at the time, it was “setting a new benchmark for greenfield sites in Geelong”.

WHY IS WANDANA SO POPULAR? Wandana’s popularity has been propelled by its affordable premium profile. Established homes in the hills and slopes of neighbouring Highton regularly fetch million-dollar prices on the market.

Wandana, for the same price or less, offers a top-notch location and custom homes that don’t need upgrading or renovating.

“This is significantly cheaper than the surrounding houses yet in a prime location,” Mr Costelloe says. “Buyers who want to live in a great area like Wandana – with magical views – realise the value of their house and land package is far more affordable than buying an established house.

“And designing and building your own

dream home is better than buying a pre-loved home, and having to renovate it to meet your own needs.”

WANDANA’S PROGRESS Geelong’s best luxury builders – the likes of Derbyshire, Malishev and others – have found a new place for their clients to call home at Wandana.

All up, Wandana features 195 diverse lots, ranging from 350-1267 square metres.

Villawood gives sales priority, with a $20,000 price saving, to care industry workers to help ensure that police, nurses, firefighters, teachers, health staff and others are able to buy in the community where they work.

Zenith, the final 25 per cent of Wandana, offers the very best of the estate, facing onto Drewan Park which is presently receiving an $800,000 upgrade.

MIND THE CLOSING WINDOW The window of opportunity to be a part of this geographic treat with its bay-to-ocean views is closing. And as they say, when it’s gone it’s gone.

So, if you’re interested, it’s time to pick up the decision-making process. And if you are of two minds, Rory Costelloe offers a persuasive argument: “Wandana is stunning and the buyer interest we’ve had reflects this. These are the only blocks like this in Geelong with the opportunity to build on.”

Wandana Sales Office, corner Barrabool Road and City View Drive, Wandana Heights. Inquiries: 1300 030 904 or www. villawoodproperties.com.au. Open for private appointments – call Yash on 0425 600 511 ●

■ Wandana Picture: Supplied SPRING 2020

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IN CONVERSATION ■ Pictures: Monika Berry

Kim Cooper moved from Melbourne to Townsville by herself to study year 12, was an Australian Idol finalist and is now a full-time carer for her father in Ocean Grove. She tells JUSTIN FLYNN she has no doubt she is right where she is meant to be.

Tell me where you grew up.

After your studies, what did you do?

fashion and then Idol happened. I was 21.

I grew up in Glen Waverley, living with mum and dad and my sister and eventually moved to Townsville by myself when I was 17.

I was a full-time singer in an acoustic duo at 18 and living in a backpackers. I lived in a caravan park for a while.

Australian Idol 2009 – you auditioned and eventually finished in 7th place.

Wow, you moved to Townsville by yourself at the age of 17?

I just loved North Queensland and fell in love with it almost the minute I went there. It just felt like my native land. The heat felt right, the tropical landscape felt like home.

Yes! I went there on a holiday, instantly fell in love with it, came home and said I was moving there to complete grade 12. Thankfully my family were very supportive.

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Eventually I landed on my feet and found an apartment and started working in retail and

Idol was an incredible experience. The best way I can sum it up is high highs and low lows.

It’s a very extreme experience especially for someone so young.

Most people that age are not self-aware enough to cope and flourish in such an extreme environment.

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IN CONVERSATION | KIM COOPER

The highs are dizzyingly high and the lows were so intense because it was just so public.

It catapulted me into a career that I sustained in Townsville for years.

Back then when you got top 12 in Idol, it changed everything. Back then there was really only Idol and Big Brother. There was no Married at First Sight, no The Bachelor, we didn’t have Love Island, we didn’t have Australia’s Got Talent, there was no The Voice. Everyone sat down on a Sunday night and watched Idol, so getting into the top 12 was a real game changer.

Did you think you could get that far in Idol?

I did not think for one second that was going to happen at all. The judges were Marcia Hines, Dicko (Ian Dickson) and Kyle Sandilands.

Kyle and I really got along. We had a bit of the same sense of humour. I got a really lovely side of him.

He helped me behind the scenes and was very supportive. He knew I was going to be easily pigeonholed into a pop market. I’m not ‘not pop’, but I’m not a pop princess either.

He was so supportive but unfortunately, he was fired after making some controversial comments on his radio show that received a lot of public backlash. I was so sad to see him go.

So what did you do after Idol?

I worked out pretty soon after Idol that I didn’t want to be a recording artist, which shocked me. I always thought I wanted that and it’s what I had been working towards. But I found it quite isolating and soon after Idol I had started going to church and began to want different things to what I had before. So I ended up leaving my record label and enrolling in Bible College.

I worked for the church and did four years of Bible College and also went back to retail.

I just wanted to serve people and quickly worked out that the stage is fun and singing is a cool party trick I can do, but it wasn’t fulfilling enough. I was craving something deeper.

And then something happened that would change your life forever?

Yes, I was working for the church at the time as their Worship Pastor and part-time as a singing teacher in Cairns when my dad had two strokelike episodes and he was deemed unable to live independently. The prognosis was that he would never come home.

lose them suddenly or unexpectedly. So it really is a privilege I get to do what I do for him.

dad are like old friends so it is nice to have the family all back together again.

How much has your faith helped you to stay strong?

What’s in store for you in the future?

Dad had moved to Ocean Grove so I thought the right thing to do was to move back to Victoria. So I moved in with him so he didn’t have to go into a nursing home and became his full-time carer.

My faith has played a huge part. I really do believe there is something up there that’s smarter than us and if you tune in, it will direct you.

You were 27 at the time. That’s a huge commitment for someone so young and inexperienced.

Dad made a bit of a miraculous recovery. He needed 24/7 around-the-clock care. But I had a feeling deep down where he could get to a point where he could come home safely. I just knew.

We created an environment where he can safely flourish and that’s what I wanted. I wanted dad to feel like the king of his castle.

Even though I had no doubt I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing, I definitely felt “excuse me up there, have you forgotten about me?” A big part of that was just reminding myself that I believe everyone has a path, and I was on the right one for me even though it was really hard at the time.

I try to protect him from his disabilities as much as I can.

How daunting was it to give up everything and move to Ocean Grove?

You must love your dad a lot?

So daunting! But I knew deep down that moving here was the right thing for me, and I never doubted that. And there have been some lovely blessings about moving here. Being able to be a really involved aunty with my niece and nephew that live here is something that is one of the most wonderful experiences of my entire life. My mum also lives here and her and my

Within three months I picked him up and walked him out of there. The nurses called him Lazarus.

He is honestly the wittiest person I have ever met. He’s the funniest. Half joking, half serious, I almost pity the man who tries to marry me because I’m just not sure anyone will be as funny as my dad. When things get hard, I try to remind myself that many people don’t get the privilege of caring for their parents. They might

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My faith was really tested when I moved down to Ocean Grove to care for dad. I was 27 at the time, I didn’t have a career here or any friends and I was back living with a parent. But I was watching all of my friends get married, buy houses and get promoted. At times being here felt very claustrophobic.

It’s really important to me that Dad stays at home with me for as long as possible, and as long as it’s safe for him.

I am excited to keep on singing around Geelong and the Surf Coast when things all open up again. I feel so privileged and thankful for how the Geelong community has embraced me as a singer.

This year one of my goals is to serve more in a community space. Moving into advocacy work on behalf of carers. I think carers by nature are usually more comfortable behind the scenes, going about their work quietly.

So to have someone who is a carer who also is comfortable being up front is a rare combination. I want to use that opportunity to help the carer community with my skills in any way I can. I’ve also just launched ‘Kim’s Singagrams’ to help people send a little love to people in their world, so that has been heaps of fun!

You’ve been doing pop-up concerts?

The pop up concerts have been so much fun! I can’t wait to recommence them once lockdown is over. It was such a joy to sing for the families of Ocean Grove.

How can we all stay in touch with what you are doing?

Follow me on Instagram @kimelisecooper. ●

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GC HOMES | CARPET COURT

Find your feet A growing market of homebound DIYers are looking to the specialists at Carpet Court Geelong for advice on the perfect flooring solution. Manager Ron May gave ESTHER LAUAKI his top tips and trends for those finding their feet in flooring.

What are your top five recommendations for DIY floor coverings?

We have plenty of products that are great for those working on projects while they’re at home during the pandemic.

Hybrid This is the fastest-growing category of all and one that I would recommend.

It’s a great DIY product because they can pull it out of the box, it slots together easily, cut it to size and it looks great. It’s waterproof, comes with built-in underlay, it’s quiet and easy to use.

Elements is the latest innovation in Hybrid Tiles, showcasing the natural looks of terrazzo, stone, marble and concrete. This stunning range will transform your floor. With no need to seal, installation is quick and easy. You’ll be able to walk on your new floor the very same day.

Choose from a selection of natural stone styles that will add instant appeal into any space.

Laminate Laminate offers you the look and feel of real wood for a fraction of the price. Installation is easy with no mess, no fuss. Once it’s installed, it’s a look you’ll love for a lifetime. Laminate is scratch resistant, hygienic, easy to clean and low maintenance.

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young children.

Engineered timber For a classic look lasting a lifetime, you can’t go past the natural beauty and warmth of timber floors. Designers love timber for its ability to add character to any room. You’ll love its easy installation, versatility and low maintenance.

Carpet tile Affordable, practical and versatile carpet tiles can be laid to create specific flooring designs using patterns and colours in a wide variety of commercial environments. Acoustic carpet tiles provide superior sound absorption making them perfect for quiet public spaces such as libraries, art galleries and museums, while the ability to replace individual tiles means carpet tiles are widely used in schools, retail, aged care, hospitality and medical facilities.

Vinyl sheet and planks Achieve the look of real timber with flooring that is ideal for low-maintenance living. Vinyl flooring is hardwearing, easy to clean and able to withstand the rough and tumble of family living. A fantastic option for families with

What flooring products are offered at Carpet Court?

No matter what your flooring requirements are, Carpet Court has an easy-to-install, quality product to suit your budget, environment and lifestyle. In addition to a huge selection

of carpets and rugs, you will also find timber, laminate, hybrid and vinyl flooring options in a range of exciting designs. These floating floors are easy to install for the DIY project, or they can be laid by Carpet Court’s experienced flooring installers.

How do underlays work?

The various flooring options have different properties in terms of their resistance to soiling and stains, depth of pile and softness under foot. The underlay is an essential part of any new flooring product and will affect how your new carpet feels, how your floor sounds and the level of comfort.

Geelong Carpet Court, 310 Thompson Road, North Geelong. Open 9am- 5.30pm Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm Saturday. Inquiries: 5278 8800 or visit www.carpetcourt.com.au ●

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GC HOMES | LIFESTYLE

■ Concrete exteriors are popular for modern house designs.

Picture: iStock

Rising from the concrete jungle look in place of the real deal.

Concrete has long been a go-to material for the building industry.

As an exterior cladding, concrete is aesthetically pleasing but it brings with it a range of other benefits that are making it a popular choice among home builders and renovators.

It’s weathered the elements since ancient times – proving its strength, durability and versatility.

Apart from the fact that it’s strong, concrete is low maintenance, soundproof and can withstand our harsh elements such as rain, wind and fire. It’s also termite-proof.

Its usage worldwide, ton for ton, is twice that of steel, wood, plastics, and aluminium combined, according to Wikipedia.

But what was once confined to the urban landscape is shirking its concrete jungle tag and expanding into our homes and hearts.

Everything from polished concrete floors

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to benchtops, light fittings and accessories is taking on a cement hue. There’s even special effect paint to give your walls a rough-strewn

Depending on the look you’re aiming for, concrete walls can be left natural, if you do decide to paint them they only need to be repainted every five to 10 years.

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GC HOMES | LIFESTYLE

Another key benefit of concrete in housing construction is it’s high thermal properties.

It can absorb heat in the warm weather and release it during cooler periods – helping reduce energy costs.

If you’re concerned about having to live with concrete floors or walls long past the trend’s use-by date, there are less permanent, cheaper alternatives to bring a touch of the natural element inside.

Polished concrete floors provide much of the same benefits as far as durability, maintenance and lifespan, and there are a variety of colour and texture effects to personalise the look. It can be cold underfoot, particularly in winter, but so too can floor tiles.

Concrete table and bench tops are popular at the moment and look beautiful juxtaposed with timber cupboards or table legs.

Interior concrete walls can bring modern, clean lines to a home. Clad an entire room in it for an almost industrial vibe, or use it as a stand out feature wall.

Candle holders, plant pots, lamps can all be used to bring concrete in to your interior design and can easily be replaced if you tire of the look. ●

Try a concrete light fitting to bring an edgy look to the kitchen or as a feature in a hallway.

■ Concrete floors are no longer confined to sheds and industrial showrooms.

Picture: iStock

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GC HOMES | MT ALIZA ESTATE

A community in high demand creates jobs Homebuyers have set aside their uncertainty in the midst of coronavirus to invest in a future at Mt Aliza Estate. Stage one almost sold out within two months, writes ESTHER LAUAKI. Mount Aliza is a master-planned residential neighbourhood offering an inspired lifestyle.

The estate will have immediate access to a host of established facilities, including schools, shopping, library, community centre, parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Countryland Australia Limited chief executive Intaj Khan says the estate has drawn so much interest because it offers affordable housing.

“We will have the best price and best sizes of affordable lots, which everyone can afford,” Intaj says.

“This is a unique area and despite COVID-19, stage one still sold out in two months. People still want small lots of 300, 350 and 400 square metres that are affordable.

from Melbourne’s central business district with its sales office at Mt Cottrell Road, Thornhill Park.

A $6 million waterways construction project is under way and fully funded by the Melbourne Water Authority and works at Mt Cottrell Road are on track for completion at the end of this year.

Mt Aliza estate will also be accessible to the future local community town centre and Thornhill train station near a planned primary school.

It will have easy access to the freeway to get to Ballarat or Bacchus Marsh.

Stage one released 45 lots which are almost sold out. A stage two release of 38 lots is on its way.

“We’re meeting the demands of the community.

“Make your dream home at Mt Aliza come true,” Intaj says.

“Mt Aliza is going to be one of Melbourne’s most warm, engaging, successful and familyfriendly residential communities.”

Lots are being marketed through local real estate agents - people who know the area inside out, Intaj says.

The development is located just 40 minutes

“We’ve been able to pass on the savings that

■ Intaj Khan.

18 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

we’ve saved on marketing on to buyers,” he says.

The $25,000 government home builders scheme has boosted the confidence of buyers, also driving sales.

Construction on the site has just started on August 21 and Intaj says it will create more than 200 jobs in the construction sector at a time it’s very much needed.

“Countryland Australia is committed to creating local jobs and affordable housing in the face of this economic crisis,” Intaj says.

“The construction of waterways has been commenced by Winslow Construction Company and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“85 per cent of stage one has been sold out, thanks to our dedicated real estate partners, Bloom Real Estate Agents and Gambit Property Group.”

Mt Aliza Estate, 845 Mt Cottrell Road, Thornhill Park. Inquiries: 0430 091 146, email project@countrylandaustralia.com.au or visit www.mountaliza.com.au ●

Pictures: Supplied

SPRING 2020

GC HOMES | INTERIORS

Light the way The kitchen is one of the rooms in which we spend most of our time. Make sure the lighting is optimised to elevate the experience! Here are a few quick, yet effective tips to get you started.

ADAPT YOUR INTERIOR

LIGHTING

TO

THE

If you have cupboards above your worktop, focus on lighting under these cabinets. If you have none it becomes important to add lighting above the countertop, both subtle lighting to create an atmosphere, but primarily stronger lighting for when you need worktop lights.

SELECT THE RIGHT COLOUR Make sure to choose the same light colour for all of your bulbs. It’s not as tricky as it sounds; retailers usually offer 3000K as warm white, however the experts recommend 2700K for a finer lighting mood.

AVOID DULL LIGHT Choose point LED lighting instead of a joint LED under cupboards for worktop lighting, as the strip often gives a flatter and thus a dull light.

EMPHASISE BEAUTIFUL TILES Place the light source closer to the wall

■ Lighting plays an important role in setting the mood at the dinner table.

underneath your cupboards, if you want to emphasise the tiles or backsplash FINALLY …

We spend some of our most important moments around the dinner table and lighting plays an important role when it comes to the mood we want to set for these moments. Opt for a gentle, preferably dimmable light source and make sure that the lamp above the dining table isn’t in the way of the view or the person you’re talking to.

Source: Helena Åkerberg, Light Architect at Greatlight ●

■ Pictures: iStock

12454185-NG37-20

“The pleasure of good quality lasts longer than the joy of a low price.” - Michael Sonntag

• contemporary and practical designs • cabinetry for a luxury lifestyle • creative and innovative solutions • 27 years of experience

7XOLS

L Q G H S H Q G H Q W F D E L Q H W P D N H U V * H H O R Q J P H P E H U

D X V W U D O L D Q F D E L Q H W I X U Q L W X U H D V V R F L D W L R Q P H P E H U

N L W F K H Q V G H V L J Q V

217 Moorabool Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Phone (03) 5221 3604 sales@tulipkitchens.com www.tulipkitchens.com.au

GC HOMES | EXTERIORS

■ Colours: Dulux Weathershild in klavier, natural white and pre school half.

Picture: Dulux Australia Stylist: Bree Leech Photographer: David Mitchener

Make a great first impression A beautiful exterior sets a welcoming tone for guests – and can also increase your home’s value and saleability.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to boost your home’s curb appeal and bring a less-than-fabulous facade right up to date.

According to Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr, paint can do extraordinary things for the look of your home.

“It’s quick, DIY-friendly and can save you a huge amount on expensive exterior upgrades,” she says.

“Colour is transformative; use it to give a tired facade an instant facelift, highlight your home’s best features or downplay the less desirable ones.”

20 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

All you need to get started are the right tools and a couple of free weekends, depending on the size of your facade and how much prep work is required.

greys, greens and greiges [a blend of grey and beige] are emerging as key neutrals that work beautifully with natural materials such as timber and stone – perfect for outdoors.

“Sprusing up your veranda and facade are generally bigger DIY jobs than re-painting your interior as there are several elements involved, such as wall, decking and window frames, but as your exterior is the first thing visitors see, it’s well worth the effort,” says Lucena-Orr.

“Contrasts are particularly effective on exteriors. Opt for charcoal or a dark neutral for window trims and fencing and contrast it with crisp white walls. Or vice versa; select a deep shade for vertical surfaces and play up the contrast with white detailing.

Start by choosing a colour scheme.

“As a rule of thumb, a palette of either three or four colours works best for exteriors,” she says.

“Greys have been on-trend for a while, but they’re far from your only option. Earthy blues-

A tonal look is also gaining traction; if you have a contemporary home, consider using different shades of one or two neutrals across walls, fences, the front door and outdoor accessories such as planters.”

Or create a wow factor with brights.

SPRING 2020

GC HOMES | EXTERIORS

■ Colours: Dulux Weathershield In Klavier, Natural White™ And Pre School Half.

Picture: Dulux Australia Stylist: Bree Leech Photographer: David Mitchener

“A focal point draws the eye and adds personality to your exterior,” Lucena-Orr says.

“Painting your front door in a bold hue, like a striking aqua such as Dulux Oasis Spring, is a great way to achieve this – plus it sets a relaxed, inviting tone.”

When choosing an exterior palette, it’s important to factor in your home’s architecture and the colours in your surrounds to create a sense of harmony.

Consider the colours in your garden as well as the colour on your roof, driveway and decorative features such as tiles.

And while your at it, why not use paint to refresh other outdoor elements such as bollard lights, planters benches, the front fence and letterbox for a cohesive look.

Verandah refresh DIY steps 1: Gather your painting supplies and ensure the surface has been properly prepared (sanded and washed) prior to starting to paint. Follow the label on the can for more information.

2: Once the surface is dry, start by cutting in around the edges and hard to reach areas.

3: Apply paint to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.

4: Smooth over the wet painted section with

SPRING 2020

long brush strokes. Do no reload the brush when you do this, a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface.

5: Repeat this process for the second coat.

Allow to dry, then give the surface a light sand with 400grit sandpaper and repeat for a second coat.

6: If painting bare timber a third coat will need to be applied.

PRO TIP: Nothing evokes richness and warmth like dark colours. These schemes are always popular, making them an inspired choice for a wide variety of house styles.

Front door DIY steps 1: Gather your painting supplies as well as your chosen colours) and Dulux 1Step Prep.

2: After sanding down the surface, apply one coat of Dulux 1Step Prep.

3: Start painting by cutting in around the edges of the door using your chosen colour.

4: Apply colour to the surface using short, horizontal brush strokes.

5: Once you’ve completed an area, while the paint is still wet, lightly smooth over the painted section with long brush strokes – but don’t overdo or reload the brush – a few brush strokes will smooth the surface. ●

■ Colours: Dulux Weathershield in vivid white, teahouse and tranquil retreat.

Dulux Aguanamel in oasis spring.

Picture: Dulux Australia Stylist: Bek Simon Photographer: David Mitchener

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

21

Right sized homes, right by the beach

First Wave Precinct NOW SELLING

Located in the beachside town of St Leonards, this luxurious community will provide a tranquil haven for working, semi-retired and retired over 50s.

Brand new homes from $299,000 to $515,000*

Opening in mid-2021, Lifestyle St Leonards offers brand-new, affordable and contemporary homes, along with 5-star resort facilities to cater for your every need – and then some!

Choose from a range of immaculate one-bedroom plus study, two-bedroom and three-bedroom homes carefully designed to maximize space and livability.

If you’d like to pass your days away by the bay and soak up some vitamin sea call 1300 50 55 60 to find out more.

Clubhouse

Outdoor Pool

Over 50s Luxury Living | lifestylestleonards.com.au | 1300 50 55 60 *Prices correct as at August 2020

12457424-NG37-20

22 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

SPRING 2020

GC HOMES | ST LEONARDS LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES

Life’s a beach

BY CAROLE LEVY Leading Victorian developer and operator of over-50s gated communities, Lifestyle Communities is bringing a luxurious community to the coastal town of St Leonards.

St Leonards by Lifestyle Communities will be the company’s second community on the Bellarine Peninsula, and fourth within the wider Geelong catchment.

The site is well positioned within walking distance of the beach and town centre, and will provide an affordable, active and engaging environment for baby-boomers to downsize on the wonderful Bellarine Peninsula.

Upon completion, Lifestyle St Leonards will offer 199 brand-new contemporary homes, along with five-star resort facilities to make the dream of living by the beach a reality.

The coastal community will offer a range of luxury facilities to cater for every need, and then some.

Within the peaceful gated community, you

Clubhouse entrance.

SPRING 2020

will find a multi-million dollar clubhouse, private cinema, fully equipped gym, heated indoor and outdoor pools, alfresco barbecue area, fishing boat and electric car.

benefits of living within a Lifestyle Communities resort, and there’s plenty of excitement about the opportunities that Lifestyle St Leonards will bring.

The first release of homes is now selling, with prices from $350,000 - $527,500.

James Kelly, the company’s founder and managing director, says that Lifestyle Communities will apply its enduring customercentric ethos to the creation of its brand-new community.

Spacious, tasteful and filled with natural light, homes are carefully designed to be low maintenance and offer the perfect balance of indoor/outdoor living. From the tiling to the tapware, fixtures to the finishes and everything in between – there’s a little bit of luxury in every detail.

Construction on the resort-style community is set to start next month, but many future homeowners have already found their perfect home in this promising community. Lifestyle St Leonards will welcome first homeowners in mid-2021.

“It’s our heartfelt, empathetic approach to delivering homes, communities and services that creates amazing experiences for our homeowners,” Mr Kelly says.

“And this approach will endure throughout the creation of our St Leonards community, and every community that follows.”

Lifestyle St Leonards will be located at 110 Thornton Avenue, St Leonards.

So far, Lifestyle Communities has helped more than 3650 happy homeowners discover the upsides to downsizing to a bigger life.

While the community is under development, display homes can be viewed at Lifestyle Ocean Grove at 60 Gambier Street, Ocean Grove.

Residents in 17 communities throughout Victoria have already discovered the many

For more information, call 1300 50 55 60 or visit lifestylestleonards.com.au. ●

St Leonards.

Pictures: Supplied

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

23

GC HOMES | INTERIORS

■ Glitter effects in Diamond.

Picture: Dulux Australia

Walls with a wow factor Accent walls have long been an affordable way to give a space a facelift.

Whether the aim is to inject playful colour into a child’s bedroom or add a touch of sophistication to a kitchen, a feature wall is guaranteed to bring the ‘wow’ factor into any

■ Glitter effect in silver.

24 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

living space. Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says when it comes to creating a feature wall, you must work it so it harmonises with your existing colour scheme, furniture, and accessories.

“Consider the kitchen, for example; Dulux

■ Gold effect in Gold Vintage.

Stylist: Liberty Interiors

Design Stainless Steel Effect used on cabinetry will complement an already industrial-looking space, whereas the Dulux Design Suede Effect is more suited to creating a luxurious and moody feel – perfect for a formal living or dining room.

■ Stainless-steel effect.

SPRING 2020

GC HOMES | INTERIORS

■ Suede effect in Fossil Beige.

Picture: Dulux Australia

“Other popular design trends we are seeing include concrete and metallic accents. Dulux Design Concrete Effect in Pale Elements in a casual living area or hallway entrance pairs beautifully with raw materials, such as timber, linen, wool, stone and leather; and Dulux Design Metallic Effect can be created as a contemporary backdrop for artwork.”

“If the Dulux Design Glitter Effect is your desirable effect, choose a room with an abundance of light – both natural and artificial – so you enjoy the most benefits from the luminescence,” she says.

Whatever space you’re looking to enhance, it’s important to consider how exposed the room is to natural light as this will affect the textural features and impact of the accent wall, says Andrea Lucena-Orr.

“Like standard paint, always ensure you do a sample patch on large cardboard to see how it works alongside your fixtures, furniture and accessories before making the full commitment.” ●

■ Concrete effect in Onyx Edge.

SPRING 2020

■ Metal shimmer in Star Masquerade.

Stylists: Bree Leech and Heather Nette King.

Photographer: Mike Baker Picture: Dulux Australia

“To optimise a feature wall’s impact on a space, colour consideration goes hand-in-hand with lighting.

■ Dulux stone effect in Dreamstone White.

Stylists: Bree Leech and Heather Nette King.

Photographer: Mike Baker Picture: Dulux Australia

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

25

12458165-SN37-20

ÂŽ

A development bought to you by:

Sales Enquries:

ÂŽ

www.kingstonoceangrove.com

Ph: 5255 0800 www.oceangroverealestate.com.au

GC HOMES | ARMSTRONG GREEN

Coastal life close to perfection Armstrong Green is another brilliant community from RCA Villages, this one at Armstrong Creek on the doorstep of Barwon Peninsula and the Surf Coast – one of Victoria’s prettiest playgrounds.

Life at Armstrong Green promises to be an exciting one, shared with like-minded people who value their independence and the plethora of activities – social or me-time – offered amid stunning facilities and surrounds.

The sleek and comfortable Clubhouse will be the hub of Armstrong Green, the scene of many shared activities, and spaces in which to socialise, learn, play and relax. The heated indoor pool is another village magnet, while a communal vegie garden will allow residents to get their hands in the soil and grow produce for the table.

One of the important focuses of RCA Villages is their unique Active Health program.

Because research shows that socially engaged, physically active people lead healthier and active lives, Armstrong Green does much to encourage and facilitate residents’ health and wellbeing.

And Armstrong Green, as are all RCA Villages, is democratically run by a management committee, with seven of the 10 members elected by the residents, plus a professional village manager to implement instructions.

As good as the Armstrong Green village is, the home designs available are equally luxurious, with great attention to detail to make life care-free and reflective of the coastal vibe. Individual preferences and additional requirements can be accommodated during construction.

Right now, the Bellarine, Connewarra and Queenscliff home designs are open for viewing, with the Fairhaven design released shortly.

BELLARINE: 22.3 squares total The sense of space is immediate, with a wide entry hall, 2.7-metre ceilings and a colour palette of crisp-white and greys. Floorboards in the hall and living domain enhance the breezy feel, while stone benches and attractive tiling are classy and contemporary.

SPRING 2020

The three fitted bedrooms – one perfect as a study – include the lavish main with walkthrough wardrobe, and a fully tiled dual-basin en suite with walk-in shower.

STANDARD INCLUSIONS • 6-star energy rating • 2.7 metre height

Cooks and entertainers will love the kitchen, with its waterfall island bench, abundant seamless cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and all mod-cons, while stacker doors in the adjoining living hub open to a north-facing undercover alfresco area.

• Double glazing

The remote-controlled double garage has internal access.

• Front garden landscaping

CONNEWARRA 21.55 squares total

• Tiled alfresco area

With the same luxury features as the Bellarine, the Connewarra offers an alternative layout, with the front door under the covered alfresco area and opening directly into the spacious floorboarded living domain and glam kitchen.

• Exterior maintenance

The main bedroom has a walk-in robe and a luxe fully tiled dual-basin en suite with walk-in shower, while another bedroom has a built-in robe; a good-sized study can double as a third bedroom if needed.

The remote-controlled double garage has a storeroom, designated workshop area, and internal access.

QUEENSCLIFF 19 squares total Slightly smaller than the other two, the Queenscliff nevertheless has all the same luxury features, plus a floorplan that puts the covered alfresco area at the centre, sheltered on three sides.

• Ducted heating and cooling • Superior drapes and blinds • LED downlights • Solar/electric HWS • Colorbond fencing

The floorboarded dual-zone living hub incorporates the kitchen, which attracts streams of natural light through window splashbacks, while stone bench space and streamlined cabinetry are generous.

As well as the two grey-carpeted bedrooms – the large main with walk-in robe and dualbasin en suite with walk-in shower – there’s a study nook which could serve as a ‘back-up’ bedroom for a visiting grandchild.

The remote-controlled double garage has internal access.

Armstrong Green by RCA Villages, 722–742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek.

Inquiries: 1800 226 020. ●

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

27

MY GARAGE

The ultimate man cave After transforming his shed into one of the strangest assortments of “odds and sods” in Little River, Jamie Dimery tells LUKE VOOGT about the method behind the madness.

Jamie Dimery’s three-hectare property in Little River had naught but a “plain” 20x40 metre shed and a “modest” cement house when he moved from Port Melbourne in 2000.

“The house had three bedrooms, a laundry and a kitchen, and the dining room and lounge was all one room,” he says.

“That’s probably how the shed ended up what it is, really.”

The shed became a refuge for the father-

28 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

of-four and wife Sandra to watch TV or have mates over at night.

“We’d put the kids to bed because they were only young then and we’d have parties with friends without waking them up,” he says.

“The bar was the first thing I built when I moved in.

“An absolute monstrosity of alcohol has gone through that bar. I couldn’t tell you how much mate.

“Sometimes the parties went to 8am or 9am the next day.”

A few years later, the shed began its transformation into the eclectic monument of “odds and sods” that it is today.

“I just started hanging a few farm utensils,” Jamie explains.

“I’d been in other people’s sheds and they collect old fuel signs and petrol cans. I thought I’d do something different.”

SPRING 2020

MY GARAGE | JAMIE DIMERY

Jamie started with the usual signs and gas pumps, then went well beyond, hanging an old dirt bike on the wall.

“Then, of course, one bike grew into two, then three and four,” he says.

“I added on three big bays and a veranda. As more people turned up, we needed more room.”

He ran an earthmoving business and worked at demolition sites, where he collected an old urinal.

“I brought the urinal home to hang up in the house as a joke,” he says.

Instead, he attached it to an old phone booth just outside the shed.

“That was for the men so they don’t use the inside toilet. I left that for the ladies,” he laughs.

“There’s $10 fine for men using the indoor toilet. Although the urinal’s just cosmetic, really.”

Jamie also bought a dummy at a garage sale, which now rides a harness racing sulky that he picked up from a farm clearance sale in Macedon, atop the shed roof.

Later, he found an inventive use for the bonnet of a 1963 Holden Ute left over from rebuilding another car.

“Rather than get rid of it, I put a barbecue on the inside of it,” he says.

But perhaps the most impressive – or ludicrous – item is a 1978 Holden HJ perched next to the sulky on the roof.

“A mate asked if I wanted it for parts,” he says.

“Some people put them on their front lawn or in a roundabout in their driveway.

“I thought, ‘it will look alright on the roof.

Bugger it, I’ll put it on the roof!’

“My family thought I was nuts – they thought the roof would cave in.

“But I put stiffening beams in to handle the weight and the car’s got no engine, so that makes it a lot lighter.

“Everyone that sees it, they’re blown away.”

Despite Jamie trucking in a much larger house to restump on his property, the shed remained a local get-together spot.

“As the kids grew older they started to join in,” he says.

“All the major kids parties were in that shed.

We had 16ths, 18ths and 21sts in it.

“The boys loved it because I built a motocross track out the back. Sandra loves it.”

Jamie missed celebrating his recent 56th birthday in the shed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I gave up on birthdays after I turned 50 anyway. You go backwards, don’t you, when you hit 50?” he says.

“My son and his mates still use it on the odd occasion but obviously with what’s going on at

■ Jamie Dimery

SPRING 2020

the moment no one’s using it.”

But he still has an impressive array of boats, bikes and cars in the shed to keep him busy.

The collection includes a 1979 CM Valiant Regal that he bought from an owner in Mt Duneed when restrictions temporarily eased.

“I love ’em all. My ZH Fairlane, my Harley Davidson and now the Valiant,” he said.

“That’s my next project. I’ve got a friend painting it next week. Another friend and I are rebuilding the engine once COVID-19’s over.

“Modern cars don’t interest me, too much plastic. You need them to get around but give me a chrome bumper any day.”

He looks forward to the COVID-19 situation improving so he can again open the shed to his mates.

“A lot of my friends are in Melbourne and they’re in stage four – they can’t do nothing,” he says.

“I’ll have a big shindig, about 100 people, when it’s all over.” ●

Pictures: Louisa Jones

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

29

GC HOMES | GEELONG PEST CONTROL

Get rid of the nuisance factor

BY CAROLE LEVY While the pandemic has us all feeling like we’re in semi-hibernation, household pests – such as cockroaches, ants and rodents – are under no such constraints. In fact, according to Shaun Preston from Geelong Pest Control, the unwanted guests are making their presence known even more as we spend extra time at home.

Shaun’s team of four professionals has been super-busy of late and, once the warmer weather hits, the lads are expecting things to get even crazier.

“During spring and summer, we will be inundated with calls about spiders, ants, earwigs, millipedes, cockroaches, mosquitoes, scorpions and rodents,” Shaun says. “And the demand for our services is such that we’ve decided to restructure, as well as hire a new technician to join our fast-growing team.”

■ Shaun and the Geelong Pest Control Team. advice that will not only eradicate pests but prevent their return.

Family-owned Geelong Pest Control has been around for seven years now, servicing Ocean Grove, Surf Coast, Highton, Waurn Ponds, Leopold, Torquay and Geelong and beyond.

“We approach each job with an open mind, knowing that each situation and need is different. Whether it’s a family home, commercial premises, or pre-construction, everything is thoroughly scoped out and all the processes are explained in detail before work begins.”

In that time, the business has established a solid reputation for its professional approach, with care for family and pet safety paramount while treatments are carried out.

Shaun served in Iraq and East Timor (Timor Leste) and says the qualities instilled in him during his military service are evident in the daily running of the business.

Shaun also takes pride in offering customers

“Having and showing respect for our client’s

Picture: Supplied

home, family and pets; upholding integrity in all aspects of our service and being punctual and dependable at all times are qualities our team members are committed to displaying,” Shaun says.

Geelong Pest Control offers 10 per cent off services to pension and seniors card holders and extends this discount to current and ex defence service men and women, paramedics, nurses and members of the police force, fire brigade, SES and coastguard.

Geelong Pest Control opens 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 1300 147 378 or www.geelongpest.com.au ●

This means so are the spiders and other potential pest insects.

Call us to find out how we can rid your homes of nasty pests such as RED BACKS, WHITE TAILS, ANTS, EARWIGS, MILLIPEDES, FLEAS, COCKROACHES, MOSQUITOES and many other potentially dangerous pests.

12457502-SG37-20

Spring is finally here!!

Locally owned and operated company | Ex military owned and operated Fully licenced and insured | Extremely high levels of customer service All treatments come with significant warranty period.

Call: 1300 147 378 | 30 GE ELON G C OA ST HOME&LIFESTYLE

email: admin@geelongpest.com.au | web: www.geelongpest.com.au SPRING 2020

GC HOMES | GARDENS

■ Balinese: Tropical greenery, showy flowers and airy space to laze in take you to Bali.

Backyard bliss As backyards become smaller, landscaping has, in some ways, become easier – but it has its challenges.

The smaller the space, the more attention is needed in the planning stage, writes CAROLE LEVY – drawing from the experts.

One of the biggest mistakes DIY garden designers can make is overestimating what can be successfully squeezed in, while maintaining the feel you want to create. But once you’ve worked out the right scale of gardens and any structures you may want to add, it’s time to get creative with the details.

Small backyards can be made into wonderful courtyards, spaces to invite relaxation and entertainment, in surroundings that have a theme to set the mood.

Here are four garden motif ideas to get the creative juices flowing: 1. Spanish ole The Spanish look suits our hot, dry climate and is all about tiered water fountains, symmetry, Moorish lanterns, urns and ceramic mosaics.

A water fountain may be a stretch in a small space, but an arbour constructed of chunky, rustic timber with a deciduous ornamental grapevine growing over it looks the part. Beneath the arbour, you can have large concrete tiles, or old bricks interspersed with geometrically-laid ceramic mosaics. Add a large terracotta pot or three, planted with hibiscus, lavender or plumbago, along with wrought-iron seating, and you’ll have the essential look. Succulents, yuccas, potted geraniums and oleanders all support this theme too. Plant in groups of three, five or seven to soften formality – but aim for symmetry at the same time.

2. Pictures of Provence Think natural materials, such as wood, sandstone, old bricks and loose gravel. Rustic

SPRING 2020

■ Provence: Rustic pots, iron tables and lavender set the Provence mood.

■ Tuscan: Flowering vines over pergolas, sandstone pavers and large urns take you to Tuscany.

sleepers delineating beds of lavender, wooden crates holding potted vegies, large terracotta pots planted with citrus trees, and rustic or iron tables and chairs… these give the look of Provence.

or cabanas, featuring Asian-style carving in support posts. Add a hammock beneath, or a low-to-ground day bed with plush cushions.

Lay bricks in geometric shapes, for example a circle to rim vegie patches; let a honeysuckle or climbing rose cover an arbour or pergola constructed of natural timber.

A wisteria-laden pergola, with sandstone pavers underfoot, kicks off that Tuscan feel. Aim for a private courtyard feel by planting vines on fences or lining borders with pencil pines.

Potted lemon trees, urns full of geraniums, topiary shrubs and a pond of waterlilies are other elements to be considered.

3. Balinese beauty Showy flowering plants, palm trees and bamboo, highlighted with feature lighting, start the look. Timber decking, large pots and dark-stone Buddha statues, fish ponds, stepping stones and lanterns are part of the Balinese style – along with thatch-covered, timber pergolas,

4. In touch with Tuscany

Vertical wall gardens, with pastel-toned plants, are also a great match with the Tuscan look. And lavender, in pots or clumps amid gravel, also works. ●

GEELONG COAST HOME&LIFESTYLE

31

DISP STIL L AYS UNDE L OPE N R STA R

Retirement Living, but not as you know it.

G ESTR ICTIO E 3 NS

ALFRESCO 7.0 x 2.1

BEDROOM TWO 4.3 x 3.0

STUDY BEDROOM THREE 2.3 x 3.3 LAUNDRY 1.9 x 2.7

BATH ROOM

LOUNGE & DINING 4.9 x 7.4 DW

STORE

BUTLERS PANTRY

KITCHEN

WM

LINEN

WO MW

WIR

ENSUITE

MASTER SUITE 3.4 x 5.4 GARAGE 5.6 x 6.0

ENTRY

Welcome to your new home at Armstrong Green by RCA Villages.

Spacious and light-filled, our modern, coastal-style residences offer all the creature comforts, so you can enjoy a stress-free retirement.

Designed to flow with the natural surroundings, there are eight contemporary residences to choose from. All our beautiful homes feature two or three bedrooms, a study, open plan living and north facing courtyards. How could you not love coming home every day?

N FA IR EW H DISP AV EN OPEN L AY

VERANDAH

FEATURING THE BELLARINE VILLA FE

F 03 SE ROM PT

Discover our beautiful designs today.

Display suite open seven days. 10am–4pm (closed public holidays).

Villa 90, 722–742 Barwon Heads Rd, Armstrong Creek 3217 Social distancing and other safety measures are strictly observed.

Freecall: 1800 777 898 armstronggreen.com.au

For more information about our range of retirement communities, visit: rcavillages.com.au

12456902-SN37-20