Senses and Sensibility Make a Melbourne Patio Magical
Plants that appeal to the 5 senses, one-of-a-kind fences and plenty of space for entertaining cast a pleasing spell on the whole family
Presented with a blank slate at the back of their house, Australian architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato decided to create an outdoor wonderland for their family. Having a playful and entertaining space was important with two children at home, but they wanted a serene spot adults could enjoy, too. Dividing up the space by activity, using plants that appeal to all five senses and getting creative with storage and seating solutions created a luxurious space that keeps both kids and grown-ups in mind.
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: Dominic and Marie Bagnato and their 2 children
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 580 square feet
Cost: $31,000
Patio at a Glance
Who lives here: Dominic and Marie Bagnato and their 2 children
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Size: 580 square feet
Cost: $31,000
The opposite wall is covered with layers of cement boards cut in a random pattern. Dominic finished the wall himself with a rust-effect paint. The paint contains iron fiber that reacts to an acid coat; it's applied in layers. Just after he finished painting, a rainstorm hit, giving the treatment extra wear.
The Bagnatos incorporated plants that smell, taste, look or feel interesting for their children to experience. Four kinds of fruit trees, pots full of herbs and planters with different succulents delight the senses.
The Bagnatos incorporated plants that smell, taste, look or feel interesting for their children to experience. Four kinds of fruit trees, pots full of herbs and planters with different succulents delight the senses.
"We sought to create a series of outdoor spaces for our family to enjoy, like you would plan the inside of your home," Dominic says.
Low planter-box walls at different heights create extra seating for kids and adults — nice to have around the dining area. A full barbecue cooktop is hidden on a platform behind the stacked stone wall. Here the adults can cook dinner and still watch over the kids. A garage with direct access to a rear road sits just behind the grill. Five 9-foot-tall pine posts help distinguish the garage area from the entertaining zone.
Low planter-box walls at different heights create extra seating for kids and adults — nice to have around the dining area. A full barbecue cooktop is hidden on a platform behind the stacked stone wall. Here the adults can cook dinner and still watch over the kids. A garage with direct access to a rear road sits just behind the grill. Five 9-foot-tall pine posts help distinguish the garage area from the entertaining zone.
The patio extends down the side of the house, ending at a red lime-wash-painted wall. The feature wall highlights a DIY garden ornament that's visible from inside the house. Wall lighting makes the garden feel magical at night.
Above the patio an extra room on top of the garage serves as an office and media room. It has a clear view of the house from its Juliette balcony. Best of all, it's accessed from the ground by a pull-down ladder, giving it a playful feel.
Have you created an amazing outdoor room? We'd love to see a photo below!
Have you created an amazing outdoor room? We'd love to see a photo below!
They built 9-foot-high fences on either side of the patio for more privacy. "We didn't want the fences to be all the same, so we created themes," says Dominic. The fence on the right is lined with a horizontal pattern of Merbau wood from Southeast Asia.