Backyards are an afterthought for many homeowners. However, taking advantage of that outdoor space is a smart way to make your home more functional and give yourself a real oasis where you can relax. If you have been planning on extending your living space and fully embracing your garden there are some things that every yard should have to make the zone more enjoyable. Putting in time and effort to transform your backyard can significantly increase the value of your home and the enjoyment that you get from your home.

The top backyard must-haves for every property include:

A patio
Adding a patio to your house will give you the space you need to entertain family and friends or just hang out and enjoy the outdoors. A custom deck will also add a lot of value to your home and give you the perfect spot for picnics, bbq’s, and other gatherings. When you’re having a custom patio designed for your home, be sure to incorporate different areas for outdoor activities so that you can get the most out of those backyard spaces.

A hammock
There is nothing quite like relaxing outdoors in a hammock on a sunny summer afternoon. Hammocks come in a large range of styles and sizes so you can find one that’s perfect for you alone, or one that will accommodate the entire family. Hammocks are prefect for naps because the gentle rocking motion will help you get a restful sleep. Furthermore, relaxing in a hammock can actually help increase your focus while decreasing stress.

A fire pit
According to some interior decorators, a fire pit is a hot topic. They are ideal for a gathering spot for the family and can be used all year long. Enjoy roasting marshmallows on evenings with the kids or sitting outside on a cool fall night with some hot cider or hot chocolate. Most homeowners are surprised by how much they use a fire pit once they have one installed. Custom fire pits can be made to fit into any size backyard, so even if you have a small backyard you can be one of those lucky people who own one to enjoy whenever you wish.

A garden
Gardening is very therapeutic, so starting your own flower or veggie garden can become a fun hobby that will provide lots of fresh flowers or healthy vegetables for you and your family to enjoy. If you don’t have a large backyard for a full garden patch, you can have a container area built into your yard with custom made gardening boxes for plants.  

Sitting spots
Seating is the key to making your backyard living area super inviting and cozy. Don’t skimp when it comes to outdoor seats. There are some awesome patio sets you can buy to create a separate dining area outdoors but be sure to also have outdoor sofas and big comfy chairs designed for relaxing or curling up with a book on.
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Outdoor kitchen or grilling area
Creating an outdoor cooking area is a fantastic way to get the most out of your backyard. A custom-built outdoor kitchen isn’t as expensive as it might sound. Adding a covered area with a grill, small fridge, and prep area can transform your whole space. Summer barbecues will only get better and better.
 
The In Style Patios team are an authorized Stratco dealer. We have patio designs for every style, with the widest range of patios, pergolas and carports available. To get a FREE quote, call us today on 0436 007 776.

If you have obtained several quotes for your project, it is important to compare apples with apples. In this case – patios with patios. This will ensure you get the perfect outdoor area for the best price. Because there is so much detail in each quote, making a fair comparison can be extremely difficult.
 
Here are the vital questions to be asking the patio installation company:
 
Are the specifications of the patio the same?

Has everyone quoted you for the same style of patio? e.g. Flyover design

Is everyone using the same roofing? e.g. Insulated roof. 

Are the posts the same on all quotes? e.g. Hardwood vs Steel
(posts can impact the cost significantly)

Are all dimensions the same?
(Minor changes to dimensions can have a significant impact on the price and engineering)

Is there an overhang on the roof sheets or beam?

Are there any extras included?
(Installation of lights and fans can add $1,000's)

Have they included connecting the down pipe to storm water?

Is QBCC Home warranty insurance included?
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Is council / building approval included?
 
For a FREE quote, call the highly skilled team at In Style Patios today - 0436 007 776

How to turn your patio into the ultimate cinema

Does the drive-in movies bring back fond memories for you too? It’s the place where many of us saw our first movie on the big screen. The best part was that we got to do it in our pyjamas, either enjoying a warm summer night in the open-air, or rugged up in the back of the ute with doonas. Enjoying hanging out with friends and family, watching a good movie on that huge screen. Those memories last a lifetime!

​These days outdoor movie theatres are rare. That doesn’t mean we can’t recreate the experience. It’s easier than you think, and you don’t have to break the bank to do it.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it happen:

No old-fashioned movie reel needed
A projector is probably the first thing you’ll need to get the ball rolling. That’s an intimidating prospect for most people. In the past, a good projector would cost more than a thousand dollars. Sure, you can still spend that kind of money if it’s in your budget. There’s no doubt the quality of the picture will improve, but you don’t have to spend anywhere near that nowadays. The prices have dropped dramatically in the last few years. You can now purchase a decent machine between $100 and $300. If you’re willing to take your chances with a used system, you could potentially spend less.
Depending on your cash flow, another option is to purchase a big 75”, 85”, or even 100” tv for a few $1000’s. They are much more expensive than a projector, but you won’t have to worry about changing the bulbs. The life of a bulb is usually about 2000 hours, with some projector bulbs lasting longer than this.

The wall
If a projector is the option you’ll be going with, the next step is to think about what you’re going to use as the white wall. If you don’t have a physical white wall to use, a simple white bed sheet can work wonders. Just be sure that – the sheet is white, ironed, and tightly strapped on a flat surface.

Audio options
Most projectors have some kind of built-in speaker system. On less expensive models the quality of the sound isn’t impressive. Fortunately, many of them are also Bluetooth compatible. That will allow you to hook up your own external audio without the hassle of wires.  You can use a system you already own, or purchase a Bluetooth speaker to use with your system.

The source
After putting the puzzle pieces of your audiovisual system together, you still need a source for movies. All projectors these days have HDMI inputs for you to plug in a DVD player, your favorite streaming stick or even your laptop. It is that simple!

Comfort
Now that all the fiddly stuff is dealt with, you’ll have to decide what to laze on to watch these flicks. Seating options for your new outdoor family entertainment center are only limited by your imagination. You can simply throw a couple of sleeping bags and some pillows on the lawn. If you prefer sitting, beanbag chairs are a great option. Recliner chairs, or simple chairs with extra padding are great too. Just be sure to get comfy. You don’t want a sore bum half way through a great movie!

As long as the weather cooperates, you’re in for a fabulous night! This could be the new weekend tradition with the family?

​If you don’t have any kind of appropriate zone for this kind of thing, but would love one, call In Style Patios today on 0436 007 776 for a free quote. We can design and build you the pinnacle of outdoor design – a pavilion. Speak to one of our design consultants today!

In most Asian countries, removing your shoes at the door is a tradition. Many tourists in Asia have suffered nasty glares and panicked shouts for accidentally keeping their shoes on when entering a homestay, hostel or even worse - a temple. While it is related to culture, beliefs and the way of life in Asia, there are plenty of other reasons to remove your shoes before going inside.
 
Health
Can you imagine all the stuff you step on throughout the day? All the things that end up on pathways and roads will also end up on the soles of your shoes. And researchers have found that bacteria and toxins on shoes do transfer to the floors. According to a study from shoe company Rockport, hundreds of thousands of bacteria can be found on new shoes worn for only a couple of weeks. Toxins found in pesticides, coal tar, lead etc; also settle in your home, on your floors and rugs. These germs and toxins can cause various infections, especially if you have children who tend to walk on their hands, or lick the floors! So, unless you want to invite E-coli for dinner, think twice about getting in your house with your shoes on.
 
Maintenance
Apart from bacteria and toxins that you would not want in your home, there is another reason to keep your shoes off - dirt. A no-shoe territory means your house will pretty much be dirt free - at least from the outside dirt! The cleaning routine will thus become easier and might not have to happen as often.
 
Respect
While it helps keeping dirt and bacteria at bay, leaving your shoes outside is also a way to show respect. If the custom has been widespread for centuries in Asia, some people on other continents find it unusual to be asked to remove their shoes. But now that you know how much grime and microbes your shoes carry, you can understand how the request makes sense. So, even though you might feel offended, uncomfortable or embarrassed (there might be a hole or two in those socks of yours) when asked to remove your shoes, it might be more offensive to your host if you keep them on. After all, you are entering their home… It is only normal that you shall abide by their rules.
If you live in a flat, taking your shoes off might also be a great relief to your downstairs neighbours who might not want to hear your every single step!
 
Comfort
Have you ever felt relieved once you had taken your shoes off? Shoes aren’t always the most comfortable to relax in the house after a long day. Therefore, it can feel so good to let your tired feet roam free! For added comfort, get you and your family some slippers. Easy to slip on, and they’re great because they still let your feet breathe and do not force them into unnatural positions like certain heels on shoes will.
 
Savings
Last but not least, prohibiting shoes inside the house will make your floors as well as your shoes last longer. Shoes can really damage the floors and heighten the natural wear and tear. High heels might leave traces, especially on wooden floors. As for your shoes, the less you wear them the longer you will be able to keep them!
 
There are many reasons to get rid of your shoes once you get home. It’s time to make a new habit out of it! Your home and your feet will thank you for it. Also, if you are not sure about asking your guests to take their shoes off, make a cool sign – “Since little fingers touch our floor, please take your shoes off at the door.”