If your home is in need of some privacy from prying neighbours, then read on…
 
In a world where everyone seems to be under intense scrutiny thanks to the rise of social media, surveillance networks and Google Street View, it seems almost impossible to get any privacy anymore. People tend to know what you ate for dinner and how you take your coffee.
 
Your home should be your castle and your own private retreat. Somewhere you can return to at the end of the day to enjoy some downtime. But often, even this seems to be too much to ask.
 
If you want to be able to hide away from peeping eyes, let’s take a look at ways of creating privacy for your home.
 
Lace Curtains
 
You don’t want to draw the curtains during the daytime and block out the sunlight because that can get depressing. Furthermore, you don’t want the kids playing ball in the street to see you watching Netflix either.
 
So why not go for some middle ground?
 
Lace curtains look great, they let the sunshine through into your home, and they also prevent people from looking into your window. This gives you solitude without giving up the sunlight.
 
If you’re not fond of lace curtains, you can opt for shades, drapes or even shutters.
 
Plant Evergreens (trees and shrubs)
 
Erecting a fence is totally within your rights, but if you’d prefer not to you could plant evergreens instead. Evergreens are natural, great to look at, and they preserve your privacy in a much more subtle way than a tall, unsightly fence.
 
Build A Courtyard
 
A courtyard might sound like a rather elaborate way of creating privacy for your home, but its super effective. A courtyard also improves the aesthetic of your front yard. Moreover, it alters the layout of the front of your house so that your window is no longer the centre of attention.
 
Additionally, courtyards make people stop and think twice before peeking, being more difficult to see everything.
 
Fountains
 
Creating privacy is not just about keeping out spying eyes - it’s also about preventing others from eavesdropping.
 
Fountains are a pretty spectacular way of preventing your neighbours from listening in on your conversations. They also beautify your garden and give you, your friends and family something pleasant to look at and listen to.
 
Pergolas and patios
 
If you opt for a pergola or patio you can easily create an enclosure that gives you privacy when you want to enjoy some time outdoors.
 
Additions such as these, can be embellished with vines, hanging baskets, and bright colours, and they can help to aestheticise your yard while creating solitude for your home. Outdoor blinds work wonders too!
 
Outdoor Blinds

Ambient outdoor patio blinds allow you to turn your alfresco area into an outdoor room in an instant. Creating a discrete environment, but allowing you to see everything. 

Having a slim profile, and available in colours that suit your existing surrounds, Ambient Blinds create seamless indoor-outdoor living 365 days a year.
 
Creating privacy for your home is absolutely possible. If you’re leaning towards a pergola or patio, contact the pro’s at In Style Patios and Decks on 0436 007 776. We want to help you live better outdoors and give you the privacy you desire.

By adding a patio to your home you will increase its value, have somewhere great to entertain, and you also acquire another living area for you and your family to enjoy. When the time comes to decide which style of patio you want, consider an opening sun roof. These roofs are utilise aluminium louvres that can open and close.

Here are the biggest reasons why you should install an opening sunroof patio at your home this summer.

Convenience
Having a roof that opens and closes, you can literally sit back, relax, and use the remote to get the roof to do as you wish without having to get up. Keep the louvres open if you’re wanting the breeze and sun to shine through. Then, simply closed them to keep the wind and rain out. You can effectively control the weather environment in your patio at all times. Adjust as you please!

Automated rain sensor
The Stratco Outback Sunroof includes a rain sensor to automatically close the louvres when it detects the first sign of rain. This is a particularly handy feature for times when you’re out. Which works extremely well when you have outdoor furniture that isn’t water proof.

Reduce heating and cooling costs
As the sunlight can be blocked out, your patio will stay cooler in summer time. Then, in winter you can let a little sunlight in to heat things up. Furthermore, your electricity bill will be considerably reduced, as you won’t have to use other means for heating and cooling your patio area.

Add value to your house
A patio always adds value to a home! However, an opening sunroof patio will add even more to it. When and if the time comes to sell, the sunroof feature will be one of those little extras that make your home so much more attractive to buyers.

Extra living space
An opening sunroof patio will ensure you are able to use it during any type of weather and during all four seasons. Having it fully open at any time will give you the sensation of being outdoors. But you can quickly modify the opening any time if the weather quickly changes without interrupting your occupation. Your kids can use your patio any time, and not be restricted to playing indoors during rainy conditions.

All these reasons to install an opening sunroof patio to your home make good sense as they will add value, convenience and functionality. The advantages are endless!

Experience ultimate versatility with an opening roof at your home this summer. Why wait? Contact the patio experts at In Style Patios and Decks today on 0436 007 776.

Since it is now approaching the beginning of summer on the Gold Coast, it is essential to consider ways to stay comfortable in the extreme heat. This is particularly true for the outdoor areas of your home. Without proper planning and design, it will become quite difficult to spend time outdoors when the heat gets into the 30’s this summer. Many properties have stunning views on the Gold Coast, and homeowners that plan properly will be able to remain cool during the heat while still enjoying the beautiful scenery that the Gold Coast has to offer. When trying to make plans for your patio and outdoor space, consider these three tips for keeping your patio and outdoor space cool this summer:
 

• Install an Outdoor Fan or Install a Misting System:

 
If you already have a deck installed, then it is absolutely possible to have the wiring installed to have a misting system or an outdoor fan. These are both great ways to be able to sit on your deck when it is really hot outside and feel some relief. If you have proper shading plus either a fan or a misting system, you will feel far better off than your neighbours. Remember that creating a breeze or having refreshing water sprayed on you will make a massive difference in the overall amount of time that you can spend outside enjoying your summer at home.
 

• Create a Shaded Deck or Pergola:  

Shaded decks or pergolas are a great way to not only cool down your outdoor spaces, but to also enhance the design of your landscaping. Consider installing one of our popular pergola solutions in a way that brings out the absolute best in your home. If you are able to do so, you will not only have an enjoyable place to relax, but you will also add a new design flair to your home.
 

• Eliminate Dark Coloured Furniture & Shading Structures:

 
During the intense summer heat, dark colours will create more heat. It is wise that you do not have large, dark coloured objects outside that will intensify the heat without shading. Your furniture should be light colours so that it is not as hot to sit on when the temperature is quite high. Furthermore, the shading structures should also be more neutral so the sun isn't attracted and produce unwanted, intense heat. These colour schemes will make a huge positive difference in the experience that you have sitting on your deck.
 
Final Remarks
 
There are absolutely beautiful summers to experience while living on the Gold Coast. In fact, some of the best weather and scenery that Australia has to offer is here. If you are a homeowner, there are many ways that you will be able to enhance your outdoor space to be able to appreciate the summer as much as possible. Be sure that you take the time to carefully explore all of your options so that you will find the option that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but that also significantly reduces the heat in your outdoor space. This will enable you to spend time outdoors and truly enjoy yourself this summer.   
 
If you’d like to explore your pergola options, contact the experts at In Style Patios and Decks today on 0436 007 776. We can give you a free, no-obligation quote, and ensure that you get the best solution for your home’s needs.

Spring is a fantastic time for vegetable gardening along the Gold Coast. What to plant this spring in your veggie garden can be a fun start to a plentiful spring and summer of home-grown veggie’s from your garden.

Know your zone!
It is best to ensure you are planting for the zone you live in to ensure you aren’t planting too early. Be sure to check out a Regional Zone Planting Guide before you plant if gardening is a new endeavour for you. However, if you are around the Gold Coast, you are in Zone 4 - the Subtropical region. Therefore, using the zoning planting guide, you can determine what to plant this spring in your veggie garden and get busy.

Herbs are great for every garden.
Great herbs to get started within your veggie garden this spring include chives, basil, oregano, dill, thyme, sage, and parsley. Planting these herbs in your spring garden will give you a great start to your garden, and a plethora of herbs to choose from for your spring and summer cooking needs.

Many of the herbs grow very quickly and yield a large crop early for use. You will want to place your herb garden where it can get a decent amount of sun – somewhere where the plants can receive at least 5 hours daily. Full sun is fine for most herbs. It is important to remember that many herbs have their own requirements that need to be considered. Dill likes to reseed itself once it has been trimmed back several times. Mint can be a very invasive plant so you may wish to grow mint in its own container. Oregano likes a medium, nutrient-rich soil and can tend to dry out in the warmer months, so make sure you water appropriately and mulch to help control moisture.

A variety of fruits and vegetables are important.
When you are determining what to plant this spring in your veggie garden, you will want to ensure you have a variety of fruits and vegetables included. Some perfect choices for spring planting in Zone 4 include beetroot, broccoli, cabbage and carrots. Chinese cabbage, melons and parsnips are also great choices. Sweet potatoes, lettuce, and watermelon are best planted in the spring. And don’t forget about pumpkin and tomatoes, which should be planted in the spring for best growth as well.

Sweet potatoes should be planted toward the end of the spring months; however, once they are planted, sweet potatoes typically can grow all year long. On the other hand, early spring is the perfect time to plant white potatoes – but don’t over-water and be sure to control moisture with mulch. Tomatoes also have great success with spring planting but these plants have to be watched closely in the hot, summer months.

It is important to remember that pumpkin plants encroach on all surrounding plants and spread out wildly when growing on the vine. Therefore giving pumpkins their own space to grow is important. This will ensure you get the hardiest plants without allowing the pumpkin to strangle other veggie plants in your garden.

Soil is important.
Remember, the soil type and temperature are important to your spring veggie garden. You will want to ensure you are using rich, nutrient-filled soil once the soil temperature is warmer and ready for spring planting. For instance, when considering tomatoes, in most cases you will want to make certain that your soil is not too high in nitrogen. Choosing cow or sheep manure for fertilizer is a good choice. If the soil is too rich in nitrogen your tomato plants will produce more leaves than fruit.

However, it is important to remember that some of your veggies and fruits will not need extra fertilizer at all. Just add compost if you need additional organic matter in your soil if you are trying to keep the nitrogen levels down. Again, too much nitrogen can cause leaf overgrowth with no fruit growth in some plants. The beetroot is an example of one vegetable you want to not add fertilizer to at all.

Conversely, the silverbeet plant will grow best and hardy with the addition of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Also knowns as Swiss chard, the silverbeet is a relative of the beetroot family but grown for its leaves and stems. It is a cool climate plant and is a great pick-and-eat plant because the plant will keep producing more leaves even after you have picked the leaves. Many leaves can be harvested at once and it will not be detrimental to the plant.

Whether you are new gardener or an expert, deciding what to plant this spring in your veggie garden can be a fun time. Planning what yummy herbs, vegetables and fruits you want to get started with gives you an excellent beginning to your spring, summer, and autumn garden and ready for a productive and successful year of gardening.

Are you building a deck on your house or condominium? Are you looking to improve your outdoor living space with a patio or deck? If this is the year for you to finally start that deck building project, you will want to consider these 5 tips for a safe deck before you begin your project.
 
#1 – Hire a Professional – One of the best ways to ensure you have a safe deck is to enlist the professional guidance and expertise of a professional builder or carpenter. A professional can help ensure that you are building the best deck for your property, using the best wood and materials for your climate, and guide your design to be the most cost effective and useful space that meet your needs.
 
#2 – Follow Your Local Building Codes – Another thing a professional can do is help you understand and navigate the building codes for decks in your area. In order to add a deck to your home, you may have to submit plans, following certain building code requirements for where you live, or ensure you are not disturbing utility lines or water pipes or a septic system. It is best to be familiar with codes and requirements and the layout of your property before beginning a deck project.
 
#3 – Install Railing or a Bannister – It is a good idea to have hand railing available on your deck if there are any steps. You will find that inclement weather can cause a deck to become very slippery. Having a hand rail on your deck steps can help make certain that everyone enjoying your deck continues to enjoy it and not have any falls or slipping accidents. Bannisters and railings are an excellent addition to your deck to keep everyone safe.
 
#4 – Clean and Finish Your Deck – One of the things that many deck owners overlook is the importance of keeping your deck free of debris like plants and leaves. These plants and leaves, if left for a long time on the decking, can cause mildew. Mildew can rot the wood over time and, more immediately, cause the deck boards to become slippery thus becoming a safety concern. It is important to clean your deck regularly including clearing debris and cleaning the wood. Staining the wood to protect it is also important; this can help prolong the life of your deck.
 
#5 – Have Your Deck Inspected Annually – Water damage, rusted or damaged fittings, rotting of the wood, and even insects can wreak havoc on your wood deck. It is important to have it inspected annually to ensure it is still a safe place for you and your family. Identifying issues with the wood, screws, or supports early can help you repair the issues quickly and more easily, ensuring your deck stays safe and lasts longer, which can save you money in the long run.
 
So whether you are starting an outdoor improvement project or just looking to improve your current deck space, taking these 5 tips for a safe deck into consideration will help you develop a wonderful outdoor living space that you and your friends and family are sure to enjoy for years.

If you're ready to have a new deck installed, or just want to speak to an expert about your options, contact us today. At In Style Patios and Decks we pride ourselves on quality work and great customer service. Call our team today on 0436 007 776.

A patio is an excellent addition to any home to increase the value, add more living space, and to have somewhere pleasant to entertain friends and family. If you are in the market to add a patio to your home, here is a basic guide to the different types of patios available. Along the way, giving you some tips and things to consider when deciding the roof style.

Flat Patio
A flat patio roof is exactly as the name suggests, but with a small pitch of 1-3 degrees to allow for water run-off. They are less expensive to build and don’t take as much time to install as the other styles. A flat roof patio is very low maintenance – no painting required, just a simple rinse off every now and then is all that’s necessary. Embrace the modernism!

Gabled Patio
This type is made with two sloped sides meeting in the centre, with a varied pitch depending on the look you want. A gabled roof can be made to match the roof of your house for a uniform look. A gabled roof will give you an airy patio with a look of spaciousness. These patios are also perfect if you’re wanting fans outside. Overall, they’re an ideal idea!

Curved Patio
If you are having trouble deciding which style of patio roof would suit your home, consider a curved one. They’re super stylish and will easily blend with any style of house. With the rounded shape, this flair will give your patio a feeling of openness. Curved roofs tend to repel rain, wind, and leaves. Enjoy the smooth look that a curved roof creates!

Flyover Patio
A flyover patio is not attached to the house itself, but is built sitting above the roof. If your home is low, this type of patio roof is especially suitable. A flyover patio will provide more natural light, and will promote more airflow to make it cooler in summer. The flyover is usually built between 200-400 mm above the rooftop, but is easily build to another height if you desire. This patio offers another element in home improvements!

Bulkhead Patio
What is a bulkhead? In the construction world, a bulkhead is a portion of a ceiling that is dropped and enclosed. Bulkheads are built to look like an extension of the house. They are usually there to provide a decorative feature, or are sometimes even used to hide electrical wiring or duct pipes. Downlights or ceiling fans can easily be incorporated into a bulkhead also. Bring inside, outside with one of these beauties!

The major consideration when deciding on the patio style you want, depends on the style of your house. Modern, ornate or rustic style homes would all suit different types of patios. Luckily, the talented and very qualified Gold Coast patio builders at In Style Patios and Decks can help design the best suited patio for your home. Simply call us on 0436 007 776 and let us know what you’re wanting.

It can be rough to be outdoor wooden furniture. While these pieces are designed to withstand the sometimes crazy weather, they often take a beating and over time, start to look a bit shabby and worse for wear. This does not however, mean that the furniture has served its purpose and needs to be relegated to the dump.

It's actually really easy to restore outdoor timber furniture. In turn, saving yourself money and giving your existing pieces a new life. It's also environmentally friendly to reuse, rather than purchase something else. It keeps things out of the waste stream and reduces the demand for virgin timber furniture.

What follows are just a few ideas as to how to restore outdoor timber furniture. See how simple it is to bring outdoor timber furniture back to life:
 
Give it a good cleaning
 
Sometimes our outdoor furniture really just needs a good thorough cleaning. This is a good first step to help assess just how much work your furniture is going to need. Using wood-appropriate cleaners, gently remove the dirt and excess debris that has caked up on the furniture over the past few years.
 
Sand and re-seal it
 
The elements can really take their toll on our beloved outdoor furniture. This is especially true if it gets left out in inclement weather or even just for a whole winter. One of the most efficient ways to get a proverbial second life out of your outdoor furniture, is to sand the pieces down to their original grain, and re-finish the pieces. This allows you to start with a fresh surface, and it allows you to choose your desired stain and really make your timber furniture shine.
 
Paint it
 
It is recommended that you sand your furniture before repainting. However, this is a great option if you want to add some color to your patio or backyard. Even if the grain of wood isn't attractive enough to be displayed with sealant and lacquer. There are tons of different wood and outdoor-appropriate types of paint colours and textural finishes. Painting your weathered furniture lets you easily cover up any flaws in the wood grain, and gives your pieces a completely new look for relatively little money.
 
These options are of course, not the only options available for you to restore new life to your old furniture. The above options are just the easiest and least expensive choices you have available to you. With these opportunities, you can spend a weekend totally transforming your outdoor furniture. Do you accept this challenge???
 
Just because you’re outdoor wooden furniture looks like it has seen better days, does not mean that its utility has passed. This is a great way to save money, decorate in an environmentally responsible manner, as well as give yourself a creative, fun weekend project. Whether your furniture just needs a simple cleaning, or you need to sand, re-seal, or just paint, there are many ways to get a second life out of your over weathered outdoor wooden furniture.
 
If you’ve now restored your cherished outdoor wooden furniture, and are wanting something else you can look after and enjoy, a timber deck is for you. The team at In Style Patios and Decks are the Gold Coast's decking experts. The QLD climate and home designs mean that a deck is a 'must have' and can add significant value to your home. Call us today on 0436 007 776 and let’s discuss details.

If you intend to start shopping for furniture for your patio, you have a few decisions to make before you get out the credit card. Be sure to look for furniture to suit your lifestyle, budget and the size of your patio. You will need furniture that is functional, comfortable and will beautify your patio to create a space to enjoy with your family and friends.

Check out these following guidelines for selecting the perfect patio furniture:

Determine how you use your patio
It is important to ask yourself how you will be using your patio. Your choice of furniture will depend on whether you wish to use your patio as a quiet place to relax with your family, or to entertain friends with parties and barbeques. Depending on the ways you wish to use your patio, your choices could range from sofas with lots of cushions, to high tables and stools.

What is your budget?
The price of the furniture and your budget are the most important things to consider. To stay within your budget, look for the best quality furniture that suits your needs, and that gives you the most value for your money. Always shop around!

Select easy-care furniture
Once you have your new furniture set up, you won’t want to worry about it. Choose quality furniture that can withstand any kind of weather. Buy furniture that will continue to look good for years. Find out how to clean and maintain the specific type of material the furniture is made of, as constant maintenance is not an option for busy people.

Comfort is important
Having comfortable furniture is very important, as you won’t use it as often if it’s not comfortable. Test chairs and sofas for comfort in the shop before you make your choice.

Go for durability and top quality
To find the most durable and quality patio furniture, you will have to consider the material it is made of. Patio furniture is usually made of wood, metal, plastic resin or wicker. If you like wooden furniture, look for a high quality material such as teak, which is resistant to rotting and warping.

Plastic resin tables and chairs look good when brand new, but after a year or so out in the elements, they will become discoloured and brittle. Furthermore, if you live near the sea, metal furniture will be subject to rusting from the salty air. Galvanized metal, aluminium and wicker furniture are the ones that will live a long life.

After considering this handy information for selecting the perfect patio furniture, you are now ready to go shopping. Have fun, and design a patio you will love and use for many years to come.

If however you don’t yet have a patio, In Style Patios and Decks have you covered. Our team of highly qualified builders can design and construct you the patio to best suit your home. All you have to do is call us today on 0436 007 776. We’ll do the rest!

Decking is a great way to extend your living space into the exterior of your home. But as tropical hardwoods grow ever more expensive, what decking trends are people around the globe today? Let’s take a look and find out!
 
Wood
Pine and other softwoods are still a popular option for many first-time buyers. This is largely due to its affordability and the fact that it is lightweight and easily workable.
 
Tropical hardwoods such as Merbau and other local hardwoods are the traditional choice for exterior decking, due to their beautiful appearance, graceful aging and hard-wearing properties.
 
Alternative Options
Although natural materials still dominate the decking market with around 80% of buyers choosing wood for their decking, this figure is gradually decreasing. Many new decking projects and refurbishments now opt for more hard-wearing, affordable and eco-friendly option.
 
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, pocket-friendly and near-maintenance-free option, which is becoming popular among many buyers who are looking for an alternative option to wood. Although it is more expensive than softwoods, the minimal upkeep requirements soon offset the initial costs.
 
Composites
Composite decking is the fastest growing option for new decking. Many buyers are attracted to its durability, affordability and hard wearing properties. In addition to these benefits, many people are now choosing composites as an environmentally friendly option. The majority of composite decking is composed of recycled material, plastics and reclaimed wood. These materials are then forged into a durable composite that is sustainable and requires minimal upkeep. A variety of finishes are available to suit the design requirements of your home.
 
Whatever option you choose, your decking will become an important area of your living space for years to come. Weigh up your options carefully before committing, and choose the decking solution that is right for you.
 
In Style Patios and Decks are the top Gold Coast and Brisbane deck builders. We use a wide variety of materials from Treated Pine and Merbau through to roll formed steel and SHS. Call our team today on 0436 007 776 and let us know what deck you’re dreaming of.

Your new pergola will need lighting for practical purposes so you can see at night, and to also add beauty and atmosphere. Read on to discover some of the best pergola lighting ideas to choose from.

Your choice of lighting will depend mainly on your budget and the purpose of your pergola. Can you afford to install recessed lights, or are fairy lights more within your budget?  Will you be using it mainly for entertaining, or simply to relax with your family?

Choosing your lighting scheme during the design stage is easiest. This way you can get any electrical work incorporated during the building process if required. However, if you already have a pergola and you are now thinking of lighting ideas, that’s easy too.

Let us tell you about some of the best pergola lighting ideas:

String lights

Create an enchanting atmosphere with string lights strung along the beams, hung from the beams, and even wrapped around the posts. They are easily installed by just plugging into the nearest electrical outlet. Another option is to use solar powered string lights, which are even easier to install, with the added bonus of there being no charge for power.

You can use ordinary white bulbs, LED bulbs, or even fancy coloured bulbs. For a more festive or romantic atmosphere, you can find bulbs in many wonderful shapes – flowers, stars, butterflies, birds. Almost any shape you can imagine!

Recessed lights

If your pergola is attached to your house, installing small built-in lights along the beams is a popular option. The wiring runs along the top of the beams which out of sight. Recessed lights are best combined with other lighting types - mounted lights placed on the corner posts for extra brightness.

Pendant lights

With so many pendant lights to choose from, they’re a perfect choice for a pergola. Hung from either a cord, chain, or metal rod, these stylish lights make any area look trendy.

They come in so many shapes and sizes, from lanterns to linears (a few light sources attach to a single canopy), and everything in between.

Wall lights

These lights also have such an eclectic and wide range to choose from, which makes them extremely popular for pergolas.

They’re great to use if you have an external house wall to attach them to. Furthermore, wall lights are a perfect fit to use in combination with other types of lights, such as string lights.  Bringing light to the whole pergola area!

Candles

If you’re really restricted by your budget, candles are a simple, cheap and energy efficient choice. The sky is the limit with the options available. You can mix and match different colours and styles to bring a party atmosphere alive. Otherwise you can keep it more tranquil for a romantic dinner area.

Hang them or stand them on a table or bench. If you have small children or animals, the use of flameless LED candles is always a good option.

Whichever style or combination of lighting you decide on, the best pergola lighting ideas are those that provide both practical and decorative solutions. Make your pergola an amazing outdoor space for the enjoyment of you and your loved ones.

If this has encouraged you to get a pergola built so you can create a perfect outdoor area at your home for whatever you choose, call the team at In Style Patios and Decks on 0436 007 776. We have some of the best pergola builders on the Gold Coast/ Brisbane areas.