What is your role at In Style Patios?
Director / Manage the installation and operations side.

How long have you been in the industry?
15 Years.

What’s your favourite thing to do in your free time?
Golf.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen on a job site?
Painting a wall on a plank that was cantilevering by 5m with 3 guys on the other end balancing the plank.

What did you do before working at In Style Patios?
Carpenter.

Who inspires you?
My Kids.

What do you love about your job?
Good Staff, Good Product.

Where’s your favourite travel destination?
​Burleigh Golf Club.

If you want a patio or pergola, pavilion, or carport built for your home by a team with experience overload, contact In Style Patios and Decks today on 0436 007 776 for a FREE quote.

Every homeowner dreams of a personal summer oasis in their backyard – the perfect place to enjoy a nice cold drink under the hot summer sun. Getting your garden ready for summer takes work, but it’s worth it as you enjoy the fruits of your labour. There are some important steps you need to take to get your garden in tip top shape and we’ll outline the key ones below:

Nutrients
If you’re planning on adding some beautiful flowers to your garden, one of the most important things is to make sure that the soil in the beds is rich in nutrients. Flowers need soil that contains the right amount of phosphorous and potassium to flourish. There are kits you can buy to test the soil, but usually the easiest thing to do is to add a new layer of top soil in the spring. With the right soil, water, and sun light, those flowers will add colour to your yard all summer long.

Mowing, Thatching, & Aerating
Along with flowerbeds, a well-manicured lawn will really add to the appeal of your garden. Achieving a lush green grass takes a little effort, but it’s well worth it. Depending on your starting point, the lawn may need to be thatched or aerated. Aerating is preferred if the lawn is in good shape to start. It involves puncturing the soil beneath the grass with small holes. This allows water and any nutrients you add to reach the roots and will generally make the lawn healthier. After that it’s just a matter of keeping your grass at the right length, a good target is 2 to 2 ½ inches, and you’re on your way to perfection.

Natural Herbicides for a Healthy Lawn
Natural herbicides work by giving your lawn the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. When it’s vigorous, the weeds won’t be able to take root and your grass will have that nice plush green look all of summer time. They’re super effective and safe for the environment. That’s a win for amateur gardeners everywhere, and a win for the planet.

Flower Power
To withstand a QLD summer, flowers need to be bold. These hardy beauties surely make the cut – sow ageratum (teeny tiny), balsam (aromatic), celosia (edible), cockscomb (bright), gomphrena (globe shape), impatiens (nicknamed: Busy Lizzie), marigold (loves full sun), sunflower (pretty).

Herbs, Fruit & Veggies
The best for South-East QLD & Northern NSW areas:
Herbs – Basil, chives, coriander, fennel, lemongrass, mint, parsley, and tarragon.
Fruit & Veggies – Artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, eggplant, leek, lettuce, melons, onion, potato (tubers), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomatoes.

Water for Growth
Every living thing needs water! The environment you live in plays a large part in how much water you have to apply yourself to the garden. Typically, you’ll need to water your grass every 2 to 3 days (early in the morning is best). As for the flowers, vegetables and herbs, watering them daily is necessary in summer (even twice a day- morning and night). Before developing a schedule, it’s important to pay attention to any local bylaws on watering as well. In areas where there are water challenges, it’s best to choose plants that are hardier. Additionally, a cactus plant could be the way to go. There are many beautiful types that can enhance a garden.

Enjoying the Results
Getting your garden ready for summer can be a lot of fun and it’s quite rewarding. The suggestions provided above are a great starting point. By applying them, you’ll be able to create a garden that looks beautiful all throughout summer and beyond. Most importantly, one you can enjoy with your guests on those hot summer nights.

Do you wish for a larger living space to complete your garden area at home? The team at In Style Patios and Decks can work with you to create a standout living zone, right in time for summer. We cover all areas including the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Tweed Heads, Logan & South Brisbane. We make dreams a reality! Offering the widest range of patios, pergolas, and pavilions, you’ll be sure to get whatever you desire. Call us today on 0436 007 776 for a FREE quote

Summer is around the corner… are you ready?
 
The cooler days are coming to an end, which only means one thing - You get to spend more time outdoors. Whether you want to relax in the garden with a good book, or have friends over for a barbecue, now is the time to start getting excited about the summer ahead.
 
What do I need to do to get my patio in tip-top, presentable shape? Let’s take a look!
 
Inspect The Zone
 
Winter isn’t as harsh on the gold coast as it is in some parts of the world, but the colder temperatures can still take their toll on your patio. As such, you should carry out an inspection as we emerge from the cooler months to see what - if any - damage has been done.
 
Take a look at your whole structure. The good news is that there shouldn’t be much to report. But it’s always good to know where you’re at before moving forward.
 
Spring Clean
 
A lot of people hate cleaning, because it’s a chore that’s a total bore! However, most do look forward to cleaning and caring for their patio.
 
Clean your patio exactly as you would your house. This means giving it a good wipe down, using a pressure hose is a good easy option, and don’t forget to clear out the gutters.  
 
Add Colour
 
Want your garden to look and feel alive this summer? A great way to do that is by investing in some vibrant flowers. Floras will add lots of colour to your space, and will flourish when positioned in full sight of the sun.
 
Colourful flowers such as the New England aster begin to flower in Summer and they attract beautiful butterflies, which are a delight to see in the garden. Then, if the weather does take on a duller turn, you’ll still have plenty of pretty to grace your senses.
 
Buy Outdoor-Rated Furniture
 
A big mistake when it comes to buying furniture, is buying furniture that isn’t for the outdoors. There’s a big difference between furniture that is rated for the outdoors, and furniture that isn’t. Furniture that doesn’t have the right foam and fabric will develop mildew super-fast!
 
For as much longevity as possible, and to make sure that your gear lasts beyond one summer, shop around for outdoor-rated furniture only.
 
Aim for Consistency
 
As well as buying outdoor-rated furniture, it’s also a good idea that you think about decor. Furniture that is mismatched with your interior design and garden, could look really wrong. If your green lawn contrasts sharply with crass red and yellow fixtures, it could greatly upset the ambience.
 
It’s a good idea to aim for matching colour schemes, as it will look a lot nicer to the eye. You could either buy furniture that matches your interior theme, or you could look for stuff that matches elements in your garden, such as your lawn or a blue pool.
 
Otherwise, if you had a strong colour arrangement going on with your plants, in which case you could buy stuff that compliments it.
 
Add Lighting
 
When the summer sun sets along the Gold Coast, be sure to have suitable lighting on your patio. Ambient lighting doesn’t need to cost a fortune. By adding it simply means you can enjoy the sweltering summer nights outdoors for as long as you want.
 
Be creative with your lights. Perhaps you could opt for fairy lights, or mini LED lights. Otherwise, if you’re thinking of getting a patio installed at your place, you can always ask the builders to install some in the patio.
 
Add-Ons
 
Summer days in Australia can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, and these days can be dry and still. Which is exactly why installing a patio at your property would be the perfect addition. This will create some much-needed shade, and something you and your guests will be able to enjoy and appreciate.
 
If your home already has a patio, you could add-on some outdoor blinds. They’ll allow you to enjoy the outdoors all year round without having to worry about harsh UV rays, wind and insects, while still enjoying a beautiful view.
 
Getting your patio ready for the summer is definitely worth the time. If you’re in the market for a new patio or pergola, In Style Patios and Decks are the ones you want to build it. We aim to provide the best quality products on the market, and all work is guaranteed. Contact us today for a free quote on 0436 007 776.

Turn your patio into the ultimate cinema
 
As amazing as cinemas are, they do come with some disadvantages: the price of a ticket and the food is always increasing, you have to drive or pay for transport to get there, and chances are there will always be someone who talks or eats loudly, or even worse, that person who leaves their phone on. If you love the seventh art, or simply like spending a nice moment watching a movie in the comfort of your own home, you will be thrilled to know that you can turn your patio into the ultimate cinema in a few steps, and at a reduced cost.
 
Take a look how it’s done:
 
 
The screen
If you want a permanent setup, then investing into a retractable projector screen is the ideal solution. If you don’t have a wall to attach a pull down projector screen to, then the portable or inflatable ones are a great idea. Otherwise, if you prefer doing it on a tight budget, there are still plenty of solutions for you, although some of them do involve some DIY - A thick white sheet (preferably clean and ironed!) could do the trick. You might want to be careful if your patio is not sheltered from the wind as a sheet may move during the screening. You can make a wooden frame for it (tutorials online). Additionally, you can get ambient outdoor blinds installed. They’ll block out the elements so you can watch your movie without those interruptions.
 
The projector
 
-       The image
Choosing the perfect projector is the most important step - and it might also be the most expensive. Depending on your needs and how sensitive you are to image quality, a quality projector would be an investment.
Next, jotting down some measurements of your patio is important, as the distance from the projector to the screen WILL matter. Where do you want to put your projector, will you use a stand, a table or some blocks to prop it up?
When looking at projectors, if you are not particularly tech-savvy, don’t spend too much time studying the technical characteristics of the products. Simply focus on the most important factors: resolution (high definition will have the image looking sharp, even on a big screen!), luminosity level (in lumens), which is important when projecting a film in the dark, and contrast (a higher contrast means a clearer image, brighter colours and deeper blacks).
 
-       The wiring
Using WiFi would be the ultimate way to go! Your installation will gain in fluidity, although you do need a strong internet signal to stream directly with the projector. An amplifier is perfect if your router is far away from your patio. A WiFi enabled projector will allow you to sign in onto apps such as Netflix, access your film library through Amazon Instant Video or Google Play. Other projectors will allow you to diffuse straight from your phone if they are iOS/Android compatible. Otherwise, use an HDMI cable to plug in your laptop, or audio/video jacks to plug into your DVD player.
 
-       The sound
Thinking about the sound - look at whether the projector is Bluetooth compatible, as this will reduce the numbers of wires running around. Using the projector’s built-in speakers - if applicable - is not recommended for an outdoor cinema as it might not have the best sound quality. Instead, you can use a Bluetooth sound bar or speaker. If you already have speakers (from your computer for example), your projector should have an Audio out port plug so you can use those. However, if you want to have the ultimate home cinema experience, you can invest in a surround sound system.
 
The setting
Even though technology is the basis for an outdoor cinema, do not forget about the ambiance! Once you have made the final technical arrangements and checked that everything is working smoothly, you need to set up the rest of your “cinema”.
In terms of seating, make your outdoor movie theatre extra comfy by using outdoor bean bags and seats, topped with cushions and thick blankets. Fairy lights and candles can add a lovely touch to your zone. On a less romantic note, bug spray and citronella candles can also come in handy. Last but not least, make sure you’ve got plenty of popcorn and lollies ready to roll when the movie does!
 
Now you know how to turn your patio into the ultimate cinema, what are you waiting for? If however, if you still need to get a patio built, call the Gold Coast patio professionals at In Style Patios and Decks on 0436 007 776. We want to help you live better outdoors!

Summer will be back around before we know it, so it’s always best to be ready to enjoy the heat as soon as it touches down. Having comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture can be a great way to really give your outdoor space a renewed and fashionable look.

The Furniture
Do you have a specific purpose for your open-air living area? Choosing fittings can be super fun and help you create the environment you desire. Selecting the perfect fittings can really make your zone functional and inspiring. Depending on your vicinity, you may want to decorate with a theme. Or you might want to style to serve a purpose, like entertaining or relaxing. Whatever your wish, you can create a rousing or relaxed outdoor space with just a few essential pieces.
First, consider the aspiration of your area and the type of seating that will be required. Will you need outdoor lighting? Do you want to use this spot when the temperatures begin to dip again in winter? Will it be used for an intimate environment, or for entertaining? Once you have the answers, you’ll be closer to your decision on the furnishings. There are so many options including soft external lounge suits, and tables to consider. You will want to contemplate colour and ensure you are providing the type of seating that is both weather-proof and modish.
If you plan to use this space all-year-round, you might want to think about a heating / cooling source. There are many options for these as well. You can choose a standalone gas heater which exudes heat of 360 degrees. Otherwise you may prefer overhead heating which directs the warmth towards the area desired. Additionally, a ceiling fan is always a win to have as they can make it feel 6-8 degrees cooler. No matter your budget, a heating / cooling is an excellent addition to make your outdoor space tasteful and functional.

Creating the Zone
Creating an alluring area is equally important and can be easily accomplished with twang colours.
Some of the best colours to make this area appealing are shades in blue and green, or neutrals. Choosing soft, warm colours will compliment this space for a relax feel. Too much colourful or busy patterns can be vibrant, but can lose the calming effect. Furthermore, bright and lively colours will play more of an energetic vibe.

The view
It is important to consider the view when planning your outdoor space. Sprucing it up with chic furniture for the summer is an excellent idea. However, you must take into account your patio view before finalising your theme. For instance, if your patio faces your neighbour’s house, your zone will want another focal point to draw attention away from the surrounding homes. Consider a feature garden or ornamental piece to pull your outdoor area focus.
Conversely, if you have a beautiful, scenic view of water or other landscaping, you may wish to position the fittings to include the view. You may also wish to provide colour hues that accompany the view - greens and tans to bring in the landscaping or blue tones to compliment a water view.

Pick and Choose
Create pathways with plant placements. This will help navigate your guests to the area of entertainment. A good way to create natural trails is to line the walkway with planters or benches. A slightly curved paved path, lined by ground cover is another excellent way to direct traffic to your focal point.

A perfect addition to any outdoor space is a fountain or statue. They can definitely set the mood and a great feel. If you have a smaller spot, you may accent with a tabletop fountain or sculpture for the same effect. Having a centrepiece can provide focus and make your zone homey and inviting.With just a little planning and vision, this could be your new favourite zone in your home.

If you need the Gold Coast patio experts to build you a new patio or pergola, contact In Style Patios and Decks on 0436 007 776. We’ll provide you with a free no-obligation quote, and talk you through our extensive range of options. 

Building a patio in your backyard is often on many peoples 'To do' list. However, more often than not, it's one of those things we dream of doing but never quite get around to it. In this article we look at the 5 main benefits of adding a patio to your home. Furthermore, we discover how you and your family will reap the perks. This could finally give you that nudge towards getting that patio you’ve always dreamed of.
 

• Increase the value of your home
  

One of the obvious and main benefits to building a patio is that they can help to increase the value of your home by adding another living area. A good, functional and well-kept backyard is an attractive prospect to any home buyer. These days, very few things can add hard value to your home greater than an outdoor living area, such as a patio or deck. This additional curb appeal often helps houses sell faster than usual. Additionally, sellers have noted its popularity rise as a sought after feature to new buyers.
 

• Enjoy any kind of weather outdoors
  

A patio can provide a tranquil outdoor space, free for you to use at your disposal. Forget the days when you had to pack the car and drive to a park, only to get rained out. A good patio provides this space for you to use at a moment’s notice. Relax in your own garden instead, and enjoy the easy nature of your outdoor space.
 

• Enable friends and family gatherings
  

A massive benefit to owning a patio is that it provides a perfect space to entertain large groups of people in the privacy of your own home. Whether friends or family, a patio provides a relaxed comfortable space to spend time with those you love. Having an appealing, open-air space for everyone to relax in, enables you to have people over without the hassle of shoes, food and mess being dragged through your home.
 

• Less lawn maintenance
  

If you are not the most avid of gardeners, this plus really is a good one – an outdoor patio means less lawn space you have to spend money on. Also, less time being consumed on the cutting and maintenance of it each week. Of course, a lovely large lawn looks great to some, but is it really the best way to utilise your space? Which leads nicely on to...
 

• Increase your living space
  

One of the biggest blessings to adding a patio to your home is that it actually extends your living space. A good patio isn't just a feature of your backyard, it adds an additional room to your home. These days the design and function of a patio can be designed to maximise your living potential, which can include the addition of sofas, games areas, BBQ’s with kitchens and so much more. Whatever you use your patio for, be sure to exhaust the possibilities of its potential and cater it to your family’s needs. The opportunities are endless!
 
So whichever point benefits you the most, or maybe it’s a combination of a few of them, take that next step and start planning your future patio today! Contact the Gold Coast patio experts at In Style Patios and Decks today on 0436 007 776 to arrange for one of our design consultants to work with you to create a standout living area at your place.

People look forward to different things when summer is around the corner. One thing that a number of us look forward to, is sitting outside in our very own outdoor patio. When the sunshine is out, there’s nothing better than to chill outside with a nice cold drink, perhaps a book, and of course your nearest and dearest.  
 
Let’s delve in and take a look at the things you should know before building a patio:

Position

A common mistake is to assume that the place for a patio is always adjoining the house. It’s obvious, right? You leave your back door, and step right onto the patio. But this doesn’t have to be so, and in fact the aspect is more important.
 
For instance, you should always consider the position of the sun. If the far corner of your garden catches the sun when it’s at its peak, will this be a good thing or a bad thing for you? Do you want to soak up all its rays, or would you rather be sitting in the shade?

Size

Size is a key factor. While some choose to shop around and get measurements for the furniture of their future patio before building. Then, others prefer to get the patio built, then go out and buy the furniture they want.  
 
Be sure to plan ahead. If there’s that 10 seater wicker table and chairs you’ve always wanted, make sure your patio is big enough for that and plenty of moving space.

Access

Access is a crucial part of the planning process, and it depends on how much you plan to use the patio, as well as what you will be using it for.
 
For instance - I knew that my family and I would be eating out on our patio regularly in the summer time. This is exactly why we located it near the kitchen. Had it be built at the other end of the garden, it wouldn’t be as convenient to use so often.
 
Have a think about how often you plan to use it and what you want to use it for.

Blending

Patios don’t always have to dominate your garden. Occasionally, they can blend in and be a part of it instead. Some people choose to avoid bold colours and patterns. While others welcome it!
 
If you’re unsure about what looks good, a professional patio builder will know and be able to make the choice for you.
 
Our team at In Style Patios and Decks have a highly skilled crew who will make sure you select the perfect patio for your home. We have patio designs that will suit any style of house. So you can be sure to get the best suited patio for your property. Call our team today on 0436 007 776 and let us know what you envision.

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.