Page 76 - Tropic Magazine Issue 24

TROPIC • INTERIOR DESIGN

Great outdoors

DESIGN FOR YOUR HOME
In this new Tropic column,
interior designer Hyaesil
Gilligan talks outdoor
entertaining areas.

Far North Queenslanders know how Swimming pool
important it is to have a covered outdoor Since constructing a pool at our house,
entertaining area so we can use it all year I’m a massive promoter for having a
round, especially if you love entertaining pool at home. We live in the tropics and
with friends and family. the weather we get is hot or hotter, so
My number one consideration is to create when summer hits the swimming pool is
a space that is useable in all weather a game changer. I often say the pool has
conditions. A space that is functional, changed my perspective of Cairns in our
inviting, spacious and self-sustainable. notorious summers.
I highly recommend that the outdoor The design of the pool is no longer
entertaining area is attached to the main limited to the good ol’ kidney shape.
house. If it is detached, easy access is There are so many designs, materials
the main focus. Creating a seamless and colour choices these days. I have a
connection between the indoor and very minimalistic house and my pool
outdoor is a core part of Australian home matches the exact design brief. Do your I am a passionate cook who loves
design. research and find the right people based entertaining. I’ve installed a full outdoor
kitchen complete with BBQ, range hood,
Outdoor shower and toilet on reputation, not the cheapest price. floating shelves with LED strip lighting,
If your entertaining area is slightly There’s no doubt the pool provides great sink, fridge, dishwasher, and a full set
detached from your main house and entertainment for both children and of crockery. For added effect, I’ve also
you have a swimming pool, having an adults, another key reason I’m a big fan installed a striking emerald green fish
outdoor shower and a toilet with a small of the swimming pool. tale tile splash back. When I have my
vanity means your visitors do not need to Outdoor kitchen guests over, we’re ready to rock n’ roll.
go into the main house. After a big party, We all know the importance of the
your main house will be untouched and Aussie backyard BBQ but this time I’d Garden is equally important
clean. I am in for that! like to talk about the outdoor kitchen. I love gardening and have a lot of
knowledge in this hobby but I was never
able to successfully create a perfect
garden. This time around I did not waste
any time. I went straight to my garden
designer friend who was involved pretty
much from the planning stage of the
renovation. About five months later I
have an absolutely gorgeous and lush
garden foliage that is perfect for the
tropics and my whole new backyard area.
I really hope you pick up some ideas to
create your outdoor entertaining area for
some well-deserved and overdue dinner
parties after the COVID-19 lockdown. I
certainly cannot wait to have my friends
over for BBQs and drinks.

MORE: lgbuilders.com.au

76 • Tropic • Issue 24