Lifestyle changes in recent years have seen the common garden pot evolve into a practical fashion component for indoor and outdoor settings.

The range of materials and finishes now available in pots and garden features has made it possible to create virtually an unlimited pallet for garden landscapes … from the more traditional and formal look of natural stone, marblestone, sandstone, terracotta and terrazzo, glazed and in more recent years, fibreglass and GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete). The range of shapes has also expanded with improved materials, technology and manufacturing methods.

This week we spoke with John Hupfeld owner of Potsonline Outdoor Décor Group, factory direct importers of hand crafted pots, urns, planters, statues, water features and boutique garden décor.

Question:  There’s such a wide range of materials use to make garden pots and features now.  What are some of the newer trends and how do they differ from the more traditional materials?

John: Newer materials have allowed us to provide the market with lighter, stronger pots in bigger sizes and with finer detail.

   

Blended marble chip with concrete for example, provides a product that is lighter than concrete with the addition benefit of allowing us to create finer detail, particularly in statues (see above).

Reconstituted sandstone which is also a blend of concrete with sandstone sand is also lighter in weight than traditional sandstone and weathers in exactly the same way.  It’s also less expensive and more manageable to work with.

 

Old stone (above) is a mix of clay with iron ore filings which is fired at high temperature then sandblasted, exposing the iron  ore filings, which gives a rough and aged look. 

We’ve also introduced some unusual glazes such as our heavy metal glaze which is particularly suited to the metallic look in décor which is sought after at the moment for contemporary settings.  Colours include copper red, lava and cloud blue and jet black. This range is made with heavy duty clay which is high fired and glazed very thickly so it’s resistant to lime bleaching unlike many of the cheaper, inferior products available on the market.

GRC Glass reinforced concrete (left) has also become a popular material, its greatest advantage being its light weight quality and unique colours possible with this product, such as aged bronze and aged limestone. 

We’re able to make very large pieces in this material such as the Maximus GRC water feature and outdoor decor range (see left).

 

 

 

 

 

 Atalantis (below) is a high fired product made to look like as if it’s been reclaimed from the ocean.
It’s an extremely rustic, aged look well suited to most gardens.

 

Also very popular at the moment is Terrazzo which is comprised of concrete mixed with marble chips in black and/or white which is then hand polished.  More recently a light weight terrazzo (see above) which is marble chips blended with fibreglass has been developed. 

This new product also allows us to make much bigger shapes and sizes, for example a bowl 110cm which would not be possible with traditional terrazzo.  The lightweight Terrazzo is 90% lighter and be lifted by one person. 

 

All the new light weight products are good news for everyone and are extremely well suited to patios and apartments.

Question: What’s coming up in new materials?

John:  We’ve already launched lightweight fibreglass pots for indoor use and more recently and outdoor fibreglass range in striking brights such as fire engine red, bright orange and lime green as well as gloss black and gloss white. 

   

We’ve now added an Outdoor fibreglass range which is UV stablized very light and finished with two pack automobile paint making the finish high lustre and very strong. 

Welcome news for interior decorators is that the two pack paints allows us to work with them to develop a custom pallet to suit specific installations.  This is an enormous breakthrough and provide unlimited scope particularly for commercial applications.  Retailers also have the opportunity to custom order their own colours.

The new fibreglass outdoor range is light, can be made into virtually any shape, in very large sizes and in colours to match any décor. 

For further information and to see Potsonline’s range, click here.

Kellock Trading has also introduced a range of ultra light garden pots in addition to the Atlantis, Old Stone, Thai Limestone and various glazed ranges they have been selling for some time.  Metro Lite are made with fibreclay which is a cement and resin mix.

Properties of fibreclay allow for the production of large pieces not normally possible in ceramic or concrete due to the respective limitation inherent to those materials. 

    

Metro Lite are extremely strong and long lasting pots suitable for both residential and commercial applications and are available in both contemporary and classic shapes and styles. 

The range is currently available in grey, lead, ivory and whitestone finish however Kellock will be introducing new colours and finishes in the near future.

For further information and to enquire about stockists, click here.

A simple touch, such as the wind chime (below left) from Equator

   

Homewares add to the ambience of outdoor settings.  The collection of chimes is decorated with fish, driftwood, shells and seahorses.  Made by a French artist in Vietnam each design is finished with a small white bell which rings gently when blown by the wind.  For enquiries about stockists contact Equator Homewares on 9571 5000 or email: Alwa@equatorhomewares.com.

The wall hangings are from Earth de Fleur Homewares which sources natural materials including metal, wood, bamboo, coconut, seashells, wrought iron and stone for its range of Homewares and garden features all of which can be purchased online and shipped anywhere in Australia.   The Ombre Metal Wall feature (pictured above centre) is $149.95 and the 7 strand Shell Hanger Window Curtain is $39.95.

        

Featured above from Earth de Fleur Homewares are (from left to right) Bronze Metal Giraffe Garden features are $59.95, Pilbara Round Wall Décor is $129.95 and Dark Leafy Tree is $99.95

For further information and to visit Earth de Fluer’s website, click here.

Porters Paints sell a range of excellent products which can be used to enhance or revamp and protect stone and terracotta pots and features, outdoor walls, pavers and metal features.

 

Porter’s Liquid Copper and Patina Green (above left) are used together to recreate copper with the green patination of age. Suitable for almost any paintable surface, both interior and exterior, the oxidisation effect that the Patina Green has on the Liquid Copper makes it possible to create an authentic aged copper look to lamp bases, candlesticks, mirror frames and garden ornaments.

Porter’s Liquid Iron and Instant Rust (above right) create an authentic rusted iron effect on surfaces such as timber, plastic, plaster and masonry.  Any object or surface can be instantly aged and given a rustic iron finish.  Apply Porter’s Instant Rust to Liquid Iron and overnight corrosion and rusting will take place to give a weather beaten, rusted effect. 

Porters Industrial Lustre creates a rich shimmer on all interior and exterior surfaces while protecting surfaces such as gates, fences, trims, feature walls, garage doors, etc.  Industrial Lustre is a water based acrylic coating with an intribuing glitter effect created by the addition of Micaceous Iron Oxide which also adds strength and durability to the paint.  It’s suitable for domestic or commercial use.

Porter’s Stone Paint (below) is a premium 100% acrylic paint for exterior and interior use and  provides a uniform finely textured finish that does not age or streak. It’s available in either a Coarse or Fine texture. Stone Paint is particularly good over previously painted surfaces where a “hard” painted look requires softening.

 

Porter’s Concrete wash (above right) provides a subtle colour wash to bare concrete floors and payers. It’s perfect for creating interesting effects with borders and patterns, while avoiding the thick coated look of conventional paving paints.

Porter’s Paints are water based, a core value of the company being to ensure their paints are save for both people and the planet.

According to owner of The Big Buddha, Rick Saper, water features provide physical and mental benefits in living and working environments.

“Having a water feature in place creates tranquillity to sooth the mood and may also have a positive impact upon a person’s health,” said Rick.

“Research has shown utilization of water in an environment can lower blood pressure, relive stress and help relaxation.

   

“Running water helps purify air; this is especially beneficial in a closed space such as living rooms in home or offices in business buildings.

“The addition of water features adds humidity to the air. This is great for people who live in drier climates, as humidity can assist comfortable  breathing. Dry air can be a significant problem for those with respiratory problems.

“Adding an outdoor water feature to personal space, home or office area with green vegetation helps transform an ordinary space into a more people-friendly setting.” Said Rick.

For further information and to visit Rick’s website, click here.

Dean Durrant Design is a Melbourne based custom designer of contemporary water features specializing in the use of grantite.  His installations feature in both commercial and residential settings.  Below are some of his recent works.
For further information contact Dean on 0405 419 145 or email info@deandurrantdesign.com.au.

   

Vavoom Emporium represents Australian designers, manufacturers and businesses, its online catalogue showcasting a wide range of outdoor pots and features as well as architectural pieces such as the ones below, all of which can be shipped anywhere in Australia.

   

Pictured above are (left to right) Bluestone Gargoyles (a pair) $7,700, Bluestone Door Frame $10,890, French Style Doors $770.  Pictured below are (left) Wrought Iron Entry Gates $10,450 and Iron Screen $869.  For further information and to visit Vavoom’s website, click here.

   

 

ISLA from VONDOM is an instant oasis for the urban environment. Visual impact, brilliant functionality and strikingly unique, with its roto moulded rhomboid patterning, this new design will be the centrepiece wherever in use.

Combining a bench seat, substantially sized self watering planter and inbuilt ambient lighting, this design elevates it’s appeal above all competition for commercial and hospitality applications.

Illuminated Isla benches are brilliantly suited for courtyards, balconies and beer gardens. Available with remote controllable RGB LED’s or energy efficient white illumination and an IP65 rating for external use. 

 

 

 

 

IN & OUT are an extension of the ISLA collection from VONDOM. These striking planters are at home indoors or out and boast the option of illumination in bright energy saving white or remote controlled, programmable colour LED’s. Available in three sizes these decorative elements are rotationally moulded from recyclable polyethylene with inbuilt watering systems and an IP65 rating for external use.

 

ISLA and IN & OUT are both available from KE-ZU.  For further information and to visit their website, click here.

Carmen Darwin combined her background in garden design and horticulture with a love of interior design to create In There Out There.  Her business aims to create living environments blending indoor too outdoor seamlessly and creatively.

Question: Where do you start with creating an outdoor décor to compliment your client’s indoor décor?

Carmen: Outdoor spaces flow best when they are an extension both the style of the home and the style of the interior spaces. There are no hard and fast rules, however the best outdoor entertaining areas and gardens take a cue from what is already existing.

    

For example classic homes suit outdoor furniture and accessories that are more traditional. Flooring and paving lends itself to stone and wood, furniture to wicker and wood, planting is soft and pretty.

Alternatively modern homes lend themselves to stone, concrete product and sleek furniture with plantings that are very sculptural … architectural types of plants with strong form and lines.          

Look inside your home for cues.  Indoors and out show flow from one to the other, so look at the colours used, the style of furnishings, the architectural design of the space. Try and carry these outside so that there is similarity so the two spaces become seamless.

With our great climate, why not embrace the outdoors and make them really inviting for ourselves, our families and our friends.

We need to love that space if we want to use it. Try injecting a bit of colour into the cushions, table linen, candles, lanterns, pots or whatever you choose to put out there. After all it is a place where life is celebrated and your outdoor spaced needs to reflect that. 

For further information and to visit Carmen’s website, click here.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Outdoor Decor, Pots & Decorative Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.