b'alternative solutionchic outdoor livingelegant and modern outdoor livingDesigners Kate Ryan and Vaughan MacKenzie-Browne of Zones Landscaping suggest this alternative scheme:Weve reimagined this Italianate garden as a contemporary outdoor living area. A small space can be made to feel bigger when the eye is drawn to different areas. The design centres around the Mini Burton fireplace and the screens create cosy privacy and act as artwork in the garden. The diagonal and vertical screen on the back wall is finished with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect to look like laser-cut steel, and not only gives the eye somewhere to travel to but gives the space depth and ambience at night. Changing the decking to garapa decking protected with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil softens the space and adds warmth. The ceiling in Resene Pitch Black makes the space feel like an additional living area. The star jasmine and Little Gem magnolia have beautiful fragrance and are also hardy and easy to grow. The topiary potted plant creates fun and form and will be a talking point for guests.phone 0800 60 01 38 web www.zones.co.nzResene Half Forest GreenMagnolia grandifloraLittle GemSouthern Woodswww.southernwoods.co.nz0800 800 352Resene WB Woodsman NaturalJuniperus chinensis Resene WB Woodsman Blue Point Spiral Topiary Bark Standards of Excellencewww.topiaryplants.co.nz07 549 0852Outdoor Canvas Cushion CoverBolt of Clothbefore www.boltofcloth.com Mini Burton Outdoor Fireplace03 389 5203 Trendz FireplacesResenewww.trendzoutdoors.co.nzAbove: Timber is the star of this outdoor living area with three different shades ofillustrationGreen Spring 0508 252 784wood playing a part in this modern design. This ombre design starts with the softMalcolm Whitenatural tones of garapa decking protected with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil,Resene WB Woodsman the screens near the fireplace are stained in Resene Waterborne Woodsman BarkPitch Blackwith Resene Pitch Black wood stain on the ceiling. Timber screens on the back wall are coated with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect to give the look of corroded metal and the concrete seat and pavers are stained in Resene Concrete Stain tinted to Resene Bleached Grey. The walls and columns are Resene Half Alabaster to tie in with the classical garden elements of the magnolia tree, star jasmine hedge and spiral topiary. Outdoor sofa and coffee table from Outside Space, cushions and throw from Bolt of Cloth. Stella Round Outdoor Coffee Tabletop tip Outside SpaceWhen staining or painting timber a dark colour, opt for a Resene CoolColourwww.outsidespace.co.nzReseneReseneformula. This special heat-reflective technology will reflect more of the suns09 630 6177Bleached Grey Half Alabaster heat and keep the timber finish and surface cooler helping to protect the wood.76 77'