12 Things Every Australian Home Needs
Is your property kitted out with these must-haves for Aussie living?
T Stanley
24 February 2016
With an emphasis on a good balance between work, rest and play, the unique Australian lifestyle presents loads of opportunities for making the most of your home as a place of comfort, entertainment and quirky appeal. Run through this checklist and see which, if any, areas you’ve been neglecting, which would enable you to live the Aussie dream at home. Oh, and if you’re worried about being a slave to the masses, don’t be – for each must-have, there’s an inspirational idea to help you break out of the box.
1. A swim-up bar
Sure, a bar inside offers lots of fun while entertaining guests, but if you’re a pool owner, there’s something extra cool about a swim-up bar that makes it feel like you’re on holiday. A ledge on which to rest drinks is a must-have inclusion.
Sure, a bar inside offers lots of fun while entertaining guests, but if you’re a pool owner, there’s something extra cool about a swim-up bar that makes it feel like you’re on holiday. A ledge on which to rest drinks is a must-have inclusion.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Don’t risk having your guests milling about with empty glasses – add a self-service ice trough to keeps drinks cold. Bonus: you can hang out with your friends rather than being stuck behind the bar.
10 reasons Aussies rule at pools
10 reasons Aussies rule at pools
2. Folding walls
Indoor/outdoor design provides a wealth of living, dining and entertaining options and it can be as simple as incorporating folding, sliding or telescoping walls into the layout. This home’s kitchen/dining area extends out to the balcony with the help of a NanaWall glass wall system.
Indoor/outdoor design provides a wealth of living, dining and entertaining options and it can be as simple as incorporating folding, sliding or telescoping walls into the layout. This home’s kitchen/dining area extends out to the balcony with the help of a NanaWall glass wall system.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Why limit yourself to one wall of stackable doors when a room can be opened up to the garden on two sides?
3. A skylight
Take advantage of our bright, sunny skies by installing a skylight or two. They work well in dimly lit areas of the home such as hallways and bathrooms, and can be custom made to fit. Best of all, they are very affordable considering the dramatic impact they make on the room they illuminate. In this powder room, a rectangular skylight is reflected in the mirror to enhance the sense of space.
Take advantage of our bright, sunny skies by installing a skylight or two. They work well in dimly lit areas of the home such as hallways and bathrooms, and can be custom made to fit. Best of all, they are very affordable considering the dramatic impact they make on the room they illuminate. In this powder room, a rectangular skylight is reflected in the mirror to enhance the sense of space.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Triple the light coming through your ceiling by positioning three skylights side by side. Coupled with a glass splashback, your kitchen will be filled with feel-good natural light all day long.
The glorious benefits of skylights
The glorious benefits of skylights
4. Indigenous art
Contemporary Aboriginal artists are gaining national and overseas prominence for their intricate, vibrant works influenced by storytelling traditions. Authentic paintings, rugs, cushions and other furnishings can be purchased from galleries. This painting of two women by Jack Dale Mengenen takes pride of place in an Adelaide home’s hallway.
Contemporary Aboriginal artists are gaining national and overseas prominence for their intricate, vibrant works influenced by storytelling traditions. Authentic paintings, rugs, cushions and other furnishings can be purchased from galleries. This painting of two women by Jack Dale Mengenen takes pride of place in an Adelaide home’s hallway.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Don’t limit yourself to one painting. Aboriginal art is so diverse in form and colour that it’s easy to introduce the perfect artwork into each room in the house. The paintings are different, but sticking with one style throughout your home can create a coherent flow.
5. A quirky letterbox
Let your imagination run rampant with a letterbox with a difference – it would be unAustralian not to! You could take inspiration from nature, as has this streamlined timber post and metal design; repurpose an old drum or buy one designed by one of our talented Aussie artists. The options are endless and it can express a cheeky sense of humour too.
Let your imagination run rampant with a letterbox with a difference – it would be unAustralian not to! You could take inspiration from nature, as has this streamlined timber post and metal design; repurpose an old drum or buy one designed by one of our talented Aussie artists. The options are endless and it can express a cheeky sense of humour too.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Upcycle vintage signs or wooden boxes to add eclectic charm to the front of your home. A tin or corrugated iron flip-top lid will protect the timber from the elements.
6. A barbecue (of course)
What would an Australian backyard be without a humble (or not-so-humble, if your budget allows) barbecue? Even apartment dwellers with a modest balcony can usually squeeze in a tripod model to cook up a sausage sizzle. This concealed barbie is housed in a purpose-built surround with a fold-out self-supporting awning; it offers the cook some protection from the rain and folds down flush.
What would an Australian backyard be without a humble (or not-so-humble, if your budget allows) barbecue? Even apartment dwellers with a modest balcony can usually squeeze in a tripod model to cook up a sausage sizzle. This concealed barbie is housed in a purpose-built surround with a fold-out self-supporting awning; it offers the cook some protection from the rain and folds down flush.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: If you have the space, think beyond a built-in barbecue and add a pizza oven too. It’s an instant crowd pleaser when you’re entertaining, and is fun to cook in.
Hosting the ultimate barbecue
Hosting the ultimate barbecue
7. A coffee machine
The average Australian drinks 9.2 cups of coffee per week and the popularity of coffee-making machines is on the rise. Interestingly, this hasn’t impacted adversely on cafe visits, possibly because consumers have developed a taste for ‘real’ coffee over instant.
The average Australian drinks 9.2 cups of coffee per week and the popularity of coffee-making machines is on the rise. Interestingly, this hasn’t impacted adversely on cafe visits, possibly because consumers have developed a taste for ‘real’ coffee over instant.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: If you don’t have a built-in coffee machine, there’s no need to feel envious. Turn your coffee maker into part of a coffee station, with all the fixings at hand to make your morning routine a breeze.
8. A water feature
Possibly the quickest and easiest way to jazz up a yard or balcony, a water feature with a recycling function offers huge versatility in terms of design, size and budget. Something like this award-winning, innovative glass table is ideal for a generous budget, but you can find very affordable models at garden supply stores or even make one of your own design if you’re into DIY.
Possibly the quickest and easiest way to jazz up a yard or balcony, a water feature with a recycling function offers huge versatility in terms of design, size and budget. Something like this award-winning, innovative glass table is ideal for a generous budget, but you can find very affordable models at garden supply stores or even make one of your own design if you’re into DIY.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Help your water feature look as good by night as it does by day with some clever underwater lighting.
Good reasons to use outdoor lighting
Good reasons to use outdoor lighting
9. Ceiling fans
Most of us enjoy comfortable conditions for much of the year, but in many areas of Australia, having the means to cool your home is essential to avoid sweltering through the mid-summer heat. Tossing and turning on a hot summer’s night without a fan in your bedroom is no one’s idea of a good time. And don’t discount ceiling fans if you have air-conditioning – fans keep air moving and make air-conditioning far more effective. Plus, in winter, turning a fan on low will force the warm air from heat sources to circulate better around your house.
Most of us enjoy comfortable conditions for much of the year, but in many areas of Australia, having the means to cool your home is essential to avoid sweltering through the mid-summer heat. Tossing and turning on a hot summer’s night without a fan in your bedroom is no one’s idea of a good time. And don’t discount ceiling fans if you have air-conditioning – fans keep air moving and make air-conditioning far more effective. Plus, in winter, turning a fan on low will force the warm air from heat sources to circulate better around your house.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Don’t forget to install ceiling fans on your deck or other outdoor rooms – they improve airflow and keep mozzies at bay too.
10. A beer fridge
It’s a great Aussie tradition to have a second fridge in the garage, whose purpose is to store beer and mixer drinks. For convenience and entertaining purposes it’s a great way to go. Just be sure to buy an energy-efficient model to avoid a power drain, and switch it off when you go away on holidays.
It’s a great Aussie tradition to have a second fridge in the garage, whose purpose is to store beer and mixer drinks. For convenience and entertaining purposes it’s a great way to go. Just be sure to buy an energy-efficient model to avoid a power drain, and switch it off when you go away on holidays.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Don’t want to take up valuable space in your garage or laundry with an extra fridge? Fridge drawers positions within easy access of outdoor areas are another way to go.
Create the perfect man corner
Create the perfect man corner
11. An outdoor shower
Keen gardeners or those who spend a lot of time at the beach or in a chlorine pool will appreciate being able to rinse themselves off outside under a shower fitted with hot and cold water. The showerhead can be wall-mounted or a standalone model on a privacy screen, like this western red cedar design. Add some soap on a rope and you won’t get sand, chlorine and dirt traipsed indoors.
Keen gardeners or those who spend a lot of time at the beach or in a chlorine pool will appreciate being able to rinse themselves off outside under a shower fitted with hot and cold water. The showerhead can be wall-mounted or a standalone model on a privacy screen, like this western red cedar design. Add some soap on a rope and you won’t get sand, chlorine and dirt traipsed indoors.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: An outdoor shower doesn’t need to be fancy. Timber cladding on the side of your house can create a beachy feel, and when it comes to washing the sand off your feet, you can’t go past a good old garden hose.
12. A water-wise garden
Save water and reduce maintenance with native or drought-tolerant plants such as lilly pillies. In this courtyard, they form a lush hedge bordered by agave attenuata. More low-water options include banksia, bottlebrush, spear grass, wattle, grevillea, mint bush, emu bush, yukka, cordyline and hakea.
Native plants that do us proud
Save water and reduce maintenance with native or drought-tolerant plants such as lilly pillies. In this courtyard, they form a lush hedge bordered by agave attenuata. More low-water options include banksia, bottlebrush, spear grass, wattle, grevillea, mint bush, emu bush, yukka, cordyline and hakea.
Native plants that do us proud
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX IDEA: Why waste your weekends mowing the lawn when you can go wild with native grasses? They add beauty and benefit the local wildlife, too.
TELL US
What is the non-negotiable item every Aussie home needs, in your opinion? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
6 Australian Bush Houses Redefine Rustic Charm
30 Sights to Make You Proud to Be an Australian
Back to the City: Redefining the Modern Australian Dream
TELL US
What is the non-negotiable item every Aussie home needs, in your opinion? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
6 Australian Bush Houses Redefine Rustic Charm
30 Sights to Make You Proud to Be an Australian
Back to the City: Redefining the Modern Australian Dream
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I enjoyed this article and the ideas, but the last point was disappointing. Upon investigation the photo and native grass appears to be from New York. Do you have any suggestions about an Australian equivalent please?
I love the swim up pool idea. It would be great with a concrete pool renovation project. It would look fantastic.
Melbourne homes must be passive solar designed to enjoy the warmth of sun in winter and areas of (yes water wise gardens) in summer with good cross ventelation for cooling. The use of gardens to shade, buffer against winds, create outdoor rooms is important to design into the site at first stages too. Dedicated and practical storage and enough of it is vital as is well designed work rooms: kitchen and laundries. Space for hobbies, crafts, guests can all be thought through at planning stage and make for a wonderful personalised peaceful abode.