Couple Makes Backyard Their Own With Bali Inspired Design
When Samantha and Tony Mato purchased an ex-display home in Southern River, they loved the outdoor space but felt it was missing something. “We had a great backyard with decking, fountains and cabana with built-in barbecue,” Mrs Mato said, though while putting finishes touches around the home where they had lived for almost a year, the couple realised “it was a big family home with all the bells and whistles, but no pool.” Moving from a property with a backyard, which they had renovated to reflect their love of Balinese design, they decided to inject a more tropical flavour into their southern suburbs space, turning what was a “nothing area” into a relaxing poolside retreat.
“The area where the pool is now was just plain with plants around the fence line and fake lawn in the centre – nothing special,” Mrs Mato said. Now, she described the space as “tranquil” with a pool area that takes the backyard to a whole new level. Mr and Mrs Mato enlisted the expertise of Barrier Reef Pools owner Brad Hilbert to consult on how to introduce a swimming space into the small space. “We didn’t know what space in the garden would be the best for a pool so Barrier Reef consulted us on different locations within the backyard,” Mrs Mato said. “They (Barrier Reef) then organised everything to do with installing the pool, a heater for the pool, paving the edge and fencing.” Ms Mato said Barrier Reef also happened to be the only company who had a pool to fit their space – a 5.5m fibreglass plunge pool with a long internal bench seat and indigo shimmer finish.
“Paving around the pool was to be same as the villas in Bali with the Volcanic black stone or similar,” Ms Mato said of the Bonita Stone pool surround. “We used minimal paving and used artificial lawn around the pool to give it a soft look with stepping stones and pebbles.” “We wanted the pump and pool blanket hidden but also wanted something to be visually attractive and match the decking.” After getting a few quotes from suppliers, the couple decided to make the pump enclosure themselves from a timber decked seat that hides the pool blanket and accessories and can be used to sit on and sunbake.
Mr and Mrs Mato now feel like they have a holiday retreat in their backyard. “We wanted to have an area also so the kids could have their friends over and enjoy and we love to just be able to have a dip in the pool when it’s hot.” “We stay at home a lot and the area is used all the time as a place of escape.” “You don’t feel like you’re in suburbia,” Mrs Mato said. “We love being able to just get in for a dip and have that feeling like you’re on holiday in Bali.”