If your dream outdoor space includes whitewashed walls, striped umbrellas, planter boxes spilling with trailing greenery and a spot to sip a spritz, you’re not alone. Mediterranean-style backyards are having a major moment, and with good reason. They’re fresh, timeless, and perfectly suited to the laid-back way we love to live.
To find out how to bring this holiday-at-home style to life, we caught up with local renovation expert Kane from Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions, who’s been helping families across the Shire transform their homes and backyards for years. We picked his brain for practical tips, builder-backed advice, and what’s trending right now.
So, what actually makes a backyard feel Mediterranean?
Think curved concrete features, off-white render, crazy paving, and zoned seating areas with clean lines and warm textures. It’s minimalist but inviting, mixing natural materials like timber and stone with crisp whites and soft earthy tones. A space that looks pulled together, but never overdone.
What’s trending?
Curved walls, rendered finishes and crazy paving are some of the most popular features making an appearance in Shire backyards. These elements create visual interest while maintaining the relaxed, sun-drenched feel Mediterranean gardens are known for. Also built-in seating and zoned areas, like a dining nook with a white stone table and timber chairs, are also popular. The style is minimalist but warm, and everything has a sense of purpose and flow.
And the plants?
Yes, olive trees and rosemary are beautiful, but they’re not always practical for Aussie backyards. For a more climate-appropriate (and low-fuss) approach, here are some of the most popular choices for local backyards. Birds of Paradise, Golden Cane Palms, Mexican Lily, and the ever-popular Mickey Mouse cactus, all lush-looking but surprisingly low maintenance.
For soft trailing greenery, Dichondra Silver Falls is a favourite, especially to spill from white planter boxes or built-in garden beds. The mix of texture and tone brings the whole space to life.
What materials work best?
To capture the Mediterranean look, opt for travertine pavers in a crazy paving layout, brick or concrete fencing, and white or off-white render to brighten and soften the space. Natural materials like stone, timber, and terracotta are ideal. Mix in natural wood tones, slimline planters, and classic striped umbrellas in earthy-and-white palettes for that extra touch of Amalfi charm.
Don’t have a huge yard? No problem.
This style is just as effective in tighter spaces. Use vertical gardens or climbing plants to draw the eye up, choose compact paving styles to create flow, and incorporate built-in elements that do double duty (like benches that double as storage).
Planning a makeover? Start here.
Before jumping into a full reno, it’s important to consider drainage, material choices, and how your layout will function. Sticking to a clear design vision, and budget, will help keep your project on track. And yes, that crisp white render may require some upkeep, but the payoff is worth it.
Kane’s styling tips:
- Choose natural textures: stone, timber, terracotta
- Stick to sun-washed tones: whites, creams, and soft earthy colours
- Style with a white stone tabletop and timber chairs
- Include a striped umbrella or outdoor fabric in soft, sun-faded tones
- Big, bold pots in white or stone finishes
- If your looking for a render colour, Dulux Berkshire White is a great choice – its a bit of an off white so it doesn’t cast as much of a glare on really sunny days and brings a level of warmth over brightness.
When to get started?
A backyard transformation like this usually takes around four weeks. Winter is an ideal time to begin, outdoor spaces are used less, giving you the perfect window to renovate before spring and summer roll around.
Small upgrade with big impact?
Start with an existing brick wall. A fresh coat of soft white render, paired with a few sculptural plants in white pots, can instantly lift your backyard. Add a timber bench and a striped umbrella, and suddenly you’re not just outdoors, you’re somewhere else entirely.
If you’re dreaming of long lunches, warm stone underfoot, and a backyard that feels like a Mediterranean escape, the team at Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions can help bring it to life, whether you’re after a full reno or just a few key upgrades.
Chat to Smith & Sons about your dream backyard.
https://www.smithandsons.com.au/
Phone: 1300 787 577
