There is something uniquely Australian about living with your doors wide open.
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Maybe it is the light it lets in, the fresh air, or the greenery that cascades into indoor spaces.
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Whatever it is, this alfresco lifestyle is part of our Aussie DNA. Especially in Sydney and warmer coastal areas.
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Long summers and a culture built around entertaining outdoors make the indoor-outdoor experience feel less divided and more inviting.
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And designing spaces that blur this experience go further than just looks.
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It changes the way people live day to day, encouraging flow, relaxation and even a closer bond with nature.
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Below are some of the strategies I use to enhance connectivity between indoors and out.
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Open Transitions

Doors with big windows, whether they are folding or sliding, create a generous sense of openness that draws the eye outwards and invites people to step beyond the interior.
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They help maximise natural light and encourage movement to a garden, terrace, courtyard, or pool.
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When designing, I aim to remove thresholds that disrupt this relationship so that different zones still feel cohesive.
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If you can have a living room and outdoor area sitting flush with one another, the result is an uninterrupted extension of space. This often creates a great feeling of generosity.
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Even modest homes suddenly feel larger, with gardens and courtyards becoming part of the living environment rather than separate from it.
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Consistent Flooring Materials

One simple but powerful outdoor design technique is continuing flooring finishes from the interior through to the exterior.
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This creates a visual aesthetic that flows uninterrupted and enhances a home’s unity.
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For many Sydney projects, I recommend durable timbers, stone or large-format tiles that suit both indoor and outdoor conditions.
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When exact material consistency is not practical, I choose complementary tones and textures that achieve the same sense of cohesion.
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The outcome is subtle and transformative, avoiding awkward breaks underfoot and allowing entertaining spaces to operate as one.
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Connection to Gardens

A successful garden does not begin and end at the back fence.
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It should help to connect the different rhythms of your home and be a celebrated sanctuary that is visible from indoors.
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In smaller courtyards, vertical planting or living walls – like the one pictured – can deliver the same sense of vibrancy and depth, without demanding large amounts of space.
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In my designs, I seek to frame views of key garden features from the inside, like a sculptural tree, layered planting, or a water feature, so that they become focal points from living areas.

This not only softens the interior environment, but it also encourages people to engage with their outdoor spaces more often.
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Outdoor Rooms with Purpose

I often approach exterior areas as ‘rooms’ to help ensure they are coherent with the rest of a home.
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A shaded lounge nook, dining terrace, or a poolside retreat can mirror the functions of indoor living spaces. When designed thoughtfully, they also strengthen the connection between them.
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To reinforce aesthetic continuity, I tend to select furnishings and finishes that echo the interior palette.
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A timber dining table that matches the scale and tone of the indoor setting, or fabrics that carry colour from inside to out, help create a natural sense of flow.
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This consistency means the experience of moving between spaces feels effortless.
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Light, Air and Wellbeing

Fundamentally, the notion of indoor-outdoor living boils down to comfort and function.
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Daylight, airflow and protection from harsh summer heat all contribute to how a space is experienced.
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In Sydney, where breezes are often reliable, I design breakout spaces and openings to capture and direct them through the home. This reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and keeps interiors feeling fresh.
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Shading structures and deciduous planting provide seasonal balance, blocking intense sun in summer while welcoming warmth in winter.
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The result is not only greater energy efficiency but also a more uplifting and healthy environment for occupants.
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Feeling Inspired?
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When the boundary between inside and outside disappears, a home becomes more adaptable, more inviting and ultimately more enjoyable to inhabit.
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A sense of change never revolves around just one thing. Instead, it is the accumulation of many thoughtful details that make spaces more considered and better.
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If you are considering how to embrace an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, I would be delighted to help you explore what is possible.
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A Compatibility Call is a relaxed, no-pressure way to start the conversation. Connect with me today and let’s discuss your dream outdoor space.
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If you are thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, I would love to explore the possibilities with you.
‍
A Compatibility Call is a no-pressure opportunity to share your ideas and see how we can bring them to life. Book one in here, or connect with me below:
‍
M 0412 360 756
E  tonymurdoch@haluja.com.au
W www.haluja.com.au

In my years designing and managing transformative outdoor projects, I have seen first-hand how small changes can make a huge difference to how you live.
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I am based in Sydney, where we are fortunate to have a climate that encourages outdoor living for most of the year.
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We have an innate connection to being outdoors. So, our gardens, swimming pools, courtyards, verandas and balconies are not just ‘extras’, they are integral to our prosperity and often turn ordinary homes into showstoppers.
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At Haluja, our Listen. Collaborate. Create. philosophy helps us design spaces that not only look great, but function seamlessly with your lifestyle.
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If you are planning a revamp of your outdoor space, here are five practical tips and tricks that I often turn to when considering different parts of the outdoor experience.

Tip #1 – Layer Your Lighting

Considered pops of lighting can easily transform an outdoor area from a daytime retreat to a welcoming evening and entertaining destination.
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Outdoor lighting is by no means a perfect science, but I generally turn to these three tiers for our projects:
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- Ambient lighting for atmosphere (lanterns or soft wall sconces)
- Task lighting for functional areas like swimming pools, outdoor kitchens or BBQ zones
- Accent lighting to highlight focal points including plants, water features, or architectural details

For my Sydney clients, I usually suggest warm LED lighting with weather-resistant fittings, as these cope well with coastal air and summer storms.

Placing up-lights at the base of statement trees (e.g. Eucalypts, Banksias, Swamp Oaks etc) for dramatic evening shadows can create instant character to outdoor areas.

Low-voltage path lighting, especially on timber or, paved surfaces, is another easy addition that both looks terrific and improves safety.

If you are near the coast where the air is saltier, I suggest choosing marine-grade stainless steel or even better copper fittings, as this will prevent corrosion.

Tip #2 – Introduce Built-In Seating

Built-in seating is a great way to make the most of every centimetre of your outdoor space, while creating a distinct sense of permanence.
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If you have a larger garden, pool or firepit areas, built-in seating can become a stylish frame for these living and entertaining spaces.
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In smaller courtyards, a wrap-around bench can create a generous entertaining zone without cluttering the space with loose chairs. You can also integrate storage within benches to hide pool toys, garden tools and other outdoor stuff.
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Like outdoor lighting, it is important to consider materials that respond well to your climate. We love utilising off-form concrete (pictured above) or durable Aussie hardwoods like Mahogany, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt for built-in benches.
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Whichever you choose, make sure you top these with weather-resistant outdoor cushions!
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Tip #3 – Play with Plant Textures

Sydney is spoilt for choice when it comes to its wonderful plant palette. From lush tropical species to hardy natives, it can be challenging to know where to start…

One thing we love to do is mix planting textures on our projects. It helps to add depth, spark intrigue and create a sense of maturity and personality for your garden.
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In sunny spots, I often combine Lomandra with Coastal Rosemary for both texture and resilience. In shaded courtyards, you can try layered Ferns, Clivia and Giant Bromeliads for a subtropical feel.
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You can combine glossy-leafed plants like magnolias with soft, swaying ornamental grasses, or pair large leaf species (like Bird of Paradise) with the fine foliage of grevilleas to lift your backyard.
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In general terms, it is a game of layers when revitalising a planting mix. Think tall canopy plants for height, mid-level shrubs for structure and low groundcovers for softness. This creates a ‘full’ look without overplanting.
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Tip #4 – Maximise Shade

Shade is an essential part of any outdoor living space.
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With our iconic long summer days, a shaded zone will keep your outside areas comfortable and sun-safe when UV ratings are high.
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Whether it is a natural choice, like a well-placed tree or vine-covered arbours, or a structure like a pergola, veranda and shade sail, these all provide protection and can define a space visually.
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If you are exploring a pergola build or permanent shade fixture, ensure it is suitably positioned to filter the harshest western afternoon sun.
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An ‘organic alternative’ to a pergola could be to train deciduous vines like wisteria or ornamental grape to grow over an area you want to cover (see above image).
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These creepers can provide Mediterranean-style shading in summer and let the light in during winter when they have dropped their leaves.
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In smaller spaces needing a quick shade fix, a cantilever umbrella or retractable shade sail are both flexible and non-permanent sun solutions.

Tip #5 – Define Your Zones

Even in a compact courtyard, zoning creates order and makes the space feel more purposeful.
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This might mean a distinct BBQ dining area, a lounge nook and a green zone for planting or kids’ play.
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I like to use changes in surface to naturally define zones within a garden. Timber decking can work beautifully for a dining space, while crazy-paved stone creates a relaxed feel for lounging (pictured).
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For play areas, I often choose grass or resilient ground cover planting to soften the look and feel.
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If you love to entertain, I recommend positioning your dining area close to the kitchen or BBQ for easy flow, while lounge areas can be placed in low-traffic spots to help you unwind.

Got outdoor transformation plans?
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Great outdoor design is about creating spaces that respond to your lifestyle and your home’s character, while performing all year round.
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Often, a few considered adjustments can fundamentally change how you feel about your property.
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If you are thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, I would love to explore the possibilities with you.
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A Compatibility Call is a no-pressure opportunity to share your ideas and see how we can bring them to life. Book one in here, or connect with me below:
‍
M 0412 360 756
E  tonymurdoch@haluja.com.au
W www.haluja.com.au

During my 30-year career as a designer, developer and project manager, I have grown to love and truly appreciate the intricate relationships people share with the spaces they spend their lives in.
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I have built and renovated many homes across Sydney and Melbourne and know that no relationship with space is ever the same. Our bonds are deeply personal and change with the seasons and at different stages of life.

And therein lies the motivation behind Haluja; to transform spaces through considered design and function, in a way that expresses the unique personalities, lifestyles and aspirations of people.
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The Haluja Philosophy: Listen. Collaborate. Create.
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I launched Haluja almost a decade ago because it was a natural progression of my professional experience in development and project management, combined with my passion for landscape design.
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Collaborating with people has always brought me joy. That is why the business is grounded by the simple three-pillar ethos of Listen. Collaborate. Create.
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The key aspect that helps us realise this working philosophy is the tailored, one-on-one service approach we provide.
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From the very first conversation to final delivery, I remain personally involved to ensure every detail and decision aligns with the desired outcome for the project. This is how our work comes to life:
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Consultation – We meet to discuss your project goals, objectives and budget requirements.
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‍Concept Development – A preliminary design concept based on your input, lifestyle and personal preferences is created.

‍Schematic Design – An overall project palette is established outlining a space plan, preliminary material selection and desired finishes.

‍Design Development – Material selections, specifications and project drawings are finalised so we can undertake important value management works to refine pricing.

‍Implementation – We oversee the procurement, installation and finalisation of your project’s design, ensuring accurate execution and satisfaction upon delivery.
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This framework allows us to understand what clients need – both functionally and expressively – then respond with considered plans moulded to different people and end users.
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Transformative Outdoor Spaces by Haluja
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We pride ourselves on being a small and versatile consultancy that works with the best specialists to produce design-driven and enduring outdoor projects.
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By partnering with ‘masters of their craft’ across landscaping, carpentry, pool design and other niche areas, we are able to deliver the same high-quality outcomes expected from larger prestigious firms, while remaining accessible and adaptable.
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Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working on some incredible projects, with a focus on inspiring homes in Sydney’s inner suburbs. Below is what some of my clients had to say about our work together.

Sarah & Hugh – Bronte

“From inception to completion, Tony’s commitment to communication, detail and client satisfaction was both impressive and reassuring. The team of trades used by Haluja to create our beautiful outdoor spaces (we lovingly refer to as the resort) were thoroughly professional and always mindful of being in our backyard and surrounds.”
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“We absolutely love what Tony created for us and would not hesitate to recommend Haluja to anyone wanting a well-coordinated, professional team of people to help realise your outdoor dreams.”
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Yasmin & Nick – Randwick

“Tony at Haluja transformed our old backyard into an enchanting oasis that feels like stepping into a private resort. His visionary approach perfectly balanced aesthetic beauty with practical functionality, creating thoughtful zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining.”
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“His meticulous attention to lighting, plant selection and sustainable features has not only increased our home's value but has fundamentally changed how we live.”
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What’s Next for Haluja
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‍The recent brand and website refresh for Haluja reflects where we are today while staying true to our founding values.
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We remain a business underpinned by Listen. Collaborate. Create. and will continue to champion this philosophy to do exceptional work with our valued clients and trusted partners.
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As we embark on this new era for Haluja, we are excited by the prospect of designing and managing outdoor transformations that enhance the way people live, connect, reflect and unwind.
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If you are planning a garden update or considering a larger outdoor transformation, we would love to explore what’s possible.
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A Compatibility Call is a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore how we might work together. Setup a chat about your dream outdoor space here, or connect with me below:
‍
M 0412 360 756
E tonymurdoch@haluja.com.au