With the landscaping, pool and finishing touches now complete, Kyal and Kara have officially finished the build of their brand new family home on the NSW Central Coast.

Their L-shaped, Mediterranean-meets-coastal home, centres around the outdoor alfresco area, yard and pool, so designing a garden and home exterior that marries with the interior aesthetic was a must for Kyal and Kara.

The garage door was custom built by Delta Garage Doors and has been clad in blackbutt timber to tie in with the rest of the home exterior.

"We've worked with Mon Palmer on the design of this garden, says Kara. It's definitely an Aussie coastal garden with elements that help create a Mediterranean feel."

Curved concrete walls, sandstone paving and feature walls, palm trees and a sparkling blue pool all help to achieve this look.

Large sandstone pavers lead the way to the backyard and pool. The mature Livistona australis palm had to been craned in.

"The sandstone walling is the "Santorini" wall cladding sourced through Stone Style. It's actually an Australian sandstone that has all the sandy and brown tones quintessential to the Australian landscape," says Kara.

A spiral staircase provides access to the parent's retreat and home office.

As well as nailing the Mediterranean-meets-coastal look, Kyal and Kara also wanted the garden and pool to be family-friendly and low-maintenance.

The central location of the garden and pool, which is visible from the main living area and kitchen, means Kyal and Kara can keep an eye on the kids at all times.

Crazy sandstone paving adds to the Mediterranean-coastal feel.

'Moss Splash' Mosaic tiles, from Beaumont Tiles, make the pool a sparkling shade of blue.

A small pool makes maintenance manageable, as does the stone paving, choice of plants and modest lawn.

"We have viburnum hedging along the length of the back garden which is a fast-growing hedge that will help to create privacy and screen the fence, says Kara. Apart from the occasional hedge trimming, this is a great family friendly, low maintenance option."

"Around our sandstone stepping pavers, we've laid a white crushed granite which we felt was an easier option that trying to grow grass around them."

A outdoor shower is perfect for washing off the sand from the beach before jumping in the pool.

Feature plants 

• Strelitzia Nicolai
• Livistona Australis palms
• European fan palms
• Tristaniopsis Laurina “Luscious” trees

While the cold weather hasn't stopped the kids from swimming in the pool, this garden is going to be at its best in summer.

"In summer, we plan on having the sliding doors open so that the areas feel connected, says Kara. The grassed area steps down from the paving and we can see our kids and their friends using this to sit and eat when we have BBQs."

Paragon Stacking Doors, from Wideline Windows, create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

The perfect place to soak up some rays after a swim in the pool.

"We eventually plan to do a white curved pergola over the large crazy paved area with a built in BBQ, but that's a job for the warmer months once we've recovered from the main build," she adds.

Tips for designing a family-friendly garden 

Incorporate a grassed area to play ball or relax with a picnic rug.

Allow room for a vegetable garden or herb boxes that the kids can help grow things and learn along the way.

Our two have chosen a fruit tree each to plant, which is a nice way to teach them about the process of planting and caring for the trees. It will be nice to watch these trees grow with them over the coming years.

Get creative with play time. There are so many creative options available for gardens big and small. Sand pits, cubby houses, chalkboards, mud kitchens – whatever the idea, create a weekend activity and get the whole family involved.

Originally published on Homes to Love as “Kyal and Kara’s Mediterranean-meets-coastal garden and pool”.