Last month, I was incredibly proud to share our home outdoor makeover collaboration with Pottery Barn, featured in the first issue of their new publication, The Collected Home. The Collected Home is a celebration of how Australians love to live and the first edition featured Sibella Court, myself and Jono Fleming as “Style Captains”. We were each given free reign to style and curate a range of Pottery Barn products, to create a look that reflects how we live. Below is the look I have created; our new outdoor area!


This was all done and photographed by me last spring. I am truly so proud to be able to share not just this collaboration with Pottery Barn, but also our outdoor living space and makeover.
Those who follow me on instagram may have seen the transformation of our home from a 70’s yellow brick ugly ducking, to the white modern farmhouse it is today. It took me 3 long years to convince my husband to do the board and batten cladding. We now both agree it was the final piece of the renovation puzzle.
We’ve since sold this lovely little modern farmhouse, and have found a lovely cottage to rent for the time being. We will look for another home at some point, but are in no rush just yet. We need a break from renovating!!










Anyway, I absolutely LOVE this Indio outdoor setting. It looks just as gorgeous at our new rental home, as it does here in our former home. It’s solid, elegant, versatile and truly outdoor ready. It’s also an absolute breeze to maintain.
My other favourite pieces are the large woven wall basket and metal drum side table. Both are pieces I also use inside and out and easily interchangeable in other areas of the home. The indoor/outdoor rug, coffee table, ceramic stool, cushions, basket, glassware, plates and napkins are all from Pottery Barn as well.
Our barn lights are from Barn Light Australia and our roofing is Colorbond in colour Wallaby.



I hope you’ve loved this makeover as much as we loved doing it! It was so nice to have a beautiful outdoor area to utilise during the summer. It’s also been so nice to have a finished space to entertain our family and friends.
Nicki xo
Hi – what a beautiful outdoor area you have. Could you tell me the driveway/ground material? Is it a compressed clay or gravel? Thank you.
Hi Catherine, thank you. This outdoor area we did using crushed granite. My husband did most of it and I love it as it’s inexpensive, rustic, and can be done in a weekend. Hope that helps 🙂 Nicki
Can I ask, you painted brick prior, and now I see board and batten. Did you just go over brick?
Hi Annie, yes we did. We board & battened the whole house over the brick but also framed out all the windows and doors as well. The painted brick was just a short term upgrade until we could do the board & batten.
Hi there! Love this set and thinking of buying it this spring. It looks gorgeous in your home. Can you share which colour your set is? (There is a teak finish and a grey one)
Thanks!
Hi Mar, ours was the grey wash with ivory cushions. But to be honest it actually didn’t fare that well after about 2 years being outside in our (admittedly extreme) climate (and not covered either). Nothing structural happened, and it still looks quite okay as I don’t mind the weathered look, but the outside surface did start to crack and peal. Having said that I believe they sell a different version now which I suspect might be more weather proof. Hope that helps!
Hi Nikki, your space is beautiful. I was wondering where the outdoor rug is from?
Hi Bethany sorry for delayed reply. The rug is an indoor/outdoor from Pottery Barn as well but not sure if they still stock it!
Hi Nicki
Love your Board and Batten Cladding, not seen this before. Are you able to please advise what materials you used, the batten spacing and width of batten?
Thanks so much. Jeanette
Hi Jeanette, we love this look and done it many times. We use marine grade ply and cedar battens. I can’t recall the spacing off the top of my head but when I do I’ll come back to you! 😊
Hi, what stain did you use on the deck?
Hi, the desk isn’t stained it’s a product called Modwood which comes this colour. 🙂
Where did u get the wall basket?
Hi Donna, the wall basket is from Pottery Barn Australia, although not sure if they still sell it?! N xo
Hi Nikki! Would you mind sharing the shade of white you used? Thank you for all your wonderful design ideas!
Cheers!
Grayson
Hi Grayson, sorry for the delayed reply – somehow I missed this comment. Our exterior is actually a custom colour mix. Sorry I can’t help! Nicki 🙂
Oh, I too was wanting to know your beautiful paint color!!! I’m having trouble deciding what color to use on my brick. Is there any way I can contact ur painter? Or u can? This color u have is perfect! I’d luv to use it. Just thought I’d try.
Hi Laura, sorry I wish I could but it’d have to find the old paint tins. Also, I generally wouldn’t select a colour just by looking at pictures as pictures are edited so may not look the same in real life and on your house. We have just used Dulux Natural White on a cottage renovation we’re doing and I absolutely love it! Its white but not stark and still has a bit of warmth but generally looks fresh and crisp. Hope that helps! Nicki