Case Study: Jamie’s Backyard Workshop
Work from home, see your family more often and not have to travel. Sounds ideal right? But for most of us who have suddenly found ourselves working from home, the reality is more like this:you’re working in the living room or on the dining table, and family are working just metres away. Trying to block… Click here to read on
Kids at Home? Create Space with a Study Room in the Backyard
Whilst we all #stayathome to help flatten the curve – we can’t help but think of all the amazing parents out there who suddenly find themselves doing a double-full-time job; parenting and schooling their children! The challenges of all working/learning in such close quarters takes some adjusting to. Aussie families are turning to their backyards… Click here to read on
Working out at Home? A Guide to Your Home Gym Setup
Every day now, more and more of us are spending all day at home, juggling the airspace with partners, kids and pets who are also all staying inside. While we all adjust to this new normal, it’s important to keep some of our daily routines in place. There’s never been a more important time to… Click here to read on
Temporary office exemptions for bushfire affected businesses
Amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 allow bushfire affected businesses to operate temporarily out of a portable office for up to two years without council approval, while they plan and rebuild their permanent premises. The provision will only allow existing approved businesses in business and industrial zones to… Click here to read on
Backyard Home Office
Your New Backyard Office Awaits We all deserve to have a comfortable backyard home office when you work from home. Every day now, more and more people are beginning to work from home across Sydney. At times distracting, stressful, and inefficient (especially when the kids are home from school), working from the dining room table… Click here to read on
Finance option now available!
Needing a payment plan or finance for your new Melwood purchase? We now offer a competitive finance solution that ticks all the right boxes! Brighte is Australia’s leading on-the-spot finance platform for solar, batteries and home improvements. Their payment solutions are designed to save you money and help the environment. Let us help get your… Click here to read on
Garden Room Timelapse Video
Have you ever wondered whether you would be able to put in one of our garden rooms? Take a look at our recent timelapse video below to find out just how quick and easy they are to setup! This is an eSpace design 1600 with the eSpace cedar upgrade and double hung windows. FREE delivery… Click here to read on
Coming in hot: Pool Cabana Inspiration (just in time for Summer)
Pool Cabanas are the new must-have that Aussie families are splashing out on. They’re stylish, functional and guaranteed to make you get your money’s worth out of your pool. We’ve rounded up our Top 6 Pool Cabanas for you. Scroll down for serious backyard envy inspiration. Claire’s stylish black pool cabana … Click here to read on
Claire’s Must-See Backyard Transformation (with a stunning pool & modern black cabana)
There’s nothing we love more than a good before & after! The lovely Claire of @theshabbychick, (aka queen of furniture transformations) recently applied her skills to her entire backyard. By adding a Melwood Pool Cabana, and a pool to her backyard, Claire has transformed a bare patch of grass (‘dead space’) into a stylish… Click here to read on
This Stylish Teen Retreat doubles as a Media Room
Most parents can relate to the struggles of growing teens. They crave independance and their own space, but aren’t old enough to be ‘out on their own’ just yet. The solution? A stylish teen retreat in the backyard! Aussie families are adding these garden rooms to their properties to give their teens independence & space,… Click here to read on
Proposed changes to the NSW Exempt & Complying Development
What is the SEPP? Complying & Exempt development in NSW is governed by the SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) 2008. The SEPP commenced in February 2009, and provides consistent state-wide standards that allow for faster & easier approvals for minor developments. The State Government is continuously monitoring the SEPP to ensure it is effectively “reducing… Click here to read on
This Multipurpose Garden Room is a Home Gym & Hobby Space
This multipurpose Garden Room is a Home Gym & Hobby Space. Meet “Caz’s Cottage” – a garden room that doubles as a home gym and a sewing space. Carolyn’s garden room gives her space to work out each day, as well as dedicated space to focus on her sewing projects. Carolyn has chosen… Click here to read on
Pool Cabanas: transform your pool area & enjoy year-round use
A backyard pool provides endless enjoyment for family & friends in warmer months. But a lot of pool owners complain that their pool area is “only used for half of the year”. However, there’s a solution to this common problem! Sydney property owners are boosting their backyards with the addition of a Pool Cabana. These… Click here to read on
The secret to achieving work/life balance
Do you ever wish you had a space dedicated to your work? Somewhere to set up, and be able to focus without distractions. The ability to close the door at the end of the day, knowing that everything will be untouched until you return. That’s the dream, right? But all too often, the dream is… Click here to read on
Top 9 cabana photos of 2018 – as voted by you!
The results are in! Here’s our top 9 photos from 2018, as liked and chosen by you. Scroll down for the story behind each photo. 1. Espace garden room becomes a sleek & stylish Bat Hospital This sleek and sophisticated Espace Garden Room is more than just a statement in the backyard. It’s now… Click here to read on
Andrew’s Metalworking Workshop
Imagine if you had space to focus on your hobby, without distractions. Space to perfect your work. To fine-tune details. Spread all your tools & materials out, and not have to pack them away. The luxury of closing the door at the end of the day, knowing you can return to your workshop and… Click here to read on
Backyard bars are on the rise. Create your own with these 5 easy steps.
Backyard Bars are quickly taking off as the newest (and coolest) trend in outdoor living.
How to create a Backyard Bar in 5 easy steps.
From the Archives: An Art Studio for renowned Australian Artist Keith Looby
Taking a look through the Archives at our Head Office recently, we came across a fascinating #melwoodartstudio from the early 90’s. It was the art studio we created for Renowned Australian Artist Keith Looby! #honoured Keith, who won the Archibald Prize in 1984 for his portrait of Max Gillies, is famous for his multi-layered painting style,… Click here to read on
Got a Heritage-Listed property? You need to read this
Owning a heritage-listed property is a wonderful thing. Your property is a piece of history – representing a time gone by. That often means that it is also in need of a little TLC. One of the biggest frustrations for heritage property owners are the limitations put on improving the property. In order to… Click here to read on
5 Multi-purpose Studios that Changed Lives
Multi-purpose studios change lives. 👉They transform dead space into valuable space, 👉They free up space inside your home, and 👉They make property value go up like a helium balloon. (Woohoo!) You’re probably thinking Yes Please Especially if you live in Sydney. In the name of Inspiration, here are 5 multipurpose studios that changed lives.… Click here to read on
Do I need a Concrete Slab for my Garden Room?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is “Do I need a concrete slab for my Garden Room?”. The good news is, most Melwood Garden Rooms don’t require a concrete slab! Unless you’re using the garden room for exceptionally heavy machinery or equipment, a raised timber floor is the recommended choice. What is… Click here to read on
How to Choose the right Garden Room for Your Property
A garden room is a property investment. Selected carefully, and built to last, it will be enjoyed by your family for years to come. To ensure the design is spot on, you need to get its position, size and look just right. Here’s how: 1. Find the perfect spot Garden rooms can be positioned… Click here to read on
Studios for Small Backyards
So you’d really love a backyard studio shed for your property, but your backyard is on the smaller size? Good news. You can get a custom-made garden shed studio that will suit your small backyard! Scroll down to find out more about our Small Backyard Studios, and how to get one on your property! … Click here to read on
More than just a garden room
A garden room doesn’t just have to be a place to store unused tools or furniture – it can be an oriental tea-house, a dedicated music room or even a pottery studio! Recent years have seen a boom in stylish garden rooms. Fitted with all the modern comforts, these outdoor structures become a place to… Click here to read on
Top Tips for designing your Art Studio
Inspired by the many talented artists who have designed & purchased Melwood backyard art studios, we’ve curated a list of Art Studio design tips! From window & door placement to functional furniture, find out everything you need to know to design a space that will get the creative juices flowing! Tip 1:… Click here to read on
Your Questions, Answered!
This month on the blog, we chat with our product & interior stylist to get answers to some of your most-asked questions! Q. How many windows can I have? You can add as many doors and windows to your Melwood Cabana as you like! You can also choose where they will go. Our friendly… Click here to read on
How to create a Hamptons-Style outdoor room
Bring your outdoor area to life this summer with a Hamptons-style space that is designed to impress! With the right use of textures and colours, paired with carefully-selected furniture and finishes, you’ll have an outdoor room that will feel like a coastal retreat all year long! 1. Start with a spacious, airy room that… Click here to read on
3 Reasons why Teenage Retreats are Popular with Parents
As kids grow, the family home can feel more and more crowded. Parents are solving this problem with a teenage retreat in the backyard. Designed to give teens the space they need, whilst keeping them nearby, teen retreats are a win-win for parents & teens. Here are 3 reasons why teenage retreats work so… Click here to read on
Transform your pool area with a cabana
there’s no better way to enhance your pool area than with a Cabana.
Both practical and stylish, this covered area is perfect for entertaining family & friends, and relaxing after a few laps.
How Danielle transformed her backyard from barren to beautiful
Photos of Danielle’s newly-transformed backyard have us in awe! With a busy work-from-home schedule, Danielle desperately needed more space. By adding a Melwood cabana to her property, she has transformed a rocky, unuseable area of her backyard into a cozy, chic and useful space! In Danielle’s own words, “It’s also a great… Click here to read on
HSC Study Tips to help your teen succeed
The countdown is on, and this year’s HSC exams are nearly here! We’ve gathered together some top-of-the-class tips from former students to get your child a step ahead! Parents of teens in their final year, as well as those of us who have done the HSC, will remember what a stressful, taxing time it is.… Click here to read on
How this family added space to their home in just weeks
Most people need more space and don’t know how they can achieve it. This has become a major problem particularly in and around Sydney, where the ever-inflating property market means that many families cannot afford to move to a bigger home. The Nichols* family from Sydney’s Lower North Shore added this stunning outdoor room to… Click here to read on
Create an Elegant Garden Room & Improve Property Value
When it comes to choosing colours and finishes, there’s nothing like some inspirational pictures to get you started! This Melwood garden room is the Workshop 3254 (5.4m x 3.2m), and features cedar cladding, double glass doors with sidelights and custom end doors. After installation, the clients arranged painting and fitout to create this elegant… Click here to read on
Deck the Walls: wall lining alternatives that save time & money
The beauty of taking on a project at lock-up stage is that you have full control over the functionality & look of your interiors! When it comes to choosing your internal wall lining, you don’t have to go for the traditional plasterboard finish. There are a number of alternative wall lining options available that will save… Click here to read on
Maximise Your Living Space With An Outdoor Laundry
Washing, drying and folding clothes can seem a never-ending task that takes hours every week. If you live in a small area, laundry procrastination can take over large areas of your home. This feels chaotic and disorganised. The outdoor laundry has become the solution for space-savvy homes. By locating the laundry outside of the house,… Click here to read on
Jan & Andrew’s his & hers backyard studio
Jan & Andrew’s Melwood structure serves two purposes: a studio for Jan, and a workshop for Andrew. By requesting an internal wall in their order, they were able to divide the structure into the two main areas. Jan’s area has been lined, painted and decorated to create a cozy, comfortable studio space. Andrew has added shelving, storage cupboards, drawers, a pegboard and a sturdy workbench to his workshop.
Backyard Cabanas or Garden Rooms for Small Properties
Melwood Products can be delivered and setup on almost any site!
The modular building system designed and used by Melwood means that the structure is carried onto your property in relatively small sections, and then setup onsite.
Bertie’s Rural Art Retreat
Dutch artist Bertie paints beautiful portraiture in her Melwood Art Studio in rural NSW. Bertie says “I love the fact that there was an empty space in the morning and then there was the fully erected cabin in the afternoon. I just wished Patrick was as quick in lining it but he has done a beautiful job. It gives me inspiration.”
How to set up a Home Gym
Would you work out more if the gym was right in your own backyard? The convenience of home workouts has meant home gyms are becoming more and more popular. By adding a garden room to your property, you can quickly & easily create the space you need to setup your home gym. Ready to smash… Click here to read on
Cabana Photos of the Year: 2016
2016! What a year! Here’s our pick of the backyards of 2016! With inspiration like this, how will you improve your backyard this year? Pool Parties on demand At 5.3m wide and 3.2m deep, this funky pool Cabana has plenty of space for entertaining friends! Add a bar, fridges, shelves and a changing room and there’s… Click here to read on
Helen’s Hampton’s Style Backyard Escape
With clever styling, and classic door & window choices, you can have a slice of the Hamptons right in your own backyard! Helen has turned her Melwood Garden Room into the ultimate backyard escape. After the Garden Room was delivered and setup (in one day!) by the Melwood team, Helen then arranged gyprock, flooring… Click here to read on
10 Things you should be Storing in your Backyard
Do you ever look at something and wonder where on earth you’re going to store it? Does your house seem to be getting smaller and smaller each year? Here are 10 things you should be storing in your backyard, to save space in your house! 1. Bulky Pool Equipment & Toys Pool pumps, chlorine, flippers,… Click here to read on
3 Amazing Apps for Successful Christmas Entertaining
We all know the festive season can get a little overwhelming! Between organising parties, running errands, selecting/wrapping gifts, setting up decorations and managing your most expensive period of the year, there’s alot to think about! We’ve wrapped up our 3 most useful apps to help you survive the silly season and earn the title of Hostess with the Mostess!… Click here to read on
Penny’s Sophisticated Storage Room
Have you ever wondered where to store your surfboard / pool equipment / hiking gear / sewing machine / hula hoops / anything else taking up valuable space…? I have the answer for you! In your backyard! Your goods will be safe, secure and protected from the elements, AND within reach when you need them!… Click here to read on
Scott & Berni’s Summer-Ready Pool Cabana
Imagine a 50’s themed pool party, right in your backyard! Scott and Berni’s Pool Cabana has taken their outdoor area to a whole new level of fun! We love all the little details they have added to their Melwood Cabana to create this funky retro look. With plans to add a bar, fridges, seating, a… Click here to read on
How to create a Backyard Cabana Bar
It’s 5 O’Clock somewhere, time to head out to your backyard and whip up a cocktail or two? Backyard Bars are quickly taking off as the newest (and coolest) trend in outdoor living. Whether you make it a Personal Pub, your very own Sports Bar or a Flashy Cocktail Lounge, you’ve got the perfect space… Click here to read on
Alison’s Backyard Retreat
Meet Alison’s stunning Backyard Retreat! Perfect for the whole family, this has something for everyone to enjoy! Ample seating and the large deck area makes for perfect summer evenings spent with family and friends, whilst the cabana area is the ideal quiet space to relax. By adding an internal wall on the left of her Cabana,… Click here to read on
Jenny’s Pottery Studio
Turning a Passion into a Profession and a Hobby Dream into Reality with a Melwood Pottery Cabana Jenny worked full time for over 40 years in an industry which she enjoyed, however, this was not her passion. Whilst working full-time, she would spend her free time on her true passion: pottery. Her existing backyard pottery… Click here to read on
6 easy steps to get your entertaining space ready for spring
When spring does finally roll around, there’s nothing better than getting back into your alfresco area with a morning coffee or having guests over for a BBQ. Undeniably, Aussies take great pride in their outdoor areas. Whether it’s a small inner city balcony, a charming sunny courtyard or a sprawling covered wraparound deck with a… Click here to read on
David’s Art Studio
Step into the shoes of an artist and enter David’s world of colour. Situated neatly in the backyard, David uses his new Melwood ‘Art Studio‘ Cabana as the perfect space for him to pursue his passion and profession! Whether you pursue art or another passion, as a hobby or profession, a specialised art space is the… Click here to read on
Cool study ideas & why you should work from home
Have you ever thought about how many hours you spend travelling to work? Whether it be a start-stop traffic session or a shorter smoother route, the time spent sitting in your car each day adds up significantly over a lifetime. And by significantly I mean years. Yes, entire years of your life spent driving! Want… Click here to read on
Claudia’s Outdoor Room
Claudia has created the perfect space for enjoying time with family and friends, completing homework, or just relaxing! We love the way Claudia has finished her outdoor room as well, and the custom decking and outdoor furniture she has added perfectly complement the space! In Claudia’s own words: “It was a great experience getting our garden house… Click here to read on
Need more space? Add more for Less than $20k!
Did you know it’s possible to add space to your home for less than $20k? Home Extensions don’t have to be time-consuming, patience-testing, nerve-wracking experiences! You can add precious space to your home in just a few easy steps, and save money! A Melwood product is the answer. It’s fast – short lead times and delivered in… Click here to read on
Style Your Garden Room: Winter Style Inspiration
STYLE YOUR GARDEN ROOM: WINTER STYLE INSPIRATION 26th July 2016 On a chilly winter morning like this it’s no surprise I find myself browsing through well-styled, warm and inviting images of living rooms and interior spaces from around the world. Imagine an immaculate, yet cozy-looking lounge room, with a sophisticated hearth and a warm fire.… Click here to read on
Mark’s Backyard Hobby Room
Let me ask you a question, just quickly… Do you have a hobby? What’s your passion? Is there something taking up a legitimately large portion of your time and thoughts? Next – where do you pursue this? Have you ever wished for your own little space? Where you can escape from the world, and focus on… Click here to read on
Save Tax in 2019 | A tip for small business owners.
Small Business Owners – did you know that making the decision to work from home could save you tax this financial year? You can instantly claim the business portion of most depreciating assets that cost less than $20,000 each. In the recent Budget, the Australian Government extended the Small Business Tax Incentive until 30 June 2019.… Click here to read on
5 Household Jobs to tackle in June
When the cold weather sets in there are a number of household tasks you should get into the habit of to prepare yourself and your home to withstand the next few months of wintry weather.
Here are five jobs to add to your to-do list for a healthier, tidier and cosier home this winter.
The Portable Site Shed Office – a local business case study
Portable Site Shed or Office for your business? It’s all possible with Melwood’s wide range of portable space solutions! Aside from backyard cabanas, sheds and garden rooms, Melwood Cabanas and Garden Rooms can also supply additional, portable space for your business! Hear how happy our friends at Cremorne Automotive are with their New Portable Site Office! Cremorne Automotive Services… Click here to read on
4 easy ways to add value to your property
Everyone knows Aussies love the great outdoors. No doubt about it – the long summer nights and crisp winter evenings are perfect for lounging around, entertaining family & friends and catching up with the neighbours over a beer. Check out these four easy upgrades that will boost your home’s value and provide hours upon hours of outdoor enjoyment for… Click here to read on
How to save money & solve your storage problems
Could you use more space in your home? Do you currently pay for storage space? If you answered yes to either of those questions, keep reading! Undeniably, we all need and crave more space. A quick search for ‘storage’ on Houzz brings up 1,237 articles. Now that’s saying something! Many of us… Click here to read on
Teenage Retreats | Space for Teens, Peace for Parents
Every parent deserves a teenage retreat A teenage retreat is a lifesaver for parents of school-age kids. Space for your teens = peace of mind for you. As your children grow into teens it is a well known fact that their needs, requirements and tastes will change. Schooling demands a larger portion of their… Click here to read on
Backyard Music Studios | Space to Create, Record or Teach
Your Backyard Music Studio- convenient, private and intimate. Most musicians know that music takes two things: time & focus. When music is your passion, it can be frustrating to practise in a space that leaves you feeling less than inspired, or requires a commute that involves sitting in traffic when that time could be used for making… Click here to read on
How to Create the Perfect Teenage Retreat
How to create the perfect teenage retreat in your backyard Do you ever feel like your teenagers are taking over your house? Even just a little bit? Maybe just one room, or a little bit of every room? There is a solution! You can have your space – and your sanity – back in a… Click here to read on
Do I Really Need a Backyard Cabana?
Whether you are a homeowner looking to renovate your property or a home buyer considering a house with a cabana, here are some things you should know before getting a backyard cabana. Backyard cabanas are becoming widely popular in Australia and other parts of the world. They’re functional, they’re stylish, and everyone seems to be… Click here to read on
6 Outdoor To-Do’s Your Property Will Love You For
February – Australia’s Maintenance Month. Temperatures rise, the sun is out, the days are longer and the kids are back at school. The perfect time to get some essential maintenance done to the hardworking areas around the house and garden. By ticking off these 6 to-do’s, you’ll have your house and surrounds prepared and… Click here to read on
7 ways you can boost productivity with a home office
Could a Home office actually make you more productive? Is it possible to get more work done, and faster, in the convenience of your own home? Yes! Read on for our top 7 tried-and-true secrets to achieving maximum productivity in your Home Office: 1. Sssh! make sure your working space allows you a little valuable… Click here to read on
7 ways you can boost productivity with a home office
Could a Home office actually make you more productive?
Is it possible to get more work done, and faster, in the convenience of your own home? Yes!
Read on for our top 7 tried-and-true secrets to achieving maximum productivity in your Home Office:
Understanding exempt development provisions in ACT
Exemptions in planning legislation are provisions made in the law to reduce red tape and allow property owners to carry out certain types of development without unnecessary regulation, policing and oversight. In the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) there are two different exemption provisions; development exemptions and building exemptions. Development exemptions allow you to carry out… Click here to read on
11 tips for easy BBQ cleaning this summer
Barbecuing: it’s an Australian national pastime. Good friends, beautiful weather, a few beers and a lot of food. All the ingredients for a great time. But there’s one big downside to every barbecue: cleaning the grill afterwards. Burnt-on food, charcoal residue, and grime of unknown origins can all require serious elbow grease to remove. But… Click here to read on
5 Design Tips for a Gorgeous Backyard
Some new lighting, sprucing up the greenery or adding a new garden room. Your backyard deserves to be gorgeous this spring! Spring is the perfect time to transform your backyard into a gorgeous haven perfect for spending more time outdoors in the warmer months ahead. Need some inspiration to make that happen? Take a look… Click here to read on
Get Your Home Ready With a Garden Shed
Getting Your Home Summer Ready With a Garden Shed Now that winter has come to a close, the sight of spring and summer fun is like the light at the end of a very long, cold tunnel. We bet you’ve already started talking about vacations you want to take, the beaches you want to road… Click here to read on
Small Business Owner? Here’s how a garden room could save you tax!
Small businesses are the winner for this years 2015 Federal Budget. Do you know the full extent of what you can claim and what you can deduct in full? Here is a run down of what small businesses are entitled too. You will be pleasantly surprised…
5 Benefits of a Home Storage Shed | Never Pay Storage Fees Again!
A home storage garden shed or backyard cabana can be a smart alternative for storing your home goods. With having many benefits, we explore why a cabana in the run can make save you money click here to read on…
Granny Flat Alternatives-What are your options?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that having a granny flat has become one of the biggest trends related to increasing the value of your home in the past decade. With the rise in Australia’s property market, the granny flat has become a very popular alternative to housing accommodation. So what do you… Click here to read on
Cedar Batten and Board
What is Cedar Batten and Board cladding? This is a very attractive style exterior wall cladding that has been in constant use since 1800’s. Board and Batten is an attractive and more weatherproof cladding than horizontal palings, and because it is real wood, it can also be stained for a beautiful natural look
10 Reasons a Backyard Home Office is the Best Investment You’ll Ever Make
In case you needed more confirmation that working from home is a great idea, here’s 10 great reasons a backyard home office will be the best investment you ever make. Better work/life balance Work/life balance, the aspiration of the modern professional, is often achieved and tuned to satisfaction through a working at home arrangement,… Click here to read on
Melwood’s Clever Grid Floor System
The clever grid-floor design by Melwood gives many advantages over a normal static cabin, saving time, money, hassle and danger of flooding! 1. “Our Melwood structures can be installed on temporary footing pads as a portable structure without needing a concrete slab.” Where you are able to install onto pre-cast and pressure tested concrete footing… Click here to read on
So Quick & So Easy!
Watch how easily our DIY kits go together! All our structures are pre-built in panels to minimise time on site. Click play to view a short clip on one of our sheds being installed.
Melwood Cabins, Sheds & Cabanas
A MELWOOD Cabana is the perfect answer for your outdoor living and lifestyle. These prefab, relocatable backyard cabins are extremely popular in Sydney & NSW as garden storage sheds, home offices, pool changing rooms and teenage retreats. Cabins, Sheds and More! MELWOOD are the originators and pioneers of prefabricated timber structures and… Click here to read on
August News – The Melwood Workbench
Did you know we offer custom made workbenches? These are built into your cabana or shed to provide a strong sturdy work surface that you can also use to mount heavy tools like bench vices or chain sharpeners. Contact us today for more information!
May News – Outgrown your old shed?
Melwood sheds last forever due to their hand crafted high quality. When your existing shed is full, don’t replace it, contact us today about extending your old shed to provide more space.
