Sep/Oct 2026 Costco Connection Sep/Oct 2026 | Page 45

SPECIAL SECTION: OUTDOOR & GARDEN
COSTCO CONNECTION
Upgrade your outdoor cooking with these barbecue options available from Costco.
GROW YOUR OWN FLAVOUR
The kitchen garden is becoming a backyard buzzword, and living walls are a clever way to integrate the design trend of visible greenery. Having fresh seasoning within snipping distance will take your barbecue to the next level, while herbs also bring colour and form to your cooking space when they flower.
If Thai or Vietnamese dishes are on high rotation in your household, plant herbs such as coriander, lemongrass and mint. For a Mediterranean menu, focus on fragrant oregano, basil, thyme, sage, parsley and rosemary. These flavoursome green edibles can be added straight to your barbecue dishes and pizzas. Grow them from seed or buy established herbs for an instant culinary harvest.
Napoleon Rogue 525 Propane Gas Grill Item 266962 *
BeefEater 4 Burner BBQ
Item 266965^
HALFPOINT / STOCK. ADOBE. COM
* ONLY AVAILABLE ON COSTCO. COM. AU; ^ONLY AVAILABLE IN WAREHOUSES.
You could also consider bench seats, which look less cluttered than chairs and tuck under the table when not in use. Sleek aluminium keeps the theme modern, while timber harmonises with nature. For a coastal vibe, choose UV-protected wicker or rattan.
The modern outdoor space
Use nature to soften paved areas by growing ornamental plants in the garden to frame a lush view from the patio. Then connect the garden to the entertaining area with weatherproof soft furnishings and accessories that echo the colours and textures of your plantings. Consider the use of pergolas and shade sails, including electronic options, where entertaining areas have full sun. Intuitive tech, such as voice- and app-controlled devices, is an emerging trend. Smart plugs, smart lights,
smart appliances, built-in speakers and security cameras at the front door, so you can see who’ s arriving, all make outdoor living a breeze.
Give it a glow-up
Treat exterior illumination with the same care as interior lighting. Instead of relying on glaring floodlights, layer your lighting to create depth, warmth and flexibility. Asymmetrical or geometric pendants, as well as decorative lanterns and sconces, provide ambient lighting for the dining area, while task lighting is practical for the prep and cooking zones.
Low-voltage uplighting in landscaping and along paths not only improves ambience but safety, too. Install dimmers to gently transition your outdoor room from day to night – and let you spend more time outdoors.
Practise safety first
Before you begin an outdoor kitchen project, investigate your local building codes and regulations, then address safety concerns, including grill ventilation and adequate clearance for heatproducing appliances. Always hire electricians and plumbers for installation work in permanent set-ups.
With the right arrangement, and some tasty food to cook, your spring and summer barbecue soirees will be a smokin’ success.
RAFFAELA PUGLIESE
is a home, garden and lifestyle writer, based in Sydney.
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