The latest design trend to emerge is one of sobriety which, in response to the GFC, is focussed on a calm, serene and classic colour palette. In line with this trend of clean, pared down colours, using fencing made from COLORBOND® steel in a neutral colour palette can give an instant facelift to any outdoor entertaining area and can be enjoyed all year round no matter what the season.
Jenelle Montgomerie, from The Colour Designers, explains: "This year there is an emphasis on seasonal neutral colours for fencing. A neutral colour for fencing can either mean a fencing colour which complements the other colours that surround it in the garden or simply a neutral fencing colour that works within any colour scheme of any outdoor area."
One of the features of fencing made from COLORBOND® steel is the wide colour range that provides homeowners and renovators with a range of colour and design options to suit any type of backyard. With fourteen colours to choose from, selecting the right neutral colour for the fence is easy.
If the backyard consists of a lot of evergreen shrubs, consider fencing colours that will give a warm inviting backdrop to the garden such as fencing made from COLORBOND® steel in the colour Red Oak® or opt for a lighter shade such as the colour Harvest®.
For a stronger accent on fencing, embrace the deeper colours that are emerging as a popular trend for home exteriors. Choices from the COLORBOND® steel range such as Grey Ridge® or Hedge® can achieve this look or, for a mid tone colour that still makes a statement, consider Teatree®.
If a subtle neutral colour for fencing is required then COLORBOND® steel also offers a range of neutral tones which work in any outdoor space such as Riversand®, Terrace® or Summershade®.
When making the final colour selection for a fence, it is important to consider the other elements of the outdoor space. Jenelle adds: "Choose a fence colour which will blend with the colour of your home and also take the time to consider how will the fence be affected by sunlight and shadows, whether it will be lit in the evening and if it will help to create the particular mood that you’re after. This will ensure you will have a great entertaining space all year round which is perfect for barbeques and backyard cricket."
Not only does a fence made from COLORBOND® steel look great, it’s also low maintenance and only requires a low level of cleaning. A fence made from COLORBOND® steel also offers protection and privacy with heights available up to 2.4 metres, particularly useful for backyards on a slope, and is designed to resist the elements so cannot be eaten by termites or borers.
While enjoying the aesthetics of a new fence, homeowners can rest easy knowing that fencing made from COLORBOND® steel is made to last and backed by a 10-year warranty from BlueScope Steel*. Bushfire testing by the CSIRO & Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre also shows that solid steel fencing provides a useful, non-combustible barrier against bushfires**.
* Warranty subject to application and eligibility criteria. For full terms and conditions and to determine the eligibility of your building, see www.bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties.
** RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERFORMANCE OF RESIDENTIAL BOUNDARY FENCING IN BUSHFIRES, Co-operative Research Centre for Bushfire (Bushfire CRC) and the CSIRO
