In the Perth suburb of Karrinyup, a family garden has undergone a remarkable evolution, maturing in step with the lives of its owners. Matt and Medine Mazzuchelli have expertly transformed their outdoor space from a practical playground for young children into a refined, modern coastal sanctuary designed for relaxation and entertaining.
A Garden That Grows With The Family
The Mazzuchellis decided to renovate their 18-year-old home just two years ago, a project that naturally extended to the garden. "We love where we live. It's so convenient to everything, so we decided to renovate," Medine explains. What began as a landscape centred around a lawn, a cubby house, and a trampoline has gracefully transitioned into an elegant grown-ups' retreat.
The front garden sets the tone, hidden behind a dense Viburnum tinus hedge. A lush buffalo lawn serves as a rolling pad for Maggie, the family's border collie. Matt dedicates roughly two hours weekly to maintenance, using products like Scotts Lawn Builder and Seasol, while Medine tends to tasks like weeding and clipping the Westringia into neat spheres.
Smart Design for Lasting Style
The renovation's success hinges on intelligent plant selection and thoughtful design. The enduring structure comes from mature, white-flowering frangipanis and slender Pyrus 'Capital' trees, which provided a seamless foundation for the second-stage makeover. Corten steel edging frames climate-resilient plants, proving that a low-maintenance garden can still require and reward dedicated care.
To bring the new borders to life, textured foliage was key. The design incorporates variegated Sansevieria for height, Kalanchoe 'Copper Spoons' for vibrant colour, ornamental grasses for movement, and deep-green Ligularia reniformis in shadier spots near the outdoor bar.
Creating Zones for Coastal Living
The most significant change saw the removal of the children's play areas. "The garden has grown as our family has," Medine notes. In their place, sophisticated adult zones now define the space.
The updated layout features a dedicated bar area for summer afternoons and an outdoor fireplace for cooler coastal evenings. Where lawn once grew, long, stylish pavers are now softened by hardy Dymondia creeping between them. The pool area also received a striking update, with a section of sleek black fencing replacing the original glass, adding dramatic contrast to the lush greenery.
The overall result is a masterclass in modern coastal style: a space of elevated casual refinement. It's a place to unwind with a drink, a venue for generous hospitality, and, most importantly, the heart of the Mazzuchelli family home. The project was expertly guided by Chris Wright from Wright Landscape Solutions, who also assisted with the original build and the recent pool resurfacing.
