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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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Crazy paving ideas to inspire a garden makeover

Affordable, charming and just a little bit retro. - by Diana Moore
  • 19 Feb 2021

As landscaping trends move away from manicured, minimalist and formal styles towards something more rambling and whimsical, crazy pavers (also known as flagstone pavers)  are gaining ground. 

Unlike pavers that are uniform in size and shape, crazy paving refers to stone that is cut in irregular, asymmetrical pieces and laid in a mosaic-like fashion.  The concept of flagstone paving was born out of a desire to use up otherwise wasted off cuts and broken pieces during the installation of larger cut stone and outdoor pavers.

WATCH: Charlie Albone explains the basics of landscaping

Award-winning landscape and interior designer Adam Robinson is a fan, saying crazy paving “provides a more organic approach to paving. I find it works especially well in areas where we don’t have a lot of room for planting and softness, but you still want an organic garden feel.”

From a simple tidy up in a small courtyard to a full-scale landscaping brief, this method of laying stone is super effective and, depending on your budget, can make a real difference using outdoor pavers to create zones.

 

Terraced garden with crazy paving

Terraced gardens linked by a winding, flagstone pathway.

Jason Busch / aremediasyndication.com.au

Why are crazy pavers so popular?

“The natural texture as well as the colour and size variations make crazy paving an extremely versatile flooring option that is suitable for almost any application,” says  Eco Outdoor marketing manager Rebecca Fox.

“The format allows for movement in a flooring aesthetic that is also a perfect means to visually break open a space. It can be used throughout the external and internal spaces of a home.”

Timber gate with crazy paving
Eco Outdoor | Akin Atelier, Roscoe House

What style of home best suits crazy paving?

With the rise in popularity of mid-century and 1970s home renovations, homeowners are embracing existing crazy pave patterns in outdoor pavers and restoring them with love, resulting in a combination of retro charm and good financial sense.

“If you've got a mid-century home, you could absolutely use crazy paving to be sympathetic to the period of architecture, but it also works beautifully in a contemporary space,” says Adam.

The final result doesn’t have to reflect the 1970s either – outdoor pavers laid in this style, “Can create a create a seamless, organic flooring surface that wonderfully complements contemporary, architecture,” says Rebecca.

Side garden with crazy paving pathway

It's easy to create flowing, organic shapes with flagstone pavers.

Martina Gemmola / aremediasyndication.com.au

Choosing a stone for crazy pave

Choosing the right stone is key to a cohesive look. “It comes in many different formats and colours, so to allow it to work in your space, use a tone that relates back to the exterior house colours,” suggests Adam.

Popular materials for crazy paving include sandstone, bluestone, limestone, split-stone and slate. 

There’s more than just aesthetics to consider here, however. “Consider where the product will be used,” says Rebecca. In high traffic areas, for example, she recommends selecting a paver with a low slip rating.

Front garden with crazy paving pathway

Choose pavers with a low slip rating in high traffic areas.

Claire Takacs / aremediasyndication.com.au

Where can you use it?

Because it’s laid in a random pattern, crazy pave lends itself to irregular shapes and pathways just as easily as more formal styles of outdoor paving. “Crazy paving is an ideal choice to bring texture and interest to a project,” says Rebecca. “We’re seeing it used to create a statement around a swimming pool or at the entrance to a home.”

Pool with crazy paving
Eco Outdoor | Michael Cooke Garden Design
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Diana Moore
Diana Moore
Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

7 paved outdoor areas to inspire

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How to perfectly pave your yard

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The ultimate guide to Australian native flowers

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Now you can get your own personalised gnome

Powis castle garden

Powis castle garden

This is what will happen to your garden without bees

This is what will happen to your garden without bees

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