HOMEFRONT DESIGN
Let’s go outside
We tend to neglect decorating and using our outdoor spaces properly. So why not invest in updating the area around your house to spend lazy summer hours outside but at home? WORDS: SARAH MARJORIBANKS :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
T
he long, warm days ahead mean we’re going to be spending far more time outdoors over the coming months. Whether you want to give your patio a quick makeover or invest in the outdoor space of your dreams, we’ve got you covered with these design ideas.
the outdoor furniture within and allowing insulation from the heat and cold. Customisable shutters – such as those from Plantation Shutters (pictured in the inset, far right) – are a great investment for your home, adding value and giving you an unlimited colour choice to create your ideal aesthetic.
Complement the garden
Sleeping beauty
“Outdoor spaces are an extension of both your home and garden and need to reflect that,” says Kizzie Stenslunde from Wolfe & Hare. She recommends looking at the styling of your garden to see what you can bring into the outdoor living space. Predominantly greenery and flowers? Then consider fabrics in soft greens and naturals for the furniture, such as Hertex’s outdoor velvet and its Nature’s Valley botanicals range. “Throw in pops of colour with bright floral cushions and use a mix of bamboo, wood and glass for tables and décor to create a seamless transition from indoors to outside,” Stenslunde says. If your garden is more of a patio, go for a modern look with wrought-iron furniture mixed with marble or glass-top tables, soft grey furnishings with accents of green, and concrete pots with oversized plants.
Shut it out A stylish and functional way to enclose a patio is with shutters that protect
If there’s one piece of furniture that automatically triggers our urge to lounge and nap, it’s the daybed. “The slightly raised daybed on a patio overlooking Hout Bay Beach (above) is the ultimate statement of outdoor style and luxury,” says Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design. “The patio, previously seldom used and enjoyed, is now revived and has become a popular area for sunbathing, reading, enjoying the beautiful views or simply pondering.”
Take a dip A room dedicated to outdoor living and spending time in and around the pool is heaven-sent during the warmer months. The whole family gets to enjoy the space, which can take on a multitude of functions depending on their needs. “The pool pavilion should have a strong visual and physical link with the actual pool and ideally be a covered space to protect you from the elements while allowing you to enjoy the outdoors,” says De Swardt. Pictured at the bottom right is a cosy braai area linking the main house and the pool pavilion.
Frame the view
“The pergola is a lovely element you can use to define a specific area, in this instance (right) a table for two, overlooking the Sunset Links Golf Course in Milnerton, Cape Town,” says De Swardt. While the pergola can be freestanding, partially or fully covered, and made from many different materials, he suggests taking into account the intended function of the structure, the space it requires, its orientation towards the sun and the views before jumping straight in.
Sitting pretty There’s something quite nostalgic about the new addition to the Kettal Design Studio’s range of outdoor furniture (far right). The new Net club armchair is a stylish complement to any stoep. These chairs are made with woven weather-resistant cords and aluminium tubing for a light, handcrafted look, whereas the seat and the backrest are fabric. They’re easily stackable and available in a variety of colours.
Smart solutions Investing in streamlining your home’s entertainment systems adds value to the property – but if you think technology is just for indoors, think again. Homemation, suppliers of audiovisual, home automation and home theatre products, can curate an efficient and convenient system that will allow you to play music outside.
GET THE LOOK Small changes can make a big difference. If your outdoor space needs a makeover, Ruzaan Schlechter from OYA Change Catalyst suggests these decorating tips to get you started: Furniture selection Pick furniture that suits the area. Smaller spaces will be more functional with L-shaped couches, whereas in larger areas you can play around with hanging chairs, sofas and occasional chairs. Bring the green Nothing is more relaxing than sitting outside surrounded by greenery. Use pot plants and glass hanging vases for a modern finish. Lighting Large freestanding lanterns create a lovely ambience on hot summer evenings. Clutter-free If you have a pool, create an area for pool toys, towels and sunblock. That way it’s all kept together neatly, ensuring a more functional space. You can upcycle an old cupboard for this purpose. Finishing touch Complete the look with an outdoor rug to tie the space together.
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