Advertisement
The spring is sprung, the grass is riz. Wondering what the latest outdoors trend is? Look no further.
Spring is a season of blushing blossoms and warm breezes. It’s lazy Sunday afternoons around a colourful lunch table sipping a glass of sav blanc. What could be better? Only these 10 top outdoor design and decor ideas!
Shutter up
Nothing says ‘spring’ as much as throwing your home open to your garden or patio, and plantation shutters are an ideal way of doing just that. Compatible with a wide range of architectural and decor styles, plantation shutters are low maintenance and stack effortlessly to one or two sides of an opening.
Adjustable louvered shutters allow fresh air and fragrant spring smells in, and keep bright light – and prying eyes – out, offering privacy, good looks and security. Durable, cordless (peace-of-mind bonus if you have toddlers racing around) and easy to clean, they’ll also keep direct sunlight off your furniture. Choose wood or aluminium for extra external security.
Pool party
Making a splash with a new swimming pool is a great way to have fun and add value to your home. A classic, rectangular shape with a rim-flow is the crème de la crème. If you’re into trends, remember that black pools are out, and sparkling blue water is in. ‘The average increase in your property value when you put in a pool is around 15%,’ says Rhys Dyer, CEO of bond originator, Ooba. As he says, ‘Included in our idea of home ownership is a picture of braaiing by the pool on hot summer days, with giggling children leaping onto lilos.’ Choose a reputable pool company registered with the National Pool and Spa Institute. www.nspi.co.za
Backyard braai
Is it even spring in South Africa if you can’t throw something yummy on the braai? Some enthusiasts are installing a whole outside kitchen with built-in gas cookers, charcoal or wood-burning kettle braais, outside sinks and bars. Charcoal braai masters swear by the smoky smell and flavour of charcoal, but gas braais have their place. They’re quick – just push the button to ignite – and easy to clean. Some models come with side cooktops, rotisserie kits, multiple burners, and Weber’s iGrill Mini even comes with Wi-Fi capabilities for its smart thermometer. If you have space constraints, basic kettle braais are as popular as ever. The Lotus Grill, newly launched in South Africa, is a portable smokeless braai, available in funky colours and perfect for small spaces.
Colour coded
Spring is the perfect season for painting your patio walls or upstyling your coffee tables or wooden chairs.
Advertisement
Favourite colour choice malfunction? Chillax! Various paint manufacturers pronounce different colours of the year that capture the ‘mood’ of the moment. Plascon has chosen Amadeus, which is described as ‘earthy, yellow-tinted with grounding energy.’ Dulux have selected a warm ‘calming’ pink for curl-up comfort called Pictured Rocks. While Pantone Colour Institute don’t manufacture paints, you could try matching their choice of colour for the year – Ultra Violet. It’s described as ‘a thoughtful shade of purple which adds energy and depth to any room.’
Pop under a parasol
Add a huge colourful parasol for some spring shade. Mobelli Furniture + Living stock a One Touch Umbrella that opens and closes with a push and is easily operated by a ‘petite person’. It’s also cantilevered, with no centre
pole getting in your way. Of course, garden-variety umbrellas will do the job, but if you live in a windy area, it’s best to buy one that is strong and durable and has a warranty on the canvas.
Buffet babe
Berry, violet, cobalt blue – these are the fabulous Le Creuset colours for casserole dishes or skillets perfect for dining al fresco. The company has also just launched Provence, inspired, says Le Creuset’s Jamie Paine, by the ‘fragrant, sun-drenched lavender fields that blanket southern France. Remember that the colours you choose to surround yourself with every day set the mood for your whole home,’ she says. Mix-and-match crockery for an eclectic, cheerful look – Royal Albert meet Noritake. Carrol Boyes meet stoneware plates from Mr Price Home.
Wall joll
Party like it’s 1960 – wallpaper is back in a big way! And styles and quality have greatly improved since then.
WCI Wallpapers say 2018 is all about oversized patterns and flowers in bold colours or pastel shades. Used on a patio feature wall, wallpaper adds texture, depth and variety. It’s even being used on ceilings. Vibrant or soft florals, zen-like forests – the sky’s the limit for your walls.
The Wonderland range from WCI Wallpapers.
Lounging out and about
From pool chairs, loungers and deckchairs to luxurious hammocks, outdoor furniture is not merely functional – it’s an extension of our indoor areas, and comfort and style are key. Mix wicker-style furniture with wooden pieces, and arrange bright scatter cushions with neutrals. ‘Wicker and woven accessories remain popular this season and faux wicker is a great weatherproof choice that’s hardy and good looking,’ says Builders Warehouse’s Asanda Nkomo. Alon Sachs, co-founder of Mobelli Furniture + Living, says natural materials, retro-inspired style and cool, soothing colours are floating his boat this season. ‘Sun loungers add extra value to any outdoor space by increasing the ways in which you can relax,’ he says.
