For those who want to embrace this outdoor living, below are some tips and tricks from local businesses that specialise in the best decorations and designs for your home.
Lee Shelley Interiors
You want to feel cozy and comfortable no matter the weather when you are sipping that glass of wine after a hard day at work. However, not all of us are interior decorators or architects. Most people are too busy with their work, family chores, and various other obligations to even think about redecorating their verandas and patios. Also, money could be an issue, as work on these parts of our homes can get expensive if you don’t know what you’re doing, which is why Lee Shelley Interiors can make patio living easier for you.
These are a few tips when updating your verandah:
- Plants – always bring in plants, whether they are hanging, in pots, or in beautiful baskets. Nothing speaks of the outdoors like a host of plants, and specifically the texture and interest that baskets add.
- Rugs – you may think “that’s crazy, a rug outdoors”, well there are so many stunning outdoor rugs that are dog and dirt friendly. Lee Shelley Interiors seldom does a verandah without adding a rug.
- Furniture – a verandah doesn’t have to have a whole set of matching furniture, repurpose an old bench, add some occasional chairs, and if space allows a comfy couch for that Sunday afternoon nap. Depending on space and priorities you can create a dining area as well as a lounge area.
- Lights – add lights to your verandah for that beautiful ambience in the evening. These can range from candles, to solar, to permanent fixtures.
- Blankets and throws – in South Africa we are used to having four seasons in a day, don’t pack away those throws, there’s nothing nicer than cuddling up under a throw and enjoying that drink or cup of coffee outdoors.
- Outdoor fabric – you will never regret spending that little extra on a piece of good outdoor fabric. Our sun is harsh and anything that isn’t sun resistant will fade in no time, leaving you disappointed that it hasn’t lasted a season.
Lee Shelly Interiors (Facebook)
Southern Shutters
Thankfully, living in the Midlands affords you the serenity of the great outdoors, but much of this space is left open to the elements which can be smouldering during the peak of summer and freezing in winter. Create an outdoor area that can extend your living space, using the outdoor solutions provided by Southern Shutters.
From outdoor blinds that provide respite from the African sun or block the wind, to decorative aluminium shutters that can be used to close off an outdoor space for a more homely feel, Southern Shutters have a selection of products to suit your needs. We have motorised options available too, along with insect and pet/monkey screens to keep them where they belong.
Touchwood Interiors (Facebook)
Smokeless Fires
Warm is more than just a temperature reading; it’s a feeling. And while a Smokeless fire pit creates necessary heat in colder months, it also brings together family and friends during the summer, adding atmosphere, and utility, as a versatile braai station. From grilling your steaks to getting your potjie to the perfect temperature, a Smokeless fire is the perfect addition to any backyard. Add in the fact that it is safe to use on almost any surface (grass, a wooden deck, tile, and even carpet) and this is the only focal point you’ll need this summer.
The Smokeless brand has found the perfect balance between old-school tradition and our modern needs. Our 304 quality stainless steel fire pit stands out with a sleek design that’s been built to last, as well as maintaining portability. While both the Original and smaller unit, The Scout, are perfect for your home braai this summer, it is also easy to bring with you to the beach, or your favourite campsite. So, how is it smokeless? Oxygen is drawn from the bottom into the double wall chamber, then rushes out below the rim. The rapid movement of air combusts with the leftover carbon, burning off the smoke.
www.southernshutters.co.za (Website)
Touchwood Interiors
A company that is “passionate about creating beautiful homes”, Touchwood Interiors advises utilising practical prints for outdoor seating, colour, and design within your soft furnishings and flooring. These can be changed seasonally for a fresh new look. Exposure of fabrics to harsh UV rays should be considered. Try to source UV-filtered fabrics to ensure the longevity of upholstery.
Textures and natural elements of rattan and timber can be bought in by a driftwood light fitting, coffee table, lanterns, pots, and décor. Candles create an ambiance, and warm summer citrus scents set the mood and keep mosquitoes at bay. Mirrors on a veranda space reflect light, a beautiful garden, a lovely swimming pool, and a selection of good books and magazines are always a good idea for slow Sunday living. Complete the look with hardy lush greenery and succulents combined with quality faux silk palms that will withstand the weather elements.
@smokelessfires (Instagram)