Give outdoor area a makeover

Most homeowners spend their remodeling budgets on renovating their home’s interior spaces, but property experts claim that a well-executed outdoor area can increase a home’s market value by as much as 30%.

Renovating your outdoor area needn’t be as costly as a full interior overhaul – it can be simply achieved by bringing a bit of indoor decorating sense to the outdoor areas, to create a place in which to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural surrounds. Outdoor spaces have become far more than a mere place to entertain guests - they are fast becoming extensions of our indoor living areas, which are used and enjoyed on a daily basis.

Enjoy all four seasons

Contrary to popular belief, outdoor living spaces are not solely for enjoyment during the warm summer months. South Africans are blessed with great weather – even during our coldest winters, the sun shines for most of the time. Outdoor spaces can be specially designed to be suitable for cold, hot or windy weather conditions – here are a few pointers:

- If your patio is covered, look into investing fold-away concertina doors that can be completely opened in the summer months, and closed when it is windy or cold. The beauty of these doors is that apart from the frames, they comprise almost entirely glass and therefore offer great views of the outdoors, while allowing the heat of the sun to penetrate.

- When designing your patio, make sure it is north-facing so to optimise the benefits of the sun.

- There are a wide variety of outdoor heating systems that can warm up an outdoor area and create a cosy outdoor ambience. The more traditional route comprises including traditional open fireplaces, or free-standing clay fireplaces, called chimineas, which are indigenous to Mexico for example. Alternatively, homeowners can include specially developed gas patio heaters that can be free-standing or mounted on the patio wall. These are exceptionally efficient and inexpensive options.

- Install awnings, blinds or curtains to keep the heat in when it is cold, and to offer some shade when it is very sunny.

An inside-outside flow

When decorating for exterior spaces, you need to consider the project from a holistic perspective – it goes beyond merely placing a sofa on the patio. The overall design needs to be well thought out, with a defined décor theme, colour palette and consideration ought to be given to the functionality of the space.

Although outdoor spaces lend themselves to fun styles, be sure to always consider that they should tie in with the interior spaces of your home as well. Here are a few considerations about outdoor décor:

– Big isn’t always better – Large patios are great, but not essential. Small patios often have an edge over large ones, as it is easier and less expensive to decorate. Furthermore, it is far simpler to create a warm and cosy ambience in a small space.

When decorating small outdoor areas, it is essential that scale is given careful consideration. For example, instead of very large sofas taking up the entire space; rather opt for a small set with a small coffee table in the centre, which will make the area more inviting and spacious.

– Comfort and functionality – Since the main aim for any outdoor area is for optimum relaxation, it is crucial that the furniture you select is comfortable and highly functional. Since outdoor spaces are generally less formal than their interior counterparts, amalgamating various styles of furniture creates a great look.

– Protect against outdoor hardships – Opt for materials, fabrics and trimmings that are created to withstand the elements – these include materials that are mildew-, chip-, scratch-, corrosion-, and of course fade-proof.

– A touch of whimsy – Take a sensory approach to outdoor decorating: Ad a bit of fun, some magic and a hint of childlike innocence. Outdoor rooms should offer a sensuous experience – something that is tangible to all the senses. String lights, lanterns and candles are a great touch!

– Lavish in luxury – Creating outdoor rooms dates back to Victorian times – an era that is synonymous with luxury – so don’t be afraid to add luxury and opulence to your outdoor spaces. Richly textured fabrics, oodles of scatter cushions and indulgent throw rugs will complete the composition.

The great outdoors

Lastly and probably most importantly, vegetation and your garden itself is an essential part of any successful outdoor living area.

Make sure that the garden that is in view from your patio is carefully landscaped and manicured. Fragrant plants ought to be planted in close proximity to the area, so as to create a wonderful aroma while you are sitting there. Plant annual seedlings in pots scattered around the patio.

For maximum effect, rather pack a few pots with a lot of seedlings, than spreading them thinly in many pots. Remember, the vegetation is the main draw card to this living space – it is especially important to the overall composition – so keep your garden well-maintained and beautiful to enjoy it to the full.

Pictures courtesy of:

Cane Time: www.canetime.com

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