No South African home is complete without a patio. A patio is an outdoor space used for dining or recreation that generally bridges the gap between the inside and outside of your home.
If your patio roof is looking a bit worse for wear, now is the perfect time to consider repairing or upgrading it with either a makeshift or permanent roofing.The patio is often a space dedicated to fun and quality family time, the focal point of living for adults and kids.
Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa, says outdoor spaces like patios are becoming an extension of indoor living.
He says it is advisable to invest in long-lasting furniture that can weather both the seasons and the changing fads.
Installing or redesigning a patio area can take your home to a whole new level, impacting on your kerb appeal and adding to the overall value of your home.
Winter is on its way, but early frost and chilly winds don’t mean your patio needs to be all grim and dull. It might be the ideal time to reconsider how your patio looks and feels, and if you do not have one yet, it is worth your while considering building one.
Bring your outdoor living area to life with simple add-ons such as umbrellas, covers, lights and a variety of outdoor furniture. From lounge and dining sets to gas braais, loungers, pillows, pots and plants - you will be sure to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. To guarantee privacy around your patio, make use of fences, pergolas, half-walls and landscaped plants.
Even if you don't do much outdoor entertaining, it's still lovely to have an outdoor area to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or afternoon sundowners.
Consider giving your outdoor space a makeover with these inspiring design tips…
Make sure you choose furniture that is water- and weather-resistant while still offering comfort and style.1. Putting a roof over your patio
If your patio roof is looking a bit worse for wear, now is the perfect time to consider repairing or upgrading it with either makeshift or permanent roofing.
If your patio is completely exposed, estimate the cost of a roof and see whether it would be more lucrative to build a freestanding patio roof or extend the house roofing to cover the patio.
2. Enclosing your patio
This is mainly done to create a sense of privacy as well as provide protection from the outdoor elements. Choices range from aluminium patio enclosures, frameless glass or wooden closures.
3. Lounging style
South Africans get so much out of investing in a comfortable outdoor lounge area, which gets used so often.
Make sure you choose furniture that is water and weather resistant while still offering comfort and style.
Patio accessories are designed to create an atmosphere for you to relax and feel comfortable in.4. Patio dining
Regardless of what kind of space is available on a patio, most people have a dining set in order to entertain and relax.
Whether you're after designer tables and chairs that accommodate a lot of people, or a simple dining set that caters for a smaller space, outfit your outdoor living spaces with comfortable furniture that expresses your personal style.
5. Accessories
A good selection of accessories will bring your patio to life.
Patio accessories are designed to create an atmosphere for you to relax and feel comfortable in. These need to last long and be able to tolerate different conditions.
Patio accessories include plush cushions, clocks, table ornaments and attractive flowers, as well as vases, lanterns and candles.
6. Bar sets
Every home needs an entertainment area where homeowners can share good times with friends and family. A quality bar set that matches your interior design is the perfect finishing touch.
Is your patio enveloped by a blank wall or bare fence? You can transform this ordinary space into an eco-friendly vertical garden.7. Braai areas
No patio area is complete without a braai area. You can create the perfect patio by including pizza ovens and fire pits as alternative options to the normal braai.
8. Umbrellas
Using an umbrella is one of the most effective ways to improve the usability of your patio.
Among other things, patio umbrellas provide protection from the sun and rain. Make sure your umbrella is of the highest quality, is weather resistant and durable so that it provides you with years of good use.
9. Patio heaters
Entertaining outdoors during winter can be an uphill and unpleasant struggle.
Adding an outdoor heater will increase the usability of your patio and garden all year round.
10. Vertical gardens
Is your patio enveloped by a blank wall or bare fence? You can transform this ordinary space into an eco-friendly vertical garden. These are popular with homeowners as they are low-maintenance and take up minimal space.
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