5 Patio pick me ups

AvatarCaxton magazines staff
Outdoor Living0 Comments 0

Simple ways to spruce up your outdoor living spaces this summer

ON THE BENCH

Patio bench

Weatherproof outdoor furniture is expensive, so if you’re renovating a patio or building a wall adjacent to one, it’s a good idea to build in a bench or seat as Bernice Morrell of Morrells Boutique Venue did here. With a couple of comfortable seat cushions and a selection of scatters it’s as comfortable as furniture – at a fraction of the price.

BRING ON THE HEAT

outdoor living areas 5

Establish a firepit in a secluded spot in your garden. It’s actually a lot easier to to pull off than you think. All it takes is a firebasket and built-in seating.

BRING THE INDOORS OUT

 From mirrors to scatters, accessories are key to creating a trendy decorated look that’ll ensure your outdoor living spaces are every bit as stylish and inviting as those indoors. Here, Linda Langford teamed an oversized clock from La Maison with an ornamental duck and metallic vases filled with elegant proteas to transform a boring wall into a stunning focal point.

OVERHEAD SUCCESS

Double the size of your outdoor living space with a retractable awning as decorator Susan Hughes did here for her client. “The original patio could only accommodate a couple of deckchairs so we extended it to create space for an L-shaped suite and installed an awning from Shadeline Awnings.

FONT OF INSPIRATION

The musical sound of running water brings a garden to life, and by helping to mask the noise of neighbours or passing traffic, a water feature will turn even the smallest outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. Choose a design that’s in keeping with the style of your house and garden. The classic lines of the twin fountains flanking this petite patio complement the gracious look and symmetrical proportions of Ros Fischer’s Georgian-inspired home.