Page 44 - Designing Ways 243

HELLO
WINTER

Hello Winter

by Stienie Greyling

utdoor living involves a lot given to the selection of fabrics, pots and in the evening, good landscape lighting
more than just conversational accessories, as these will add finishing boosts night time safety and provides
Opatio furniture arrangements. touches to the space. The options for illumination for tasks like grilling and
Exterior areas are being designed with a durable outdoor furniture and fabrics a barbecue. Consider adding solar
bigger focus on how we live in and utilise are ever expending and new products are landscape lighting to showcase a pathway,
the space we have. Homeowners are constantly being introduced. string lights for seating areas, or motion-
approaching outdoor living spaces with Having a small outdoor space doesn’t sensor lights for security.
an image in their heads of the experiences mean one will have to settle for folding Another way to open the home to the
they want to have, rather than the ideas chairs or cheap plastic furniture; instead, outdoors is through folding glass doors
of how it looks. This includes dreams of upgrade to a three-piece rocking patio set. and windows, which help create a seamless
unwinding at an outdoor bar or cooking Outdoor egg chairs are a staple patio integration of house and outdoor.
for the family at a pizza oven. piece and come in various shapes, sizes and Adjustable shading in front of glass
An important thing to remember is that textures. Rattan, wood and wicker are just doors and windows are a brilliant, cost-
the outdoor space should feel comfortable a few of the available materials and seating effective way to control how much direct
for the residents of the home as well as comes in oval, diamond and teardrop sun to admit in an area and adjacent
guests. Entertainment arears such as shape. Plus, egg chairs can be used rooms. Such systems can be manually
outdoor kitchens, fire pits and built-in indoors. Whether looking for a hanging operated or motorised; fitted with sensors
grills with countertops and storage are chair or one with a stand, egg chairs have to allow them to respond automatically to
great for outdoor entertainment. options for every style preference. sun, rain and wind conditions; and even
It is important to consider the Now that outdoor living is incorporating integrated with comprehensive smart
desired outdoor furniture layout and more indoor design elements, outdoor home automation systems.
any landscape requirements when lighting is also adapting. The outdoor Outdoor blinds come in many
designing the outdoor living space. space should feel like an extension of the shapes and sizes. Blinds and shades are
Much like with the interior of a house, home. To bring the feeling of an interior considered hard window coverings. Even
the selected furniture and materials outside, use string lights and pendant if they feature soft, billowing Roman
should complement each other so that lights to give the illusion of a ceiling. shades or soft, honeycombed slats, they
the exterior space flows. Care should be Essential for enjoying outdoor spaces are referred to as hard because they are

44 Issue 243 • dw