Page 33 - Designing Ways 238

Summer weather creates interesting
scenery in some places. For instance,
summer winds over Table Mountain in
Cape Town produce a cloud known as
the “tablecloth”. And summer rain causes
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flat to look
like a massive mirror. The Eiffel Tower in
Paris, France can “grow” over six inches
taller during the summer season when
heat makes its iron expand.
Scientists even think our toe and finger
nails grow faster in summer, though they
are not completely sure why.
Nothing compares to cracking open a
good summer read, or sipping a refreshing
cocktail spritz in the freshness of an open-
air patio if the space is done right, and
it is filled with a warm ambiance and
welcoming furniture to help extend the
leisure experience beyond the walls of a
home.

Create the space.
In summer great patio furniture brings
comfort and function to outdoor spaces.
Trends in the patio furniture market
focus on bringing the inside out or
making the living space an extension of
the home.
First decide what the space will be used
for. Draw sketches of how the ultimate
space has to look like after completion.
If simply barbequing and entertaining
guests is planned, then the space for
the patio should be big enough to
accommodate furniture.
Before buying outdoor furniture
think about the type of outdoor space
that is needed to be created. Perhaps
dining outside is the desire: to enjoy
evening sessions with sundowners during
colourful summer sunsets.
A deep seating area can be inviting
for lounge sessions in comfy chairs,
comfortable seats or sofas, depending on
how much seating is needed.
For more illumination and ambiance
add candles, string lighting or radiant
heaters to the scene.
On the other hand one might like to
create a serene outdoor garden, just for
enjoying the flowers and plantings in the
great outdoors.
Pavers are another excellent economical
choice when it comes to a patio material.
They are usually made from concrete or
clay in various sizes, colours and shapes.
Thoughtful planning will help make
the backyard a new favourite spot for
lounging, dining and entertaining. dw

dw • Issue 238 33