5 ways to get your outdoor entertainment area summer ready…..
We are well into October and there is mad flurry of activity to get summer ready and your outdoor entertainment area is not one to be overlooked.
We are starting to have beautiful summery days in between our rainy spells and at BHD HQ we have found ourselves busy with backyard renovations as our faithful client’s scurry to get ready for the summer holidays that are fast approaching.
There is nothing better than a beautiful outdoor space where one can kick back and relax with a G&T in hand and enjoy our gorgeous south African summer evenings.
Summer is a time for friends and family and whatever you needs or your budget, we would like to help you get your outdoor space ready for days by the pool.
Image: unknown
All credit to the original creators of this image.
Assess your canvas
First things first, one must decide what it is you are dealing with and how much you have to spend. Always have a vision in mind . This will help you to solidify a design strategy.
one must determine what you want to use the space for. Maybe its entertaining family and friends? do you have a pool that you want to lounge around? Maybe you need a great place to have a barbecue or as us South African’s say, “a good old braai”. Maybe you want a pizza oven? Whatever it is, take the time to gather your visual reference and build a mood board so that you always have something visual to keep you on track.
Remember, every decision you make along the way needs to suit your budget and your vision and this will help you stay on target when trying to achieve your overall look.
A great tool would be to measure up your space and draw a rough sketch. This will help to determine the areas that need attention and what gaps you need to fill.
Always try and think of your vertical plains as well as your horizontal areas.
screens and hanging baskets or lights are a great way to bridge the divide and to create a comfortable, homely place to put your feet up
Image: Clarendon Homes
Creating the right canvas on which to grow.
There are a few key points that one needs to keep in mind when creating the canvas.
These are the areas that are going to cost the most and will be in place for years to come. Yes, we can always give something a lick of paint to freshen it up and to give it a new lease on life. Paint is always my first port of call but consider your flooring and your vertical surfaces and how you can address these so to create a timeless base to build on.
Perhaps this is putting in a pergola like structure or a screen or shutter to give you privacy and shield you from harsh sun.
Image: James Geer
styling: Aimee Tarulli
Furniture
What items do you have that you can give a quick face lift? timber or cane furniture can be transformed with a good paint job and some new upholstery. We don’t always need to purchase expensive furniture items to bring some more life and energy into the area.
Always remember to prep items thoroughly and to use the correct product or fabric for the job. The guys down at your local hardware will be able to point you in the right direction when sanding and preparing your furniture of painting and I would suggest a great outdoor fabric for any upholstery.
Image: Home Beautiful
Lighting
First things first, do you have enough practical or general lighting? A few key light fittings strategically placed will ensure that you have enough light to make your pizza or tend to your barbecue and then its down to the fun part. One can have so much fun when creating that magical fairy-tale outdoor space with the addition of fairy lights, string lights or glass jars zig zagging across your area. Pretty lanterns and candles are also a great addition in creating that magical feeling and add a bit of colour to your area. They also help to keep those pesky mozzies at bay
Image: Backyard decor
Cushions and accessories
These are things that can change from season to season and with your mood and style. Big fluffy cushions will soften your space and make it lush and comfy with a pop of colour and vibrance.
Make sure that your basics are made up in a good quality outdoor fabric to ensure colour fastness and to keep mildew at bay but something cost effective and cheerful that makes you happy for a pop of colour and pattern here and there can be your off the shelf alternatives.
You can swop them out next season if you want and give your space a whole new look and feel.
Image: Magnolia Lane
We have included a few links below to help get you started but If you need a hand with anything from ordering those gorgeous fabrics or you would like our input, drop us a line and we will get back to you to see how we can help you.
outdoor furniture
outdoor fabrics
cushions and accessories
lighting
That’s it from us for now…..stay tuned for some more great ideas and to see what’s happening with our projects. There are so many fab things in the pipeline and we cant wait to share them with you.