Traditionally, our outdoor living spaces have largely been regarded as entertainment areas to be enjoyed sporadically for weekend parties and Sunday braais but this is no longer the case and designers are increasingly shifting their focus to incorporate elements for everyday use
“The extended confinement we all experienced during lockdown significantly altered our perceptions of our homes and how we live in them and these shifts are evidenced by many of the design trends we are now seeing,” says Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty Midrand manager principal Grahame Diedericks. “Unsurprisingly, there was renewed appreciation for outdoor living spaces during this period and, regardless of whether yours is a sprawling back yard or a compact patio, chances are it became a valued extension of your home.
“No longer merely relegated to weekend gatherings; outdoor living areas provided much-needed additional living space which not only helped to preserve family harmony but also allowed us to escape, recharge and reconnect with nature.” As a result, emergent outdoor living design trends are embracing the comfort, convenience and style more common to home interiors and, in SA, where a clement climate enables us to enjoy the outdoors for much of the year, they are perfectly suited.
However, Diedericks advises that to achieve the best result, it’s important to take the time to evaluate your lifestyle and needs as well as the available space. “Think carefully about how you actually want to use your outdoor living area and get feedback from everyone who shares your home. “Spending time outdoors should be an enjoyable experience and by keeping the focus on your family’s wants and needs, you’re more likely to end up with a space you’ll love.”
According to Diedericks, the following are fast-growing trends which will add enhance and add value to most homes:
OUTDOOR WORKSPACES
Though some people have returned to the office, it’s clear that remote working is here to stay and it’s become commonplace to see homeowners and professionals converting unused rooms in their homes to create dedicated home offices. However, not everyone wants to be cooped up alone in the house all day long, and a growing number are extending their work areas by also setting up outdoors. If your patio or deck is large enough, allocate a spot and set up a desk for when weather permits or you can transform a shed into a private office, which works especially well if your house is busy during the day.
STRUCTURED OUTDOOR ROOMS
Patios, decks, and other outdoor living areas are increasingly being treated as well-defined ‘rooms’ that serve as bonus living areas for the whole family with furnishings and fittings such as built-in seating, occasional tables, plants and shade structures that provide a ‘ceiling’ overhead to establish a room-like feel. And while adding a mirror to an outdoor space might not be your first instinct, it’s just the kind of accessory that can make this area feel decorated and complete. If you have a small stoep, consider building a deck with a pagoda for shade – it looks impressive and demarcates this dedicated living space.
PATTERNED SURFACES
In the same way that a bold area rug can liven up a living room and new tiles can transform a bathroom, adding patterns underfoot is equally impactful outdoors. Popular options are stencilled designs on concrete patio and painting deck boards with striking patterns. You can also install patio pavers in alternating colours to create a geometric pattern or trade traditional pavers for striking cement tiles and for those looking to take outdoor design to the next level, incorporating an inlay with a complementary composite decking colour is effective.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
If you are spending more time outside, it makes sense to incorporate convenient storage so that you don’t have to pop inside as often. If you dine outdoors a lot, install a cabinet for plates, utensils and glasses or for children’s toys and board games and decorative shelving for books, pot plants and ornaments, will add the homely feel.
PIZZA OVENS
These are by no means a new concept but there has been a spike in sales recently as they are great for those who have families and like to entertain a lot. They are easy to use, pizzas are quick and easy to prepare and there is little washing up to do in the kitchen after dinner. And pizza ovens now come in all sizes, including compact options for smaller outdoor areas. “A move towards 365 outdoor living means incorporating features which serve vital functions throughout the seasons,” says Diedericks.
“Having multiple zones where the layout can be broken out by function is therefore optimal, so take a step back and look at the full area – you may have more space to play with than you even realised. “And, remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be right for you.”
