It is hard to comprehend that we are now in spring and the end of the year is nearing. But, with that comes the relief of warmer weather and longer days to enjoy the golden sunshine with family and friends. Spring is a wonderful time of the year in South Africa, the days are longer and the sun goes down later, giving us those extra few hours to enjoy our outdoor living areas after work or on the weekends. When it comes to planning how to spruce up your outdoor living area when spring hits, it can be quite intimidating.

 

There are many things that you will want to consider such as the functionality of the area, and what you want to be able to do in the space, as well as the look and aesthetic of it. We have curated a collection of top tips to consider when transitioning your outdoor entertainment area from winter to spring.

 

We often underestimate the power that colours hold. By simply adding a pop of colour to your outdoor living area, it will instantly revitalise the space and make it look and feel like a completely different space. If you are not sure where you should add the pop of colour, the few places to consider are feature walls behind your outdoor bar, outdoor sofas in fun colours or the more common option of soft furnishings such as outdoor rugs, scatter cushions and blankets. Incorporating colour in these ways will add a refreshing feel to your space.

 

Adding colour to your furniture and décoritems is a quick and easy way to bring some colour to your outdoor entertainment area as the new season starts. If you are looking for a more sustainable and organic approach, we suggest choosing some brightly coloured plants and flowers to add to your gardens or flowerbeds. Adding some fresh flowersto your plain garden or pots will brighten up the area, add some life back into the space as well as bring in elements from nature such as butterflies, birds and bugs.

 

While spring is generally a warm season in South Africa, there are some evenings where there is still a cold chill in the air. To combat getting cold outside while enjoying your newly refreshed outdoor area, add some thin throwsand cashmere blanketsto the space. Style your throws and blankets in a wicker or woven basketat the end of your outdoor couch or chairs for a stylish yet functional look.

 

Adding an outdoor rug will also help to warm up the space, especially if you have a tiled or paved patio, as well as concrete flooring. Not only will outdoor rugs help to warm up the space, but they also help to soften the look and feel of an outdoor entertaining area.

 

Having a combination of an outdoor dining area and outdoor living area is the best way of both worlds, especially if you love to entertain. Comfort is key when it comes to outdoor furniture, and there is nothing worse than having an uncomfortable chair or couch on your patio area when you want to spend most of your time on the weekends when the weather is warm and sunny.

To make your outdoor area as welcoming and comfortable as possible choose outdoor furniture that features plush, overstuffed cushions that make your guests feel comfortable and at home. Another tip on choosing outdoor furniture is to ensure you have a mixture of different types of seating areas, from dining areas and couches, to pool loungers, egg chairs and hammocks.

 

The last thing to consider when picking out your furniture for your patio or deck, is to ensure that the material is washable, as well as waterproof to ensure that it stands the test of time.

 

Lighting is important in any room in your home, and your outdoor entertainment area is no exception, especially if you are entertaining at night. Adding recessed lighting on the ceiling and lanternson side tables or coffee tables of your patio  offers the perfect glow for outdoor entertaining. Having soft lighting creates a warm, ambient atmosphere that is inviting to all.

 

While some of us love the sun, some are more concerned about being sun-safe, especially during the warmer months. To make your outdoor living space more welcoming, ensure that you have an awning or overhang over your outdoor area to provide a shaded area away from direct sunlight. If you do not have enough space to have a full roof or awning installed, adding a pergola or large outdoor umbrella is a great alternative.