Outdoor LUXE

Our case for rendering your veranda living space every bit as desirable as its indoor counterpart

- MILA CREWE-BROWN

Gone are the days where the outdoor lounge was treated as a special case. Al fresco living is something of a birthright in SA, given our indoor-outdoor culture and spectacular climate. Despite being outdoors, this area should deliver on comfort, quality, usability and looks.

Herewith, our advice (plus a few handy tips) for taking your veranda living space to the next level.

FURNITURE BASICS 

Lay your furniture out with just as much thought as you would inside. Be mindful of celebrating the view (whatever that may be) and consider proximity to vital zones, as in the case of the dining table and kitchen.

For a more contemporary look, powder-coated aluminium pieces are super lightweight and come in a delicious array of colours. We're fortunate enough to have some of the most exciting outdoor furniture designers right here on our doorstep, the likes of Haldane Martin, Douglas and Douglas and just recently, Pedersen and Lennard, who entered the outdoor market to much acclaim with their playful Umpire Collection.

Natural rattan (only in covered spaces) or all-weather wicker, which is made from high-quality polyethylene are softer on the eye and can channel a coastal, bohemian aesthetic.

FABRIC MATTERS

Solution-dyed acrylic is the gold standard when it comes to all-weather textiles. This miracle fabric is not only UV-resistant, water-resistant and mould-resistant, but is also soft to the touch. So soft, in fact, that it comes in a velvet option! For the latter, head to Romo, who offer a range of exciting prints. For a broad-spectrum of high-end outdoor fabrics, head to Stuart Graham, or Sunbrella.

LIGHTEN UP