A Change For The Better

With a combination of good ideas, dedication and hard work, these tired rooms and homes became sought-after spaces

- Dina Venter

JUNGLE FEVER

Using botanical fabrics, cane furniture and a collection of plants and ornaments, interior designer Michelle Murray turned a bare pavilion into a stylish outdoor living space

THE PROBLEM

Although this pavilion was well made in a contemporary style, it wasn’t conducive to relaxing or entertaining. Instead, it had become a receptacle for children’s toys and there was no place for the owners, Wendy and Brett Skinner, to sit, except for a forlorn hanging chair.

THE SOLUTION

Enter Michelle Murray of Interiors Etc. “A blank space, this pavilion, just like any other room, needed furnishing. Fortunately, Wendy had seen a picture of furniture she liked in an overseas magazine and this set the relaxed yet sophisticated look,” she explains.

Starting from the ground up, Michelle established a sitting area with an outdoor rug made from recycled plastic. For the seating, she asked Cane World to make three chairs similar to the design Wendy loved. “We took the hanging chair off its stand and suspended it from one of the metal beams and sourced side tables in easy-to-maintain concrete for drinks and snacks.”

As the Skinners didn’t want to cover the attractive slatted roof, Michelle selected waterproof, UV-resistant fabrics for the cushions so they can be left outside. “We chose a bold leaf pattern and combined this with black and white geometrics.” Taking the furnishings a step further, Michelle decorated the walls with lanterns and metal artwork. She had strings of outdoor lights made up, which add a gentle glow in the evenings. “We also included pots and plants along the side to add colour and texture.”