Bring The Holidays Home

Planning a ‘staycation’ this year? Take inspiration from these restful retreats and create a free and easy feel that’ll last all year...

- Marian van Wyk

​Chill out in a colourful courtyard

Zelda and Pieter Strauss of Mossel Bay are sociable people and on a balmy summer evening you will most likely find them in their stylish courtyard.

“I work long hours and I’m always rushing around,” says Zelda, who owns several Arabesque décor shops in the Western Cape together with Pieter and their daughters, Lee Nel and Zelmarie Strauss. “The courtyard is where we go when we just want to relax and literally do nothing – except sip a cocktail!”

The courtyard is situated on the south-eastern side of the house with easy access to the kitchen. “It’s completely sheltered from the wind and it’s lovely and cool on summer afternoons,” says Zelda.

The couple built their home in 1987 and over the years the courtyard has evolved into the relaxed tropical space it is today. Zelda, a keen traveller who draws inspiration from every corner of the globe, decorated the lush setting with Mexican accessories – a surprising combination typical of her creative flair.

2. Create a view

When Josie and Stuart Hill felt they needed more privacy on their sunny balau deck in Fresnaye on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, Josie came up with the idea to have vinyl screens printed – complete with the sea view they’d always wanted.