DECOR
Bring a little summer into your home with these easy tips
With the mercury hitting 30 degrees and more across most of South Africa these days , it ’ s official : summer is finally here ! This year , instead of just packing away those winter woollies and calling it quits , why not give your home some summer loving as well ? Debbie Reabow , Brand and Communications Manager for the Rawson Property Group , shares a few tips .
Send winter packing “ Those cosy cushion covers and layered throws are all wonderfully warming in winter , but can make interiors feel overly cluttered and stuffy in the heat ,” says Reabow . “ If you can ’ t see yourself snuggling into that pile of velvety cushions or tucking that faux fur rug over your knees , it ’ s time to pack them away where they ’ ll stay clean and fresh for next season .”
Soft furnishings aren ’ t the only things we tend to collect during winter , either – decorative knick-knacks have a habit of building up as well .
“ Try to clear out as much unnecessary clutter as possible to get that easy , breezy summer vibe ,” says Reabow . “ You don ’ t want a totally blank canvass , but you do want some room to breathe .”
Colour it casual When it comes to making a space feel lighter and brighter , there ’ s nothing more powerful than colour , according to Reabow .
“ Summer is all about fresh , juicy hues , so replace winter ’ s intense tones with cool , ice-cream pastels or palettes inspired by fruity sorbets or tropical prints ,” she says . “ Nautical blues and whites are also timeless choices that pair particularly well with natural materials like wood , linen , cotton and cane .”
Get personal with prints “ This season has some incredible textile prints to choose from ,” says Reabow , “ and they make amazing accents to add personality to any summer space . Choose from bold tropicals , delicate florals , exotic geometrics and more . Don ’ t be scared to mix and match for a more eclectic feel – summer is the perfect time for light-hearted fun , so get playful with your choices .”
Bring the outdoors in Indoor plants are making a huge comeback at the moment , and Reabow says they are a perfect way to introduce a touch of summer into your home .
“ Tropical-styled delicious monsters ( monstera deliciosa ) are the most gorgeous choices for a pop of lush green , but simple succulents and air plants are also extremely trendy and attractive ,” she says . “ If you ’ re feeling a little more adventurous , you also get some miniature fruit tree varietals that thrive indoors in the right light conditions , and produce scented blossoms and fruit as well .”
If you don ’ t have green thumb , don ’ t worry – plants aren ’ t the only way to embrace the outdoors . Reabow also recommends introducing natural materials like raw wood , sandstone , seagrass and loose-weave linens to bring nature into your home .
Take the indoors out There ’ s nothing better than alfresco entertaining on a balmy summer ’ s day , and Reabow highly recommends giving your outdoor areas a little love to make this as enjoyable as possible .
“ Outdoor entertainment areas are extremely popular with property buyers ,” says Reabow , “ so don ’ t be afraid to invest a little money in this area – it ’ ll pay off down the line . If you have the space , a covered patio with a built-in braai is a fantastic option , but a neatly paved area with a few outdoor couches or a dining table and a big umbrella can be just as nice .”
When planning an outdoor space , Reabow reminds homeowners not to overlook lighting .
“ The right lights are essential from an ambiance perspective as well as a functional one ,” she says . “ There are a lot of solar options available these days that are great for areas where it ’ s difficult to get power . Candles , lanterns and torches can be very romantic additions as well .”
Look on the bright side No matter how you choose to embrace the summer season , Reabow says fun should always be the focus .
“ Your home is your playground , and should always reflect the uniqueness of you . Don ’ t get too caught up in what ’ s trendy and forget about the things that make you and your loved ones smile .”
22 THE ULTIMATE PROPERTY INVESTMENT RESIDENTIAL GUIDEBOOK