Home Lifestyle

No South African home is complete without a patio,  but if you want to give it an upgrade, there’s no better way than to enclose it.
Benefits:
• By enclosing your patio, you are adding a room and essentially extending your living space, which means more of your beautiful home to enjoy. This extended living space will also increase the value of your property should you wish to sell in the future.
• Whether it’s the summer rains or the winter cold, there are certain weather conditions that can limit the amount of time we spend outside. With an enclosed patio, you will be able to enjoy your entertainment area no matter what the weather. An enclosed patio gives you the option of opening it up to enjoy the summer days or closing the doors during the rain and winter chill.

Exterior fixes:
1. Regularly clean gutters and downpipes. Make sure no drainage areas are blocked with leaves and debris.
2. Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Use caulk to fill the holes or completely replace the wood.
3. Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make autumn a good time to paint the exterior of your home.
4. Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed professional to examine your roof for wear and tear. Also, check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys.

Put firewood on display – If you love fires but think they’re a lot of work, try keeping fresh-cut wood in a basket with handles so it’s easy to carry, rather than storing wood outdoors.
Add some texture to your bed – An easy way to transition an all-white bedroom from summer to autumn? Add a dark fur throw.
Cosy it up with floor pillows – Pillows are great on your couch, but try adding some oversize floor pillows as well. It’ll make your space feel so much warmer, relaxed, and inviting.
Pouffe perfect – Ottomans and pouffes are great any time of year, but they just feel extra comfy in winter.
Add luxe texture – Don’t get cold feet when stepping out of the bath or shower. Swap a summery rug for a luxe carpet and you’ll have your very own en-suite spa.

• Don’t just focus on matching your outdoor area to your indoor space, because you also want to bring the outdoors indoors. To do this, start by letting in as much natural sunlight as you possibly can. Bringing in plants will also make a huge difference to the look and feel of the spot. Plus, plants clean and filter the air you breathe.

• To merge the two spaces, tie your outdoor décor to your indoor colour scheme with pillows, textiles and furniture material.
• Look for rugs that could work both indoors and outdoors, and fabrics with moisture wicking technology, and stain- and sun-resistant pieces. All of these will help mitigate any issues that typically arise with outdoor living.