DIY AND HOME RENOVATION TRENDS

Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware, a leading independent hardware retailer, shares some insights on what South Africans can expect in 2023 when it comes to DIY, home maintenance, upgrades and renovation

Things Heat Up For Solar Energy

In keeping with going green, but also now a massively growing trend in South Africa due to load shedding, 2023 will see more homes install solar energy systems. Solar lighting is a renewable and reliable source of light that will save you money in the long run. In terms of product development, we will continue to see new solutions coming to market – enhancing the selection already on offer in terms of outdoor and sensor lighting, rechargeable lightbulbs and portable lighting, among others. Likewise, solar geysers will become increasingly popular for the same reasons.

And staying with the trend of reducing demand on the electricity grid, I believe 2023 will continue to see a spike in the number of households changing their geysers to tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters only heat as needed, as opposed to keeping a reservoir of water hot for long periods, as geysers do. These are very energy efficient and save on costs. Gas alternatives will also be in demand.

Going Green Is Growing

A trend that will continue to gain traction this year is greener homes, with more people looking at fresh and additional ways to adopt more sustainable principles in their homes. So we will continue to see new and innovative “green” products hitting the shelves in hardware stores. Examples include products such as the Waterform smart water management systems, which make rainwater harvesting easy and hassle-free. All the components of these systems are manufactured from recycled waste diverted from oceans and landfills. Greywater systems will also be in demand as South Africans attempt to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible.

Generating Innovative New Solutions

Generators will remain a much-desired purchase for South Africans in 2023 due to ongoing power cuts.

In response to this demand, manufacturers such as Red Rhino are creating innovative new options, such as the silent dual-fuel inverter gas generator. This generator uses either LP gas or petrol, and operates silently, making it a great option for those living in townhouse complexes and even apartments with balconies or patios.

Another example of a product that will see greater demand in the coming year is the Thermo-Solutions roof insulation, which is manufactured from recycled plastic drinking bottles. Each Thermo-Solutions roof insulation roll averages around 360 bottles that would have ended up in landfill. Having a well-insulated home also means less energy is needed to heat and cool the space.

UNATTACHED AND UNCOMPLICATED –CORDLESS TOOLS POWER AHEAD

Tool trends continue to see everything go cordless; this will remain the case in 2023. Going battery-powered means getting rid of the hassle of plugs and long extension cords when working with power tools. And, if your batteries are charged you can continue to work through load shedding. Most power tools work off the same 18V battery platform, and these batteries are interchangeable. From impact drills to circular saws and glue guns to screwdrivers – all are available in cordless versions, and most new power tools entering the market are cordless. This even includes power tools for gardening, such as hedge trimmers, chainsaws and lawnmowers.

More South Africans Doing It For Themselves

This year will also see more South Africans embracing DIY. The DIY movement allows people to save money, get the job done quickly without waiting for a contractor and provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment at a job self-done. At Brights, we have made a point of welcoming and assisting women who come into our stores – and even have a special ladies-only rewards card for our female customers. We look forward to this becoming a growing trend in 2023.

Smart Homes Will Remain A Bright Idea

Another exciting home trend for 2023 will see more people creating smart homes that are automated and controlled via the homeowners’ smart devices. At Brights, we have already seen a spike in demand for such products, and the Xiaomi range of home automation devices continues to grow in popularity. Automated homes are also more environmentally friendly as lights and appliances can be programmed to switch off when not in use, saving on electricity and reducing the load on the grid.

COST (CUTTING) IS KEY

Overall, trends in consumer buying habits have shown that price is key, and manufacturers will need to keep bringing products to market in 2023 that meet the needs of the budget conscious. For example, we have seen brands such as Plascon and Dulux developing cheaper to mid-range paint solutions that are doing well among the selection.

Outdoor Trends On A Budget

Set the scene. If you don’t have an outdoor entertainment space, choose an area close to the house (preferably in some shade) or near the pool if you have one, and lay some cement paving stones and/or stone chips. Alternatively, you can pave the area with cobblestones or bricks laid in a crisscross or herringbone pattern – the internet and social media platforms offer many DIY tutorials.

Paving stones, cobbles and bricks don’t need a concrete foundation or substrate and can be placed directly onto the ground once levelled.

Another option is to create an area of wooden decking – people are doing clever things with reclaimed pallet wood that is cheap and effective.

Light it up. Once you have the stage set for your new entertainment area, the next thing is to provide some lighting. Many solar options on the market allow you to install instant lighting without needing to get in an electrician to do the wiring.

Choose between solar lanterns, spotlights, downlighters, motion

WIN!

element to your newly created entertainment area.

sensor lights, floating solar pool lights, garden lights, and many more. String up solar fairy lights for some extra ambience. If you don’t have a tree, the lights can be strung on poles sunk into the ground on the edges of your entertainment area or simply draped over pot plants.

Sitting pretty. No entertainment area is complete without seating and, ideally, a dining area for some alfresco meals. If you can, treat yourself to some new outdoor furniture to finish off your new space. There is a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and budgets. If you prefer to be a part of the upcycling trend, then hit the second-hand and junk shops and find tables and chairs that can be brought to life with a bit of sanding, varnishing and paint. There are many products available for the upcycling enthusiast, and you can customise the furniture to suit any colour scheme or style.

Blooming good ideas. Having some strategically placed pots planted with a variety of herbs, flowers, rose bushes, ornamental trees, or suitable bushes (whatever you prefer) will add a beautiful

You can use rectangular-shaped pots planted with sedges, bushes or climbing vines with a trellis to serve as a privacy screen around your entertainment area. Planters can also be made from pallet wood, or visit second-hand stores to find planters with a difference. For example, an old shower caddy makes the perfect tiered storage for holding a selection of flower-filled pots and adding colour to wall space. Old colanders make great hanging baskets, vintage teapots and watering cans make fun planters, or use an old wheelbarrow or enamel basin planted with bright blooms. Some fun upcycled elements, such as turning an old wooden window frame into a garden mirror, can add the finishing touches to your outdoor area, and mirrors bring in extra light during the day. They also reflect candles and fairy lights beautifully at night – brightening up your patio area and making it feel bigger.

Get things cooking. Last, but certainly not least, invest in a portable braai to go with your new entertainment area. There are so many kinds to choose from in different styles, sizes and formats – wood-burning, charcoal or gas, freestanding, table-top, and more.

Outdoor entertaining in South Africa is not complete without a braai. The evocative smell of meat sizzling over the heat with family and friends gathered to enjoy each other’s company and savour a delicious meal is one of our favourite pastimes.

Brights Hardware is giving three lucky EasyDIY readers the opportunity to won R1000 vochers redeemable at any Brights Hardware store nationwide. To stand a chance to win and be included in our Business Media Mags newsletter database, SMS EasyDIY BRIGHTS HARDWARE 1, followed by your full name, email and physical address to 33089. SMSes cost R1.50 each. To enter without inclusion in the newsletter, SMS EasyDIY BRIGHTS HARDWARE 2, followed by your full name, email and physical address to 33089.

SMS errors are billed; free SMSes do not apply. For full terms and conditions, visit easyDIY.co.za. Competition ends 20 April 2023.

Whether you want to start a new garden or spruce up an existing one, this collection of gardening hacks will help get you the beautiful greenery you’ve always wanted. By Johanita garden nursery – plants,

THINK “INSIDE-THE-BOX”

The best thing about gardening is that whether you live in a drought-stricken region or a community facing water restrictions, you can still incorporate some unconventional and creative ways to grow your favourite plants. Consider growing your garden in a container so you can control your plants’ water intake better. In addition, a container will ensure that you don’t lose water due to factors such as evaporation.