EasyDIY Summer Edition 2023

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SUMMER 2023

WORKSHOP ■ UPDATE ■ MAINTAIN ■ LIVING

WWW.EASYDIY.CO.ZA

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CONTENTS

SUMMER 2023

DIY 101 19 DESIGNING THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR

Picasso Headline, a proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 Postal Address: PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 easydiy.co.za businessmediamags.co.za

EDITORIAL

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Subscribe to EasyDIY.

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PRODUCT ROUNDUP Like stuff, like buying stuff, need stuff?

Check out our suggestions of where to go and what to buy.

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COLOUR COMBINATION TRENDS A selection of aquatic hues designed to alleviate stress and invigorate spaces.

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TILE TRENDS Discover the marvel of metallurgy as Italtile captures the mood of the AI era and brings the metallic tile trend to South Africa. This interior trend brings all the vibrancy you didn’t know your home needed.

Content Manager Raina Julies, rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors Shereen Lurie, Yohina Maharaj, Cobus Odendaal Copy Editor Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator Natasha Maneveldt

DESIGN Head of Design Studio Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Designer Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer Bulelwa Sotashe Cover Image Supplied, Wavebreakmedia/istockphoto.com

ENTERTAINMENT AREA An appealing outdoor living area will enhance your enjoyment of your home and also add to its value as an attractive outdoor entertainment area features high on many buyers’ lists.

For more easy DIY projects, tips, hacks and maintenance solutions, log onto www.easydiy.co.za

RE AD

SALES Project Manager Gavin Payne, gavinp@picasso.co.za +27 21 469 2477 I +27 74 031 9774

PRODUCTION

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Production Editor Shamiela Brenner Advertising Co-ordinator Johan Labuschagne Subscriptions and Distribution Fatima Dramat fatimad@picasso.co.za Printing CTP Printers, Cape Town

MANAGEMENT Management Accountant Deidre Musha Business Manager Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines Jocelyne Bayer

Copyright: Picasso Headline. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. EasyDIY is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.

PROJECTS 9

DIY HACKS Whether you’re a DIY queen or don’t know your drill bits, there are many ways to brush up on home maintenance skills and save calling in a handyman.

13 WATER-WISE GARDENS Tips and tricks for avid gardeners to care for their greenspaces and be waterwise this season.

16 CULINARY CABINETRY One of the most striking features of any kitchen is its cabinetry. The design you choose can dramatically alter the appearance of the space. We provide expert advice on choosing cabinetry that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

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PRODUCT ROUNDUP

Bits ‘n’ Bobs

PRODUCTS worth having USE TECHNOLOGY TO TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF DEEP CLEANING

NEW STORE ALERTS

Squeaky-clean floors The Hobot Legee D8 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop combines vacuuming, sweeping, water spraying and mopping. It offers hands-free cleaning, customisable cleaning modes and a unique voice control function that allows you to command it without lifting a finger. It’s designed to get into hard-to-reach corners and right up to the edges, and it sucks up dust and pet hair even from carpets. It’s also energy-efficient and quiet and carries the SA Allergy Foundation’s seal of approval. The Hobot Legee Lulu Charging and Cleaning Station, the D8’s trusty sidekick, automatically refreshes the robot’s mop, tops up the water tank and recharges the battery.

Improved air quality The Solenco Air Purifier Purification Pal helps to create healthy air in the home with innovative air-purifying technology that kills bacteria and viruses and traps up to 99.97% of particles, allergens, pollen, dust, smoke, mould spores and pet dander. It also reduces volatile organic compounds (which can be 10 times more concentrated indoors compared with outdoors), toxic fumes and odours.

With its night light and low noise output, it’s perfect for nurseries and children’s rooms.

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A PAINTING REVOLUTION IS HERE! Plascon’s latest release, MasterPrep, is a grey water-based primer that not only ensures a bold and beautiful topcoat colour, but also saves time and money.

Priming is key to a successful paint job – the difference between an unprimed or poorly primed surface and one that is properly primed is the difference between a problematic and an excellent finish.

The water-based, low in volatile organic compounds, grey plaster MasterPrep primer – available in 5 and 20 litres – evens porosity, providing excellent adhesion for the topcoat.

It’s breathable, allowing moisture to escape, and it’s extremely quick drying, ready for an overcoat in an hour. These qualities enhance the colour and shine of the topcoat and reduce overall time and labour costs.

MasterPrep is suitable for priming new interior and exterior concrete, cement plaster, fibre cement, brickwork and various types of building boards and compressed wood.

Find out more about this game-changing primer at plascon.co.za

Brights Hardware has recently opened a new Northern Suburbs branch in Richmond Park, Cape Town. The new 6 000m2 store – situated on the corner of Southern Precinct and Tygerberg Valley Road in Richwood – has been custom-built and features extra-large aisles, modern fresh layouts, an undercover drivethrough collection point, and an extensive product offering – featuring over 40 000 products ranging from tools, hardware and building supplies to lighting, camping, appliances, landscaping and DIY – the list goes on.

Knowledgeable staff are available to assist shoppers with expert advice and a personalised shopping experience, and the huge range of products on shelf means that homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, renovators, crafters and contractors will find everything in-store they need for their current project.

“All customers can expect the same quality of service that they have come to experience from all our hardware stores and will benefit from the larger layout, wider aisles, increased product offerings and access to expert staff assistance,” says Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights.

“In addition to this exciting new store, Brights is also focused on increasing our online offering substantially, and we plan to open a new store in the near future in the Southern Suburbs as well as Somerset West.”

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COLOUR COMBINATION TRENDS

Bits ‘n’ Bobs

Dive into a world of calmness and rejuvenation

WITH A HARMONIOUS TRIO OF BLUES Taking inspiration from nature’s blue expanses, Plascon has announced its third annual Colour Combination – a selection of aquatic hues designed to alleviate stress and invigorate spaces

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ext year (2024) sees a new trio of colours emerge following months of extensive research into the zeitgeist as the world recovers from the pandemic years and faces extreme climate challenges. In light of a collective desire for calm, reassuring spaces, Plascon looked to the allure of water to transform our homes – and they didn’t need to look far: South Africa has a profound affinity with this life-giving source, thanks to our thousands of kilometres of coastlines, many pristine lakes and abundance of waterfalls.

THE BLUES TRIO North Beach (B4-B1-1) is a bold and saturated azure representing the enveloping comfort of the deep without being too cool. And the gently shaded, blue-green Aqua Pura (G7-C2-2) is the perfect highlight, a pale near-neutral, reminiscent of sun rays sparkling on water.

Together, this layered and immersive harmony of hues awakens the restorative properties of blue, a colour that research has found to elevate mood and improve feelings of rejuvenation.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Crystal-clear Caribbean Sea (G7-A1-2) is the colour representing the largest percentage in the design ratio. On its own, this colour evokes sunlit shallow waters on a warm day, while its pairing with the other two – North Beach (B4-B1-1) at 30% and Aqua Pura (G7-C2-2) at 10% – captures the full spectrum of aquatic blues.

The vibrant warm turquoise of Crystal-clear Caribbean Sea with a green undertone is invigorating, bringing energy and a sense of renewal into any space.

In 2022, Plascon became the first coatings company in South Africa to present a Colour Combination of the Year, featuring three colours instead of a single one. For three consecutive years, Plascon has launched these exciting Colour Combinations in a 60-30-10 ratio — the industry-standard design approach of 60% of a room being in a dominant colour, 30% in a secondary colour and 10% in an accent colour — making it easier for users to achieve a well-considered look.

Resources: For free advice on how to use the Plascon Colour Combination 2024 or any other Plascon colours, contact the Plascon Colour Advice team via email: ColourAdvice@kansaiplascon.co.za.

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TRENDS

The allure of METALLIC TILES

IRON-HEARTED OXIDART, HANDCRAFTER BY CERAMICA SANT’AGOSTINO

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he metallurgy trend in interiors brings all the vibrancy you didn’t know your home needed.

From shimmering gold in all her beautiful tone poems and spotlessly dazzling stainless steel, moody silver, lead and pewter to the sheen of copper and bronze ... and into the utterly extraordinary, transformative world of corroded and oxidised metals.

Metallic looks are all the rage – we saw their emergence at Cersaie 2022 – and we believe they are powerful enough to create permanence, to move from “trend” to “look”.

DRIPART BY CERAMIC SAN’AGOSTINO

CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF MOONBEAMS WITH SEATTLE

Silver and lead each offer their interpretation of the otherworldly sheen reminiscent of the moon reflected in waterscapes. Our spectacular 1200x1200 Seattle Glazed Porcelain Tile range brings the alchemy of mirrors and metallics to life on porcelain with a never-before-achieved “metal rainbow” effect. In bright Seattle Silver (like the moon on a clear night) and darker, moodier Seattle Lead (an overcast and stormier shimmer), eco-chic, Spanish-made Seattle will take centre stage and elevate any urban or modern space with an appetite for theatricality. An Italtile exclusive carrying the LiveGreen logo.

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This is a metallic porcelain tile range of staggering beauty. A strong player in legendary Ceramica Sant’Agostino’s tile concept “LiquidGesture”. This idea interprets the fluid effect of corrosive liquid on metals, with distinctive “drip” lines that create powerful verticals and deliver a dynamic, live surface.

DripArt is designed to dominate a minimalist, modern or urban aesthetic. Italtile has selected two of DripArt’s transformative metal colours: DripArt Copper, strong coppery tones with distinctive green drip lines, and DripArt Verdigris, which is all about intense, raw bluegreen tones. Interesting to note that verdigris is the old French word for “the green of Greece”, denoting the colour and texture created by the action of saltwater on old copper. DripArt is a large-format 600x1200 tile with 40 faces, which means you get 40 graphic designs in your chosen range colour. Slim chance of any perceived repetition when installed.

Two years in experimentation and graphic development using fire and acid. The result?

An avant-garde take on sheet metal that has seen battle, been exposed to the elements and survived with the tell-tale scars of corrosion.

The story of the passing of time, mottled and etched, radiating out towards the edges of each tile. There’s a sense of abandoned shipyards and old industrial factories.

OxidArt Black, with lighter corrosive graphics, and OxidArt Iron, with darker, contrasting “oxidation”, will each bring their bold and unapologetically muscular metallurgy to the fore and elevate any urban, modern or minimalist space.

Each colourway has been worked into deceptively simple patterning; underneath the randomness, there’s painstaking attention to detail. With its powerful personality, OxidArt is a solo player as a base canvas, but will layer beautifully with secondary decor tiles, harmonising textures and tones and a few beautifully curated furniture pieces.

As with Sant’Agostino’s DripArt, OxidArt is 600x1200 and presents with 40 faces, to provide individual graphic realism on each tile surface. Another Italtile exclusive that will carry the LiveGreen label.

The metallic tile trend offers a powerful aesthetic and should be approached with respect and caution. If you are a lover of the traditional Classic style, these looks may be extremely difficult to pull off without a degree of interior discord ... our metal look tile collection has been curated to elevate Contemporary, Urban, Modernist and Minimalist styles. As with all our signature ranges, we encourage you to speak to our interior design-certified sales consultants before diving in.

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Discover the marvel of metallurgy as Italtile captures the mood of the AI era and brings the metallic tile trend to South Africa

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HACKS

Household

HACKS AND IDEAS Whether you’re a DIY queen or don’t know your drill bits, there are many ways to brush up on home maintenance skills and save calling in a handyman. By Brights Hardware Store BUDGETING

THE FAN CLUB

“Doing something with your own hands makes a house feel like a home,” says Mercia Draai, financial clerk at Brights. “As a Brights employee, I’ve learned a lot about DIY. I have also learnt not to be shy to ask. Women especially love to share ideas,” says Draai, who advises renovators and DIY enthusiasts to set a budget and to use their eyes and ears for ideas.

Department manager Ntombi Sithole encourages “seasonal” DIY projects, such as cleaning appliances that have been out of use.

“It may not be high on your priority list, but a fan, for example, requires cleaning after a couple of months of nonuse. Ceiling fans are often overlooked as they are difficult to reach.

Excess dust might overwork the fan motor,

Projects

preventing it from performing optimally.”

Ntombi offers these tips: 1. As with any electrical appliance, turn off the fan and unplug it from the wall before starting any maintenance. When done, dry everything thoroughly – you don’t want water seeping into the electrical components of the fan, which could be dangerous.

2. To clean oscillating fans: simply use a moist towel sprayed with all-purpose cleaner or add dish soap to clean the outside of an oscillating fan and the fan blades. Avoid spraying the fan motor directly. You can also use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a brush to remove light dirt. If your fan has a thick layer of dust, remove the grate (if it has one) and vacuum the grate with a brush attachment to prevent scratches.

Wipe down the grate, the blades and the entire outside of the fan, including the power cord.

3. To clean a ceiling fan: a ceiling fan should be cleaned every couple of months to avoid it circulating dust through the air. For weekly cleaning, you can use compressed air to remove dust. For a deeper clean, dust the top of each fan blade individually using an extendable pole with a duster attached to the end of it. If you can reach the blades, apply an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser to a towel and wipe each blade.

4. When cleaning a box fan, remove the fan grate and soak it in warm soap and water in the sink or bathtub for 5–10 minutes.

You can also use a degreaser to break down difficult dirt or stains.

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HACKS

Ndivhuwo Nelwamondo says DIY projects should be fun.

TAPED UP Sheri Omoh, owner and founder of Oh So Sheri Woodworking, is all about practicality.

Omoh is a DIY hack queen and budget decor enthusiast. She shares the following decor hacks just using tape: 1. I love big mirrors, but they often come with a huge price tag. I created my own showpiece by buying a piece of inexpensive mirror from a market or Brights and then using black tape to create a beautiful mirror. It only took me an hour!

2. I am a fan of feature walls, but often don’t want to commit to something permanent or incur expense. I created a feature wall in my lounge by just using washi tape on the existing grey wall. It only took one morning.

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DID YOU KNOW? Brights Hardware offers women the ladies-only Sparkle Rewards Card, which gives special discounts and rewards.

AP

WOODEN IT BE NICE Self-taught DIY pro Ndivhuwo Nelwamondo has garnered an enormous following on her social media channel “Remedial DIY” where she shares tutorial videos and tips. She shares some of her insights and top tips on how to become a DIY guru yourself:

5. Always wear safety goggles, gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself when using tools. Ensure your work area is organised and well-ventilated.

6. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance or advice from experts, online tutorials or experienced DIY enthusiasts. They can offer valuable insights, tips, and troubleshooting advice.

7. Finally, remember that DIY projects are fun. Allow time to learn new skills and take pride in your accomplishments.

Don’t hesitate to seek guidance or advice from experts, says Ndivhuwo Nelwamondo.

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Sheri Omoh’s DIY mirror.

1. If you’re a beginner, start with small, simple projects to build skills and confidence. As you gain experience, you can take on more complex tasks.

2. Woodworking requires patience and practice.

Take time during each step of the process, and don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Learn from them and adjust as needed.

3. Select a type of wood that suits your preferences and budget. Popular choices for nightstands include pine, oak and plywood.

Ensure the wood is smooth, free from knots, and suitable for furniture construction.

4. Measure twice, cut once. Double-check your measurements before making any cuts. Accuracy is crucial to avoid wasting materials and ensure a precise fit. If you can’t cut your wood, ask your hardware store to do it for you.

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WATER-WISE GARDENS

Projects

MAKE EVERY drop count Yohina Maharaj, buyer for Garden Nursery at Builders, shares some tips and tricks for avid gardeners to care for their greenspaces and be water-wise this season

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he water challenges brought on by seasonal climate changes and the arrival of summer means we all need to use water even more sparingly. Climate change is affecting how South Africans care for their green spaces, especially as weather conditions continue to change. While the coastal gardener is experiencing salty, sandy and typically harder-than-usual gardening conditions, inland gardeners must focus on being prudent with their watering habits.

WATERING WISDOM With climate change affecting the survival of many plant species and research from the South African Nursery Association indicating that severe changes in weather patterns will impact species generation in Southern Africa, gardeners must be smart about how they get their green fingers working. Methods such as drip irrigation can save up to 60% of the water used by sprinklers, water harvesting is another way to collect and redistribute rainwater throughout the garden, and scheduling your watering routine can help your garden thrive.

SMART PLANTS For all conscious gardeners, your plant choices can also play a huge role in ensuring your water usage levels stay under control.

Group the plants in your garden according to their water needs, such as Coprosma, which has a waxy coating that maintains water levels, vygies, which are very tough and can handle different weather conditions, and Salvia, which is quite easy to grow, plus the fur on the leaves stores water making them water magnets. South African favourite, Agapanthus, has thick fleshy leaves that make it drought-resistant and water-wise.

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WATER-WISE GARDENS

GET YOUR HAND TOOLS HERE: LIFESPACE SOIL TEST ANALYSER 3-WAY BUY

SOIL PREPARATION

HEAVY-DUTY BYPASS SECATEURS BUY

PRUNING LIKE A PRO Pruning dead leaves and branches is essential for preparing for new growth in the sunny months. Most South African garden lovers would have done this during the winter season to prepare their garden for spring and summer. You can learn how to trim back overgrown branches and shape your plants on the Builders blog site, which provides tips such as deadheading and heavy-duty pruning.

ESSENTIAL HAND TOOLS Every aspiring gardener needs a set of basic hand tools. For several types of gardening activities, you need a master tool to give your DIY job an expert finish. For soil preparation, you need the Lifespace Soil Test Analyser 3-Way, for light-pruning, you need heavy-duty bypass secateurs – this pair of clippers comes with coated blades that cut easily and a one-handed, spring-operated closing mechanism, and for heavy-duty pruning that usually has branches thicker than 1 mm, you need bypass loppers, which are perfect for branches that are slightly bigger and out of reach. For the savvy gardener, soak hoses are also essential for redistribution of water back into the soil to avoid wastage.

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BYPASS LOPPER BUY

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At the onset of summer, we may notice that the soil is low on nutrients and needs a bit of extra care. The foundation of a healthy garden begins with the soil, so start by testing your soil to understand its composition and pH levels. One of the biggest steps to help you figure this out is by using a Lifespace Soil Test Analyser 3-Way, which you simply plug into the soil area you want to check and it will tell you if you need to water your soil, amend its pH levels or adjust its lighting. Most South African soil is between 6.5 and 8, so a pH level of 7 will be good for plants and gardens countrywide. Once the analysis is done, you can prepare your soil with organic matter, such as compost or mulch, to improve its structure and nutrient content.

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CULINARY cabinetry One of the most striking features of any kitchen is its cabinetry. The design you choose can dramatically alter the appearance of the space. Shereen Lurie, online editor for SA Home Owner magazine, rounds up expert advice on choosing cabinetry that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

What are some of the new and innovative materials being used for kitchen cabinetry?

“We are observing the use of textured, glossy and matt materials that can either stand alone or be combined for a more dramatic effect.” – Jenny Buys, twelve kitchens

What tips do you have for homeowners looking at cabinetry for the kitchen?

“While prioritising functionality, the kitchen must also ensure that its finishes not only serve a functional purpose, but also seamlessly integrate with the overall home design. These finishes should be capable of making a statement while harmonising with the home’s interior.” – Craig Dexter, brand manager at nuuma

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CABINETRY

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Why is ergonomic design important?

“Arranging preparation zones, cooking areas and storage spaces establishes distinct hubs for various purposes, allowing the entire family to engage in different activities within the kitchen simultaneously.” – Fazlin Oosthuizen, head designer at Blend Africa

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What should home owners keep in mind when purchasing cabinetry for the kitchen?

“Trying to integrate all the finest design elements and trends seen in online or print magazines without tapping into your lived experience to guide the selection of essential elements that are practical and necessary for your daily routine is certainly something to avoid.” – Casarredo interior design team

Are there any exciting innovations in cabinetry that we can look forward to?

“We are enthusiastic about the integration of motorised units into kitchen cabinetry. Valcucine kitchens come to life, enhancing the bond between the kitchen and its user. Through V-Motion, a novel and patented intelligent system, the realms of ergonomics and wellbeing have been elevated to new heights, infusing every kitchen experience with a more remarkable, poetic, and emotional essence.

“As an illustration, the gentle movement of a hand, akin to that of a conductor, effortlessly opens the door, activates the tap and illuminates the rear panel lights, creating a truly unique sensation.” – Casarredo interior design team EasyDIY

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ENTERTAINMENT AREA

DIY 101

Designing the ultimate

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AREA An appealing outdoor living area will enhance your enjoyment of your home and add to its value. Cobus Odendaal, E S R R creating the ultimate summertime venue in your home

what is available and shop around. Be realistic about what you can afford.

• Permits and regulations: check local regulations, such as zoning laws and building permits, before making any major changes to your backyard.

• Landscaping: plan your greenery, from flowers and shrubs to trees and lawn space.

Consider using indigenous plants to reduce maintenance and water usage.

THE DINING AREA

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ummertime is synonymous with outdoor gatherings, garden parties and the national South African pastime – the braai. Creating the ultimate backyard space for these occasions not only enhances your enjoyment of your home, but also its value.

We’re blessed with the perfect climate for outdoor entertaining, and from as early as September, we can start spending time outdoors in the evening. An appealing outdoor entertainment area features high on many buyer’s wish lists, so it makes good sense to create an inviting outdoor space to share with family and friends and attract more buyers when the time comes to sell.

Although a large budget can certainly make it easier to create the dream entertainment area, it can also be done on a shoestring with some forethought, planning and imagination.

Before you start buying materials and furniture, you need a well-thought-out plan and to consider some key elements.

• Layout and flow: think about how you want your backyard organised. Designate areas for cooking, dining, lounging and entertainment and ensure a smooth flow between these zones for easy access during parties.

• Budget: determine your budget for the project, taking into account landscaping, furniture and equipment costs. Research

When creating the ideal dining area, it’s worth spending a little money and time rather than just trying to fill the available space with your old furniture. If your budget and available space permits, install a patio or deck as the foundation for your outdoor dining space. It clearly defines the area and provides a stable and comfortable surface for tables and chairs.

It’s also worth investing in weather-resistant dining sets and comfortable seating options.

Materials, such as teak or aluminium, are durable, look great year-round and can be brightened with colourful removable cushions.

As much as we enjoy the sun, dining in its full midday glare is not advisable, so add an umbrella, pergola or retractable awning to provide shade during hot summer days or shelter from unexpected rain showers.

Finally, install outdoor lighting to create an ambience during the evening. String lights or lanterns and light the pathways.

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DIY 101

ENTERTAINMENT AREA

THE PERFECT COOKING SPACE

THE ADDED EXTRAS These are largely dependent on budget and taste, but can finish off your outdoor entertainment area beautifully. Add outdoor rugs to define seating areas and infuse style into your backyard, incorporate colourful cushions and pillows to make your outdoor seating more inviting and comfortable and hang outdoor-friendly artwork or sculptures to personalise your space and add visual interest.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s worth considering an outdoor sound system – just ensure it’s weatherproof and integrates well into your backyard design.

And, if space and budget allow, a plunge pool or hot tub can be a luxurious addition to your backyard.

On a more practical level, it’s a good idea to invest in outdoor storage solutions for cushions, garden tools and equipment to protect them from the elements.

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PITFALLS TO AVOID To ensure your outdoor space truly shines, it is essential to avoid some common pitfalls.

• Neglecting planning: one of the biggest mistakes is jumping into the project without a well-thought-out plan. Take time to consider layout, budget and your specific needs to prevent hasty and potentially costly decisions.

• Overcrowding the space: while it’s tempting to fit in as much as possible, overcrowding can lead to discomfort and a cluttered appearance. Leave enough room for guests to move comfortably.

• Ignoring local regulations: failing to check local regulations and zoning laws can lead to costly setbacks. Always ensure your backyard modifications comply with local rules and obtain any necessary permits because this can be an issue when it’s time to sell and you need to present the buyer with approved plans.

• Disregarding shade: lack of shade can make your backyard unbearable during scorching summer days.

• Neglecting lighting: inadequate or poorly placed lighting can be a safety hazard and affect the ambience of your outdoor space.

Plan your lighting scheme carefully to create a warm and inviting atmosphere after dark.

• Neglecting pest control: summertime often comes with unwanted guests in the form of insects. To keep your outdoor space pest-free, invest in citronella candles or torches to deter mosquitoes. Consider installing screens or netting around seating areas to keep flies and other pests at bay. Natural remedies, for example, planting mosquito-repelling plants or using essential oil sprays, can also be effective.

• Neglecting maintenance: a beautifully designed backyard can quickly lose its charm if you neglect maintenance. Regularly clean and care for your outdoor furniture, grill and landscaping to keep everything looking its best.

IMAGES: VELVETOCEAN/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, KARELNOPPE/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, HIKESTERSON/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, JOANNE DALE/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, KARELNOPPE/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Choose the best quality braai you can afford that suits your needs.

Consider built-in options for a seamless look. You can also elevate your cooking game with an outdoor kitchen complete with countertops, sinks and storage that not only add functionality, but also enhance the overall appeal of your backyard. And for those cooler evenings, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be the centrepiece of your backyard gathering.

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