Ways to Make Your Home a Summer Oasis
Category Advice
There's nothing like a South African summer! It's the perfect backdrop to the Festive Season as we all take to the outdoors, soak up the sun and while away those lazy days.
The beauty of living in the most beautiful country on Earth is that there's no need to jet off to sandy shores on a remote island to experience a summer oasis. You can create one right here in your own backyard.
If you're planning a leisurely summer holiday here in SA, these top tips will see you spending plenty of time in the private tranquility of your home.
Here are some super ideas to make your home a summer oasis
1. Go green!
A little landscaping goes a long way to giving your space a sense of island paradise. There's no such thing as too much green, and foliage is the perfect way to fill up blank, empty spaces - indoors or outdoors.
If you're on a budget and want your plants to last, you can look into quality faux greenery for that year-round summer feel. It's beautiful, low maintenance and weather-resistant.
Here are some ideas to include more greenery in your living space:
- Lots of lush green leaves
- Thick, green succulents
- Potted plants and herbs
- Delicious Monsters
- Wall vines, ivy and creepers
- Hanging plants
2. Deck your halls
Putting in an awesome outdoor deck is a great investment, and ideal for those summer months. Composite decking is durable, weather-resistant, low maintenance and looks just as good as wood, if not better. Whether you deck out most of your outdoor space or just certain sections around the pool or entertainment area, decking is great for outdoor furniture, poolside loungers, even seating. Not to mention you'll be boosting the value of your property, all in the name of good times and great vibes!
3. Build a bar
An outdoor bar and entertainment area is a must for summer gatherings. A perk of living in the age of DIY is that you don't need to do a full-scale renovation to get the entertainment space you want. Freestanding ready-to-assemble wooden benches are an affordable option, especially if your home is on the smaller side. They also look just as good as a built-in-bar, with more of a rustic feel.
Once you have your bar area sorted, stock it with everything you could possibly need for outdoor drinks and refreshments so that they're ready whenever guests come to call. That way they won't need to keep dashing to the kitchen for refills, but they can help themselves without missing any of the fun.
Be sure to include:
- Mixers and cordials
- Glasses and tumblers
- Stirrers, spoons and straws
- A mini fridge-freezer with drinks, water and ice
- Bottle openers
4. Get shady
Invest in some quality freestanding outdoor umbrellas to beat the heat and add a touch of island resort flair to your home. Place them strategically around your pool and garden to offer your guests respite from the summer sun between dips in the pool. If you're hosting a garden party, they offer great coverage for cocktail tables laden with cool summer drinks and tasty snacks.
5. Put in that fire pit
If you're going for a relaxed vibe in your outdoor space, then it doesn't get better than a fire pit. Whether you're toasting marshmallows, grilling burgers or just enjoying the warmth of the flames on those summer nights, a fire pit is the perfect gathering space for family and friends. Installing a fire pit doesn't have to be too costly either, as there are some that you can put in yourself with the right tools.
We hope these ideas inspire you to create your own summer oasis at home these holidays!
Feeling inspired but don't have the space? Let's talk!
If you think it's the right time to start the search for a property that will allow you to make your outdoor dreams a reality, you're in the right place! Our team of residential property experts would love to help you find a home to bring your own Summer Oasis to life. Find an SAProperty agent near you and let's set up some viewings.
Author: SAProperty.com