Get the perfect patio

Garden gnomes are gone. This year, the gourmet in the garden is everything, so kit out with contemporary fire and food places, double up on decks and add some ’70s style, writes Omeshnie Naidoo

Pool it

Pools have always been an outdoor showpiece; however, there’s a wider range of accessories for the pool available today.

From peacocks to donuts, pool floats are the most affordable candy to kit your pool out with for a party.

“Rather than the traditional net pool covering, there is an emerging trend of installing more visually appealing pool covers that have the associated safety benefits as well,” says Willem de Wet, director & partner at Designer Pool Covers. Zoning

Just as you would create zones inside the home, the outdoor space can also be set into key zones for lounging and dining – rather than just one space for everything. A great way to demarcate and define the different spaces is through the use of rugs, explains Alon Sachs at Mobelli Furniture + Living.

Similarly double decks are a growing trend. No longer does a deck have to be one large, solid surface, but rather it can have stairs and multiple levels for interest.

At the Patio Warehouse, minimal maintenance is key. While a porch or verandah is considered an extension of the home, this furniture will experience more weathering than indoors. There are now various ranges of outdoor furniture available, upholstered in fabrics that will withstand outdoor use year-round. They are crafted using breathable, quick-dry materials that allow constant air circulation. Buy UV, stain and mould resistance for a fresh, new look throughout the seasons.