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Outdoor living areas are an extension of your home, with gardens and patios fast becoming the preferred holiday hotspot for many people. The rising trend in garden parties, outdoor entertaining and “glamping” are fuelling record growth in outdoor furniture and high-quality composite decking products. According to the 2014 Garden Trends Report, there has been a growing trend with consumers spending more leisure time outdoors and investing more time and money in decorating their outdoor living areas.

“2014 is all about balance. People finally appreciate that being in nature and in the garden is true bliss. But now they want a garden to do double duty: A Zen oasis and

social hub for entertaining.” 2014 Garden Trends Reports – Garden Media Group

Playful patterns and vibrant colours are a big trend for 2014. Mimicking the latest summer trends on the catwalk, outdoor design has been injected with new life.This needn’t mean a complete overhaul of your outdoor living areas as this trend is best reproduced with the addition of colourful scatter cushions and vibrant accessories, spread out over a neutral base.Add an extra dimension with cheerful patterns and boisterous shades that can be swapped out as trends move evolve.

There has been a marked trend in people on the hunt for something truly unique to incorporate into their homes and outdoor living areas. One of a kind accessories and bespoke items are a big hit this season with items such as plant terrariums, outdoor showers, rustic wall art, fire-pit tables and outdoor chandeliers proving to be exceedingly popular.It’s not unusual for people to spend a little more on something that they view as one of a kind.

Emphasis on solar and energy efficient outdoor lighting such as LED alternatives are a big hit this season as more attention is being placed on highlighting key design features of outdoor living areas. Hanging lights are excellent at drawing the eye upwards and jewel tone lanterns and outdoor chandeliers add a touch of eccentric class.Path lighting along walkways is not only a practical addition to your outdoor entertainment areas but also adds to the overall ambience.

Although the above statement might sound a tad ironic especially when talking about outdoor spaces but there has been a concerted movement in recent years around environmentally friendly outdoor products and urban farming with many people wanting to grow their own produce.

Incorporate waterwise native cultivars in your garden as well as growing complimenting species to maximise your garden area.

Short on space? Not to worry, sky planters, container gardening and wall planters are all the rage and help maximise the space you have available.

Spending quality time with family and friends outside, sharing a meal and enjoying a few well deserved drinks is becoming increasingly popular. More people have become fiercely house proud and prefer to entertain guests at home instead of going to a restaurant.

As such outdoor dining furniture is getting bigger and better, offering more versatility with collapsible tables and hidden seating making it even easier to accommodate bigger crowds.

If there’s one thing besides rugby and soccer that unites South Africans its their love for a good old fashion braai. Today gas barbeques, wood-fired ovens and skottel braais come in a variety of shapes and sizes.For DIY aficionados, building your own braai is a relatively simple and inexpensive process. And lets be honest, there’s simply nothing better than having your very own outdoor kitchen at your disposal…well, maybe an outdoor bar – we can all dream.

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