You know that exact moment every South African looks forward to? It’s that first warm evening of the season where the sun sets slowly, the air smells like a braai is getting started, and you look around thinking, “I wish my outside space felt as good as this weather.” We get it, we’re dreaming of the perfect outdoorsy afternoon writing this. So if you’re looking to give your patio, balcony, or garden a complete reset this season, let us share a few ideas we’ve learned that will make your space feel like an extension of your home: relaxed, stylish, and ready for an afternoon outdoors with your friends and family.
First, you want to start with a statement backdrop. Trust us, adding black slatted wall panelling instantly transforms a plain, boring wall into a dramatic, modern architectural feature. It’s dark, textured, and creates that instant designer feel that’ll have everyone asking who you hired to do the work.
Next, bring in lush greenery without the headache. Rolling out Naterial artificial grass gives you a low-maintenance lawn that stays vibrant all season long, no mowing, watering, or dead patches. Pair it with a potted leafy tree against that black panelling, and the contrast will make it feel like home.
When it comes to seating and hosting, choose flexible pieces. A dark grey Naterial dining table is perfect for everything from casual sundowners to quiet morning coffees. And for pure relaxation, the Naterial Lyra aluminium & textile 4-piece patio set is a piece that will allow you to put your feet up comfortably and relax. The sofa, armchairs, and coffee table create a comfy nook, and the weather-ready aluminium handles the elements effortlessly while staying super comfortable.
Don’t skip layering in soft furnishings—that’s where your style really shines! Throwing in Naterial Malibu deco cushions in poly-cotton blue denim adds a fresh, coastal feel with playful stripes and patterns. Anchor everything with an Inspire Kelya indoor/outdoor polypropylene natural rug. It ties the whole seating area together seamlessly and is tough enough to handle the weather.
Finally, set the mood with lighting because your evenings shouldn’t end when the sun goes down. Inspire solar wall lights offer bright, eco-friendly lighting with zero wiring (and zero electricity costs during load shedding!). To add some height and drama, a couple of Inspire solar big posts give you dimmable, elegant light so you can dial the mood up or down.
Here is the quick formula to keep in mind:
- Black slatted panelling for drama
- Artificial grass for year-round green
- Dark grey dining and lounge furniture for style
- Blue denim cushions and a natural rug for texture
- Solar lighting for effortless ambience
The best part is you don’t need a massive budget or a professional designer to do this. Whether you’re dressing up a tiny apartment balcony or overhauling an entire yard, start small and build over time at your own pace.
Make this the season your outdoor space becomes your favourite room in the house!
You can find all these pieces at Leroy Merlin stores (Fourways, Greenstone, Boksburg, Little Falls, Centurion, or Alberton), online at leroymerlin.co.za, or through their mobile app.
Check out their Facebook (leroymerlin.southafrica), Instagram (@leroymerlinsa), and TikTok (@leroymerlinsa) for even more ideas.
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Featured Image: Supplied
