Upgrade and Style your Veranda this Summer

With the warm summer months upon us, we take a look at some top tips to update your veranda to give your home a gorgeous outdoor space. Not everything will break the bank, and we have plenty of tips to help you update your space whatever your budget. Even when working with a small budget, you can make simple changes that can bring a whole new lease of life to your outdoor area.

If you don't have a veranda, all is not lost. You can allocate a quiet corner in your garden or yard and can incorporate some of our great tips to create a space your neighbours will be jealous of.

The first thing you need to do before you start your update is to think about the functionality of your space - is it an area specifically designed to entertain friends, is it an intimate space just for your family, a functional area for the kids to play or a relaxing retreat just for yourself? Keeping this in mind, you can make sure that you stay focussed and ensure the upgrades stay on track.

1. Shade and Shelter

Shade is the priority for any outdoor space in this climate. If your area doesn't have enough shade, you can easily add to the total shaded are by adding an awning or simple shade covering. If you don't have the budget to call someone in to build an additional structure, there are many shade awnings and nets available at building supply stores nationwide. Just be sure to install the shade correctly, we can get very strong winds and storms in the summer, and you don't want to find your awning in your neighbour's yard.

2. Chose a Theme or Colour

With a predetermined theme or colour palette, you can be sure to keep your upgrade on track and in line with your end goal. If you can afford to add a new coat of paint to your veranda, look to cool and neutral colours to keep the space feeling cool, think blues and greens. Warmer colours along lines of oranges and reds will make the space feel warmer. While you think about a new paint colour, make sure you keep thins in line with the outdoor painting of your home, you don't want to go too far off the homes original colours.

3. Furniture for Functionality

Once you have defined what the primary use for your space is, you can look at your furniture options. You may have existing furniture that compliments your plan, you may need to add to what you already have. If you need to completely overhaul your furniture, sell what you have before you start looking for new items. There are plenty of groups you can sell furniture items on (you may even find a bargain or two to buy).

Quite a lot of furniture just needs to be update or upcycled. A new coat of varnish or paint, new bases for chair seats, new cushions, many of these upgrades can be done with watching a video and a few supplies. You will feel great if you look at your "new" chair and know that you gave it a new lease of life.

When you look at your space and your furniture, don't forget to think about space and functionality. An overcrowded veranda is unpleasant when you cannot move around past other sitting down.

4. Go Green

An outdoor area always feels tranquil and looks opulent with plenty of pot plants and greenery. Again, think about the climate we are in and try to include waterwise and drought resistant plants. That doesn't just mean cacti. There are plenty of pretty plants and succulents available from garden centres and plant suppliers. Talk to them and they can advise you what will work in your specific location. Remember to look at the amount of sunlight that your area receives and select plants accordingly.

Plant pots are readily available from various outlets now and don't cost a fortune. If you are lucky enough to already have pots for plants, you can look at upgrading them with a coat of colourful paint. Large pots make great statement pieces but don't use them is space is an issue.

5. Focus on a Focal Point

If you have the space, and the budget, think about including a focal point within your outdoor area or veranda. A firepit or built-in braai area are always great to include in an entertainment focussed area and are always a great place to gather in the evenings.

Alternatively, look for a water feature or sculpture that can add a touch of personality to your space. With any water feature, always be careful if you have pets or small children as these can be very dangerous.

Your focal point could also serve a functional purpose. You can look to incorporating a wooden fence or trellis that could provide shade and privacy and could also be a great focal point, especially if you plant a creeping plant to grow up it.

6. Lighting the Mood

Undoubtedly, one of the most effective ways to create a "wow" in your outdoor space is with some clever mood lighting. There are so many different types and styles of lighting available. Our top tip would be to go for some solar lights (with all our sun this is obvious) which are available at so many stores now. There is a wide variety of options from individual spotlights (point these from the ground up towards your wall or fence) to strings of fairy lights which suit almost any area. Shop around and buy as many as you can within your budget.

7. Accessorise for Effect

Lastly, adding those all-important accessories will finish off your new area beautifully. Search the internet to get inspiration for ideas of how to add the final style to your veranda and outdoor space. Think scatter cushions (to add bursts of colour), throws, rugs, statement artwork and candles. We especially recommend citronella candles to keep the bugs away. You can find so many small decor items in a wide variety of store to suit your budget, not everything will blow your budget. A great tip is to "shop your home" and have a look through your home for items that you can easily repurpose to your space. Alternatively, have a swap session with some friends and see what new trinkets you can swap.

With the variety of stores now selling homeware and furniture, you can easily upgrade and style your outdoor space for a wonderful summer season. Follow a few of our tips above and this could turn in to s great project that the whole family could become involved in. Here's to making many happy memories in your new space.