Strategic outdoor entertainment area upgrades to make this summer

For some, getting ready for braais and al fresco entertaining may be as simple as uncovering some furniture and dusting off the braai. However, this is the ideal time of year to think about strategic outdoor entertainment area upgrades that you could make.

Join Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, a specialist in luxury real estate in South Africa, as we explore some of the possibilities. For some homeowners, outdoor entertainment area upgrades may mean investing in new seating or lighting upgrades. For others, this could involve creating a cohesive look with some unifying elements. In other cases, changes could be made to future-proof your home entertainment area.

The importance of comfortable seating

An outdoor entertainment area without comfortable seating is like a living room in your home without a comfortable couch – it simply won’t be used to its full potential. When choosing the furniture for your outdoor entertainment area, there are two things to keep in mind: how much space you have and what the space will be used for. If you’ve got a compact space that will mainly be used for braaiing, then folding chairs or loungers that can be packed up when not being used (or moved when the braai smoke is blowing towards you) will be ideal.

On the other hand, if you have a large space and enjoy hosting large gatherings, a dining table and chairs, as well as a separate “outdoor lounge” seating area, will be ideal. A pair of Adirondack chairs, a wicker patio sofa that adds a touch of biophilic design and a sleek outdoor bench is an example of an ideal blend of seating for an outdoor entertainment area. The more outdoor seating options you have, the better.

Setting the mood with lighting upgrades

Upgrading the lighting in your outdoor entertainment area can create a dramatic transformation. String lights, such as fairy lights or globe lights, create a permanently festive ambience. Pathway lights (often solar-powered and thus requiring no wiring) are ideal for illuminating walkways or garden paths. You can illuminate your seating area and your outdoor entertainment area’s perimeter with recessed lights or pendant lights. Lighting is an important landscape enhancement because it adds to not only the ambience but to the safety of your outdoor entertainment area.

Creating a cohesive look for your outdoor entertainment area

Make your outdoor entertainment area memorable with a carefully chosen colour palette and cohesive motifs. If you choose a beach ambience, your colour selection could include off-whites, blues and sandy neutrals. On the other hand, if you wanted to create a modern chic look, you could focus on black, shades of grey and brass. Remember, your outdoor entertainment area should be a natural extension of your home. If you’ve used classic colours and motifs for your home’s interior, it may be jarring to have this juxtaposed with a maximalist theme in your outdoor entertainment area.

Your outdoor entertainment area should also be in harmony with your garden. Introducing some large planters is a great way to bring the outside in. Fill them with foliage or flowers that complement your décor scheme.

Future-proofing your outdoor entertainment area

If you’re investing in upgrades to your outdoor entertainment area, you want them to last the test of time! One of the most important ways to do this is to choose durable, weather-resistant furniture. Consider materials like teak, aluminium and stainless steel and ensure that all wooden furniture is regularly treated. Over and above the furniture, you can ensure the longevity of your outdoor entertainment area by creating a low-maintenance landscape. Incorporate durable, low-maintenance materials like stone or brick for your outdoor entertainment area’s flooring. If future-proofed correctly, your outdoor entertainment area can be a standout feature – and even add to your property’s value – when it’s time to sell your home one day.

Your home should inspire you 

Your outdoor entertainment area should be a place where happy memories are made and where time is regularly spent with family and friends. If you’re looking for a home with an enviable outdoor entertainment area, get in touch with the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty team. They will make the journey to your family’s new sanctuary as straightforward as possible.