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Topic: Water Features



Date Posted: Monday, February 03, 2014
Posted by: Judy Walker (Master Admin)
Source: http://lifestyle.iafrica.com/fashion/895576.html


Bring the beautiful outdoors inside


Whether you call it a patio, stoep, sun room, boma, edladleni or braai area, one thing is certain: the contemporary outdoor relaxation area is a functional extension of the home and is as important as any other living area when it comes to planning the right decor to suit the space.

Some families prefer over-sized braai facilities or a rustic fire pit whereas others make sure they have comfortable seating for that perfect backyard retreat. No matter what the preferences, an exterior entertainment area deserves as much attention as any other room so that it both adds value and charm to a property and gives families endless joy.

“It is important to apply the same design and decor principles as we would inside our homes to achieve balance from one room to the next, especially rooms connecting the interior with the exterior,” says Liza Watermeyer, Retail and Display Coordinator at Tile Africa.

 Flooring plays a significant role in achieving unhindered flow from one space to the next; therefore some thought must go into selecting flooring that can work in transitional rooms that connect with outdoor areas, such as the lounge, sunroom, kitchen and entrance hall.

“Consider the hue and texture of the flooring that can work in transitional rooms as the correct flooring will assist in merging the spaces,” Liza says. 

Ceramic and porcelain tiles with beautiful inkjet prints that imitate natural stone are now readily available with a choice of locally manufactured and imported tiles. The latest prints also combine different types of natural stone such as marble, slate and travertine thus featuring a variety of veining patterns. “Stone has an evenness of colour resulting in the tiles blending together brilliantly to create a unified look and feel. These natural looking tiles can be used indoors and outdoors to create a seamless flow with great success if used in both areas,” says Liza.

 Wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles merge the natural beauty of wood with the durability and practicality of tiles. They provide a natural base colour from which to work and they’re perfect for open plan living areas and the patio. 

“Medium and lighter shades are currently trending, but you can also opt to have the same tile in both areas and use a darker shade and textured finish outside that will be more forgiving with dirt and a lighter hue inside,” Liza says.

 Consider flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Tiles are a smart option for indoor/outdoor rooms as they’re durable and will not fade or discolour when exposed to sunlight or other natural elements. Durability and maintenance are important considerations as the floor will need to withstand grit tracking in from the outside. “Tiles require a mop and water to clean and with the correct care they will continue to look beautiful through years of use,” says Liza. 

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