5 AFFORDABLE TIPS TO ELEVATE YOUR SPACE

These 5 interior design trends are perfect for summer living.

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Now’s the time to pack away comfy winter blankets and update your interior décor for the warmer months ahead. Here are the top design trends for interiors as sizzling as the season.

1. VIBRANT COLOUR COMBOS
Interior designer Lungelo Xaba says the colours that will dominate this season are green quartz, tech blue, dahlia orange, military gold and pink charlotte. An easy and affordable way to introduce some of the season’s stunning colours is by updating your bed linen, curtains, scatter cushions or towels.

Play around with different colours. Think of a Dahlia Orange duvet set with Tech Blue scatter cushions and a pink throw. For a quick DIY makeover, a small tin of paint in a bright summer hue will be just enough to give your front door a new lease on life.

2. INTERESTING ARTWORK
In the past, we might not have taken the time to seek out interesting art pieces, or felt that art is just for the wealthy. This is not true. Many beautifully crafted pieces, including statues and interesting paintings, are sold on street corners, at markets and at second-hand stores.

‘Explore the variety of art prints, sculptures, bead art, etc, in your city, and you’ll find some wonderful options,’ says interior designer Matome Seshoka.

Look for inexpensive prints, photographs and homeware accessories and pair these with ceramic figurines, wood carvings and other objects for a unique look.

3. TRAVEL-INSPIRED INTERIORS
People are travelling again, so interiors will take on an adventurous, nomadic flare. ‘I see lots of tenting and low banquettes with Turkish poofs and cigarette tables,’ says designer Mark Sikes. Adding items to your décor that you bought while travelling is a great way to personalise your home. Or look for pieces inspired by the places you plan to visit. Remember, travel-inspired interiors have a bit of boho flair to them and work best if you layer different styles and items for visual interest.

4. DECORATED OUTDOOR SPACES
More people are enhancing their outdoor living spaces. ‘I see more intentionally designed outdoor living areas that don’t sacrifice on style, and function to expand the family’s living and entertaining space in the home,’ says designer Mimi Meacham.

Keep your outdoor space updated by adding some key design elements. Focus on colour and practical functionality; think lots of candles in hurricane lanterns for lighting, cushions for comfort, a throw or two for when the evening turns chilly and coloured glassware for cocktails. You can even add an outdoor rug and bean bags or create a living green wall by mounting ceramics planters to a wall.

5. NATURE-INSPIRED DÉCOR
Earth’s magical wonders are taking centre stage. To incorporate the trend into your home, choose items like trays, storage baskets and décor accessories made from inexpensive natural materials such as wood, jute, bamboo and rattan. Wool, linen, glass and leather are other great options. You can also look for items with a faux marble or wood-print finish.

BY ESTEE KERSHOFF