Sweeping views over a lush wine estate were enhanced when we installed eco-friendly Decowood shutters in this magnificent home.

Paarl, part of the Western Cape’s top wine producing region, is known for its beautiful vineyards, landscape views, breathtakingly old farm houses, stylishly renovated estate homes and hot, dry summer months.

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The Cape Town climate offers the best of both worlds – an opportunity to snuggle up indoors during the wet, cold winters and then stretch outdoors in the summer sun. As a result, well-designed homes are built to weather all the seasons and embrace the city’s love for outdoor living.

Shutters, with their ability to improve insulation, allow light in or deflect it as required, are ideal for integrating outdoor and indoor spaces. A perfect example can be seen in a recent AMERICAN shutters’ installation in Newlands.

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Spring is the perfect time to extend your living space out on to the patio or garden. To this end AMERICAN shutters are proud to introduce Markilux awnings and screens, headed up by general manager, Dewald van Taak.

Market leader in the German awning market, Markilux has been transforming ordinary balconies and patios into beautifully functional outdoor living rooms for over twenty five years.

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Our South African climate allows for outdoor living most days. Make the most of your patio and beat the winter chill with these cosy ideas…

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One of our Summer Temptation competition finalists posed a patio design dilemma to us – how to turn a bland patio into an inspiring outdoor space that could be utilised throughout the year.

There were a few obstacles, including a dog that is seemingly intent on sabotaging any efforts to establish a patio garden. Fortunately Karina Palmer, interior designer and marketing manager of AMERICAN shutters, has years of experience in creating fabulous spaces! The following design advice has been adapted from the customised design guide created to help turn Karen’s patio into a cosy country-style outdoor space.

The inspiration…

The design challenge …

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This summer temptation competition finalist reminded us what a delight it is to kick off one’s shoes and enjoy the simple, natural pleasures of summer.

If you love this inspiration board, vote for it and you could win a subscription to a home décor magazine!

Summer temptation inspiration: “Picnic under massive oak trees. Running with rolled up jeans through slips and streams.â€� – Hanneleze Kruger

The result…

Get the look:

• Create a sense of serenity by arranging seating to maximise comfort while allowing for a visual flow throughout the room.
• Complement a dark wood and white room with nature-inspired soft furnishings in light brown, sand, cream and a light watery blue.
• Soften the look by adding natural textured accessories like woven mats and baskets.

Get the AMERICAN shutters’ product: Decowood shutters

• Made from engineered wood panels, known as Superwood, the Decowood range of shutters are AMERICAN shutters’ most eco-friendly.
• Coated with a patented polypropylene finish, the shutters are extremely durable and 100% environmentally safe.
• The UV inhibitors protect the shutters against fading and yellowing.
• Available in 3 louvre sizes – 62, 89 and 114mm – and with 3 tilt rod options – traditional, offset and secret tilt and a variety of frame choices, the Decowood shutters finish off any space in true customised style.
• Decowood shutters are well priced and an excellent choice when the budget is stretched.
• Click here to read more about Decowood shutters

Did this summer temptation speak to you?

Vote for this inspiration board by commenting below or by ‘liking’ it on our Facebook fan page. You could help Hanneleze win R5 000 worth of AMERICAN shutters and/or blinds and you might win a subscription for a popular home décor magazine! Terms and conditions apply.

Click here to see the other finalists.

Warm welcome or cold shoulder? How does your home’s entrance greet you after a long day?

If your answer sends chills down your spine, here are a few ways to revitalise your home’s entrance and improve its ‘curb appeal.’

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Escape to an island paradise; picture yourself sipping cocktails on a beachside veranda while soaking up the sun and taking in the view. It’s a decadent dream but by mixing this clever cocktail of decorating tips, anyone can create an island retreat in their own home!

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Long hot summer days stretch their warmth into indigo watercolour washed dusk skies. We are truly blessed in South Africa to be able to entertain outdoors long into summer evenings, especially over the festive season when extra space to accommodate visiting family and friends is always appreciated.

Make the most of your home this summer by creating a comfortable outdoors entertainment area. By enclosing a deck or terrace with timber or aluminium shutters you create a versatile space that could be opened up in summer, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and closed in winter. It’s a practical and beautiful extension of your home.

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