We often neglect and underestimate how much time we spend enjoying the outside areas of our homes here in sunny SA. If you're exterior is lack-lustre, we've put together these 10 beautiful outdoor decor ideas to get you on your way to creating an inspired outside space.

TOP TIP: Keep in mind that the African sun can be extremely harsh, so if you do make any decor decisions consider a purpose-made outdoor fabric that is UV protected and solution dyed to protect against fading. Collection Pool & Patio which offers a selection of both neutral, colourful plains and classic stripes, is designed specifically to stand up to the outdoor elements. Our most recent update Out & About offers additional designs worth checking out as well.

1. THE CANOPY

Dramatic, beautiful & reminiscent of a desert oasis, we are loving the idea of an outdoor canopy. You can recreate this idea at any scale, from a small balcony corner to a large deck. Shade never looked quite so stylish.

2. WHITE WASH BENCH SEATING

Creating what looks like built- in seating is easier (and cheaper) than you think. Constructing a simple rustic bench out of old wood or pallets, topped with a coat of white wash paint will form the basis to bench seating. Play with seat cushions and scatters to create the colour scheme and decor style of your choice. Remember if it lives outdoors, make use of outdoor-specific fabrics to ensure they last.

3. SLEEK, MODERN SEATING

Mix and match a pop of a daring bright with traditional stripes and plains to give what would be a plain seating arrangement a major pop of colour. Notice how this seating has no scatter cushions - they've got the look just right by covering the sleek back cushions with more than one fabric. To balance the look, keep the seat cushions neutral.

4. DAYBED DREAMING

A daybed is the perfect addition to your outdoor living, creating place to escape to with a book or for a little midday siesta. You can pick up secondhand daybed frames for next to nothing - a coat of paint and a stylish seat cushion later and you've got yourself a cozy outdoor nook! These work well in almost any location, just make sure to select a size to suit the scale of your space.

5. AWNINGS AND CURTAINS

The perfect hybrid of functionality and decoration. Make a large balcony more cozy and add some protection against the weather with an awning and outdoor curtains. All that extra fabric will give you the perfect opportunity to breathe loads of personality into a space! Pull the curtains closed to block out a glare as the sun moves, or open them up to make the most of a beautiful day.

6. THE MODERN BEANBAG

We adore this look for a modern seating arrangement that's both comfortable and casual, made almost entirely of sponge-filled cushions! You could easily re-create this look at home by having your seating made up in a bright outdoor fabric of your choosing. We love the use of the low, freestanding coffee table to tie the seating together. This mix and match arrangement is highly versatile, modern and impactful.

7: BRIGHTEN UP

Have a stock standard white table and chairs occupying your outdoor area? Spruce it up for Summer by adding colourful cushions and pots. If you're on a small balcony with an unsightly view or want to create more privacy, think of adding a fabric panel that adds extra colour and character, but also blocks out the neighbours!

8. THE BEDROOM HAMMOCK

Have a bland bedroom balcony to furnish? This bedroom hammock idea caught our eye! A modern, simple yet stunning feature that's as beautiful as it is practical. A large bedroom hammock made from a sturdy outdoor fabric is all you need to fill the space with something you'll use time and time again. Get playful with the cushions if you prefer a poop of colour.

9. GIVE A SPACE SOME SOUL

You might not have a designated "outdoor entertainment area", but it doesn't mean you can't create one. If you'd like to turn a random paved space into a cosy seating area, think about a simple wooden structure with a canopy to create the feeling of an outdoor "room" right in the garden.

10. STYLISH SUN LOUNGERS

Take a look at these super stylish sun loungers! They have no base, just two foam cushions stacked on top of each other to create sun lounging beds. We love the modern simplicity of the neutral colour scheme combined with the straight lines. You could have these made up for a steal as no base purchase is necessary.

GET THE LOOK

Did these ideas get your creative juices flowing for your own space? Recreating these looks is easy with the correct outdoor fabric. Click here to take a look at the Pool & Patio Collection or here to to see what's on offer from our Out & About Collection, or take a look at a snapshot of some of the outdoor fabrics we have on offer: