Afro-chic outdoor area

14/02/2014

Afro-chic outdoor area

14/02/2014
Afro-chic outdoor area
Entertainment area in the bush

I thought I would share with you some images of my brother and his wife’s charming and rustic pool/entertainment area where I recently spent some time. I call it rustic, because it really is, in every sense of the word – they live in the middle of the bush on a private game reserve. I absolutely love this space with its practical design and exquisite view of the open plains. And the odd wild animal dotted around the garden certainly adds to the relaxed bush vibe. Anton and Paula added this pool and adjacent entertainment area to their front garden a few years ago, and what a difference it has made to their home.

Entertainment area in the bush
poolside outdoor seating area

Most of the materials used to build this space were either found on the reserve or sourced from local suppliers. I am a big fan of the stone wall built entirely from recycled fencing and rocks collected on the property. The roof structure is made from Ntengu poles which cast a beautiful dappled shade over the built-in seating area.

After many years of living in the bush, Paula, an interior decorator, has mastered the use of authentic, natural elements in her decor style. The large, odd-shaped bones pictured below are neck vertebrae from a giraffe carcass which look remarkably like angels when viewed from the right angle. The skull which lies at the corner of the pool is from the same carcass. You won’t be finding any of those babies in your favorite home store.

pool and entertainment area accessories
Decorative accents at the pool area

Now I have to admit that when I first saw the color scheme Paula used, I was somewhat taken aback as her color palette is usually more neutral. Imagine my surprise when Radiant Orchid was later named Pantone color of 2014. The girl’s got insight!

Pantone 2014 Radiant Orchid

It seems I’m not the only admirer of this relaxing outdoor area, the family recently had a rather large guest at the poolside. He came to take a look around and test the pool water. Thankfully, he never tried out the loungers! Bush living at it’s best.

Elephant at the pool

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peek at their home. I promise to bring you more from future trips.

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Kathryn Hawkes

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6 Comments

  • Tim 12/03/2014 at 7:10 PM

    Hey Kat, Scrolling through the great shots, I was asking myself why you hadn’t added the “big boy” visitor, and when I got to the bottom, I wasn’t disappointed 😉

    This is not just a regular old bull, but I believe that after all the years of no entry, this big bull is really special and a signal that Oom Piet still continues to watch over all the people he loves, even though he may not physically be present…..His spirit is alive and well and living at ZUKA….

    Loves and hugs to all you guys
    Tim and Von

    • admin 12/03/2014 at 8:44 PM

      I’m with you on that, Tim 🙂 xx

  • […] House of Hawkes is filled with inspiration from DIY projects to home decor trends to printables, and her photography is stunning! You also won’t believe the poolside guest that stopped by her sister’s home {find out here}. […]

  • The Makers {link party no. 6} 25/02/2014 at 6:33 PM

    […] House of Hawkes is filled with inspiration from DIY projects to home decor trends to printables, and her photography is stunning! You also won’t believe the poolside guest that stopped by her sister’s home {find out here}. […]

  • Tasha 17/02/2014 at 9:57 AM

    So beautiful, Kath! WOWOWOWOWOW!!!

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    Hi, I’m Kathryn

    Hi, I’m Kathryn


    House of Hawkes is a boutique interior design studio based in Dubai. This website is where it all began and remains a creative platform for sharing my work, my love of design and things that inspire me. Come on over & meet the team.

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