Festive-Ready Spaces: Refresh Your Kitchen and Braai Area with Medal Paints

The festive season in South Africa isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a feeling that starts building the moment decorations fill our malls and holiday songs are broadcast over our car radios. It’s the anticipation of long lunches that stretch into sundowners, the sound of laughter echoing from the kitchen, and that unmistakable sizzle from the braai that signals summer has truly arrived.

For many of us, the kitchen and outdoor entertainment areas become the beating heart of our homes. Where stories are shared, recipes are passed down, and memories are made over perfectly charred boerewors and Ouma’s secret potato bake – but let’s be honest. After a year of daily use, these hardworking spaces could use a little love before the festive rush begins. Medal Paints is here to help you prepare your home for summer gatherings. 

The kitchen: Where the magic happens-

If you’ve ever hosted a gathering, you’ll know that no matter how beautifully you’ve set up the lounge or decorated the dining room, everyone gathers in the kitchen. It’s our natural gathering place, the room that pulses with energy and possibility.

This festive season, give your kitchen the refresh it deserves. Think about those surfaces that work overtime. The cabinets that store your favourite platters, the door frames that endure constant traffic, and the windowsills that catch the afternoon sun. These areas need more than just a fresh coat of paint – they need protection that can handle the festive chaos.

Consider Medal High Gloss Enamel for these high-traffic zones, as it is not your ordinary paint. It’s the armor your kitchen needs when you’re juggling hot pots, enthusiastic helpers, and the inevitable splash from washing mountains of dishes. The high gloss finish looks stunning (imagine how it’ll catch the fairy lights you’re planning to string up)! High Gloss enamel is tough and fully washable and scrubbable. Spilled gravy? Wine splash? Sticky little fingerprints? A quick wipe and your surfaces look pristine again.

Quick Kitchen Refresh Tips

• Focus on cabinets and trim for maximum impact with minimum effort
• A crisp white or warm cream creates that fresh, inviting feel that photographs beautifully
• Don’t forget door frames-they’re the unsung heroes of a polished look

Tackle this project now, and you’ll have time for the finish to cure properly before the festivities begin

The Braai area: Your outdoor living room

Now, let’s discuss the space that truly defines South African summer living: the braai area. Whether you have a full outdoor kitchen setup or a simple corner with your trusty kettle braai, this is where some of your best festive moments will unfold.

Take a good look at your outdoor furniture. Those beloved wooden chairs and tables that have hosted countless gatherings might be looking a little tired, weathered by sun and summer storms. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to replace them. With a bit of attention, they can look as good as the day you bought them.

Reviving outdoor wood furniture is one of those satisfying projects that delivers dramatic results. Start by giving everything a thorough clean. Remove any loose, flaking varnish with sandpaper, focusing on the worst areas. Then apply Medal Quality Wood Varnish to bring back that rich, protected finish. This product is formulated to withstand South African weather conditions, offering UV resistance and water protection that keeps wood looking beautiful season after season.

Outdoor Furniture Revival Guide:

• Choose a clear, dry weekend for your varnishing project (you’ll need good weather for proper drying)
• Sand back any rough or peeling areas-think of it as prep work for perfection
• Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick layer for the best finish
• Consider adding a few colourful outdoor cushions once you’re done for that fresh, styled look

The finishing touches

Once your spaces are refreshed, it’s time for the fun part – styling. Think beyond traditional décor and embrace what makes South African summers special. Fresh proteas in a vase, colourful throws draped over chairs, string lights creating ambience as the sun sets, and perhaps a bar cart stocked with a delightful dessert liqueur and craft gin for those sundowner moments.

Your refreshed kitchen and braai area will provide the perfect backdrop for all the festive traditions you hold dear. The high-gloss kitchen surfaces will sparkle when you’re preparing that holiday morning breakfast, and your revived outdoor furniture will be ready to host everyone from energetic kids playing games to adults settling in for a bit of relaxation. 

Make it happen

The festive season waits for no one, and neither should your home refresh. These aren’t complicated renovations; they’re smart, targeted updates that respect your time and budget while delivering impressive results.

Cue your favourite playlist, grab those paintbrushes, and give your home the festive glow-up it deserves. Because when your spaces look their best, you can focus on what really matters: creating those irreplaceable moments with the people you love.

After all, the best gift you can give yourself this festive season is a home that’s ready for anything-from quiet family breakfasts to spontaneous gatherings that last until the stars come out. For more information on Medal Paints products and to find your nearest stockist, visit medalpaints.co.za