Innholdsfortegnelse for Vol. 14 i House and Leisure

Scan to listen Discover the sounds of the Nordic region by listening to Jan-Heyn's playlist inspired by his roadtrip through Iceland. My Icelandic adventure earlier this year is a tale of contrasts. After a skiing accident in Zermatt left me with a broken shoulder, cancelling our long-awaited trip to Iceland was never an option. My partner, Pieter, and I were determined to immerse ourselves in the country, challenges and all. Our adventure began in Reykjavik, with surprisingly sunny weather. We explored the city's blend of modern architecture and historic charm from the Edition Hotel next to the Harpa concert hall. Reykjavik's vibrant energy and sights, including the striking metal-clad buildings and Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, made the pain of my injury bearable. We had planned to explore the country in a campervan…

Morocco: Kingdom of Light by Ariel Wizman (Assouline) Few countries inspire the traveller to return home wanting to make broadstroke alterations to the way they live. In Ariel Wizman's Kingdom of Light, we're immediately placed at the heart of this exotic paradise with vivid imagery demonstrating why Morocco is so mesmerising and inspiring. You'll want to paint stripes from wall to ceiling in your favourite nook, or simply recline into a deep relaxation with mint tea close at hand while you explore what makes this region so unique. Wild Figs and Fennel by Letitia Clark (Quadrille) This book is divided into seasonal chapters and starts with spring as Letitia references winds and wildflowers while indulging us with artichoke-andpecorino lasagne. What could stir a soulful craving more than melted cheese and…

HOUSE AND LEISURE X PRIVATE CLIENTS BY OLD MUTUAL WEALTH LOOK / art Of all forms of visual art, ceramics are perhaps some of the most ubiquitous. Stretching over millenia and geographic expanses, clay has been exhumed and shaped into culture since the dawn of mankind. Whether it be for artistic and decorative expression, as functional objects, or as artefacts of spritual practice, ceramic pieces signify identities. The theme of this year's Stellenbosch exhibition, which is currently underway and runs until next year, is (un)earthed, and is celebrated in the city by renowned South African ceramic artists Githan Coopoo, Wim Botha, Marijke van Velden, Ceramic Matters, Madoda Fani, Ben Orkin, Lucinda Mudge and Marlene Steyn. Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth is a proud patron of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Scuplture…

I guide luxury hiking trips that bring guests to this remote corner of the world. Strikingly perched on shores overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean and located in the far-flung eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Fogo Island Inn's structural beauty contrasts with the wonder of the sub-Arctic environment in which it is immersed. Zita Cobb is the visionary who had the ambition to create a new economic pillar for her community, which was facing decline. The concept: build a world-class inn to attract responsible tourism and provide opportunities to develop and revitalise the community. The guest experience is centred on showcasing the unique culture and hospitality of this small island. Designed by Norwegian-based, Canadian architect Todd Saunders, the structure of the building is breathtaking and utilises design elements intended…

LIVE / indonesia Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara Cap Karoso is a bridge between the wildness of the island and the expectations of a luxurious resort. As my friends and I drive along the winding road towards Cap Karoso, a buffalo ridden by a young boy passes in the opposite direction. Our driver tells us that the animals are valuable in local culture and given as gifts during courtship. Not unlike lobola, I think. An unexpected sense of the familiar. Despite being a short flight from Bali – where most leisure visitors to Sumba will travel from – the contrast with the chaos of motorbikes and traffic we've left behind is visceral. Swapped for empty roads and the occasional truck or goat-herd crossing, the quiet feels like a sigh of relief.…

LIVE / united states New York, New York No matter where I went, or what I did, the Hotel Chelsea loomed in the background. I was haunted by the Hotel Chelsea long before I ever stepped inside it. It was the star of Andy Warhol's art-house classic Chelsea Girls, it leapt from the pages of Jack Kerouac's On The Road and Thomas Wolfe's You Can't Go Home Again, and exerted its existence in Bob Dylan's ‘Sara’ and Joni Mitchell's ‘Chelsea Morning’. Even if I had wanted to pretend the Hotel Chelsea, or the Chelsea, didn't exist, I couldn't. It was all around me when I was a child, and even more so during my boring, suburban adolescence. When I got to New York City in the late aughts, I checked myself into…

LIVE / sweden Osterlen, Skåne province It's safe to say, that at Kåseholm, there's a charm offensive in full sway. The 17th-century estate of Kåseholm in Sweden's Skåne province specialises in the art of the slow reveal. As we turn into the driveway and I catch sight of the neo-classical building, I'm enthralled. And more so as the long driveway takes us past pastures where woolly Gotland sheep come running, and as meticulously renovated buildings and barns come into view. When we arrive at the home's entrance, the charm offensive is in full sway. A sweeping staircase ascends to the front door and elegant windows are alight with traditional candelabra. As Kåseholm's current owners, Joakim Silvandersson and Jamie White, descend the stairs to greet us, I stand in awe of an…

DIGEST / architecture There's something groovy about flying into Accra. It could be that your arrival is usually late at night, or it could be because there's a man playing a Casio keyboard in the baggage reclaim area. I first visited Accra in 2019 at the height of the hype around The Year of The Return, a campaign that encouraged African American people to explore and discover aspects of their heritage in Ghana – 2019 was the 400th year since the first enslaved peoples left African shores. I was obsessed with the idea of visiting the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial. At the time, this memorial dedicated to the father of the Ghanaian nation was a dusty little place in Accra. I didn't want to be sad about how disappointed I was,…

DIGEST / community Not enough is said about the anxiety that visits the first time you travel internationally after Covid. It took a location as beautiful and poignant as Morocco to finally entice me out of the country. A city the colour of sunrise, I mused on the drive from the airport to my riad. My first encounter with Marrakesh, also known as Al Hamra (the Red City) due to the peachy soft terracotta colour of the ancient city's walls, is a heady combination of old and modern with the landscape featuring centuries of tradition, culture and history co-existing with the demands of modernity. Upon checking into my 100-year-old riad, I'm greeted with sweet Moroccan mint tea and sweets, which I take in the salon while finalising my itinerary. When…

0808 Studio @0808byheatherjane AKJP akjp.co.za Aldo aldoshoes.co.za Alexandra Palmer Creative alexandrapalmercreative.com Always Welcome alwayswelcome.store Anto Ceramics @antoceramics Asa Sadan x Xzavier Zulu @asa.sadan @xzavierzulu Ashanti Design ashantidesign.com Babylonstoren babylonstoren.com Barrydale Hand Weavers barrydaleweavers.co.za Bash bash.com Beagle and Basset beagleandbasset.com Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie bellhaus.art Ben Kennedy benkennedy.design Bestwood bestwood.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Brigitte Lilley @beelilley Bulthaup bulthaup.com Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Cape Cobra capecobra.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Charles Greig charlesgreig.co.za Coral + Hive coralandhive.com Coricraft coricraft.co.za Country Road woolworths.co.za Créma Design cremadesign.co.za Crystal Birch therealcrystalbirch.com Dangereux LXXII @dangereux_lxxii Decobella decobella.co.za Deft Studios deftstudios.co.za Design Afrika designafrika.co.za Dokter and Misses dokterandmisses.com Domum domum.co.za Dreamweaver Studios dreamweaverstudios.co.za Earthfire earthfire.co.za Elevenpast elevenpast.co.za Fields fieldsstore.com Flush Bathrooms flushbathrooms.co.za H&M hm.com H&M HOME hm.com Haldane haldane.co.za Herringbone herringbone.co.za Hertex Haus hertex.co.za Inova Concept Store @inovaconceptstore Jeeves jeeves.co.za Joe Paine joepaine.com Kasteel kasteelprojects.com KLight klight.co.za KSSO Editions @ksso_editions lighting.co.za Limeline limeline.co.za Malok malok.co.za Mash.T Design Studio mashtdesignstudio.com Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Mia Mélange miamelange.com Miniforms miniforms.com Minotti Cape Town by Limeline minotti.com Mobelli mobelli.co.za Molteni&C molteni.it Mooi Mirrors mooimirrors.co.za Mungo mungo.co.za Neimil neimil.com Nosso nosso.co.za Oggie Hardwood Flooring oggieflooring.com Okra okracandle.co.za Opia Design opiadesign.co.za Pedersen + Lennard pedersenlennard.co.za Pezula Interiors pezulainteriors.co.za Pichulik…

MOOD / editor's note I've been a very lucky traveller this past year. Work has taken me to some special “corners” of the globe, some planned, some unplanned, and some quite last-minute, which I'm always game for. I'm the type of traveller who can arrive in a city without having made any plans or having booked accommodation (I love the adrenaline rush). Thus, probably not the best travel partner for those who love strict itineraries and ticking lists. I'm a more “in the moment”, “go-with-the-flow” kinda traveller, and always in that spirit to discover. If you're so busy planning or ticking off lists, chances are you're closing yourself off to chance encounters or missing out on that unexpected moment while in a mad rush. On the other hand, I'm probably…

As the last of my houseplants were sold off to their new Facebook Marketplace owners, the reality started to dawn on me: we were really up-ending our entire (newly Capetonian) lives to live on a boat and sail as many of the seven seas as we could. For how long, we were about to find out. There was much to discover as we set off across the high seas: new places, new skills and, of course, ourselves. We quickly learnt why so many people only embark on what we were doing once they've retired – running both our businesses at sea while simultaneously keeping ourselves alive and everything else on board ship shape is an extreme sport. PJ, my husband and captain of our 40-foot catamaran, Annette, tackled the majority…

LOOK / style Asha Eleven With influences including its Kenyan-born founder, a kaleidoscope of cultural and colourful influences from the East African coast and the Great Rift Valley savannah, Asha Eleven is a one-of-a-kind brand in both its ethos and the garments it creates. Celebrating traditional craftsmanship and rooted in accountability, it has just launched two new collections, Suzani (left) and Tausi (right). Inspired by the rich design and handcraft of the suzani – an ancient embroidered tapestry created and worn by nomadic tribes in Central Asia – this collection marries the intricately patterned art form with downcycled materials, paying homage to the heritage and resourcefulness of these nomadic people. On the other end of the spectrum is Tausi, which means ‘peacock’ in Swahili. This collection embodies the ornate decoration…

LOOK / interiors So much more than a clothing store, the recently inaugurated Magugu House is a unique establishment that encapsulates the essence of the Thebe Magugu brand, which draws its inspiration from key histories and heritage across Africa. Housed in a 1930s heritage building in Dunkeld, Johannesburg, this vibrant venue marks Thebe's first brick-and-mortar retail space and includes two micro galleries dedicated to celebrating African stories. This innovative and culturally significant concept makes Magugu House a place of learning – a real-world manifestation of Thebe's collections, all of which are named after fields of study, from geology to art history and political sociology. ‘I have always loved the idea of pouring all my collections, installations, events and projects into one space,’ Thebe explains, ‘And Magugu House becomes exactly that…

Deep in the Groot Drakenstein Valley, at the end of a winding lane of eucalyptus trees, lies Soetmelksvlei, the latest farm experience from neighbouring Babylonstoren. But something is different. Enter the historic U-shaped werf (farmyard), and you step through a looking glass into a world that offers a glimpse of life on a Boland farm in 1897. ‘Soetmelksvlei is a multi-sensory immersive journey back in time where you completely lose track of the outside world,’ says Adele Johnson, head of the farm. Visitors are invited to explore life on a farm in the 19th century. Babylonstoren museologist Elsa Vogts, who oversaw the curation of the experience, says, ‘It was an era when everything was handmade and repaired on-site with a surprising level of sophistication. We wanted to celebrate that art…

LOOK / architecture I encountered these stone dwellings on a sunset drive while visiting the Fish River Lodge on a road trip (and on assigment for House and Leisure) in Namibia. They're set along the western rim of the canyon within the Canyon Nature Park. They seemed straight out of a Mad Max film, the domed shapes popping out in the distance in the lunar-like landscape with the harsh sun baking the rocks against a blue horizon that encompasses vast nothingness and everything at the same time. There is only wind, sun, and solitude. The perfect spot to ponder. These huts, which form part of Camp Eternity and Camp Edge, are positioned on the edge of the canyon and were created by Journeys Namibia as camp sites for the more…

The expression ‘greater than the sum of its parts’ comes to mind when contemplating Maison Brummell Majorelle in Marrakesh. While it's composed of discernible discrete elements and identifiable influences, they have alchemised into something altogether magical in its final form. Located a road from a cluster of the city's most noteworthy design destinations – Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé's historical home Villa Oasis, the Jardin Majorelle and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent – the eight-suite boutique hotel is a love letter to the craft and architectural legacy of the city, both past and present. It's no small challenge to create something new in close proximity to not one but three design icons. So rather than trying to compete, hotelier Christian Schallert's approach was to pay homage. Not only to…

LIVE / italy Venice, Veneto The building was falling into the Grand Canal. It's been an unexpected year, courtesy of a new relationship with an iconic city that I had never visited until January. I am producing an event in Venice, a collaboration between my own festival brand, Littlegig, and Homo Faber, the world's leading foundation for craftsmanship. It is to be three days of happenings in unexpected locations that must delight guests who are at the top of their professions. ‘Doors to a rare world of excellence have opened to us through our collaboration,’ announces my website, ‘and we glide through them with joy!’ But with 90 days to go and all tickets allocated, there's a problem. I don't have anywhere to hold the festival's final night, the grand culmination,…

LIVE / saudi arabia Ashar Valley, Medina Province You can feel its significance, the wonder in every grain of sand. ‘You want us to come to Saudi Arabia tomorrow?’ The words echo in my mind as I struggle to fully comprehend what I'm hearing. I'm in the African wilderness with my business partner, Carolina, wrapping up a four-day summit for entrepreneurs across Africa produced by our agency, Happy Go Lucky. HGL is a creative design collective and we're mid sound check when we meet with our clients online. They're weeks away from opening their latest location – Habitas AlUla in Saudi Arabia – to 100 VIP guests and need our help with the finishing touches. They want to know how soon we can be there. I mute the call and…

LIVE / tanzania Grumeti Game Reserve, Serengeti Staying here feels like an intimate invitation to let go of everything and connect with nature. Like all great animal sightings in the wild, Singita Sabora tented camp only becomes visible once you're almost upon it. The 45-minute adventure across the plains of the Serengeti from Singita's private airstrip plays out like an inaugural game drive more than a commute to check-in. Catching the first glimpse of what looks like a quaint canvas village feels as exciting as coming across a cheetah or a pride of lion, especially for the design hotel lover in me. Until the elegant shapes of the tents start to reveal themselves, the camp remains completely camouflaged by its surroundings, lying close to the earth. As the open-air Land Rover…

I'm on my way to Singapore for lunch. As someone who has had the distinct privilege of eating around the world for a living, even this seems a little over the top for a single meal. I'm on a culinary tour of Thailand and Malaysia, and this brief sojourn in Singapore takes place between the two. It may be a short visit, but the hours we spend with chef Ivan Brehm and his thought-provoking cuisine have a grand impact. We're arrive for a midday reservation at Nouri, Brehm's oneMichelin-star restaurant. The chef – who cut his teeth under the likes of Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck and Andoni Aduriz at Mugaritz – opened the restaurant eight years ago, and has been quietly making a name for himself and his…

Few things in life compare to the joy that comes from first-time experiences. That's why our fondest memories often involve a series of firsts – our first kiss, first dive, first car, and many others. I'm an adventurer at heart, and it's not uncommon to see me exploring the great outdoors. For this round of adventures, my partner and I saddled the Discovery 3.0 D Dynamic HSE and headed to Montagu in the Western Cape with the aim of discovering what lies beyond the usual attractions. We set off from Lust Bistro & Bakery on Vrede & Lust wine estate, a farmhouse kitchen with a traditional, wood-fired oven from which the chefs produce artisanal bread and other delicious fare in a contemporary setting. Our previous travels had taken us swiftly…

Win As proud media partners of the “Vision in Design” Challenge, our readers stand a chance to win a Meir Lustre bronze mixer-round (pictured below). Visit houseandleisure.co.za for more information on how to enter and win, and keep an eye on Volume 15 for the announcement of the challenge winners.…

MOOD / journal A blood-red line burned on the horizon, violet shades softening the sky. Wrapped in an alpaca blanket to stave off the pre-dawn chill, I sipped a cup of muña tea, the mild Andean mint easing the throb at my temples. At almost 4 000 metres above sea level my breathing was laboured, my legs heavy, but the sight of Lake Titicaca dulled the pain. It appeared now like an ocean of molten metal, the reflection of the rising sun setting it aflame. In the distance loomed the silhouette of the floating reed islands of Uros, and a single fishing boat sent ripples through the waters as the town of Puno began to wake. Lights flickered on along the shore and mopeds revved in the distance. Our group…

If you want to experience the gamut of emotions from A to Z, go on a cross-continental flying adventure with your husband as the pilot in a four-seater plane with no toilet. Years of acting classes fade into insignificance compared to a week in the light sport aircraft he designed and built, spending hours in the air crossing America, Canada, Greenland, Iceland and parts of Europe. Seven crazy days in the equivalent of a sardine can for humans, flying from Wisconsin, USA, to Serifos island in Greece would make a Daniel Day-Lewis out of anyone. It takes a particular leap of faith to commit yourself to the gravity-defying miracle of levitating metal. You have to trust that what you can't see – essentially the uninterrupted movement of air over airfoil…

LOOK / design The Mam Ntuli African Lighting range by Mash.T Design Studio is a unique collection of handcrafted sculptural pendant lights designed by Thabisa Mjo. Each piece has a dramatic yet peaceful silhouette with distinct colour variations that reflect the traditional techniques and creative ingenuity of the skilled weavers behind them. Ilala palm, indigenous to the east coast of southern Africa and used for centuries in endless applications, serves as the primary material for the shades, aptly named Nest, Teepee and Trumpet. The rich array of colours is influenced by the seasonal availability of specific vegetation, roots and bark from particular trees. The dyeing process is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. While partially rooted in methods handed down from old masters, it also involves elements of science…

LOOK / craft Discover the new vintage of Veuve Cliquot's La Grande Dame, which made its debut in South Africa in June, with a special touch from Italian artist Paola Paronetto. This marks Paronetto's first collaboration with Veuve Clicquot, following Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's 2012 partnership with the brand. Renowned for her innovative use of paper and clay, Paronetto adds a fresh, vibrant perspective to this prestigious Champagne. Paronetto's designs for La Grande Dame feature a striking new packaging concept, showcasing six distinct shades and textures inspired by her celebrated ‘Cartoccio Bottles’. Each case, label and neck label is crafted from corrugated cardboard, reflecting the natural material that defines her art. Paronetto's work transforms these elements into a symphony of colour and form, celebrating the harmony and excellence of the…

The launch of the latest generation Defender ushers in a new wave of connectivity and modern luxury comforts, expertly blended with a ‘go anywhere’ heritage that has made Defender the perfect companion for the adventurer whose endeavours are beyond the ordinary. User-friendly features, practical touches and advanced technological innovations abound in the Defender, including a practical Folding Fabric Roof, ideal for game viewing during a self-drive safari, bird watching, stargazing under a clear African night sky, or simply enjoying an unobstructed view of South Africa's scenic landscapes. The electronically operated full-length Folding Fabric Roof, available as an option on the Defender 90 and Defender 1 10, provides an open-top feel that enhances the spaciousness of the Defender's cabin, while also allowing passengers in the secondrow seats to stand up when…

LOOK / architecture My pilgrimage to Sri Lanka was driven by a desire to explore the works of architect Geoffrey Bawa and to savour a summer holiday in a warm, tropical setting brimming with rich culture, a complex history and excellent cuisine. While we explored several of Bawa's projects, including his former home and office (now a beautiful restaurant) in Colombo, the highlight of our journey was staying at the Kandalama Hotel overlooking the Kandalama Reservoir, and situated not far from the ancient ruins of Sigiriya. Kandamala is widely regarded as one of Bawa's masterpieces. The architectural details are elegantly understated, featuring neutral tones and natural materials such as white concrete walls, black-painted concrete columns, and wooden or iron railings and millwork. The majority of the building's ornamentation comes from…

LIVE / switzerland Mür ren, Bern canton My two loves were perfectly satisfied: design, and Swiss hot chocolate. Heading to Europe from Cape Town, I had no idea I'd be setting foot in the Swizz Alps. My suitcase was filled with looks fit for a summer beach holiday in the Mediterranean, not for a ski town. I'd just been staying at the ultra cool Tuba Club in Marseilles, on assigment for House and Leisure (see Volume 11: Wander, for the story), and had planned to travel to my next stop along the coast. But, alas, my plans changed. Long story short, I suddenly found myself without a place to stay for a few nights. What started as a trip along the coast of France towards Italy, turned into a traveller's nightmare,…

LIVE / south africa Cederberg, Western Cape A gathering place for guardians of the Earth, a celebratory ode to the setting and its history. When you arrive at the extreme eastern part of the Cederberg, magnificent mountain ranges, a variety of plant species and much indigenous game await. Here in the Rooi Cederberg Karoo Park lies a pristine, uninhabited 6 000-ha concession in a largely undiscovered part of the wilderness that offers a uniquely private experience in a remote, off-the-grid camp that's completely integrated with nature. It's called Bakkrans. The preservation of Bakkrans is credited to Johan van der Westhuizen who acquired it in 1998 and has shaped the last 25 years of its history. His family has farmed in the Cederberg for over 300 years and the Bakkrans Reserve formed…

LIVE / thailand Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon The sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas are a testament to Bangkok's vivacity. While looking for a place to stay for a recent trip to Bangkok, I was prompted to reflect on my first visit four decades ago. Back then, I was an adventurous backpacker on a shoestring budget and spent my first day in Asia in a dollar-a-night hostel precariously perched above the Chao Phraya River. I have been to Bangkok many times since. When I lived in Hong Kong, and had a few more dollars in my pocket, it was an easy and frequent weekend getaway. I remember strolling through the chaotic yet captivating streets. The sensory overload of sights, sounds and aromas were a testament to the vivacity of…

DIGEST / culture It is said that India either gets into your blood and becomes the fabric of your soul, or it definitely doesn't! Either way, the country leaves its mark. For me, India is a place for soul food, and even amid the assault on the senses and all-encompassing chaos, I find my quiet space. My philosophy in life is to have no regrets, particularly when I travel. If you keep an open mind, journeys can be surprising, unexpected, thrilling, adventurous and challenging. Memories become secrets and experiences unique to you alone. It was through a chance meeting that I first heard about the Spiti Valley in Indo-Tibet, far north in Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayas. This conversation changed my life and the course of my travels forever. The…

DIGEST / craft In January 2021, freshly single after the end of a 12-year relationship, I desperately sought something to distract myself from heartbreak. I committed to finding a hobby and keenly visited three options: tennis, surfing and pottery. Tennis was cute but it didn't stick. And storing a surfboard in my 50m2 apartment just didn't work with my décor. Pottery was the winning diversion. By a long way. Fast-forward to August 2022, a year after my mum passed away. The depression that has followed me throughout my life was now deeply entwined with my grief. Despite so many changes in my life during that time, one constant remained – my three hours a week in Anthony Shapiro's pottery studio. It was my form of worship. I learned to throw…

DIGEST / drinks When I first learned that I could cycle to Champagne from Paris, I was intrigued. I've always thought of the region as a mystical world that occupies a rarefied space – not only on the shelves of bars and restaurants – but also geographically as a place of ancient rolling vineyards and elegant Champagne houses. Last year I was introduced to Champagne Telmont, a boutique house that is committed to making the most sustainable wine in the world. It's part-owned by Leonardo DiCaprio, the bubbly is delicious, it's made in limited quantities and is totally unstuffy – a veritable disruptor in the wine world. When you consider the sustainability work the house is doing (the cellar and HQ is run on bio-energy, shipping is only by boat,…

LAST WORD No thing is only one thing. Take ‘discovery’, for instance. Discovery is one of the most popular English early apples, a hybrid of the Worcester Pearmain and the Beauty of Bath, largely flushed in crimson with a slight strawberry flavour. Discovery is also a Warner Bros. TV channel, a Land Rover model and a space shuttle. Discovery is a process; the process of finding information, a place, an object, especially for the first time, and the thing that is found. A discovery! Self-discovery, or getting to know oneself, is in one sense the sum total of everything philosophy seeks to do. For Socrates it was quite literally the meaning of life. Even at the risk of sounding like Lewis Carroll or Dr Seuss, I feel the need to…

HOUSE AND LEISURE X ROCHE BOBOIS LOOKBOOK After the world turned its eyes to Paris for the Summer Olympics, Roche Bobois showcased timeless French sophistication and innovative design in its latest collections. And as the Olympics celebrated human achievement, Roche Bobois embodies French creativity and craftsmanship, bringing the extraordinary to everyday living. Roche Bobois invites you to experience harmony, beauty and excellence through its exquisite furniture, which defines the French way of life, perfectly timed with the Olympics. This season, the celebrated French furniture brand unveils collections that marry contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. The Yumi rug by Messieurs features superimposed circles resembling a body of water shaped by rain, with abstract shapes and seigaiha motifs symbolising waves and the ocean, while a pair of koi injects life and colour. Tourbillon…

HOUSE AND LEISURE X H&M HOME LOOKBOOK To celebrate the arrival of spring, H&M HOME introduces a clean, fresh colour palette offering a mixture of patterns, as well as block colours from green, lime, pear, juniper and sage hues, to crisp white, sunny yellow, muted mustard and soft natural tones. Make your living room the focal point of this bright new season by injecting an instant dose of spring freshness. Set the tone with a combination of quilted cushion covers alongside white sculptural vases. Finishing touches include ribbed block candles in a variety of shades, including tan and green. For spring dining, create a verdant canvas with a green tablecloth, or opt for a a classic soft white version and add brightness with crockery and spring flowers. Bedding doesn't escape the…