Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2024 i SA Garden and Home

ED'S LETTER The look of‘luxury is back in fashion, and, some would argue, without the frills. Now, the style takes on an effortless quality. Unfortunately, I find things that look effortless often take more time and, in contradiction, effort to pull off. In this winter issue, we explore what it takes to master a look of effortless elegance, understated luxury and controlled minimalism that speaks to having style without going over the top. This month's featured homes, one in Spain (pg 30) and another in the heart of the Cape Town CBD (pg 40), provide plenty of inspiration to clear the clutter and focus on pieces that mean something to you. In the latter, I spoke to Mish Hsu, the head of design at Tangerine Studio, who offered expert advice…

KERB APPEAL…

INSPIRATION If there is any design concept that exemplifies timeless elegance and understated sophistication, it's quiet luxury. This concept started in fashion first and quickly migrated to home design, showing no signs of disappearing any time soon. These spaces are designed to exude comfort and style without shouting for attention. Quiet luxury favours subtlety and restraint, focusing on the intrinsic value and beauty of each piece rather than flashy displays of wealth. Materials like natural woods or rich leathers, and features like custom-made furniture and original artworks are all chosen for their ability to enhance a space with a sense of permanence. Colour palettes in quiet luxury are typically muted and neutral, creating a calming backdrop. This restrained use of colour helps to create a cohesive environment where every element…

Listening to the hustle and bustle of the Cape Town CBD from the balcony of Luna Loft, you would never expect the tranquil oasis that awaits inside. ‘I've always felt better and more expansive in an uncrowded home, inspired by my favourite Bali luxury interiors and the idea that “less is more” when it comes to decluttering the mind,’ explains Head of Design at Tangerine Studio Mish Hsu. This inspiration is evident throughout the loft, prioritising warm minimalism and a hint of Japandi style. The name of the remodelled loft is ‘Luna’, and the reasoning for this moniker is clear in the design. ‘I often find myself drawn to looking at nature and all the elements I love in real life to inspire my designs. Luna Loft really represents the…

Gardening is not known as the most budget-friendly hobby. You can quickly rack up a massive bill simply strolling through the nursery and glancing in the direction of plants or accessories you might like. This reputation makes massive garden upgrades and overhauls seem like an unattainable luxury. Luckily, I'm here to tell you that a refreshed and put-together garden doesn't have to break the bank or take weeks of work to complete. These are my favourite quick gardening fixes that can be completed in a weekend or less. One makes a difference, but completing them all will give you a structured space that looks meticulously well thought out, without tons of effort. Transforming your garden doesn't have to be a daunting or expensive task. With these quick fixes, you can…

Shorter days and lower temperatures are nature's way of telling us to slow down, and this applies to our plants too. Houseplants respond to the seasons like other plants do (albeit much less dramatically). They may not become completely ‘dormant’, but growth does slow, and your care should change accordingly. If you don't want your houseplants to die on you this winter, follow these dos and don'ts. Do: Increase sunlight exposure The position of the sun changes throughout the year. In winter, the sun is not only lower, but it rises later and sets much earlier. For your plants, this means far less sunlight exposure during the day, potentially resulting in growth problems. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis, and too little of it will cause discolouration and stunted growth. Houseplants…

Marble has been revered for centuries as a symbol of luxury and elegance. Although it can be a pricey investment, this timeless material adds significant value to any home wherever it is used. It's particularly useful in minimalist spaces, where the intricate veining and natural patterns of the marble become the focal point of the room. While you don't want to cover every inch of your home in marble, there are a few areas to utilise this stunning material to make a big impact. KITCHEN SPLASHBACK When we think marble, kitchen countertops are the first thing to come to mind. But a marble splashback is an interesting alternative that has a similar effect. The splashback serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, protecting walls from spills while making a stunning…

HEAVENLY HOMES It's likely that few people understand the light, the materials and the built forms that are characteristic of Mallorca better than local Architect Antoni Esteva. Having been born on the island, and practised here as an architect for more than five decades, Antoni has spent a lifetime exploring the local vernacular and reinterpreting it with modern requirements in mind. During that time, he has worked on multiple projects across both the domestic and public realms, which have recently included a renovation of the Palma home that once belonged to iconic Spanish Surrealist Artist Joan Miró - and the regeneration of the remarkable farmstead of Es Racó, in the charming historic town of Artà. Well known in Mallorca as a town that has dedicated itself to the conservation of…

1 | Using a tape measure and pencil, note down the length and width of your mirror. Equally divide the reflective space into sections. Make your measurement markings in pencil on the frame of mirror. 2 | Use a handsaw and mitre box or a multi-angled all-purpose cutter, which is strong enough to cut through soft pine half rounds easily. In this project I used the all-purpose cutter and easily made 90-degree straight cuts at the measurements required to create the windowpanes on the mirror surface. After cutting, lightly sand down the surface and edges till all pieces are smooth. Then wipe away saw dust. 3 | Using masking tape and newspaper, tape and cover the centre of the mirror surface to spray only the surrounding frame and pine pieces,…

HANDS-ON 1 | Tear any paper - such as cardboard, advertising leaflets, old newspapers and magazines, various scraps or gift wrapping paper - into small pieces of approximately 5 × 5 cm. To make work easier, you can use a shredder. 2 | Wet the paper. All the paper should be completely submerged. You can also load it with weight to stop it from floating, like small stones. Leave the paper clippings soaked for about 14 days, stirring occasionally. You can also mix them with a drill attachment designed for mixing colours before pressing. 3 | Fill a press. Use a shovel to fill a press with dimensions 32 × 13 × 15 cm with the paper pulp. 4 | Squeeze out the water. Cross the lever mechanism of the…

EXPLORE On an early autumnal morning in Cape Town, I find myself roaming the backslope of Table Mountain, one of a parly of three. Deep in the forest ahead, I hear Chef Chris Erasmus enthusiastically proclaim a find. Pausing for the briefest of moments, I up my pace and follow in the general direction of his excitement. Climbing over a decaying branch in the mushy forest undergrowth, I offer up a plea, silently imploring that this branch not be home to one of the 22 species of snakes to be found on the mountain. As I approach Chef Chris and Chef Milda Deale, the third member of our party, I catch the phrase ‘Lactarius delidosus’, which I subsequently learn translates to pine ring mushrooms. Chris kneels to gently extract a…

Woodoc 10 is lead-free and non-toxic when dry, and perfect for sealing hard-working wooden surfaces and items in the kitchen. Woodoc 10 gives a smooth, velvet finish suitable for interior applications. You can adjust the gloss level of the finish infinitely during application. Follow the application instructions printed on the product label to vary the finish from matt through velvet to gloss. Woodoc Products conform to EU regulations and protect wood against water, alcohol, heat, cold and stains. TIP: Never wash wooden items in a dishwasher. Rather hand-wash, using warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. Typical Application • All types of interior wooden furniture • Kitchen units • Cupboards • Dining room tables, chairs and sideboards • Wooden trays • Wooden ceilings • Wooden toys • Gun or rifle…

PLANT OF THE MONTH Agaves have a striking architectural form and low-maintenance nature, making them great additions to any South African garden, particularly in winter when our showiest plants are waiting for spring to shine. These succulents have rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves that offer aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, a favourite among gardeners who appreciate beauty without the burden of intensive care. One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate agaves into your garden is their exceptional toughness. These plants are native to arid regions and have evolved to thrive in harsh conditions, including drought and poor soil. This resilience translates to minimal watering needs and a remarkable ability to withstand neglect. Even in the colder months, many agave species exhibit a surprising tolerance to frost, especially when planted…

CHECKLIST PRUNE ROSES The end of July or start of August is rose pruning season. Pruning at this time is crucial for encouraging strong growth the following year and preventing potential problems when spring arrives. Begin by removing any dead, diseased or damaged wood to improve the plant's overall health and appearance. Next, cut back the remaining stems to about half their length or slightly less. Make each cut just above an outward-facing bud, leaving around five strong canes in a vase-like shape. This practice not only shapes the plant but also promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. Sanitise your pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of pathogens, particularly if you're removing any growth with signs of black…

Just like humans, pets can suffer from weight issues. And it's becoming a growing problem, with more chubby companion animals around than ever. In a recent survey of veterinarians, 73% said that obesity was ‘one of the most prevalent conditions’ they see, with as many as half of pet dogs and 44% of cats carrying excess body weight. It's a worrying trend. Although we can sometimes think that a chunky pet is cute, the reality is that even a little extra body weight can cause significant health issues for your pet - from diabetes to cardiorespiratory problems (such as trouble breathing when asleep) and even an increased chance of suffering from heatstroke. Obesity - which is diagnosed when a pet's weight is 15%-20% more than it should be - is…