Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2016 i South African Home Owner

CHANGE IT UP The saying goes: “If you fail you plan, you plan to fail”; and this is so true. Planning, especially when you are considering renovating or updating your home, is absolutely essential to ensure that you end up with what you envisioned, and within budget. This issue we explore elements to consider when planning a renovation or style update, from pivotal considerations in the kitchen to upgrades for your bathroom and interiors. Quite a practical article, we also look at making your spare room a multifunctional space, from the desk to the bed; and in entertaining, we take a look at a few ways to use cement/concrete in your entertainment space – and yes, there is a difference between cement and concrete! I hope you enjoy this issue!…

For Natalie Vice, innovative online home decor and gift shop Sugar and Vice is the culmination of a lengthy journey of enlightenment, lots of long, hard nights, lack of sleep and a good few life lessons. The born-and-bred Capetonian started her career working in a variety of industries and, after returning from the Camino de Santiago, decided to start her fledgling business. Natalie is passionate about supporting local producers and suppliers, and produces a range of products that are quirky and functional, perfect for those looking for original home decor products. Design allows me to let my imagination run wild. I love getting lost in my own little world while illustrating; it’s my meditation time. It also allows me to share my creativity with others. I define my products as…

We brought in the professional help of an interior designer, who specified all of the finishes in the home, from tiles and carpentry to soft furnishings and the ornamentals. This five-bedroom house, situated in a Johannesburg estate, has gorgeous grounds, and views from almost every area of the home. With low walls, thanks to the exceptional security in the area, there is a welcoming feel to the exterior that is continued throughout. It was important to the home owners that the available space was used effectively. “We brought in the professional help of an interior designer, who specified all of the finishes in the home, from tiles and carpentry to soft furnishings and the ornamentals. He was also instrumental in making the most of the floorplan.” This attention to detail…

Stepping inside this home, you might be surprised to learn that it is a recent build and not one of the original family houses that are to be found in this established suburb of Johannesburg. Older items of furniture, Persian rugs and a fine collection of artwork have been cleverly combined with a fresh decor scheme and contemporary finishes, including high-gloss cabinetry and LED lighting, to contribute to its lived-in yet sophisticated feel. While the single-storey house has only two bedrooms, there is a sense of space, thanks to the high ceilings, incorporation of natural light and an open plan layout in the living areas that is extended to the veranda through glass doors. This outdoor area is ideal for entertaining, as it can be enclosed in inclement weather or…

Although considered a trend for 2016, concrete isn’t a new decor element; it has been used in homes consistently for its timeless quality, particularly in walls and floors. However, now it’s being produced in housewares, furniture and lighting, appreciated for the varying effects that can be achieved with its surface and colour options. Concrete and/or cement also can be used both indoors and out, offering home owners a medium for integrating the two spaces. This versatility, and its durability, makes it an ideal feature in the entertainment area. 1 USE IT ON WALLS One of the advantages of cement is that it can be adapted as a wall covering in unusual situations. “This capability can be used to provide tailor-made design solutions to specific problems, and also aesthetically pleasing finishes,…

Spare bedrooms are great for when a friend or relative comes to visit or needs a place to stay for a night, or four. For the other 361 days of the year, the room can seem like empty, wasted space. There are a few smart and stylish ways in which you can incorporate the room into your family’s everyday lifestyle, while still maintaining its function as a spare room when necessary. The spare room need not have tons of furniture in it (particularly if it is not very big), and simple is best, especially for when someone comes to stay. Floating shelves or a tall set of drawers allow for easy storage and will not be in the way when the room is being used SMART SPACE In order to…

They say first impressions are everything, and this couldn’t be closer to the truth when looking at corporate spaces and offices. No matter how much advertising you do or how great your digital presence is, a bad reception area will immediately do damage to your brand, and word of mouth – or social media, for that matter – travels very quickly. There is no single simple formula to a great reception area, due to the fact that businesses are all so different in nature, and this first impression needs to capture a snapshot of what the company and its culture are all about. Years ago, the reception area was regarded as a waiting area, with a few chairs, sofas and, of course, a coffee table laden with a pile of…

AMBITIOUS ARCHITECTURE Australian townhouses take on a completely new look under boutique developers SC Land. Designed to reflect the curving coastline, these three-level homes have taken the attention to architectural detail to new heights. KEEP IT CLEAN The five areas of your kitchen you should be cleaning daily. ARTFUL ARRANGEMENTS How to style your coffee table like a pro. WATER 101 10 steps to a water-wise garden. ENTER & WIN! Win a Printwild.co.za voucher, valued at R5 000. GET IN TOUCH! @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner Log on for the latest must-haves, great features and fabulous give-aways…

SIPHOKAZI MTHETHWA Siphokazi is our production coordinator, and works at the centre of the production hub, coordinating advertisements and working closely with clients as well as the other teams at SA Home Owner. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN FOUR WORDS. Superwoman, bubbly, caring, understanding. WHAT DO YOU FIND ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL? Nature – just think about waterfalls. WHOSE HOME WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT? My best friend’s new home in the Eastern Cape; it runs on solar energy only. A TENET TO LIVE BY? Always look on the bright side of life. WHAT IS YOUR DECOR STYLE? Something subtle, but distinctive. IF YOU WERE A CHARACTER IN A BOOK OR MOVIE, WHO WOULD YOU BE? Donkey, in Shrek, because he always makes people laugh; there’d never be a dull moment. I AM…

The decision to buy a home is a financial leap, which requires one to be patient and disciplined. FNB offers five pointers to consider before starting the process of looking for your dream home: 1 Researching prices of potential properties in your desired area gives you a deeper understanding of comparative values and market prices. 2 Set up your budget, building in as substantial a deposit as you are able. 3 Don’t buy the first home you fall in love with – take your time to view a number of properties before making this longterm commitment. 4 Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a lower price; achieving this gives you extra rands in your pocket for updates to the home. 5 For convenient house-hunting, area research, and reports, use the…

TGW PROJECTS 083 775 7475 With 42 years of experience in the construction industry, TGW Projects seamlessly handled the building of this home as part of its comprehensive project management service. Using highly skilled artisans, the company set out to meet client expectations by achieving a high-end finish alongside a very cost-effective build. Having had their eye on one of Durban’s elite golf estates for some time, it was down to a fortuitous turn of events that led these owners to build this elegant and spacious home. “While we were in our previous house, a lady arrived at our door one morning and asked if she could buy our house – with an offer too good to refuse!” Having built their last three homes, these owners knew exactly what they…

LINDY VAN NIEKERK LINDY VAN NIEKERK ART GALLERY Lindy van Niekerk’s entry into the art world came at a very young age, triggered by her parents’ love for art and her work as a sales representative for a leading manufacturer of art moulding. “My work provided me with the opportunity to visit art galleries throughout South Africa and Namibia. I came into contact with prominent contemporary artists and thereby established many valuable contacts,” she says. In 1995 she opened her gallery in Cape Town. Her vision, ultimately, was to carry a wide range of quality art to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of clients. Soon galleries throughout South Africa and Namibia approached her for artworks. With this, she entered both the retail and the wholesale side of the…

The decision to renovate your home is one that should not be taken lightly. Whether you are choosing to buy a property that you will develop into your dream home, or want to expand your current space into something more suitable for your family’s needs, there are two important considerations to be aware of: how much will this exercise cost you, and how much time will you need to complete the work? Often when home owners purchase property, they do not consider whether the current structure is adaptable for future renovations. Establishing the town planning criteria for your current home will be able to guide you. If you are living in an older home, the age of the house must be taken into consideration before renovations can take place. “If…

Enough sleep, together with diet, and exercise are the most important lifestyle requirements to lead a happy, long and healthy life. The most productive, successful people understand the importance of deep uninterrupted sleep, in order to with life’s demands. cope Hästens manufacture the world’s most luxurious beds, each one built by Swedish craftsmen using traditional techniques passed down for generations. HÄSTENS SLEEP STORES  CAPE TOWN - Green Point, Cape Town Tel: 021 418 0434 JOHANNESBURG - Kramerville, Sandton Tel: 011 262 4431/2 sms ‘Sleep’ and your email address to 31022 to receive your complimentary catalogue hastens.com…

1 Put your expectations into perspective. How much are you willing to spend to get what you want? Whether you’re remodelling your kitchen or bathroom or adding on a room or entertainment area, the size of the space, the quality of the finishes you want to include, and whether you’re planning to do some of it yourself will all affect the cost. Sketch ideas on paper or use home-design software; make a list of your likes and dislikes, get some estimates and add it all up to see if the picture you have in your head is doable with the money you’ve set aside. 2 Choose the right contractor. We’ve all heard at least one renovation horror story, so the importance of choosing the right contractor cannot be overstressed. Talk…

An easy way to refresh your home, whether you have an apartment or a house, is to bring in some greenery – and it’s no longer restricted to potplants. Here are some ideas for adding a shade of green to your home. 1 On trend at the moment, terrariums are the ideal solution for those who have limited garden space. You can create your own miniature garden in a glass container by selecting a plant that will grow to a modest height. If you’d like to buy one, this Geodesic terrarium from Woolworths is perfect for your living space. 2 For the kitchen, herb planters are a must. They can be kept on an empty windowsill, such as this Eva Solo herb planters and the oval outdoor Bacsac planter, or…

CLINT LEWIS DESIGNS 083 259 6574 For its projects, Clint Lewis Designs ensures the correct placement of key elements, such as plumbing and electrics, and assists with the selection and specification of all the finishes and details. In this bathroom, the customised art piece is a focal point, while the plush rug adds a sense of luxury to the streamlined design. A home that combines elegance, modern lines and practicality might seem a tall order, but it was what the owners really wanted for their house, located on an estate in Midrand. The original layout wasn’t accommodating their needs, which included functionality for family living and an updated contemporary interior. “This project was a complete renovation,” says the interior designer. “We had to ensure that all the various design elements…

This has by no means compromised the final outcome; the whole house has a wonderfully stylish edge, modern but with an element of fun, which has brought character to the property. When choosing the perfect site for your dream home, there are many things to consider. But for this particular family, settling on a plot was determined following an afternoon visit to the site. With a glass of wine in hand, the owners were able to see their future selves settled and happy within this sought-after golf estate, situated on the outskirts of Durban. And on embarking on the groundworks, the owners, who are passionate about their wine, buried a bottle of champagne in the foundations, a sentimental touch that has obviously brought nothing but positivity to this beautiful home.…

WATER WISE To keep your garden healthy despite water restrictions, Rose Buchanan offers some advice: plant indigenous plants; and consider rainwater tanks and reducing your lawn size (in favour of paving, groundcover or stone chip). Mulch garden beds to reduce evaporation. Rosebuchanan.com Bonsai bonanza If keeping and caring for bonsai trees is your hobby, this Fragram 4-piece Bonsai pruning kit is the perfect partner. It includes a branch-snipper, shaping wire, scissors and a brush, and is available nationally at hardware retailers and garden centres. Lgtools.co.za ROWS OF ROSES As we move into autumn, Errol Tichard of Ferndale Nurseries says it’s the perfect time to prune and water your rose bushes in preparation for their blooming. It’s also a good time to start planting winter veggies, such as lettuce and celeriac.…

The world of work is becoming more flexible as entrepreneurship takes centre stage and employees are able to work remotely, thanks to technology such as Skype and high-speed Internet connections. Whether you work from home full-time, enjoy flexible hours or just need a small corner of your home to call your own, the options for a home office spaces are endless. THE DESK Choose a simple trestle table or a desk with straight lines for smaller spaces, or for work spaces that are incorporated into another living area. Keep the colours neutral and similar to those in the rest of your home, so your work area blends in with your decor. The last thing you want is for your lounge to look like a work area rather than a living…