Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i South African Home Owner

#LOVE - LUXE I freely admit that I am somewhat of a “luxurist”. I love beautiful, luxurious furnishings, decor and accessories – the indulgence, the look, and the feel. So I melted as we put together this issue for you, as it is all about luxury and indulgence for your home. Designer appliances for the kitchen; the luxury spa bathroom; lighting that adds glamour to your home; and fine dining…this is an issue to immerse yourself in, and maybe spoil your home a little this winter. We plump it up with features on staircases and balustrades, and take a look at the interesting topic of “maximalism” (as opposed to minimalism). I hope you enjoy our July issue. And I would love to see your ultimate luxe items – tweet me…

This contemporary build in Midrand is home to a couple who enjoy exploring their perennial interest in all things culinary. “We love food and trying out different dishes,” says the owner, who recently qualified as a chef and master chocolatier. One of their favourite pastimes is entertaining friends and family. “From formal wine-pairing degustation meals to standard braais and slap-up dinners, we’re always keen to have people over.” The well-planned design of the home was informed by the couple’s demanding lifestyle. “We lead a busy life, so we wanted a lock-up-and-go home with laid-back, comfy interiors.” The owner admits that their initial brief to the architects was succinct, to say the least. “We gave the architects a rough pencil sketch of what we wanted. High ceilings were a prerequisite,…

Memorable architecture is often determined by its focal points. These design features represent a pinnacle; serve to elevate our experience; and certainly apply to the field of wine too. The Christina van Loveren range is just such a focal point in the wine portfolio of the Van Loveren Family Vineyards. As the epitome of style and elegance, only the best single vineyard wines are selected for the Christina van Loveren range. Among them, there’s a barrel-matured Cabernet Sauvignon – a dark and balanced expression, billowing with notes of blackberry fruit, dark chocolate, tobacco and cloves that leads to a soft mint finish. Enjoy with red meats and dishes that have smoked ingredients. The Christina van Loveren Shiraz offers the connoisseur an equally well-structured wine with a light scent of pepper,…

Spa bathrooms have become the epitome of luxury and relaxation, bringing the spa experience into the home. The latest trends see high-quality products and clean lines dominating. And as Sinovuyo Dumalisile of Hansgrohe South Africa says, the return to nature is quite evident. “Organic design elements are back in the heart of bathrooms. Glass, stone and ceramic all turn bathing and showering into a sensual experience,” she says. You can bring the spa experience into your home by putting the right elements together. Consider the following: WASH AND RINSE Spa bathtubs and rain showers provide not only a relaxing experience, but also offer sensory and invigorating benefits for the body and mind. Together with targeted jets, spa baths can offer effervescent bubbles too. And rain showers will give you the…

Consider accent walls and unusual interior colours to bring warmth into your home. If you’re a maximalist, you won’t be afraid of darker shades. Plascon.co.za Quirky touches are what it’s all about. This chandelier crosses the boundaries of design and decor to add a touch of whimsy to any space. Weylandts.co.za Whether in an interior filled with Bohemian artefacts or surrounded by clean lines and neutral colours, this armchair commands attention. Roche-bobois.com While some pieces, at first glance, may appear to be minimalist, they often incorporate well into a maximalist theme. Laseredge.co.za Luxurious fabrics in unusual colours can make any item a one-of-kind addition to your home. J-v-b.co.za…

Lighting is one of the most dynamic tools you can use to bring glamour and ambience to your home. Different lighting tones, types, shapes and heights can interplay with textures, colours and physical elements in a room to create sophisticated layers of light and shade in exactly the right places. IN THE MIX A mix of floor lamps, table lamps, pendants and up/downlights can offer nuances of light that will up the glamour ante. Uplight lamps in corners pair with multi-globe pendants or chandeliers in zones that need to be well lit; and lamps with textured shades, intricate bases and metallic finishes fuse to create a chic appeal. “Natural fibres are all the rage,” says Hayden Dowdall of Springlights. “Cement is big in Europe, and glass, bamboo and vintage metals…

TECH SPOT The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, launched in February, have changed how you will share experiences and memories. It’s not just a new phone – it brings a new way of thinking about what a phone can do. Powered by 1.6GHz octa-core and with 4GB of RAM, the phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded to 200GB via a microSD card. The Samsung Galaxy S7 has a 12-megapixel primary camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel front shooter for selfies. WHAT TO WEAR Clarks offers a collection of flat shoes that takes exciting steps towards two very different, but complementary worlds. Mannish, tailored styles infused with classic heritage are contrasted with super-modern, sports-inspired styles. Sometimes the two moods collide to create brilliantly bold, new…

MICHAEL DALY ACCOUNT MANAGER Michael is one of our account managers, responsible for the management of sales, and relationships with clients. FAVOURITE SMELL? Nothing beats the smell of meat sizzling on the braai during the summer months. ON YOUR WISH LIST? A lot of things, but a visit to Anfield to watch Liverpool FC play is on top. SOMETHING NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU? I’m pretty much an open book, but I’m a big fan of rock music; it’s one of my passions. MY PHILOSOPHY IS you only have one life to live, so make sure you do everything you have ever wanted to do. LAST MEAL ON EARTH? Definitely a seafood platter or a trinchado from my favourite restaurant, Parreirinha. LAST EXTRAVAGANT PURCHASE? A set of Taylor Made golf…

The decor is an eclectic mix of modern furnishings and precious antique pieces that have been collected over the years This home had been a dream for 20 years before finally becoming reality in an idyllic part of the Western Cape. With an overall sense of tranquillity, it clearly reflects the value of family. Central to the home is an open-plan space comprising the kitchen, dining and living areas. The decor is an eclectic mix of modern furnishings and precious antique pieces that have been collected over the years. The stylish kitchen features integrated appliances and a hidden scullery. The lounge area leads out onto a small balcony, from where the surrounding views can be appreciated. Opposite, doors that slide right back into the wall open up onto a large…

Each job is monitored closely, and emphasis is placed on delivering one-of-a-kind after-sales service and support. BRAAM DU PLESSIS SALES MANAGER, GAUTENG, POOL COVER SPECIALISTS SA Braam du Plessis was born in Pretoria, and completed his schooling in Johannesburg and Cape Town. In 1996 he moved back to Pretoria, where he married Irene, and later had two children. His first involvement with Pool Cover Specialists SA was in 2005, but officially joined the company in 2009, as a sales manager for the Gauteng region. Pool Cover Specialists SA has more than 30 years’ experience in the swimming pool cover industry Braam’s role entails building relationships with customers and guiding sales professionals in Gauteng. Each job is monitored closely, and emphasis is placed on delivering one-of-a-kind after-sales service and support. My…

Whether you prefer a rustic, farm-style look or something super-modern, covered patios and verandas have become our new living spaces of choice. These days, patios have all of the comfort and style one would expect indoors, but with your garden on your doorstep. And there is no reason to close the door to your patio until the first spring bulbs appear. After all, patios are where we prefer to relax and entertain friends, whether it’s a balmy summer’s day or a frigid winter’s afternoon. COVER UP Use insulating screens or stacking doors to keep the heat inside. On warmer days, you something subtle and understated. Also, add personal touches to can roll up the blinds or fling open the doors to enjoy the mellow winter rays in a sunny nook.…

The easiest way to update the look of your staircase is to change the balustrades While staircases often command a lot of attention, simply because they tend to be the largest architectural features of a room or home, they are often an afterthought in the building process. This means they are sometimes not as functional as they could be. DESIGN STYLE A staircase is a tricky element to change later should you decide you want a different style or if the design becomes dated, so opt for timeless design and clean lines that will adapt well if you redecorate your home. The easiest way to update the look of your staircase is to change the balustrades. This means little structural work needs to be done, but modern materials such as…

THE ART OF LAYERING Quick tips for decorating your living room. JUST A FACADE A cheap solution for grand designs, facades will help the outside of your home reflect the inside. We look at a few design options for you to consider. ROCK-A-BYE BABY Get the look with these nursery-room essentials. ENTER & WIN! One of two paint hampers from Prominent Paints, valued at R2 500 each.Prominentpaints.co.za GET IN TOUCH! @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner @SAHomeOwner Log on for the latest must-haves, great features and fabulous giveaways…

“I would advise using a tax practitioner who is at the minimum a CA (SA), who has actually done some tax consulting and has an HDip (Tax) or LLM (Tax) qualification” Working from home is great on many levels. You literally have a two-second commute, more flexibility and fewer distractions (well, that one’s debatable). You can even work in your pyjamas if you feel like it. But there are challenges too. For instance, tax time can raise some puzzling questions. It’s definitely not as straightforward as it is for in-office employees. And there are distinctions if you work for yourself or if you’re an employee working from home. Many of the same deductions and record-keeping requirements apply to both, but there are some key differences. The most sensible thing to…

One of the easiest ways to make a statement, whatever your style, is with a pop of colour, and jewel tones provide a dramatic accent to any interior space. They will also bring in an element of luxing, whether you opt for a wallcovering or an upholstered occasional chair. Here are a few ways to incorporate the trend into your living space. COLOURS TO PAIR While jewel tones pair well with one another, using pops of metallics will add a touch of glam. Rose gold, bronze, gold and silver, used minimally, will enhance the opulence. Neutrals are always a hit, whether they’re cool or warm. Cool neutrals such as grey can balance the femininity of ruby red and amethyst; while warm neutrals such as soft shades of pink, cream and…

“Our home was built for family living, and this informed every choice we made in terms of design and architecture,” says the owner of this country-style home in a Midrand estate. The close-knit family of five are real homebodies who like nothing more than spending quality time together. Four-legged family members include two cats and two newly acquired puppies. Although the home is a masterclass in family-focused design, there is nothing lacking in the style department. The architecture reflects the owners’ love of modern-country design. Stone, exposed brick, wood and glass create an eclectic farm-style look that is both strikingly contemporary and homely. “Our brief to the architect was a well-designed, spacious and functional family home. We also wanted the house to be low-maintenance – hence the brick and stone…

A calm and leafy suburb of Cape Town became the chosen new home for these home owners, who relocated from Johannesburg. The exterior is Georgian in its design – a display of classical elegance and contemporary style. For the family of five, it was important that their new home was open, airy and light, and that there was a merging of the indoors and outdoors. The entrance to the home is grand – a high ceiling and exposed trusses make it spacious and full of natural light. The staircase is a striking feature, and the wall alongside provides the perfect space for showcasing one of the home owners’ many beloved art pieces. The bedrooms are on the first floor, together with a large balcony that overlooks the garden. The master…

Many of the new, nifty items are nice-to-haves, but will make your life easier and impress your guests As modern kitchens and open-plan spaces take centre stage in current design trends, every choice and purchase we make needs to be carefully considered to avoid clutter and to create a pulled-together look. Stovetops and ovens come in a variety of guises, and while it may be easy to think they perform the same function, when considering products on the higher end of the scale, your oven and cooker may be the one thing that makes your life that much easier. Most importantly, choose options that best suit your needs. If you aren’t yet in your long-term home, a freestanding stove or an Aga would be an excellent option, as you…

Where minimalists strive to clear the clutter, cut the sentiment and bury the grandiose, maximalists embrace the obtuse and revel in excess. Maximalism can be seen in post-modern literature in the form of long texts and unstructured plots, but the aesthetics of the genre are often expressed as a bohemian sensibility and ornate additions. If you enjoy collecting, have various design styles that you love, and feel that your home should reflect your personality and be a warm and inviting space, this is the decor style for you. Decorate to make you happy and in a way that fits in with your lifestyle 5 STEPS TO THE MAXIMALIST LOOK: 1 THROW OUT THE RULE BOOK Where minimalism embraces the orderly, maximalism welcomes a touch of chaos, without rules dictating which…

Why not create your own mini vertical garden? All you need is a wooden frame, mesh, good-quality potting soil and your favourite succulents. Upcycle old kitchen goods like this wire cloche to protect your veggies against nasties. Make ID tags for your veggie patch. It will save you a lot of hassle when you start sowing seed for your next crop. We love local designer Drift and Pine’s creative, eco-friendly way of displaying flowers. For more info, visit hellopretty.co.za. If you’re looking for an interesting garden-focused weekend, why not upcycle an old pair of jeans into a quirky garden stand? This is cool way to keep your kids busy and get them interested in gardening. Visit lifeisagarden.co.za. BE INSPIRED Keter’s new autumn/winter range will give your garden a functional edge.…

Sometimes all you need for an evening with friends is a dinner table that builds an appetite for great food. Carefully selected tableware goes a long way towards creating the right atmosphere for fine dining. Here are some of the elements that make for an elegant dining experience, right at home. STRIKING SILVERWARE Cutlery plays a major role in the overall table presentation. Current trends are rose gold, gold and black, which add a dynamic edge to the table. The metals are making an appearance in matte, polished and even patterned finishes, which gives you plenty of options to choose from. Sterling silver is the ultimate in luxury when it comes to cutlery, because of its lacquered finish that adds sparkle under the right light. When choosing silver or gold-plated…