Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i South African Home Owner

Living in such a warm climate means that 90% of houses in South Africa are built accordingly and they are not really suited to cold weather like they are in Europe and the United States. While our winters are generally mild, there are months when the temperatures drop dramatically and keeping the indoors warm can be a real challenge. Up until recently many homes that were tiled relied on underfloor heating, but this has just become impractical with the cost of electricity, as well as the general attitude towards reducing and preserving power. One of the most effective ways to heat a large room is through the installation of a fireplace. This may seem simple but there are many types to choose from. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces, as lovely as they…

ROCHE BOBOIS (SOUTH AFRICA) 021 286 0793 Roche Bobois was commissioned to supply the Escapade outdoor sofa as well as the Wishbone outdoor rocking chairs. In addition, the company supplied the Sequoia cocktail table and the outdoor rug. Pierre Frey from Roche Bobois’s collection of outdoor fabric was used for the sofa, and mahogany solid timber made up the rocking chairs, giving a classy appeal. “This seven-bedroomed home has been built with every need in mind.” Having renovated their previous home, the owners of this grand property in the Cape Winelands decided that a new build this time around would be more in line with what they wanted. “Renovating is just not the same as a new build. We enjoy working on projects and we did most of the planning…

"PORTABLE HEATERS PROVIDE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR - MID SEASON TEMPERATURES." Many people prefer electrical heating appliances to devices that use other types of fuels. For a start, there are no installation costs – you simply plug in and go. Electric heaters are also 100% efficient in that all electricity used is converted directly into heat. As they only heat the room you’re in and not the entire house, they’re also energy-efficient. If you already have a heating solution for the home, portable heaters provide the perfect solution for those tricky mid-seasons when the temperatures start to dip, but not enough to warrant switching on your central heating. Radiant vs convection heating The most important decision you’ll have to make is whether you’ll need a convection or a radiant heating…

“Natural products moderate your body temperature and wick away moisture, keeping you cool in summer and warm and cosy in winter.” – Chérie Watson There’s no better time to reassess your sleep sanctuary needs than when the mercury starts to take a dip. With the weather cooling throughout the country, the impulse to spend a bit of extra time snuggled into a cocoon of bedding is impossible to ignore. MIX IT UP If there’s one signature fabric for this season’s bedding, it would have to be velvet. Luxurious to look at, irresistible to touch, rich textured fabric like velvet, chunky wool and faux-fur are great ways to add layers of warmth and interest to your bedroom space. But that’s just the start, says Nicole Sherman, bedroom buyer for Woolworths: “Embellishing…

Outdoor living is intrinsically intertwined with South African culture and lifestyle. Whether it’s a Friday night braai with friends or a Sunday afternoon alfresco feast with the family, we love the fresh air, warm sun and soothing nature that surrounds us. Come winter, the weather tends to force us indoors. But it doesn’t have to – with the right outdoor heating you can still enjoy an evening braai with friends, or perhaps an intimate dinner for two by the fire. “Heating a completely open outdoor space takes careful consideration.”– Christiaan van der Merwe WARM UP Outdoor fireplaces are perfect for all-year-around entertaining. They not only provide warmth, but set the scene for alfresco dining – imagine the glowing flames as you enjoy a dinner for two. From traditional fire pits,…

The long warm days of summer are but a distant memory – now it’s all about chunky sweaters, throws and sipping hot chocolate. For many, winter brings with it a sense of the blues, but with these quick and easy tips, you can update your home for this season, and give your mood an instant boost as well. BE COLOUR - CONFIDENT “The comforting home offers a palette of warm shades, which features warm clay tones with burnt orange shades,” says Palesa Ramaisa, a colour consultant for Dulux. She adds that “warm earth tones are able to bring a sense of comfort, which is what every home owner wants during winter, while blush pinks, which have been trending, help to add a sense of calm and soothe the senses”. You…

MOVIE PLOT: Brea and John embark on a romantic weekend getaway to an isolated estate in the mountains. They are pleasantly surprised when two of their friends, Darren and Malia, show up unexpectedly. Their plans for fun soon to give way to terror when members of a violent biker gang invade the peaceful countryside. They find themselves fighting for their lives as their assailants stop at nothing to protect their secrets from the outside world. Director: Deon Taylor Screenplay: Deon Taylor Producers: Paula Patton, Deon Taylor, Roxanne Avent The movie officially opens on 11 May. DATE: 10 May VENUE: Rosebank, The Zone, Cinema 4 Ster Kinekor TIME: 8pm REGISTER: 7.30pm - 8pm R.S.V.P: Email Bonisile Mkhize at bonisilem@sahomeowner.co.za or call 011 280 5199 We have…

Many people are uneasy with the thought of artificial intelligence (AI). The term conjures up images of rogue robots in sci-fi movies that take over the world due to their superior thinking abilities. There is a fear that AI will result in job losses, making humans increasingly redundant in the workforce. Truth is, AI is already here – and is designed to make life easier, both in the home and outside of it. Just like we have to adapt to technological advances in things like computers and phones, we need to adapt to AI as it is integrated into our everyday living. After all it helps us run our homes remotely and makes our properties safer. AI uses sensors connected to the smart home to allow it to “make decisions”…

“I’m a portrait artist and I always strive to tell a story from my subjects’ facial expressions.” Sizwe Khoza’s artwork is dynamic, emotive and highly distinctive. Originally from Mozambique, Khoza moved to South Africa in 1995 and during his matric year attended Saturday classes at the Artist Proof Studio. In 2013 he was offered a residency at the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) in Kimberley, under the mentorship of the late Dumisani Mabaso. Khoza specialises in painting, monotype and combined printmaking techniques and has had numerous exhibitions with Artist Proof Studio and other renowned galleries. I travel to Mozambique twice a year to take photographs, which I use as inspiration for my paintings. The characters I portray in my artwork are symbolic of characters in a game of chess. In…

Creating a sense of balance is never easy, but it seems these home owners have cracked it with their unique approach to life and design. By choosing to build their home almost an hour outside of Johannesburg beneath the splendour of the Magaliesberg Mountains, the owners are able to take advantage of life in the country while still enjoying the conveniences of the city and nearby shopping centres. That said, the owner has made the home as hospitable as possible, inviting visitors to linger a little longer. “We wanted a home with a welcoming atmosphere with a sense of international style,” the owner says. “One that invites visitors in but also encourages the people who live here to move freely from area to area without feeling that the space is…

This home started out as an existing house in need of a small facelift – but the small facelift resulted in a complete overhaul. “We chose to renovate our house because we love our neighbourhood and our garden, and didn’t want to move. What began as a few changes ended up with nearly the whole house being altered, but the end result gave our family the house we had always wanted,” says the owner. The garden and outdoors are very important to the family, as is the feeling of light. Because of this the home is surrounded by large glass windows and doors. The interior is designed in such a way that you can feel the essence of nature even inside the home – from the wooden flooring, exposed trusses…

Investing in a new cooker or oven comes with an almost overwhelming amount of choice. Electric or gas oven? Induction, gas burners or both? Double oven or single? Built-in or stand-alone? If your head is swimming, don’t despair, we’re about to point you in the right direction. ESTABLISH YOUR COOKING NEEDS Your choice of new cooker will always come down to personal preference. There are no right or wrong answers here, only the right ones for you. “The ultimate choice comes down to what you use your cooker for,” says Luc Verfaille of Eurafrican. “If you don’t cook for pleasure, do you really need a top-end oven? If you do love cooking, why short-change yourself? Get an oven that will cater for your needs.” Stefan Gutstadt of Culinary Equipment/Lacanche South…

W hen the chill seeps into your bones, there’s no better place to be than in a hot steam shower or warm bath. And you can keep the temperature warm even when you step out, thanks to modern technology. SPA BATHS AND STEAM SHOWERS Technological advancements have elevated the bath and shower experience to a warm, fuzzy one. A spa bath with strategically placed jets is a wonderfully sensual experience, and they have evolved to suit discerning tastes. Take a look at the clean lines and minimalist ethos in the Moderno range of spa baths, available from Summer Place Spas & Baths. “Bathroom technology has made the bathroom a complete living, and not just a functional, space. Significant focus is placed on making your shower a truly multi-sensory space –…

Innovative and stylish, WOMAG’s new season offering of digitally printed porcelain tiles allows you to embrace the look of marble floors without having to worry about extra cost or maintenance. www.womag.co.za Made from a luxe, snuggle-worthy blend of Mohair and wool, Linen Drawer’s vibrant new range of Hinterveld Africa blankets are the perfect antidote to dull winter days. www.linendrawer.co.za Black marble tops slim copper-look legs to create the modern elegance that is Mobelli Furniture + Living’s Onassis coffee table. www.mobelli.co.za Form meets function with Faro’s new range of portable lighting options from Newport Lighting. Whether battery-operated, rechargeable or solar-powered, there’s a style to suit every situation. www.newport.co.za A statement-maker if ever there was one, Elitis’s Morotai wall covering features a checkerboard pattern made from real shells, their natural colours enhanced…

WEATHER Considering the typical climate in your area will influence how much heat you’re going to want and what type of heating solution makes most sense. If your area is prone to regular drizzling, a fire pit won’t get much use. If you often experience wind conditions, then a floor-standing patio heater may be hard to keep upright. SAFETY Children must understand the dangers of the heating option you’ve chosen. Gas and wood-burning heat solutions should be kept in more open spaces, as they can run the risk of carbon monoxide build-up and be a fire hazard. Always ensure that all fires are completely out before moving indoors. COST It is always wise to have an idea of your budget going in so you know the range of your costs.…

Emperors Palace offers luxurious accommodation in four hotels, a glorious health and beauty spa, 16 dining options, spectacular entertainment choices and world-class conference facilities. Located next to OR Tambo International Airport, the five-star Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel offers unsurpassed luxury, supreme comfort and state-of-the-art facilities, and excellent service. Guests can also indulge in Octavia’s Day Spa, located in the hotel. The magnificent spa offers facilities such as the Roman Bath and Swiss Shower, as well as a complete range of beauty products. The dining possibilities at Emperors Palace are endless, with a gourmet experience that exceeds the expectations of even the most refined palate. Guests visiting Aurelia’s Restaurant for a fine-dining experience won’t be disappointed. The restaurant extends along the northern façade of the hotel, and its cuisine is a…

Just as the elevator and the escalator didn’t lead to the demise of the fixed staircase, modern security technologies are not about to replace your old-school security measures such as fencing, safety locks, barrel bolts and steel-reinforced doors, say the experts. SECURITY WORKS BETTER IN LAYERS While it may be easy to be complacent because you now have the ability to see what’s happening at your home on your smartphone wherever you are, Tessa van Wyngaarden warns against relying on just one method. The head of marketing at Storm Distribution, a South African distributor of fencing and other products into retailers such as Builders Warehouse and Makro, says, “I don’t think new technology on its own can secure one’s home and family. One needs to use a combination of new…

Although home security is a priority all over the world, South Africans spend a lot of money on securing their homes because of the high rate of crime. Most houses nowadays are linked to some form of home security system, and in most cases, these are linked to offsite security response units. No matter the system, people often feel out of control and disconnected when they are away from home. Most people have been irritated by an alarm that has been triggered that just keeps going because the owner of the house isn’t there to disarm it. Many times it’s a false alarm. “Technology coupled with high-speed internet connections is, however, changing the face of home security, enabling home owners to constantly be in control of their homes even when…

South Africa may have been late in getting high-speed broadband services to the front door of its suburban homes. But now, in the major municipalities at least, not having access to a fibre-based internet connection is becoming the exception rather than the rule. That’s important because fast fibre connections enable more people to work from home, or watch videos and listen to music from online services. They make backing up important data – like family photos – easy. The biggest benefit of fibre at home, however, is digital media. All around the world, physical formats for storing movies and music have become almost obsolete thanks to the ease and convenience of downloading files from the internet. We’re going through another period of change: the rise of streaming services that charge…

“If you have to open a different app to close the curtains to the one that you use to turn on the lights, you’ll soon stop using both and go back to old-fashioned manual controls.” As much as we like to think we’re living in the future, it’s easy to forget that the smart home as a concept has been around for quite a while. Back in 1950, the US magazine Popular Mechanics produced a feature about a home with windows that closed in the rain, curtains that opened automatically, doors that locked when the owner went to bed and a multiroom music system that could be remote-controlled. “Push-Button Manor”, as the house was called, wasn’t a sketch of future living: it was the real-life home of engineer Emil Mathias,…

Keep your home beautiful and your family safe with American Shutters’ precision-engineered Security Shutters. The beauty of these traditional shutters provides an elegant solution for home owners who place equal emphasis on safety and style. www.americanshutters.co.za The latest additions to minima’s iconic woven bamboo lighting range are a combination of on-trend intricate geometric patterns and Scandi-inspired simplicity. www.minima.co.za Offering a flawless blend of contemporary style and durability, Design Flow decorative screens – made almost entirely of recycled, UV-stabilised plastic – can be used indoors and out for privacy, division, shade and decoration. www.designflowscreens.co.za The perfect fit for modern open-plan living, with its distinct round edges and curved, open backrest, the Cala from Woodbender will inspire guests to linger a little longer around the table. www.woodbender.co.za The Rug Company’s collaboration with…

These home owners had very specific reasons for choosing this particular area to make their home. “We chose this area as it has easy access to the schools and Mediclinic Sandton, where my husband works as a specialist. We also love the trees that line the Bryanston area and in particular the Jacarandas,” says the home owner. The French architecture of the home is both exquisite and charming. “I love French architecture and I love the homely old vibe the French design represents and portrays. I want my guests coming to my home to feel cosy and relaxed. As a family we love the homely vibe of our home – especially in winter when the wood-burning fireplaces are lit and the smell and crackle of the wood transpires,” says the…

“The open flow of the house creates a practical environment for a working mother to spend time with her children.” “Throughout the home, giant windows combine with the open-plan design, making it possible to see over the fairways from a multitude of angles.” Views over fairways, lakes and forests make this home a golf lover’s delight. And the most special feature of the home is not the stylish fittings or elegant finishes; but rather the way it brings together the interests of every family member. This hasn’t come about by accident – it was one of the biggest considerations during the design stage. “We wanted everyone to have their own space,” says the home owner. This reflects in the key features of the home: the spacious kitchen, with its…

Naturals Beauty has recently upgraded its Bathroom Set with a fresh new look and an increase in bottle size. This is a local, affordable and quality natural skin-care range, and the biodegradable Bathroom Set includes a shampoo, conditioner and body wash. www.naturalsbeauty.co.za Royal wrap ... The Hotel Collection Duck Egg London bath sheet, made of 100% cotton, absorbs well and is super-soft and comfortable. It is gorgeously decorated with an intertwined floral pattern. www.boardmans.co.za Make laundry time colourful ... This multi-coloured handmade basket from Ghana is made from natural straw. www.weylandts.co.za Introduce fragrant aroma in your bathroom ... This classic room spray adds another sense to your space. www.weylandts.co.za Turkish towels, also known as pestemals or hammam towels, are the ultimate in quality and versatility. They are lightweight and dry…

FIRST PRIZE: 1 X FIRE+ICE LINEAR chandelier (1.5m X 300mm X 300mm Glass Drop) SECOND PRIZE: 1 X large TRuK pendant light (450mm (height) X 330mm (width)) THIRD PRIZE: 1 X TRuK table lamp (450mm (height) X 180mm (width)) Stephen Pikus Design is a company that lovingly handcrafts luminaires predominantly from recycled, repurposed and renewable materials. It cherishes the process of creating beautiful, high-end lighting from items that are discarded every day. Equally important to the design company is the difference it is making in uplifting and empowering people. The company works closely with trolley-pushing recyclers and partners in trucking-related industries to collect raw materials, and is privileged to collaborate with architects, interiors designers and clients on amazing projects. First prize – FIRE+ICE chandeliers are handmade pieces of functional art.…

“Underfloor heating is not only beneficial to have but is an investment to your property in the long run.” Many assume that underfloor heating is an unnecessary cost – expensive to install and even more expensive to run. However, this is not the case, and with the options available today, underfloor heating is not only beneficial to have but is an investment to your property in the long run. Currently there are two types of heating on the market – electric and hydronic. ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING Also known as radiant underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating has come a long way since it was first used, in the days when electricity was surplus and affordable. Extensive research and development has been conducted over the years to bring cost-effective, energy-conscious and efficient…

TRELLIDOR RETRACTABLE SECURITY GATES If you’re looking for a strong security barrier that you can retract when not needed, you may want to try Trellidor Retractable Security Gates. These gates can be custom-made to fit the area you want to secure. www.trellidor.co.za TRELLIDOR ROLLERSTYLE SHUTTERS If you still don’t believe that old and new technology can work together, then you haven’t seen the Trellidor Rollerstyle shutters, which can be fully automated and used together with modern technology. www.trellidor.co.za CENTURION D5 - EVO Once you have the right fence, it’s important to ensure that you have an automated gate so you never have to get out the car or wait for someone to open for you. This gate motor is easy to both install and maintain and can be fully integrated…

South African home designers are good at creating spaces for entertainment. From the games room to the braai and fire pit, the pool to the bar, spaces for guests top the list of must-haves in any new house. If you’re really looking to impress visitors, though, nothing beats the dedicated home cinema space for sheer luxury and indulgence. “For consumers looking for an exceptional sound and visual experience in their home, a cinema-style dedicated space with a large screen is preferred,” says Warren Husband of home automation and cinema distributor Homemation. “That’s due to the quality and sensory experience only available from a projector-based solution.” Built from the ground up to provide the best possible audiovisual experience, done right it’s literally better than the movies. The basics of a home…

Gone are the days when you longed to come home to a warm, cosy space, but instead arrived to find it cold and unpleasant. Now with home automation at your fingertips, a warm welcome is as simple as swiping open your smartphone, accessing your home automation app and hitting the “on” button as you leave the office. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus said, “Change is the only constant” – and this is certainly true when it comes to technology. Smart homes are no longer a thing of the future – they are a part of our present. With this in mind, we take a look at how you can achieve the ultimate comfort at home, whether you’re planning your new home or updating your existing abode. WHAT EVERY…