Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2018 i South African Home Owner

ALEXIA KLOMPJE CERAMICIST Alexia Klompje is a Cape Town-based ceramicist who is the mastermind behind Klomp Ceramics. Klompje, who grew up in an artistic home environment, started her company after a successful career in styling and while recovering from a brain tumour. Each piece in her stoneware collections is made and glazed by hand. My approach to ceramics is a free one – I just like to let the pieces become. Clay is a natural, free material and medium and I try to embrace this and celebrate it as much as possible through organic shapes and a minimalist aesthetic. I am passionate about my family, nature and creativity. These are my life force and inspiration. I’m also passionate about connecting to others and sharing stories truthfully. We all have a…

Good coffee has never been more convenient thanks to the Philips 4000 series Super-automatic espresso machine, which allows for 5 000 cups of coffee before descaling. It also offers eight different beverage options. www.philips.co.za Featuring an upholstered seat available in a variety of fabrics, you’ll be sitting in style with Haldane Martin Iconic Furniture and Interior Design’s Sim-ply kitchen stool. www.haldanemartin.co.za As all serious foodies will tell you, it’s possible to elevate any cheese board with the addition of a stylish cheese knife set. www.woolworths.co.za Clean lines and sleek efficiency are to be expected from Stelton’s Emma electric kettle. Available from Weylandts in black with a wooden handle, this modern design classic is definitely made to be seen. www.weylandts.co.za Ever since the NutriBullet launched in SA a little over five…

Available in an extensive range of colourways, Haldane Martin Iconic Furniture & Interior Design’s Sim-ply dining chair not only makes for comfortable seating, but an imaginative dining experience too. www.haldanemartin.co.za Famed for creating eye-catching patterned bags and accessories, Lou Harvey has just released an equally exciting range of wallpapers – bringing the brand’s distinctive patterns and colourways to a bigger platform. www.louharvey.co.za More than just a beautiful addition to your home, the Kala rug is the result of a collaboration between nanimarquina and the Care & Fair initiative, which seeks to support childhood creativity in various schools throughout India. www.cremadesign.co.za Thanks to its clever design, the Ray wall lamp by Inarchi gives the illusion of being a 2D object in a 3D space. Minimal though it may appear, it really…

Are you looking to transform the look and feel of your home in a dramatic but effortless way – and without going to the effort of costly renovations? Paint will do the trick. A PAINTERLY ECOSYSTEM Paint trends borrow heavily from the overall mood of society and seek to convey the feelings and emotions that people are currently experiencing. Carolien Haden, Prominent Paints marketing manager, views colour as a creative ecosystem. “It’s fluid and collaborative and key trend drivers influence the new colours coming through.” She says there’s a move towards richer, deeper “more complex colours” and unusual combinations – “bold paints paired with lighter shades and used on interior doors, accent walls and on furniture and cabinetry”. Blue for a kitchen is also making an appearance on 2019 design…

ROUND RULES Spring borders are real showstoppers. But like all good things in life, it takes some time and planning to create seasonal interest. According to Leoné Williams of Petal Faire Nursery, the secret to prolific flowers is soil quality. Craig de Necker, managing director of The Friendly Plant, agrees. “Spread a layer of compost over your plant beds at the beginning of spring. This way, rain and any irrigation will carry nutrients down to the plants’ roots,” he advises. IN THE MIX Succession planting is important. Ensure a flourish of long-lasting colour by planting your beds up with varieties of annuals, bi-annuals, bulbs and perennials that bloom at different times of the year. For a well-balanced border, interweave ribbons of plants. Chris Williams of Catscapes Landscapes suggests a combination…

Whether you’re still hooked on satellite TV or signing on for every streaming service, video and music content is currently king. And while your smartphone might suffice for the vitally important cat video you must watch, it just won’t cut it for blockbusters and album drops. Here’s how to pimp out your entertainment spaces… PRESTIGE PARLOUR A dedicated theatre space is the Rolls Royce option. This is a room devoted to purpose with a large screen, controlled lighting, and perhaps even tiered seating. “Dedicated home cinemas, and smaller lifestyle surround sound systems, are more popular than ever,” says Darryl Katz of 4ward-Design, a home automation company. “We have definitely seen an increase in client requests, as well as in their budgets.” When you have the space and the budget, a…

YOU’RE SURROUNDED Surround-sound systems are the mainstay of audio for serious movie fans. Wall-mounted speakers have gradually gotten smaller, more discreet, and more attractive. And these can be paired with large standing speakers, which tend to offer better bass. A lot of these systems are going wireless (or at least use fewer wires), and many are easily paired together to work in conjunction as a seamless system or with other devices using apps. There are options at most price points, but if you’re after quality, Bose is a tried-and-tested brand. “We love the Bose range,” says Darryl Katz of 4ward-Design. “These products are discreet, contemporary, feature-rich and uncompromising in quality.” The Bose Lifestyle 650 home theatre system consists of a console (where you’ll connect your HDMI cable from your TV),…

The Halo from Beauty Fires is an open-hearth hanging wood fireplace that can rotate 360°. It’s forged by hand and provides a beautiful aesthetic of crackling fire, comfort and warmth. www.beautyfires.com The sleek and simple design of the Oden Tub Chair is what makes it so desirable. Like all other Woodbender chairs, the Oden is available in 15 standard timber finishes and can be upholstered in any choice of fabric. www.woodbender.co.za Minimal and contemporary, Woolworths’ Jaxon desk lamps not only provide practical task lighting, but have also been manufactured with safety in mind. www.woolworths.co.za The organic, irregular shape of this teak wood stool is sure to add character and interest to a room while providing a convenient resting place for food and drink. www.zarahome.com/za Made from polyurethane and completely weatherproof,…

A lot of attention and thought was given to this home’s magical vista. “This is a great estate and the stand has very good views. In fact, this specific site on the stand provides the best view,” says the home owner. The architect was given strict instructions when designing this north-facing home. “The architect had to make sure that I have a good view and that there is privacy from the main road as well as the servitude road. “We can build two houses on the stand and the architect also had to make sure that the second dwelling would not take the privacy of the current dwelling away,” says the owner. The garden is massive with plenty of lawn and a good-size swimming pool to keep guests and children…

Tiles are a design language on their own, an ever-expanding lexicon that can elevate your bathroom from ordinary to amazing. Subway and hexagonal tiles are trending strongly, but there are many other unusual shapes, designs and layouts that will create a dynamic space and add character. “For a bolder chevron focal point, use contrasting colours.” – Dessie Nikolova CHEVRON The chevron or zigzag pattern dates back to 1800BC. It has also been used through the ages to indicate rank in the military (specifically the Royal Arms of England) and is a pattern that is often used in architectural and interior design. “Chevron patterns can be used on walls or floors or with accessory items that create powerful, sophisticated spaces that can easily be integrated with classic styles,” says Dessie Nikolova…

Concrete- or stone-look tiles are bang on-trend. www.bathroom.co.za A super-absorbent 100% cotton hand towel featuring a beaded striped border and a striking block design. www.edgars.co.za/homeware Bette washbasins, distributed by Bathroom Butler, are aesthetically pleasing and are made from natural raw materials such as water, glass, quartz, ores and borax that are non-toxic and eco-friendly. http://www.bathroombutler.com/za Bodycare From Africa ... Marrakech Argan handwash. Argan oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, which is native to Morocco. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, including fatty acids and Vitamin E. www.takealot.com Tripping the tiles fantastic ... fun mosaic tiles from Italtile. www.italtile.co.za…

Gone are the days when garage doors were merely a way to keep the contents of your garage out of sight. These days, this feature is probably one of the first elements of a home that is seen. Therefore, with most home owners, when it comes to selecting a garage door, it is often a case of “first impressions last”. And with the latest technology and variety of materials that make up today’s garage doors, getting one to complement your home and fulfil your security needs is easier than before. MORE THAN JUST A DOOR “Garage doors are a necessity of the modern world. No house is thought to be safe without a garage door,” explains Johan Diederiks CA (SA), CEO of JD Wooden Touch. He adds that the function…

IT’S A DATE: NATIONAL GARDEN DAY ON 21 OCTOBER As the warmer months approach, waves of colourful beckon us to spend time outdoors. On National Garden Day, down tools and share the fruits of your hard labour with friends and family. BLOOMING MARVELLOUS Now’s the time to start a new hobby. Flower arranging is a creative, relaxing way to connect with nature. Plus, your home will always be filled with fresh pickings. Play around with simple ensembles, working your way to more complex displays. GET THE APP: CANDIDE COMMUNITY GARDENING APP Target: Everyone with an interest in, and passion for, gardening. Sprouting knowledge: This green-fingered app ensures handy plant info in the palm of your hand. Named after Voltaire’s Candide, expect a comprehensive database of plants and how to care…

So many streaming sources can lead to “decision paralysis”. An app like JustWatch helps you search through and bookmark what you want to watch from a wide range of streaming providers, including Netflix, iTunes, BoxOffice and more. The app is available for free, for Android and iOS users. When you sign in, you add your chosen providers (these are also geographically sorted, so local options like Showmax are top of the list). The “new” and “price drop” categories are particularly useful, but curating your own “watchlist” from across providers is the real game-changer.…

Colour is everything! This statement is especially true when it comes to the interior of a home. An interior can have the best furniture and finishes but if the colour is not carefully selected, the entire scheme can be a complete failure. Every year we are bombarded with an array of colour trend forecasts, from colour institutes, paint companies, fabric manufacturers and, of course, design experts. What most people tend to forget, however, is that colour works differently in different countries, regions and even in different homes. The success of colour is highly reliant on the light it’s exposed to. It is not uncommon to buy an item of clothing and, on returning home, realise it’s a different colour to what it looked like in the store, due to the…

Situated in a sought-after coastal estate, this multi-level home is a true gem within this neighbourhood. Designed over three levels, the property reveals itself layer by layer with each space beckoning you to linger for just a little longer. Not only were these home owners fortunate to find a stunning site on which to build their dream home, but they were lucky to have a helping hand from interior designer Schanè Anderson from Olala Interiors, and architect Tracy Levinson from LevEco Architects – a brilliant team who brought the dream to life. To get the most from this rather tricky and steep site, the family home was spilt into three levels, giving the residents varying degrees of privacy while ensuring ample space for the main living areas where family and…

The owners of this property, on one of the most established estates near Cape Town, had been looking to downscale for a couple of years. While that may mean smaller in size, it most certainly doesn’t mean smaller in personality. The home owners and the decorator met a year ago and have been firm friends ever since. “The owners like playing house, so it was fun to work with them,” says the decorator. “The owners like playing house, so it was fun to work with them.” – the decorator “Colourful carpets, high ceilings and refurbished furniture add to the charm of the interior.” They buckled down and got things done, resulting in a cosmetic renovation that took a record-breaking seven weeks to complete. “When it came to the décor and…

“Being close to the nature reserve, the family take full advantage of all the area has to offer.” Enduring a 10-month renovation was certainly worth it for this family of five. They set out to create their dream home in Helderberg, just outside Cape Town. “We were present during the renovation all the time and very hands on during the process, as my husband was the project manager,” says the owner. The family created a space that works for them. From the quirky children’s rooms decorated in their favourite colours, with glittery candy walls and a car bed, to their funky entrance hall that the owner designed herself. “We wanted a unique area that would be something different on the eye,” explains the owner. The owner’s love of turquoise is…

“The 180° panorama can be enjoyed from every room in the house.” “The clean lines and simplicity of the furniture are the perfect complement to the home’s modern design.” In an estate characterised by urban-style apartment living, this home – with splashes of blue and green from the garden and pool – inevitably draws the eye. From the outset, the owner was determined to incorporate several elements that would distinguish the home from others on the estate. For a start, it was to be accessed directly from the driveway. Also, while the gradient of the land meant that gardens were a no-no for most houses, this home’s vertical garden – enhanced by the view of the pool as visitors approach the driveway – is one of its most special features.…

Timeless though white and creamy neutrals may be, if you’re looking to create maximum impact with your kitchen space, you need look no further than the darker end of the colour chart. Far from depressing, the use of charcoal greys, navy blue and moss-like greens have injected new life into kitchen design, fulfilling a desire for a more cocoon-like cooking sanctuary in the process. GOING DARK Far from a fleeting trend, dark kitchens have been quietly making their mark for a few years now – and there’s no reason to believe they’ll be going away any time soon. “We have loved and produced charcoal kitchens for a while now, but matte black is definitely our new favourite neutral,” says Heidi Arenstein of Future Classics. Philip Richards of blu_line adds, “There…

Colourful grout can add a pop of personality to a tile backsplash or floor. Think of an orange or blue grout against white subway tiles. The latest trend is glitter grout, in a colour that matches your tiles. “The visual effect of a wall or floor of black tiles for example, all framed with black glitter grout, could be breathtaking. You could also play on this by using two different shades of the same colour,” says Russell. Hexagonal, round, rectangular and more exotic choices like arabesque tile will all gleam when bordered by glitter. A smaller tile size means you have more grout lines, thus more sparkle. “Mosaics are ideal for glitter grout,” says Russell.…

For decades now, home owners have been encouraged to play it safe when it comes to choosing furniture staples by selecting pieces in neutral colourways, and adding interest with décor accents. As solid as that advice may still be, the temptation to embrace colour throughout the space has never been greater, especially with the availability of on-trend, eye-catching furniture. “Living spaces have become more than just a collection of furniture; [they’ve] become our happy space to work, live and relax in.” – Karin Cawthorne START LIVING Some rules are meant to be broken. And while there is always the danger of choosing a vibrantly coloured big piece of furniture you might not feel as passionate about in a few years’ time, sticking with a neutral just because it’s the safest…

If you’re on the hunt for an immediate solution, ceiling fans are worth looking at. Brad McNamara, director of Timber Fans, gives us the low-down on the high-up: Innovation trends: With the cost of brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors decreasing significantly recently, ceiling fan manufacturers are now able to make these affordable. The BDLC electric motor can reduce electricity consumption by up to 70%, with some motors running at less than 20W vs 65W-plus on the older air-conditioner induction motors. An additional benefit of these motors is that they are generally quieter and will last longer as they operate at lower temperatures than the old motors. Another trend, we have noticed, is the move away from the infra-red remote control and towards the easier-to-use radio frequency remote. Design trends: Timber…

Lighting has crept out of the shadows to become a central feature in any décor scheme. According to Kelly Klopper of Eurolux, there are several aesthetics ruling the room at the moment. Minimalist lighting is in favour because it makes a space feel open, while mid-century lighting fixtures are easy to blend with other décor styles. Geometrics, meanwhile, add a dimension of interest to any room, and art décor is a go-to for instant glamour. Jason Rivkind of Streamlight agrees that lighting is playing an increasingly decorative role. One of the most common emerging trends, he says, is the installation of exposed strip lighting: no longer concealed in bulkheads, the move is to create beautiful lighting grooves. “Colourful ceiling lights are the latest trend in dropdown ceiling lighting.”– Kelly Klopper…

FURNITURE PERFECTION Mobelli Furniture + Living specialises in furniture for the indoor lounge and outdoor living spaces. The brand’s new lounge furniture collections are beautiful and stylish while the outdoor living collection offers everything you need to enjoy your patio. Choose from a host of outdoor and indoor lounge suites, dining tables, occasional chairs and coffee tables as well as shade parasols, gas heaters, illuminated planters and various accessories that make outdoor patio living a pleasant and unique experience. www.mobelli.co.za FRESH PICKINGS An exciting Cape Town-based company passionate about everything to do with planters, both indoors and out, Plantr places an emphasis on high-quality materials and excellent service. Whether you’re looking for a custom-designed piece or would like to choose from a diverse range of imported and local stock, Plantr…