Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018 - January 2019 i South African Home Owner

Many South Africans are passionate about entertaining – and it is not only because of our incredible climate, but also because of our social nature. Large-scale entertainment areas are becoming more dominant in the design of new homes. Outdoor entertaining is the most popular choice for many, with the good old braai being at the centre of this tradition. Patio areas are, however, starting to get a lot more sophisticated and incorporate items traditionally only found in the interior of the home such as TVs, under-counter fridges, stoves and ovens, as well as sound systems that can stream uninterrupted music. The passion for entertaining has in many ways had an effect on the entire layout of the more spacious, modern home. This change can be attributed to a host of…

A modern marvel with an African influence is one way to describe this beautifully renovated home. Once a single-storey house with confined spaces and obstructed views of the park and sea beyond, this home now boasts an impressive 85m2 main bedroom, open and flowing living areas and views that will leave you breathless. By adding a second storey to the building, the home can now accommodate these residents in style and offers them a sense of spaciousness and luxury. The ground floor of the home houses the living and entertainment areas and opens out onto an outside space that comes complete with a suspended infinity pool, and sunken firepit and seating area. The upstairs is where these residents retire for the night, with an impressive main bedroom that is short…

This Durban family decided to build their ideal holiday home in Cape Town. With family scattered all over the country, this is their special place to gather for seasonal celebrations. This esteemed estate was an excellent choice, mainly because of accessibility. “The area is central to retail, the beach and the airport. Everything Cape Town has to offer,” says the owner. The four-bedroomed home is a perfect fit for the family. “We wanted a different feel from our Durban property,” says the owner. “A warmer feel, clean and easy living. A lock-up-and-go,” she adds. The décor and design were simple. “We started with the base colour grey and worked from there,” says the owner. The owner and the decorator worked closely together, and shopping trips included visits to various stores…

There are many interpretations of a modern home, but for these owners this was it. Inspired by the dreamy beach houses that sit along the Cape’s Atlantic seaboard, this gorgeous Pretoria home embraces contemporary architecture and minimalist interiors reflecting the owners’ discerning taste. “It’s a dream come true. A complete sanctuary we get to call home,” says the owner. It was the location of a serene golf estate that drew the owners to the plot. The owner elaborates: “We are based in a secure estate in Pretoria East, which is part of a beautiful game reserve. My husband and I have always wanted a corner stand where we could build our dream home. When we found this plot, it was just meant to be. “We are situated in close proximity…

These first-time home builders wanted a secure family home with spaces that allowed them to share quality time together. “This was the first time my husband and I have ever embarked on building a new house. We were very nervous and used every opportunity to consult with friends and family before we decided to make any decisions. We saw the lovely homes that were completed in the area and the lifestyle that we could provide our family. The lifestyle options with the bike/walking path, dams, malls and schools in the estate made this estate very attractive to our young family,” says the home owner. Having a beautiful entertainment area that is part of their everyday lives makes it easy to get together with friends and family, and this is important…

Upon entering this home, one word immediately comes to mind: space. And that is precisely the reason this family of five chose to build here. “We were in a flat before, which was far too small. The children need a large area to play,” explains the owner. Originally from Egypt, the family built this four-storey, four-bedroomed spacious home with just that in mind. They decided to decorate their home themselves. “For example, my husband chose the detailed tiled flooring,” says the owner. With their hard work, the result is a minimalistic design incorporating clean lines and a neutral palette dotted with rainbow hues in the form of furniture and art. The main bedroom certainly has the wow factor. With a huge dressing room, a generous bathroom and a luxurious daybed…

The precinct supports a plethora of showrooms that cover everything from home improvement to general lifestyle requirements. Centrally located, with easy access to the N1 and M5, Paarden Eiland is fast becoming one of Cape Town’s key retail hubs, not just for home owners, but project managers and interior designers too. CARROL BOYES FUNCTIONAL ART IN PAARDEN EILAND Internationally renowned artist and designer Carrol Boyes has her administration and distribution centre for her eponymous brand in Paarden Eiland. In this 14 000m2 double-storey building the company also manufactures all the pewter items in the range. While most of her products are designed on the weekends in her studio by the sea, they are refined by her stable of new designers in Paarden Eiland. Under her mentorship, these new designers are…

An enduring classic, white subway tiles are made all the more interesting thanks to textured 3D patterns, as Italtile’s Origami satin white glazed ceramic tile clearly proves. www.italtile.co.za Thanks to its intelligent sensoFlow heater, the Siemens iQ700 brews coffee and espresso at the perfect temperature to allow you to enjoy a little sip of indulgence. www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com/za Keep your drawers neat, clean and clutter-free with Eclipse Cuisio Drawer Organisers. Made of a mix of translucent plastic and aluminium, the Cuisio range is also dishwasher-safe for maximum convenience. www.eclipsegroup.co.za Incorporating innovative technology to reduce cooking time, Samsung’s HotBlast convection microwave is also roomier, allowing you to cook larger plates of food at a time. An entertainer’s secret weapon. www.samsung.com/za Timeless and serene, all-white mix-and-match dinnerware provides the perfect backdrop for summer fare.…

Forget aesthetics: one of the major influences on window treatments at present is far more prosaic. Karina Palmer of American Shutters says, “Home owners are looking to increase their home’s energy efficiency, and window treatments play a significant role in this regard.” This may explain the current demand for treatments such as shutters and blinds. According to Hoosein Haffajee of The Curtain Club, “The trend right now is very much for blinds. We’re doing a lot of blinds in sheer weave fabrics.” Mohammed Sha of Glitz & Glamour Interiors notes that within this trend, roller blinds and Roman blinds are taking over from Venetian and vertical blinds. Grey is a common choice for these products, toning in easily with any colour scheme, although pastels are also popular. Blind Designs’ Paul…

1. If your pool cover does not have drainage holes, ensure you are using your water removal pump to drain all excess water off your cover. 2. Don’t forget to clean your cover by simply using a new, clean mop with just warm water. No detergents should be used. 3. Be mindful of your chlorine usage – over-chlorinating your pool could result in bleaching your cover. Allow your pool to air after adding chlorine or any chemicals. 4. If have an automated cover check with service you , your provider if a service is due to ensure that the cover is operating optimally. 5. Always check your pool cover to ensure the fabric of the cover has no tears or rips.…

Buildings can be surprisingly harmful to the environment. Both the methods and materials of construction, and the way in which the finished product operates, can have a big impact on the planet. For this reason, if you are considering building a new home, renovating your existing one, or even just replacing some fixtures, creating a green building should be your top priority. GREEN SAVINGS The good news is that green building isn’t necessarily expensive building. Although some of the ground-breaking, eco-friendly materials can be a mission to track down, they offer significant savings in the running of your home, because green means energy and water efficiency. “By using eco-friendly materials for construction we not only create a healthier and more comfortable environment to live in but we are also keeping…

TRELLIDOR RETRACTABLE SAFE ZONE GATE One of the basic things that children need to know is when to retreat to a safe zone if they feel insecure. Create this safe zone using the Trellidor retractable safe zone gate. This gate is designed to guarantee parents peace of mind knowing that children are safe within a confined area in the home. www.trellidor.co.za HIKVISION CCTV The Hikvision CCTV system is what you need if you want to monitor children on their own at home. The great thing about this CCTV security system is that it is operated remotely, ensuring that there is no need for installing wires that may make your home look untidy. You can also set the system so that it only records particular times when the children are at…

BENON LUTAAYA ARTIST Benon Lutaaya is a Uganda-born artist whose masterful large-scale artworks – characterised by the use of waste paper – aim at deconstructing the complexities of African identity. Not only is he the recipient of numerous art awards including the Lovell Tranyr Art Trophy in 2012 and the 2015 Face of African Youth Foundation Award, he is an avid supporter of female artists and a philanthropist. With all my ideas, regardless of the opinion or thoughts I intend to convey, the one thing that drives my approach to creating and often eludes me is the quest for simplicity. I believe it is in a work’s simplicity it can demonstrate its complexity and strength My upbringing in Uganda was bizarre and tough. I was abandoned by my parents at…

Security and peace and quiet were what these home owners desired. “We chose a home in this area because it was a great place to raise a family; the safety in the estate is outstanding and it also has easy access to main roads. The estate itself is vegetated and green with our home in front of the third hole of the golf course,” says the home owner. Wanting a modern home with a crisp clean look, the owners chose carefully when deciding on which home they wanted to buy and renovate. “Considering how long the estate has been around and that most of the houses have older designs we chose to go with a wood and white theme. We wanted a design that would let in enough light and…

Boasting more than 150 tenants, Northgate Estate offers a huge variety of home-related products and services – all within a safe, secure enclave. Located at the intersection of the N1 and M5 highways, the estate is easily accessible to both the northern and southern suburbs, making it an ideal precinct to explore and glean advice from a variety of experts for any project. THE BUILDING CENTRE IDEAS FOR RENOVATING YOUR HOME The Cape Town Building Centre exhibition, located in the centre of Northgate Estate, is a valuable resource for home owners that are in the process of building or renovating! The exhibition contains over 200 permanent exhibits and showcases the full spectrum of building products available for home renovations. No matter what you are looking for – from windows to…

As the modern bathroom evolves, it becomes more integrated. So instead of sanitaryware taking the form of individual pieces, the idea is to create a bathroom featuring fixtures that are integrated into a whole design unit. “The toilet is integrated into a unit that incorporates the washbasins, giving the bathroom a ‘furnitured’ look and unifying the space,” explains Danielle Sterling from Sterlings. Controls such as flush mechanisms or lever controls, meanwhile, are seamlessly integrated into the bathroom environment, either wall-mounted or set in the vanity, removing the distraction that they can impose on minimalist design. ONE BATHROOM Leading this trend are top Italian designers. Ceramica Flaminia’s integrated bathroom system, called The One, turns the bathroom into a single unit of modern functionality. It features an inset toilet, bidet or sinks…

• Pool safety nets and covers must be installed by an accredited responsible party. No DIY-installed pool nets and covers are permitted. • A privately owned swimming pool that holds more than 30cm of water must be surrounded by a childproof fence and a pool cover/net. • A cover is disqualified if it allows rainwater to pool for more than five minutes, or if a child can unfasten it. It must require keys, a combination lock or special tools, devices, or inaccessible locations to remove. • A larger swimming pool requires a cover or net that can carry a weight of at least 220kg, as this is typically the weight of an adult and two children and “permits a rescue operation”. • If a pool is less than 2.4m at…

CUSTOMISED STYLE Perfectly manicured lawns require time, effort and a lot of water. Artificial lawn is a new, exciting frontier in the world of landscaping. It’s cool, contemporary and has some serious eco cred. According to Craig de Necker, managing director of The Friendly Plant, “Artificial lawn is a water-wise, evergreen, low-maintenance ground covering that can be used in both direct sunlight and heavy shade.” Sasha Schaeffer of Cape Contours Landscape Solutions agrees. “It’s ideal for small areas in your garden that are problematic due to shade and can be used on balconies, walls, rooftops, and playground surfaces,” she says. ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE The key to open-air living is to enjoy your downtime lounging in the garden, not slaving away from dawn to dusk. Comfort and convenience are the main drawcards…

WHETHER YOU ARE BUILDING A NEW HOUSE OR RETROFITTING YOUR CURRENT ONE, THESE PRODUCTS WILL HELP YOU CREATE THE ECO - FRIENDLY HOME OF YOUR DREAMS. BAMBOO Bamboo grows quickly, so plantations can be rapidly replaced after harvesting. It is durable, water-resistant and has natural anti-bacterial properties. www.bamboowarehouse.co.za HARMFUL FUMES DURING THE PRODUCTION OF CEMENT, A LARGE AMOUNT OF CARBON DIOXIDE IS PRODUCED, MAKING THIS MATERIAL AND THE CONCRETE THAT IS MADE FROM IT HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT. MAGNABOARD MagnaBoard, which can be used in dry walling, ceilings and eaves, is fire-resistant, impervious to water, resistant to mould and mildew, has superior thermal and acoustic properties, and is lightweight and 100% recyclable. Due to its lightweight nature, it lessens the requirements and can even eliminate the need for concrete. MagnaBoard…

BEAUTIFUL LIVING Weylandts has opened the doors to its newest store in the Ballito Lifestyle Centre, offering residents of the North Coast the ultimate furniture and homeware experience. The new store is themed around the concept of living fossils. It is inspired by the layered textures of the shorelines shaped by the breaking waves that leave behind the markings of time in the form of exposed coral, petrified wood and the delicate footprints of ancient creatures. Get to the Ballito Lifestyle Centre and step into a world of beautiful living. www.weylandts.co.za BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS Launched on 17 September, Touchstone Lighting is situated in Paulshof in Johannesburg. The showroom was specially designed and built around the premise of creating an environment conducive to displaying lighting to its full effect. Touchstone Lighting is…

BACK TO THE FUTURE ATTIK Design stripped a 1920s home right down to bring it into the 21st century by gutting the interior and creating a modern, open-plan living space with large windows and stacking doors. Bold, textured fabric and custom-designed rugs complement the home’s palette of crisp white and stone grey. www.attik.co.za FINEST ELEMENTS OF TIMELESS TASTE Redefine yourself with SHF, the company that has grown into a household name constantly redefining style and excellence. SHF’s commitment to infusing energy, dynamic insight, industry brio and on-trend design is evident in every carefully selected piece. If the style and quality are out there, the company will find them and deliver them to you. www.shf.co.za COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED Taking inspiration from traditional farmhouse styles, this contemporary home incorporates a pitched…

On the one hand, it was designed as a holiday home to be used by a family; on the other, it also serves as a public lodge. It embraces clean lines and modern elements, yet it has not entirely eschewed the rustic. Although there is none of the thatch or other materials that have come to be synonymous with African lodge architecture, there are nods to its Crocodile River location through the use of design echoing ruins or natural phenomena such as anthills. And although the function of each room is distinct and distinguished, the home is not disparate; rather, it reaches a harmonious sense of unity in the courtyard under the spreading milkberry tree. The architect’s brief hinged on making the most of the river views from each of…

Rather than turning to clichéd hallmarks of Africa, the designers of this lodge tapped into the very essence of the land to create a home that is clearly rooted in nature, yet is simultaneously contemporary. It was serendipity that enabled the designers to achieve this desired look so effortlessly, in the form of a 4.8m piece of southern mahogany, measuring 1.8m in diameter, that was found at a sawmill in Pietermaritzburg. The victim of a forest fire, the long tranche yielded by this giant were put to use in various forms throughout the house, from doors to tables. These make for some of the most striking pieces in the house; they also contribute to a tactile environment that is further enhanced by, for instance, the matte black Fennix countertop in…

Walking into this home is sure to leave you relaxed. Looking around, you will notice that for one, the colour scheme includes a variety of blues, and this, without a doubt, has a big role to play in the calmness that is felt throughout. The colour blue represents tranquillity, calmness and peacefulness, and these are the feelings that the interior decorators on this project got from these home owners. Using this as the main inspiration for the interior, the home is a coastal oasis in a sought-after luxury estate. The four-bedroom residence offers a lot in the way of luxury, yet the finer details will leave you in awe. Specially selected fabric, furniture and soft finishes give the home a timeless appeal yet comfort reigns throughout – you can tell…

If you’re looking for true craftsmanship, Somerset West more than delivers. Only 50km from Cape Town, everything from bespoke showstoppers to vintage furniture pieces are waiting to be found in the décor warehouses and design boutiques in the area – with a wealth of advice from Somerset West’s interior designers and stylists readily available to guide you. LALEGNO EXQUISITELY ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING Established Belgian brand Lalegno offers 10 distinct collections in quality French, engineered hardwood. Lalegno’s multilayer flooring is considered by the world’s leading designers and architects, for both residential and commercial projects, as a very high-quality product with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. With the company’s in-house machinery and 20 years’ experience, Lalegno has the ability to create, smoke, brush and finish timber floors according to the client’s specifications. Lalegno…

Whether you’re a passionate foodie who enjoys creating elaborate feasts regardless of occasion or you’re a slightly less passionate cook who prefers offering light snacks and a few drinks, an entertainer’s kitchen offers endless possibilities for sailing through the festive season with ease, cooking and entertaining simultaneously. STRESS-FREE SOCIALISING There’s no denying the fact that open-plan kitchens are the social hub of modern homes. Not surprisingly, they also make for the perfect layout for an entertainer’s kitchen. As Philip Richards of blu_line explains, “An open-plan kitchen is at its core relational, in that various functions can be performed by various users all at the same time [in a single space].” And an essential component of this experience is the kitchen island. “When it comes to increased functionality and visual anchors…

Simply store it … this easy-to-install Aventos HK-XS lift system for shallow-depth bathroom cabinets has a sleek, narrow design, and the lifts open and close with weightless movement. www.eclipsegroup.co.za Embrace the essence of shoreline scents with the Seaside Vibes candle and diffuser. Bergamot and orange notes, with a special marine accord. www.crabtree-evelyn.co.za Water-wise showering … the Almar EcoAir hand shower can cut water use by up to 50% when compared with ordinary mixer shower heads. www.italtile.co.za Eco-friendly, lightweight and functional … this Turkish-inspired 100% cotton towel can also be used as a beach and pool towel. It also makes the softest baby blanket or beautiful couch or bed throw. www.thecottoncompany.co.za Go local ... the Mia Mélange laundry basket is handcrafted in South Africa, made from 100% locally sourced cotton. www.miamelange.com…

NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP Covered patios and verandas have become open-air sanctuaries where we relax, reboot and entertain. With carefully executed design, outdoor entertainment areas can become an extension of interior spaces. What better way to reap the benefits of integrated living than by expanding your views and letting in maximum light? “The best way to ensure a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces is with tastefully designed patio doors,” says Tod Ralph of Sunflex SA. TOUCH OF GLASS The evolution of frameless glass systems is proving to be a boon in integrated living. “By blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, frameless glass configurations add to your property’s visual appeal. Plus they enhance your lifestyle,” says Ralph. With a range of seamless design possibilities, frameless systems are…

Nothing feels more like summer than plunging into a cool pool on a sweltering hot day. While some South African home owners can enjoy the luxury of a pool in their backyard, they often forget the importance of pool safety and are unaware of how essential a pool cover is. According to the Government Gazette published on 13 July 2018, the Board of the South African Bureau of Standards has updated its rules and regulations (SANS 10134) with regards to the safety standards of private swimming pools. The update has occurred due to the increasing number of drownings (of both children and adults) in recent years, and stipulates that a fence around a privately owned pool is no longer sufficient and that either a pool cover or net needs to…

Summer is the perfect time for families and friends to gather outside from morning till late evening, sharing a meal and enjoying great company. If you are looking for ways to enhance or transform your patio into an entertainer’s delight, then read on as we unpack the must-haves for this season. GET COMFY A patio area is not complete without the perfect dining and/or lounge set. With this season’s latest patio furniture, your outside area will become a natural extension of the inside living spaces. Alon Sachs, co-founder of Mobelli Furniture + Living, recommends a comfortable lounge suite with a convertible coffee table if you don’t have space for a dining table as well. He also suggests getting a drinks trolley, which is a great investment that allows for easier…

LET IT FLOW Let your green thumb shine with this nifty gardening tool. The Lechuza Yula watering can is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from recyclable polypropylene plastic, it’s fully UV- and weather-proof. For more info, visit www.yuppiechef.com. FUNCTIONAL FERVOUR We’re all for multi-functional products. Especially when they’re versatile and durable. The watertight Bucket in a Bag by Burgeon and Ball can be used for washing your car, as a portable pet’s water bowl or as a storage container for fresh fruit. Compact storage means you can stock up on a few. For more info, visit www.yuppiechef.com WOODLAND CHARM ’Tis the season to entertain friends and family. Treat guests to an inviting outdoor-inspired table reminiscent of tree-lined footpaths and nature’s bounty. Add the perfect finishing touches to…

Many home-security measures are designed with adults in mind. This can easily make children the weakest link in your home-security plan and leave them vulnerable. Marcel Pienaar, a risk consultant at Fidelity ADT, a provider of security services, hi-tech security systems, 24-hour monitoring and armed response, advises parents never to “assume children will know how to use a panic button, or even a smartphone”, or what to do when they feel threatened, without proper training. EDUCATE So how do parents ensure that children are always security-conscious, whether adults are home or the children are alone? Steve Pearce, managing director at LockLatch, says it’s important to teach children the proper procedure of what to do “should they face a security threat or possible break-in while they are at home alone”. Cape…