Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2019 i South African Home Owner

PALESA RAMAISA Colour consultant at Dulux SA When it comes to colour during winter, we tend to lean more towards the burnt orange hues, rich maroons, clay tones and a touch of mustard yellows. Selecting these muted, atmospheric shades gives a home that cosy, inviting, lived-in feeling that most people appreciate. Earthy tones will always be on-trend as these shades are versatile, making them very effective. Rich clay tones, for example, work in classic settings as well as more contemporary spaces, making them perfect for those of us who don’t want to constantly fuss over our home décor. Décor elements such as rugs, cushions, throws and even curtains will always create a homely environment that feels lived in. But the aim is not to have a cluttered space, so if…

This home was created to accommodate a dream lifestyle – one that would also contribute to daily motivation. It’s clear that much thought and attention has gone into making this a reality. Many of the property’s design and architectural features serve both functional and aesthetic purposes to take this property to the next level. After spending about a year getting to know the architect and establishing not just a professional relationship with her but a friendship as well, the result shows off a modern, spacious and free-flowing home with rooms that have access to private garden spaces. There are myriad interesting elements that await you as you walk from one space to the next and one of these elements, says the owner, is the five huge seamless folding doors that…

When the owners saw this property, they couldn’t resist buying it. A renovator’s dream. “The original home was built 50 years ago. It was a very small 120m2 home. The site, however, was magnificent with 180° panoramic seaviews,” says the owner. “A steeply sloped site, it required extensive excavation to achieve the desired levels to maximise the view,” he says. The architect was tasked with designing a home where the view was maximised and visible from all over the property. The owner says, “For example, the pool is located at the back of the home; since we used large stacking doors and windows, the view of the ocean is intact, even from the pool area.” The three-level home is kitted out with four en-suite bedrooms in the main house and…

Location really is everything. The fact that this home can be found just half an hour’s drive from two major cities, but far enough away to enjoy the kind of inner peace that only undisturbed views of nature can bring, is one of its best features. “We love the openness outside, with the grass rolling down to the inland dam and the Magalies mountains as a backdrop,” says the owner. “It gives us the feeling of a luxurious Stellenbosch wine farm in the middle of our commercial surroundings.” It’s no surprise then that the braai and entertainment area, which opens onto the patio but isn’t directly connected to the house, is where this family can be found most often. “My husband is a braai fanatic and we’ve created a space…

Long gone are the days when heating your home required an electric heater or a simple fireplace. Today the fireplace market offers home owners a range of products to choose from and these units are now used as a designer statement feature, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. WHAT’S TRENDING Popular in the fireplace market are “modern closed wood-burning fires that are very safe, efficient, eco-friendly and considered to be carbon-neutral”, explains David Wantling, a member at macD. He adds that they come in classic and contemporary designs in both an in-built and freestanding format, making them suitable for a variety of design styles. Today’s fireplaces include units that are eco-friendly and units that serve as an artistic expression. “Current trends offer the clients different finishes for the same…

As winter approaches, the thought of staying cosy and warm indoors and enjoying happy hour at any hour is often more alluring than the thought of going out. One way to do that is with a stylish home bar. Our panel of experts reveals the latest design trends to create the home bar of your dreams. FUNCTIONAL STORAGE When it comes to home bars, form and function are of equal importance. According to Dorothee Bonse, managing director of Eurocasa Cape Town, most home bar designs used to feature modest built-in cabinetry, but nowadays you will notice that instead of having a single cabinet that stores your drink components and glasses, there is the addition of wine chillers, beverage centres, beer kegerators and ice makers. “Not only does this add to…

Situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park with 6 000 hectares of exclusive traversing rights, Jock Safari Lodge provides excellent Big Five game viewing. The lodge was named after local legend Jock of the Bushveld, the canine hero of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s famous story of courage and loyalty that is set during the first Gold Rush era. After a complete revamp, the classic safari lodge pays homage to its rich history and heritage with the addition of modern comforts and conveniences expected by discerning travellers. Activities include daily game drives, wilderness walks and visits to rock art sites, bird watching, spa treatments and stargazing, as well as a safari programme for children. Within the same concession, the private and exclusive Fitzpatrick’s Lodge has been reimagined as the…

As our homes get smarter, can they do a better job of protecting their contents? Just like TVs, music players, lighting systems and fridges, security systems are getting more and more intelligent. Not so long ago, it was a novelty to have a web cam pointing into your lounge in order to keep an eye on the dogs while you were out of the house. Today’s internet-connected systems can do so much more. And experts are constantly finding new ways to improve their ability to catch burglars in the act or, even better, keep them away entirely. DOING IT YOURSELF One particular trend that is catching on in South Africa, says Gavin MacDougall, product development and training manager for Yale in South Africa, is for smart door locks. These are…

SOUND AND IMAGE Sound and Image will set up full control in your home, as well as your cinema room, to make home automation easy and convenient. www.soundandimage.co.za TOUCH HOME One of the most popular current smart home features is smart wireless lighting, creating an infinite number of lighting scenes to set any mood for any occasion. Whether it’s for a party, chill time, bedtime or for movies, smart lighting can do it all. www.touchhome.co.za SAMSUNG FLEXZONE™ REFRIGERATOR With beautiful and easy-to-access French doors, this refrigerator offers the ultimate in food storage flexibility. The Samsung FlexZone™ is perfect for professional chefs and aspiring home cooks. With just a touch, using one of four preset temperature settings, the FlexZone™ compartment can be converted from a fridge to a freezer. www.samsung.co.za AUTOMATION…

EVERYTHING FROM FURNITURE TO ARCHITECTURE Design Joburg, featuring Rooms on View, is back! This third instalment offers captivating room sets, curated art collections, new décor and design launches plus several special features highlighting leading designers in furniture, architecture and décor accessories. Visitors can also enjoy talks by top local and global leaders in the field. Design Joburg is on at the Sandton Convention Centre from 24 - 26 May. www.designjoburg.com KOHLER INCREASES ITS LOCAL FOOTPRINT KOHLER is increasing its South African footprint with an exciting partnership with leading luxury bathroom supplier Bathroom Fusion. This partnership will see KOHLER front-lining the Northlands Deco Park bathroom atelier with its award-winning range of products. Over the years Northriding’s Northlands Deco Park has become the go-to destination for all things home and décor, with…

MICHAEL WALKER CEO OF SL8 AND OWNER AND CREATIVE LEAD OF SL8 STUDIO Michael Walker is the owner of artisanal design store SL8 Studio. Born and bred in South Africa, he, received local and international awards recognising his work for one of SA’s top creative agencies. Last year he launched his business SL8, which includes a studio (SL8 Studio), a marketing agency (SL8 Agency), an experiential event business (SL8 Space) and soon-to-be-launched beverage brand (SL8 Taste). SL8 Studio stocks signature wooden and steel furniture and sculpture. I’m in discussions with a few of the most noteworthy emerging artists to stock paintings in the space in the near future. I decided to stock steel furniture as it contrasts so well in the home and office environment when placed with more traditional…

Often it’s thought that contemporary homes lack personality and are “cold”, but this family home defies all these misconceptions as it embraces its natural surroundings, celebrating a positive interior-exterior flow while exuding a warm and inviting feel. “I believe your home is your sanctuary, your refuge; nature is our sanctuary and I wanted our home to incorporate this as much as possible – this resulted in us going with glass wherever we could so that our surroundings could be part of our home. It was important for us to see the landscapes from all sides, to create the illusion that we are within nature. I wanted to be able to walk from inside the house to the outside, and not feel that’s what I did,” says the owner. With this…

This modern, art deco 2 200m2 home situated on 4 000m2 of land is grand in every way. A subtle majesty that doesn’t leave one feeling overwhelmed. The design is a perfect balance between large-scale entertaining and intimate everyday living. The owners, self-proclaimed perfectionists, were extremely hands-on every step of the way. “We have ensured a property of exceptional design and quality with extreme attention to detail throughout, creating our own dream setting,” the owner says. “We resided in Gauteng previously and always wanted to relocate and settle in the picturesque Francshhoek Valley.” “The design is a perfect balance between large-scale entertaining and intimate everyday living.” The striking views descend upon you from the moment you park your car under the impressive porte-cochère. The double glass door entrance way and…

The ultimate beach house, this luxurious property ticks all the boxes for a seaside retreat: close proximity to the warm waves of one of Durban’s most beautiful beaches; luscious landscapes with a glistening swimming pool; grand interiors with ample space kitted out with all the comforts of technology. Precisely what the home owner desired, he says: “Our holiday home had to be a home away from home, and we designed it this way with finishes that would ensure a regular return.” Being a renovator’s dream, the property needed a bit of work to the owner’s liking. This resulted in sourcing an architect and builder to convert all four bedrooms to include en-suite bathrooms as well as to modernise certain parts of the home, which included the addition of a new…

Stay on-trend with your crockery and embrace winter’s coolest hue, teal, with this set from H&M HOME. The best part is it’s perfect for mixing and matching with almost every other shade you currently own. www.hm.com/za The black stainless steel perfectly complements the dark wood grain wenge-effect handles to create a striking set of cutlery from Zara Home. www.zarahome.com/za Perfect for high-heat cooking, Victoria’s seasoned cast iron reversible griddle offers a flat side for eggs, flapjacks and breads and a grill side for steaks and veggies. www.yuppiechef.com Love Milo now offers a range of handmade, hand-beaten brassware, including serving trays, tumblers and spoons, to elevate your tablescape. www.lovemilo.com A timeless mix of natural, luxe materials like marble and wood make the studio.w cake stand from Woolworths a worthy investment. www.woolworths.co.za…

According to Donovan Farinha, marketing manager at NuPower Solar, consumers are becoming more and more aware of their power-consumption patterns. “Global warming is a reality and we have seen what has happened with climate change. As a result, people are looking at alternative resources to reduce their carbon footprint. We want to be eco-friendlier,” he says. However, he points out that while solar power offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based power, the technical terminology is daunting for the average consumer. “Solar geyser, flat plate collectors, evacuated tubes, PV panels, inverters and so on. This is enough to confuse anyone.” Here is a guide to the basic different types of solar installation, so that you can make an informed decision when reducing your carbon footprint. SOLAR GEYSERS A conventional geyser…

Garages are essential for many homes. But they can also become a hoarder’s paradise, and before you know it, your car is parked outside as the garage is filled with “things”. Garage Guys was recently tasked to transform a cluttered garage into a spacious one, with the before-and-after project resulting in enough space for the cars and everything else. “The garage was in a state of clutter and it was unorganised. It is surprising how much stuff is accumulated in a garage that causes clutter,” says Karl van Staden, the owner and “main guy” of Garage Guys. He says the biggest cause for the chaos was the lack of shelving. This led to unorganised spaces. For this project, the first call was installing the proper shelving, and with the added…

Get the popcorn ready! Home theatre is a trend that’s not going anywhere, and as our technology gets better and more seamlessly integrated into our houses, the at-home movies experience just keeps getting better. Schalk Burger Snr, of Cinema Architects, engages with the global audiovisual (AV) technology makers regularly – including attending the CEDIA Home Cinema design masterclass at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam. ISE is the largest AV and systems integration expo in the world. The top trend he sees is streaming content, directly from the cloud. “Gone are the days where we buy, collect and play CD/DVD/ Blu-ray discs. There are various [streaming] service providers to choose from, but the most important aspect is to make sure that you have enough speed and bandwidth from your internet service provider…

Have smart appliances finally started to grow up? That was the feeling that many came away with from the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this year. As manufacturers lined up to unveil their latest connected fridges, ovens and washing machines, there was a real sense that we’re progressing beyond novelty and into genuinely useful innovation. Take, for example, the Whirlpool Connected Wall Oven, a concept device that fits a transparent LCD screen onto the door, with the effect that recipes and instructions can appear in front of your food. You’ll even be able to use the touchscreen to zoom in on the interior of the oven to check your bakes without opening the door. By themselves, however, smart appliances are only so interesting. Where the Connected Wall…

People have been playing music on their smartphones and computers for years, but the rise of connected devices has changed the game completely. Now people are able to stream music from collections comprising millions of songs – and cast this music to devices around their home. From Bluetooth speakers to soundbars and smart TVs, you can fill your house with the sound of music by using your phone as the central controller. And thanks to automation, this experience is easier and more enjoyable than ever. MORE AUDIO OPTIONS Consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to speaker systems for their in-home music streaming. “Speaker solutions are available in a wide variety of form factors,” says Kara Gouveia, marketing manager at Homemation. “Soundbars and all-in-one speakers like those from HEOS…

PERFECT PARTNERS The sky is the limit when it comes to available paint colours and there are an unlimited number of colour combinations. Find inspiration to create the perfect bedroom colour palette. COSY ON UP Create a blissful bedroom with our edit of sumptuous bedding. BOUNTIFUL BOTTLES If you’re a keen collector of fine wines, it’s most likely you want to display your collection in a prime position in your home. We bring you 10 inspirational examples to show off your bottles in style. FANTASTIC FERNS Even though ferns are pretty easy to grow, there are a few things you can do to help them flourish. We share five top tips to take them from alive to thriving. ITEMISE THIS If you’d like a kitchen that is both sleek and…

ENGINEERED FOR THE MINIMALISTIC LOOK The aim was to create a hotel look for a Limpopo-based holiday home. The bathroom had to be clean, classy and elegant. As usual, Motama Kitchens and Interiors adopted a minimalistic approach. www.motama.co.za A MODERN CLASSIC Onnah Design created a space that inspires and reflects effortless comfort and timeless style. With the client based overseas, the space had to have international and local relevance and appeal. The interior consists solely of locally curated furniture pieces and décor items, with a subtle reference to the local African context. Colour tones were kept warm and neutral for the desired calming effect while layers of texture maintain interest and a contained excitement. www.onnahdesign.co.za DECORATED FOR STYLE AND LIVING Nestled in a coastal forest estate, this house reflects the…

Cleverly combining the delicacy of a voile fabric with the versatility of rotating vertical louvres, Allusion not only looks sensational, but also offers a number of light and privacy options from day to night. www.blinddesigns.co.za Finoak engineered wooden flooring in a clear grade is made from the fine-grained wood found around the core of the log where there are no knots and finished with a delicate sanding that closes the pores and highlights the grain. www.finfloor.co.za Curtain City Luxury Interiors takes pride in selecting elegant fabrics with contemporary, custom-designed furniture to harmonise a home’s interior and exterior atmosphere with elements of sophisticated design. www.curtaincity.co.za With its bold legs and marble-look porcelain top, the Luxor dining table is sure to be the focus of any dining area – indoors or out.…

A favourite space in this home is the patio, which opens completely onto a deck, offering expansive views over the 18th fairway and the Jukskei River. According to the owner, this is a place where they can “enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset”. Created to serve as a retreat from their busy lives, this place has all the bells and whistles of a 21st-century house. “There is also plenty of natural wood and granite, which further enhances the modern edge of the property.” Aesthetically, it is a contemporary home, with hues of grey featuring predominately throughout. There is also plenty of natural wood and granite, which further enhances the modern edge of the property. And to achieve the owners’ desire to have the outside become a part…

The owners of this holiday home saw huge potential and decided that although quite a lot of work, it would be a perfect fit for them. What followed was a huge renovation. “Our home was a complete renovation. We gutted every finish and fixture and replaced them with gorgeous new ones,” says the owner. “We gutted every finish and fixture and replaced them with gorgeous new ones.” – the home owner This four-bedroom home, all en suite, is a real treat. It is equipped with an open-plan living area, kitchen, dining room and study. Even as a holiday home, it is perfectly kitted out for everyday living too. Added extras include a double garage and an outside room. A beautiful patio loaded with a self-service bar is a welcome addition…

The rugged landscape is perfectly framed by floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the open-plan living area, and a statement fireplace creates a striking focal point in between. It’s no wonder the home owners have chosen this piece of the countryside as their own personal refuge. “We were immediately attracted by the ambience of Dullstroom and the views the stand offered,” says the home owner. “The interior décor style is comfortable, yet elegant and stylish, and embraces the traditional English backdrop of the estate.” If this home had to be summed up in a single word, it would be warm. This is one of the most important characteristics a home should have. “One should long to be in their home because that is their sanctuary.” “If the home had to…

Whether you’re a dedicated home cook who enjoys experimenting and cooking for a crowd, or one who would prefer to have an appliance that essentially takes all the guess-work out of cooking for you, we’re happy to report that modern cooking technology has everyone covered. THE LOOK There are few key factors to take into consideration when choosing between a built-in hob and oven or freestanding stove. Whirlpool’s Lorraine De Graaff says, “It all depends on your kitchen layout. Some people like built-in products as they generally save space and have a clean, modern look.” As The Kitchen Studio’s Dane Maharaj explains, “Stand-alone ranges typically suit a more classic, classic contemporary, country or industrial style of kitchen. Whereas the clean, minimal lines of a modern style of kitchen usually mean…

With the growing popularity of minimalist bathroom design in contemporary homes, the issue of the space becoming too “cold” in its appearance often arises. We spoke to experts in the industry to find out how home owners can achieve a warm aesthetic without having to compromise on contemporary design. THE WARM DESIGN According to Megan Allan of Maharani Tiles & Bathrooms, it’s important to think of bathroom design with a holistic approach. She says: “Your bathroom should be a personal oasis, a space where you can enjoy a luminous start to your morning and unwind at the end of a busy day. There are many elements that can be established to create this warmth in your bathroom. Home owners can use a wall as a focal feature point to create…

A statement-making piece, the Meilin drinks cabinet from Block & Chisel provides ample storage and added interest to any space. www.blockandchisel.co.za The organic, curvy shape of Mobelli Furniture + Living’s Vue chair offers a modern look without the stark lines of minimalist design, thanks to the rich wood frame and lush velvet finish. www.mobelli.co.za Texture, colour and interest are at the heart of The Storer’s range of scatters, sourced from traditional artisans all over the globe. www.thestorer.co Mixing the robustness of concrete with the delicacy of string lighting within the bulb, the Wyatt lamp and Wylie LED lamp base from Woolworths make for the perfect pair. www.woolworths.co.za Made from durable polyurethane, the Africa side chair from Cane Time moves effortlessly from indoors to out to accommodate every possible seating need.…

It might be chilly outside, but you can still let the sun into your home in all its abundance if you have well-insulated doors and windows. Even frameless glass or fold-aside doors are airtight these days, thanks to wind- and waterproofing systems that efficiently seal fenestration units. “Making sure that your home is well insulated goes a long way to making it more of a comfortable space to live in. It also promises that you will use much less electricity to warm it up in winter, which will also save you a lot of money on utility bills,” says Cobus Lourens from Swartland. THE FRAME The most obvious consideration is what the doors or windows are made from. There is a variety of materials currently on the market, including vinyl,…

ECOBOXX QUBE 50 SOLAR KIT Essentially the “box” works as a solar power battery, and stores the energy that you harness from the sun. It can be used as a light source or as a charger for your phone, tablet or laptop. It’s portable, so great for the outdoors, but also a great backup in times of load shedding or unplanned outages. www.faithful-to-nature.co.za NUPOWER SOLAR GEYSER Solar geysers have been around for a long time and there are various systems that you could use. NuPower is aware that consumers are price-conscious and want to save money, as well as being aware of the environment. NuPower likes to retro-fit a solar panel to their existing geyser. By doing this you could save R4 500 on the geyser alone. www.nupower.co.za INVERTER The…

Coviva is different from many smart home solutions. It’s an affordable wireless solution that requires no expensive building work and can be quickly and easily installed without any additional cable routing. It allows you to control lights, blinds, gates, geysers and many more functions at home while saving time, energy and money. Experience the benefits of a smart home that’s connected to your needs, every moment of the day. INVISIBLE HOME AUTOMATION IN THREE EASY STEPS 1. Explore coviva possibilities with our partners to easily modernise your home. 2. Install micromodules together with the coviva smartbox to automate your functions at home. 3. Take your smart home with you using the coviva app and manage your house on the go. CONTACT: www.coviva.co.za…

Big things are happening in the world of South African entertainment. Local video-on-demand service Showmax and global brand Netflix have begun investing in high-quality original dramas filmed and set in South Africa that appear first on their online platforms. Showmax’s thriller The Girl from St. Agnes got rave reviews, and Netflix’s superhero series Shadow is like the Marvel universe, but in Johannesburg. These are big-budget shows, with high production values. They exist because the audience for streaming TV is growing rapidly, and wants to see homemade shows and heroes on its screens. And the reason that audience exists is thanks to fibre-to-the-home internet. “Video streaming and other forms of online entertainment are key drivers in the overall consumer demand for fibre to the home,” says Simon Butler, commercial director at…

THREE SMART HOME APPLIANCES ARRIVING LATER IN 2019 ... LAMETRIC SKY LED lights that can be controlled by virtual assistants have been around for a while, but LaMetric has shown that there’s still room for improvement. Its Sky is a mosaic light panel that can show static colours or show images or moving waves of colour, all controllable by your voice. SONOS ONE The original multi-room, multi-source sound system, Sonos is bringing Google Assistant to its smart speaker range later this year. You can already control your tunes with Alexa, if you have one, now all you need is your mobile phone. KOHLER NUMI 2.0 Places you didn’t expect to see Amazon Alexa integration? The humble lavatory, perhaps? And yet Kohler is planning to make it happen, with the Numi…