Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i South African Home Owner

“The magnificent views across the grassland garden to the Magaliesberg mountain range from the bed in the main bedroom are a delight to wake up to every morning.” – the home owner For many, a forever home in the countryside where they can retire to is a mere dream, but for these home owners it became a reality when they found their location. Situated in and around Lanseria, Gauteng, this secure housing estate ticked all the boxes. “Of the estate, only 3% of the land is covered by housing, while the rest is of beautiful untouched bushveld and grassland with many manicured common areas giving a feeling of peace, space and being close to nature, without being too far from the hustle and bustle of city life, as it is…

EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE blu_line considers every aspect of the kitchen space, ensuring architectural levels are brought in as well as authentic materials. The ultimate interpretation is a priority for a blu_line design, and this client’s space is no different. By using a combination of soft-toned glass and structured timber, an effortless flow between the kitchen and living area has been created. www.blu-line.co.za SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION Bone Studio was founded by Nicola Orpen and Hayley Turner in 2011. The studio’s detail-oriented team has created a reputation for spaces that are inspired and playful, but also practical and always progressive. Its latest venture – Marrow – is a product and furniture procurement service aimed at the property development industry. With plans to launch an in-house product range in 2020, and a new retail platform,…

There are few things more satisfying than being able to enjoy a well-designed kitchen. It’s the most important area of the home, and for this reason, often the most expensive. And while it’s never easy to embark on a kitchen remodel, our experts reveal a few tried and trusted rules to make the process as painless as possible. REASONS TO REMODEL When it comes down to it, there are really only two reasons to consider a kitchen remodel, says Slavin’s Daniel Slavin. “It’s either to update an old look, or if the kitchen is no longer functional or working as was originally intended.” Selma Zaifoglu of Linear Concepts agrees. “The biggest reason home owners remodel their kitchens is to bring the space into the present and to eliminate outdated looks.…

SHINE A LIGHT Transform your kitchen with dazzling pendant lighting. We share expert advice on selecting the right type and an edit of 10 captivating pieces. INSPIRED DESIGN A bathroom revamp is easier than you think. Consider these five simple ideas to transform its look and feel. STATEMENT MAKERS Incorporating ceramic tableware is a great way to style your dining room table – and impress your dinner party guests – with minimal effort. Take a look at our latest finds. CLIMBING ON UP If you’re looking to save space in your garden or add a sense of whimsical charm to your walls, fences and arches, consider incorporating different varieties of climbers such as jasmine and bougainvillea. We bring you the ultimate guide to climbing plants. MAXIMUM IMPACT Big, beautiful windows…

Most people know the difference between a carpet and a rug. But for those who don’t, let me tell you. A carpet is often glued to the floor and made to cover it from wall to wall. A rug is usually used on the carpet for décor purposes such as adding colour or adding another layer of texture. Rugs are smaller than carpets and come in different materials. COLOUR INFLUENCE “We are a fan of gelato-inspired hues this season, from sherbet pinks to sorbet yellows. Not only are these rugs fun and soothing to one’s feet, but they are a surprisingly perfect base for most furniture styles,” says Catherine Mo, content manager at Coricraft. “Marrying the old with the new in the latest collection of patchwork-style rugs that are made…

PATIO TRENDS Add a touch of high drama to your patio with the Bite three-seater sofa, available from www.patiowarehouse.co.za Introduce a splash of ethnic appeal with this monochrome hanging planter, available from www.shf.co.za INSTANT REBOOT Give a set of dated outdoor chairs a new lease of life with a fresh lick of paint and these Chambray seat pads in Indigo, available from www.woolworths.co.za GREEN FINGERS Mulch improves the structure of your soil and helps retain water. Use this heavy-duty rake from Lasher to distribute the mulch evenly. www.lasher.co.za Thanks to the Eva Solo birdbath, you’ll always have feathered friends to keep you company. www.yuppiechef.com Round off the look with a shell-patterned rug, available from www.firstdutchbrands.co.za INSIDE OUT With winter on the horizon, it’s time to invite the outdoors in with…

We all know the big nasty pollutants like oil, coal burning and non-recyclable plastic, but you’d be surprised by how many of the everyday household products you use that are actually bad for the environment. Thankfully, there are alternatives. COOL COMPOSTABLES Disposable cutlery and crockery are a marvellous invention for convenience, but they contribute hugely to landfills and urban garbage. Checkers now offers a smart compostable collection of cutlery, cups and plates – under their Simple Truth Range – that look like “proper” plastic and laminated paper items, but break down much quicker and with fewer nasty by-products. This range also includes pantry and cupboard staples like almond milk or multipurpose cleaner. APPLIANCE APPLICATION If you are upgrading the home appliances, a small increase in your initial investment will go…

NO PRODUCT LIKE HOMEGROWN The second Homegrown Expo, which focuses on authentic homegrown finds, will take place from 5 to 8 March at Canal Walk, Century City. Located at the Centre Court, the expo will feature products including clothing, ceramics, décor, jewellery, furniture and more. While the product range is broad, they are all made with pride, lovingly displayed and sold by the business owner, creative or maker. The expo will be open from Thursday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm. Entry is free. For more information or to book a stand, contact Miriam on 084 581 1754 or send an email to offmainevents@gmail.com GET READY FOR DECOREX DURBAN! It’s almost time for Africa’s biggest décor, design and lifestyle exhibition to kick off, with the first instalment, Decorex Durban, taking…

Made with a double upper cavity and refractory lining for greater heat recovery, the wood-fire Piazzetta Chef Series Pizza Oven has a large ceramic glass door and an internal temperature gauge for optimal cooking control. www.calore.co.za Continua provides a “selection to completion” approach by offering interior design, fabrication and installation services in-house. This includes storyboard creation and tile and countertop specification. www.continua.co.za Available in a range of vibrant colours, the multifunctional Alva transforms with ease from a comfortable swivel chair with generous seating into a nifty sofa bed. www.mobelli.co.za Decobella introduces the Vetri Glass Ceramic collection. With intrinsic clarity and depth, this tile reflects and emphasises light, lending its surrounding a brightness with evergreen charm. www.decobella.co.za Available from Fit For Bed, the Ultimate Latex 2000 is a turn-free mattress that…

With the lush surrounds of the Lowveld serving as the backdrop, this holiday home perfectly encapsulates everything the owner loves about being in the bush. “The design of this home had to marry nature, seclusion and luxury. The result has exceeded my expectations. This home now provides my family and I with a quiet and peaceful home away from our busy daily lives,” the owner reveals. An original Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe bronze sculpture welcomes guests at the entrance of this stunning home set in the ideal location. “The connection to the bushveld overlooking the Sabie River into the Kruger National Park is enough to make anyone who visits speechless.” And this is why the utmost care was taken during the design and build to make the space feel like a perfect…

A modern, self-sufficient, lock-up-and-go home, and an entertainer’s dream. This property is also low-maintenance and has luscious tropical gardens that surround the pool. But apart from these features, it is off the grid, ensuring that the family can live life to the fullest knowing that they are not harming the environment. “We wanted to make use of the sun as free energy, so we invested in a combined solar hot-water system, which gives us water-based underfloor heating for the winter months and pool heating for the summer months,” says the owner. She says they also invested in a solar power system that creates electricity with the sun, and can then be used immediately. The system is designed to store electricity in a battery bank that can be used during power…

Interior design these days is a lot less about overall trends and more about individuals’ interpretation of them. Creating a curated living space that speaks to your personality and sense of self is the only real goal here – and one of the best ways to do this is by finding pieces from like-minded local furniture designers and manufacturers. “Purchase good-quality pieces over time and choose things you are drawn to, that you can live with and put your feet on.” – Kevin Frankental DESIGN PHILOSOPHY For the most part, our local furniture designers are focused on providing good-quality design with longevity. This is especially true for Bofred’s Carla Erasmus and Christa Botha. “We aim to create timeless, distinctive and artisanal products, and to collaborate with local artists whenever we…

AUTOMATED CONVENIENCE From basic designs to ultramodern software, automated sprinkler and irrigation systems are a must-have in modern gardens. Practical add-ins: “A useful addition to irrigation and sprinkler systems, rain sensors can be fitted to most modern controllers. Seasonal-adjust settings (on the controller) can also be used to automatically reduce watering frequency during colder months when plants may become dormant,” says Ryan Ebedes of Grounded Landscapes. According to Tone Alexander of Tone Alexander Landscape and Design Studio, water node systems that use solenoid valves are another viable option. “These designs are battery-operated, instead of using a computer system,” he explains. Going online: According to Alexander, investing in high-quality computerised irrigation and sprinkler systems presents a tech-savvy solution to becoming a water-saving advocate. Ebedes agrees. “New high-end controllers with Wi-Fi connectivity…

“Two-way audio in cameras mean that parents can now talk to and have a conversation with their kids or nanny.” – Clint Jones Crime is rife in South Africa, and around the world accidents can and do happen in the house. As an adult you’re usually prepared, but how do we extend protection to the 20-million or so children in our country? Luckily the miniaturisation and dropping cost of DIY and home camera technology means your off-the-shelf Wi-Fienabled security camera can double as an anxiety-reducing nanny cam, or simply another safeguard in your arsenal, geared at keeping the whole family safe and secure. DUAL PURPOSE “When speaking about camera systems most home owners will instinctively relate the need for cameras as a deterrent to home intrusion,” says Homemation’s Warren Husband.…

Situated in an exclusive development on the banks of the Sabie River on the eastern side of the Kruger National Park, this lodge offers almost instant access to the best of the big five and the beauty of the Lowveld. It’s a home away from home that was created to be enjoyed year-round, as the developer explains: “The pool is heated to allow for cooler climates during winter periods and a flame line gas-burning fireplace creates a cosy feel for night-time chilling and conversations in the lounge area. “The vast and uncompromising central living area has been designed to facilitate as much space as possible.” – the developer “The vast covered patios and open deck area allow for cooler spaces to relax, read a book and unwind during the summer…

When these home owners went about creating their home, they knew from the start that they wanted a residence in which the family could grow; a home that would give them years of great memories as a family and with friends. Keeping this in mind, the property was built to cater for various stages of life, and all the bedrooms are on the ground floor for ease of access. It has two separate wings, one for the bedrooms and the other containing the more social rooms including the music, games and home theatre rooms. “This is a family-friendly home that caters for all ages. It is perfect for inviting friends and family over for a get-together.” – the home owner “Quality was key here with only the best finishes and…

Bathroom design is incomplete without walls that impress, whether you’re keen on a minimalist aesthetic or perhaps something that will add vibrancy. With this in mind, we discover some of the trending options, from tiles and slabs to screed and even wallpaper. LET’S TALK TILES AND SLABS According to Nicole Russell of Italtile: “Based on products received from our Spanish imports, a matte finish seems to be a growing trend. The matte finish looks quite classy and elegant, providing a sleek and low-sheen look to the walls. And it’s easy to maintain. Another trend that’s making quite the impression is the dimensional tile. There are varieties of geometric-shaped tiles for bathroom walls. One of the most popular among dimensional tile shapes is the hexagonal shape – a retro style that’s…

Often it’s the parts of your home you wouldn’t ordinarily pay attention to that have the ability to transform its overall aesthetic. Case in point: the ceiling. From bold bulkheads to exposed structural trusses, there are many ways to make an impact with your fifth wall. DECISIONS, DECISIONS ... Your ceiling can dramatically transform the overall look of your home so it is important to consider your home’s overall look and feel before conceptualising your ceiling. Shelley James, principal architect at Palette Studio, says ceilings can create open loft-like and airy spaces or low-level cosy spaces. James says you can also combine both ideas by introducing a bulkhead into an open space, thus allowing a smaller portion to have a more intimate spatial quality. According to Richard Fenton, regional sales…

This couple’s end goal for their renovation was a home with a clean design that comprised a lot of straight lines and a limited colour palette. They were responsible for the interior design and project management for this revamp. Opting to manage the project themselves meant they had total control of everything, but it also meant they were living on the property while the renovation was taking place. “The biggest challenge of all had to be the fact that we together with our two dogs and two cats all lived on the property throughout the entire process. Though a massive money saver, it is not something we would rush into doing again, nor would we recommend it to anyone,” she says. She does explain though that fortunately for them, due…

Pink is a fun and playful colour to incorporate into your home. It comes in a wide variety of hues and depending on your personal preferences, can present itself in a multitude of incarnations. No two pinks are the same and we love it for its ability to be sophisticated and yet not overly serious, energising as well as calming. Twenty-first-century pink is a serious contender when decorating your home. “Pink is no longer seen as a feminine colour, as long as it’s used as an accent colour, rather than a theme. Pink is said to have a calming effect and tones in well with the current floral trends, as well as browns and greys. Dusty pinks can be used as a neutral, which makes pink items suitable for any…