Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i South African Home Owner

“The inclusion of the levels works beautifully with the slope of the property and maximises the picturesque farm views.” – the home owner This home offers its residents views of a neighbouring farm, and beyond that, the sea. Therefore one of the requirements was to ensure that the views were maximised. For this reason an abundance of windows have been strategically placed so that the residents get a daily reminder of the beauty of the veld and fynbos from almost every space in the home. The other requirement included the treatment of the fall of the plot and how best to work around the topography of the site. This resulted in the architectural design allowing for various levels, which gave the owners exactly what they wanted. The inclusion of the…

New York loft apartments have always been adored for their striking design. And for these home owners, this is what inspired their new home. “It is a wonderful journey and the road winds and the direction changes – be happy to go with the flow.” – the home owners They say: “We wanted a loft-type feel in the forest. A bit of a contradiction in terms.” Elaborating on the architectural design, the owner adds: “The Bauhaus style of modernist architecture, clean lines, shapes and colour mattered most, with a strong focus on no unnecessary adornments. Hence the off-shutter concrete, steel bridge supports etc.” A five-bedroom home (with en suites) that’s situated in a forest along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this new build does not compete with its surroundings, but rather…

Nestled in a luxury golf estate to the east of Johannesburg, this home is perfectly positioned to make the most of the expansive views of the fairways that surround it. A sense of spaciousness can be felt from the moment you walk through the door. “We can most often be found in the lounge facing the golf course and enjoying the sunshine and the view. Thanks to all the glass, even when you’re inside, there is such an incredible feeling of spaciousness and the outdoors. We love that we get to enjoy uninterrupted views of the golf course throughout the day, and then in the late afternoon we’re treated to the most incredible sunsets that make us feel so grateful for living in this amazing country.” The use of glass…

As we all adjust to the “new normal” due to COVID-19, so should our bathrooms – for example not having to touch your tap when washing your hands. In this feature we look at how far bathrooms have come. They used to be a space where we spent as little time as possible – now they’re sanctuaries where we relax and de-stress. SLEEK, SMART AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT Bathroom sanware has evolved hugely. Look at Bathroom Bizarre’s range of tap mixers from leading sanware manufacturer Roca. With over 100 years of experience, Roca presents the Malva range of Cold Start taps. “[These] Roca taps fitted with the Cold Start function have the lever in the centre of the tap,” delivering only cold water when opened, says Sandy Turner from Bathroom Bizarre. When…

People are unique, and so are their living spaces – and sometimes mass-produced furniture just won’t do. That’s when custom-made, handcrafted pieces really shine. And the demand for bespoke furniture is definitely on the rise. > GOING BESPOKE Not many people understand the intricacies of creating a piece of bespoke furniture for a specific space like an interior designer. From the style to the fit to the fabrication, an interior designer is always best placed to offer necessary guidance. As Audi Snÿman of Audi Snÿman Interior Design explains, “Furniture is like clothing. If you’re walking down the street and see someone wearing the same dress you’re wearing coming towards you, it’s a huge disappointment. There’s no better feeling than when you know the piece of furniture you’ve created will make…

“I create spaces for clients who enjoy the feeling of opulence but are also looking for something comfortable that still feels easy to live with and in and that has the client’s heart and soul in it.” – Judy de Villiers At first glance, this is a home that oozes style and a strong sense of masculinity. “The design and layout of the house is one of transparency,” explains architect Paul Mtwa of MTWA Architects. “Expansive glazing forms a soft shell around the house, bringing the exterior in and interior out. Its east-west axis invites the South African northern sunlight into all the living and private spaces. Once inside, the living and entertainment spaces lead into one another without any barriers, and this creates the foundation for a contemporary experience.”…

Security gates may not always be the first item home owners are keen to splurge on, but even with a wealth of technological advancements in home security, there’s just no substitute for the physical barrier a good security gate can provide. As the team at Xpanda explains, “Our products are often seen as a grudge purchase. However we are passionate about safety, and our dedicated research and development teams are constantly developing new products and assembly methods in line with current criminal statistics. Often the real benefits are small changes to the manufacturing and assembly process of products. There is nothing more exciting than knowing one of our products managed to thwart criminal activity, and more often than not, saved a life.” RULES TO REMEMBER When choosing your preferred security…

SIMPLE AESTHETICS This Paragon kitchen range is designed not only to be functional, but to look good too. The simplicity of its urban style gives you the freedom to create a unique setting, inspired by your own lifestyle and aesthetics. This range’s unique feature is recognised by its rounded post-formed door which can be customised with glossy, matt or textured finishes. www.divacucine.co.za > A SPACE TO UNWIND The idea for this well-lit and sunny wraparound patio was a traditional Natal verandah colonial-style – with a touch of African – setting. The patio with the creeping rose vines overlooks the pool, so while the kids swim, you can keep an eye on them from the comfort of the large cane suites. The large fishing trap basket hanging pendant that was fitted…

From custom-designed acoustic panels to purpose-built furniture merging seamlessly with any interior aesthetic, Cinema Architects’ award-winning home cinemas create an utterly immersive experience. www.cinema-architects.co.za Designed and conceptualised by Heston Blumenthal, the Everdure Cube charcoal portable braai is compact, easy to use and most importantly, easy to clean. www.yuppiechef.com The new Neeo remote from Control4 allows you to control and coordinate your entire smart home from the palm of your hand for total peace of mind. www.homemation.co.za Sourced from her personal sketchbook archive, the Carrol Boyes Sketchbook ceramic range, including this Sweet Dreams candle, turns ceramics into functional works of art. www.carrolboyes.com Franke introduces the innovative Kubus KNG super-metallic sink. It’s available in a range of stain-proof, non-fading super-metallic colours including copper grey, copper gold and lunar grey. www.franke.com/za Whether shared…

This whole-home renovation took a whopping two years and eight months to complete, and after having lived in the original house for almost 20 years, these home owners cannot be more proud of this massive project and its end result. The brief to the architect called for a modern, family-oriented home that would not date in years to come. Inside the home, only the finest in furniture, soft finishes and décor pieces can be seen. Simplicity lends itself to the ease of changing the smaller pieces in keeping with seasons or whenever these residents feel the need to update spaces. The colour palette has been kept neutral, yet in a striking juxtapose the kitchen is a deep purple that stands out in all its glory. Inspired by something the owner…

This Durban home exudes an enveloping sense of comfort – it’s truly a family home that’s designed to embrace easy living. “Our home has a contemporary architectural design with off shutter concrete, a flat roof and timber screening, creating great tactile impact. In contrast to the modern exterior, the interior is open-plan, relaxed and welcoming. Decorated in bright colours with warm lighting, our home represents our family and lifestyle,” says the owner. As a young family of five, the owners wanted an ease of movement. “The long driveway and large wraparound garden allow us to enjoy the outdoors and Durban climate. The open-plan living and great entertainment areas embrace our love for socialising and welcoming people and laughter into our home. The garden, boma and fire pit is our little…

My father has been doing business with Easylife Kitchens since I was a child. I had the privilege of taking over the running of the Easylife store in 2005 and have been a franchise owner since. What sets Easylife Kitchens products apart? Our products are consistent in quality, our CNC machinery is state of the art with continual investment in machine processes. This ensures that we deliver quality products consistently. How does Easylife Kitchens stay on-trend as a brand? The Easylife Kitchens group has many franchisees with consistent feed of new products from our supply chain. We also invest heavily in our design consultants, on keeping them at the forefront of the industry. Our inspiration also comes from European world trade shows and that filters directly into our product DNA.…

Beautiful to look at and even easier to maintain, vinyl flooring has been given a 21st century update. Italtile has recently added even more on-trend colour options to choose from in the Moda Vinile range. www.italtile.co.za Nothing says luxe quite like gold. Contrasting perfectly with its natural fibre stand, this gold plant pot from Zara Home is a great addition to any space. www.zarahome.com/za A pure wool rug hand-knotted in two different directions, Tom Dixon’s Stripe Rug acts as the perfect foundation for modern and minimal or more traditional décor settings. www.cremadesign.co.za Add texture, interest and a pop of warmth in an instant with studio.w’s range of woven and velvet scatters in various shapes and sizes. www.woolworths.co.za For Moss & Coral, its second collection with Danish illustrator and designer Tess…

THE PERFECT COLOUR COMBO Looking for a cost-effective way to update your lounge? We share exciting new paint colour palettes. WHITE WASH An all-white bathroom is classic and cool. It can however be cold and clinical if not done correctly. Five experts share their top tips on how to add warmth to a colourless space. MODERN CLASSICS 10 chairs that prove furniture can be art. SAFETY FIRST How to keep your kitchen safe for cooking during COVID-19. BRILLIANT BASKETS Storage baskets are a convenient and stylish way to keep your home in order. Discover a selection of our favourite brands. BOLD DESIGN Most interior designers agree that wallpaper is one of the most versatile design elements. Here’s how to turn any wall into a statement piece with bold wallpaper. www.sahomeowner.co.za…

A relatively easy, affordable and immediate method for updating any space – paint is a décor lover’s best friend. The right shades and techniques can completely transform not only the look but also the feel of any room for the better. COLOUR IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 As the concept of home becomes all the more important amid fears of the COVID-19 pandemic, so too does the need to make our homes feel as calming and comforting as possible. When it comes to selecting a soothing colour palette, the team at Plascon says, “Colour can add visual depth and interest to a room; it can stimulate you or calm you down. Bold colours when paired with muted tones are going to feel more visually soothing. You can create a dramatic…

THE BRIEF The owners of this home are young working professionals who were looking for their forever family home. They wanted an open-plan feel and being extremely sociable people, a space in which they could entertain. That’s why they decided to break through and connect the kitchen – the heart of the home – to the living and outdoor entertaining area through folding stacking doors. They were extremely easy in their brief with no specific aesthetic requirements and trusting the designers’ ability and eye. The only priorities were open-plan living, security, the external braai and there was a cottage on the property needing a revamp in order to be let out. > “We gravitated towards soft timbers, white cabinetry and simple contemporary fixtures while bringing in loads of natural light.”…

DEREK O’TOOLE AND ANGELA HILL Renodec When designing for a family one has to take into account the individual personalities and values of that family – the very things that make them a unique unit. By using these guidelines, we are able to design a home that not only pushes the boundaries but grounds itself to create a comfortable functional space. Trends will come and go but good design will always have longevity. Aesthetically pleasing details placed within a space balanced by quality products, exquisitely designed décor pieces and natural elements will elevate the space to be more than just a room. This will create an ebb and flow between unassuming luxury, elegant simplicity, practical functionality and tranquillity. In terms of showcasing luxury designs at home, we cannot isolate any…

In this home there are many elements that stand out and will leave you in awe. From the illuminated bulkheads to the creatively designed feature walls, the property is full of accents that give it a unique character and personality. According to the owner, the idea behind the design was “to have a spacious, comfortable family home with fluent living spaces, which ultimately cater to all the requirements of luxury living”. “The double-volume entrance atrium forms the main axis of the home and gives a panoramic view of the staircase, pool and golf course.” The layout of the home sees the living spaces and bedrooms designed around a double-volume entrance atrium, which allows a connection between the ground-floor living areas and the first-floor bedrooms. Throughout the interior the colours have…

Situated in an award-winning residential estate in a Lowveld nature reserve, The Green Verandah, named by the owner, who is also the architect, is the ultimate example of contemporary architectural design. He says: “The Green Verandah is an eco house that stands as a bold example of how to go green when designing a contemporary family home. “We designed it as an environmentally low-impact home using materials and technology that help reduce its carbon footprint and lower energy demands required for heating and cooling. “The plan form allows for bio-climatic design principles – such as cross ventilation – to be implemented. Some of the low-impact design features, such as the rammed earth walls, were constructed from excavated soil on-site, reinforcing a connection with the location. “The Green Verandah is an…

This truly beautiful home is located in a safe and secure nature estate. “I wanted a home that was light and spacious and for this reason there is a high roof, open-plan spaces and recessed sliding doors that lead to the patio area,” says the owner. She wanted space in the bathrooms too, so the showers were built without cubicles to create a more open feeling. Clean lines come together with a colour palette that is played down and comprises mainly neutral tones. The interior style is soft and feminine – it is simplistic with no clutter. The study, which happens to be the owner’s favourite space, is also minimalistic in design, and has been created to inspire. A ledge doubles up as a seating area that overlooks picture-perfect views.…

W hen it comes to creating a high-quality, luxurious kitchen space, the choice of countertop is important. Whether you opt for natural stone, porcelain, acrylic resin or laminate, your choice of countertop should be one you’ll be happy to live with, and that will live with you, for years to come. LUXURY REDEFINED Luxury as a concept has always been tricky to universally define, but as we adjust to life post COVID-19, it seems luxury will always include the concepts of high-quality materials with everyday practicality. As Caesarstone’s Megan Noel explains, “Gone are the days of luxury being directly linked to opulence. When asked, we’re sure that many will say time is the ultimate luxury, and others will all agree after spending so much more time at home post COVID-19…

The answer to DADOquartz drop-in bathing solutions, the Conrad gives customers the luxury of choice. It features a rim that extends outwards and adjustable feet for a built-in, alcove, undermount or free-standing easy, economic installation. www.dadoquartzbathware.com Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite vessel sink. Meaning purity and beauty, this Lotus Vessel Sink will turn any vanity into an elegant design. www.maisonvalentina.net Large-format, full-body, high-gloss slabs are enhanced with hi-tech digital printing to create all the depth and luxury of authentic marbling, but without the natural flaws and porosity of true marble. www.italtile.co.za Part of this amazing “choose your own” concept includes AXOR FinishPlus – a range of physical vapour deposition finishes that can come…

PENDANT LIGHTS Choosing the correct lighting has become as important as deciding on the perfect type of furniture for your home. It’s important for example to choose the right pendant for a space. Proportions are everything and something too small or too big can destroy the look and feel of a place, says Jason Rivkind, director of Streamlight. “You can use pendant lights for task lighting, but the trick is to choose the correct fitting for the task at hand. For example over a study desk, something with a more direct light source and perhaps dimmable. If required for a kitchen island, something that gives the correct amount of light for cutting or preparing food. In some cases if you use it over an area with sewing or fabrics, perhaps…

W hen buying a home, one of the first things to do is to check its storage capacity throughout, starting with the kitchen and then moving through to the living room, bathroom, bedrooms and out to the garage. WHERE TO PUT IT Wallroom manufactures unique bespoke furniture that is made to order. The company specialises in floating (wall-mounted) television units. Its concept is floating furniture that is off the floor, doesn’t take up space, declutters living spaces and provides a beautiful piece of furniture to display the TV, says Hadey Motani, co-founder and owner of Wallroom. “The concept of a backboard is to hide unsightly cables of plug points, the TV and other components connecting to each other. The units are hung on the wall with French cleats enabling you…

Now that you find yourself spending more time at home during lockdown, this may be a good time to look at what you’re doing to stay safe and comfortable. THE AIR THAT I BREATHE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, says Mfundo Hadebe, Saint-Gobain sector manager. “It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. It is for that reason that the surfaces and objects in our homes need to be kept clean. But while you are likely disinfecting surfaces regularly, you might be forgetting to clean a critical part of your home: the air. Air quality can affect the surfaces and objects found…