Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2020 i South African Home Owner

With gorgeous views of the famous Sandton skyline, this apartment, located in The Leonardo, offers contemporary interiors that define elegant living. Even though it’s compact, it lacks nothing. The property has adequate storage yet provides luxury living at its best. When it comes to highlight features, one element that stands out is the open-plan living area with its coffered ceiling bulkhead that’s finished off beautifully with recessed feature lighting. Other features include the striking pendant light above the dining room table, gorgeous shutter doors that lead to the bedroom, and of course the most spectacular views of Johannesburg from the living room and main bedroom. “One element that stands out is the open-plan living area with its coffered ceiling bulkhead that’s finished off beautifully with recessed feature lighting.” As you…

Situated in a suburb in Gauteng, this home has an owner with a discerning eye. Showcasing his art collection throughout the home, he has sourced some pieces locally in support of South African talent. Sharing some insight behind the owner’s interior style, the interior designer says: “The owner wanted a unique and luxurious home that complemented his art collection. He also had a very clear idea as to the function of each room, and because of this the family rooms are more pared back while the entertainment and gathering areas are slightly more flamboyant. The owner also wanted signature pieces from our collections, pieces that would stand out, almost art-like furniture, to complement his ever-expanding art collection.” “We kept the home quite tactile by including materials that were warm and…

Within a prestigious block, this luxury apartment sits in one of Cape Town’s most beautiful suburbs – Bantry Bay. Overlooking the rocky coastline, this three-bedroom apartment is appreciated for its majestic ocean views and central location, making it ideal for a city escape. Ensuring that the interiors matched the atmosphere, a classic contemporary aesthetic with a bit of fun was applied. The owner elaborates on the direction: “In the open-plan living and dining room, I wanted the blues to complement the ocean view. In the bedrooms I wanted a sophisticated look, yet an element of fun and colour as it is a holiday home.” Most importantly, the owner needed the apartment to be very comfortable and inviting. With this in mind, the interior designer sourced fitting furniture and décor, with…

Celebrate the beauty of our local flora and enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee at the same time with Woolworths’s range of porcelain mugs. www.woolworths.co.za Le Creuset’s signature round casserole dish is available in a range of on-trend shades, but the deep, earthy purple of Fig has to be one of the most covetable. www.lecreuset.co.za Ditch the plastic wrap in favour of Spaza Store’s range of stylish and reusable 100% cotton bowl covers, available in packs of four of various sizes. www.yuppiechef.com More than just your average white porcelain tile, these fan-shaped mosaic tiles from Douglas Jones will add another dimension to your kitchen splashback. www.douglasjones.co.za Available from Italtile, Franke’s Ronda prep bowl range is designed to make the most of limited space. It’s also treated with Franke’s…

Timeless in its appeal, wood has remained a staple material found throughout every home since the concept of home began. As an organic, natural material capable of adapting to absolutely every style and trend in both design and manufacture, there will always be a place for wood furniture in every home and era. WHY WOOD? Our love for wood furniture can be traced to the inherent qualities of the material itself. As Homewood’s Ian Perry explains, “Furniture throughout the centuries has been made from wood because of the warmth it adds to a space and the story that a tree has to tell. Once a tree is crafted into furniture, it continues to tell its story for years to come. Solid wood always retains its classic magnificence. Every single piece…

While we’ve all been made aware of the importance of social distancing when it comes to curbing the rise of COVID-19 in the country, there is another way we can come together safely apart to show strength and support for the future of South Africa: buy local. “It’s important that South African buyers prioritise the support of local design brands who are in turn supporting industry. There are many brands locally manufacturing and designing products that compete globally as far as quality is concerned. I see no need to import with the variety and standard available to us here. “We as a community and industry have a way of getting things done. If there is a design we feel the market needs, we will find a way to make it,…

THE BRIEF Having been attracted to the suburb of Killarney in Johannesburg as a consequence of its plethora of superb Art Deco architecture, the owners of this apartment set about finding the most suitable of the area’s Art Deco mansion blocks to meet their requirements. They eventually decided on Mentone Court, designed by architectural firm J.C. Cook & Cowen and built in 1936. Mentone Court was the second residential building to be constructed in the suburb, following Whitehall Court. This blue plaque heritage building contains only 24 flats over six floors, each of which is generous in terms of square footage and layout with many of the original Art Deco features still in place and an equally captivating history. At the time of launching, Mentone Court was marketed as the…

Miele will introduce the Generation 7000 autonomous dishwasher to South Africa at the end of the year. Apart from clearly structured baskets with colour highlights and a robust touch panel made from glass, the machine features the world’s first automatic soap-dispensing system, AutDos, estimated to last for 20 cycles. www.miele.co.za Samsung’s AddWash™ front-loader washers feature a digital inverter motor, which delivers superior energy efficiency, minimal noise and long-lasting performance. Samsung’s Eco Bubble technology delivers powerful cleaning, even at low temperatures. www.samsung.com Defy’s Thermofan+™ technology offers ultra-efficient heat circulation to optimise cooking time while simultaneously enhancing the succulence and flavour of every meal. The result is improved energy efficiency and delicious cooking done faster. www.defy.co.za…

The bathroom is the one place you can seek solitude and take time out from all the noise – so make these moments comfortable and enjoyable. TIME FOR TRANQUILLITY According to Michael Peace, intrapreneur and brand director of Still Bathrooms, “In the past two months, a greater part of your day-to-day life has been the spotless hygiene of your environment, your home and yourself to stay healthy. If you ask me to design your bathroom, I envision the big picture of a modern sanctuary, inside a sustainable home here in South Africa. The design result is a perfectly balanced private space in a happy house. You can shower, take a bath in stillness, you get the safety you want to retreat in beauty, but at the same time bright rays…

The process of purchasing or building a home comes with more than its fair share of admin, whether it is the physical work or the paperwork involved. It can be daunting, and many are left feeling overwhelmed by the number of documents that need to be read and signed. Purchasing property insurance is just one of the many things you will have to do, so we spoke to a few leaders in the industry to help break it down to help you make an informed decision. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND When purchasing property insurance, ensure that the company you decide to go with has a proven track record. “It is also important to understand the product and what cover you are purchasing,” says Kevin Penwarden, CEO at SA Home…

Mpho Mphaga is a creative who believes in the power of beautiful interiors that can transform our daily lives. He brings a level of integrity to every endeavour he takes on. His interest in design started at an early age when he visited his grandmother’s workplace, where they manufacture interior products. What sets Rooms & Spaces apart? Rooms & Spaces intends to impact the design industry by bringing in a new perspective on elegance with our decorating style and design expertise. We would like to design products that inspire other designers, as well as spaces that inspire our clients to live better and use them in a way they have never envisioned. We also offer a visual free online consultation every Saturday. What excites you most about local design? Local…

Italtile’s roots may be Italian, but the company’s heart belongs to South Africa, where it has enjoyed over half a century of growth, bringing beautiful living to South Africans. Look out for its Proudly South African sticker on its local products. www.italtile.co.za minima’s workspace desk, with cable management, is easy to assemble and ideal for a home office where space is at a premium. www.minima.co.za The Silk and Cotton Co’s Willow Road collection has just been launched. In collaboration with Maradhadi designs, the range is 100% local. Hand-printed by a small team, this range is bold and beautiful. www.silkco.co.za A first for South Africa, the next-generation Plascon Double Velvet Pure improves indoor air quality by incorporating new air-purifying technology to reduce harmful formaldehyde. www.plascon.com With advances in technology, Lifestyle Ceramics’…

Situated in the heart of Hyde Park and within close proximity to Sandton and Rosebank, the 21st century 60 First, Hyde Park complex offers an address that anyone would be proud to call home. Comprising just 17 upmarket units that have been tastefully designed to give home owners a luxurious lifestyle in the heart of a thriving suburb, this complex is perfect for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. It also offers a lock-up-and-go element, making it perfect for the busy executive or family who loves to travel. The homes are low-maintenance and hassle-free to ensure that you enjoy living here without worrying about the small stuff. The architecture shows off simple and clean lines that give each unit a modern and contemporary look. The colours have been…

Victorian-styled bathrooms are back but with a modern twist, and in this feature we explore why this classic look just keeps coming back. So what are the basic elements that make up a Victorian bathroom design? Monika Krolewicz, design executive at Ferreiras Tile + Bathroom, says, “It is walls that are not tiled floor to ceiling, but rather halfway, and the remainder of the walls can be painted or finished with a wallpaper. Wet areas such as the shower will have tiles up to the shower screen height. The wall tiles are predominantly white in colour and in a subway fashion. Sanitaryware and fittings are more classical in design and have more detail.” “Taps with vintage styling in chrome, brass or black complete the overall Victorian look.” – Liza Watermeyer…

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Pulling off a design with strong hues can be tricky. We show you how to balance out bold colours in your bedroom. STYLISH SPACES Playing with proportions will help to create stylish vignettes in your home. Discover 15 modern ways to style a credenza. DARK AND DARING Tips and tricks to accessorise with black sanitaryware in the bathroom. INSIDER SECRETS 10 tips on how to design your kitchen like a chef. A SPACE TO UNWIND What you need to create a cosy reading nook in your home. INDOOR OASIS 10 trendy indoor plants (and where to buy them online). www.sahomeowner.co.za GET IN TOUCH! @SAHomeOwner…

Spending time outdoors is said to be one of the best ways to de-stress – and what better way at this time than to do it in the comfort and safety of your own backyard. PATIO VS COURTYARD While a patio and a courtyard can share many similarities, such as paving or an overhead structure such as a pergola, there are some basic differences, says Craig de Necker of The Friendly Plant. “A patio is an outdoor space adjoining a building. These areas are typically paved or tiled. A courtyard is essentially a patio surrounded by walls or a building and open to the sky.” He suggests you first look at how you intend to use the space, as this will determine the different elements that you will need in…

Improving the look and functionality of your kitchen can be a matter of making a few adjustments to your hardware and incorporating the latest accessories. We spoke to the experts about the hottest innovations that will dominate kitchen hardware and accessory design over the coming months. THE LATEST TRENDS The latest must-haves in the kitchen space are anything that can make your kitchen space more functional and aesthetically pleasing. It also needs to work double-duty as a space to not only prep and cook meals, but also to entertain friends and family. Lindy Goodbrand, designer at Slavin, says: “From space-saving towers to pocket doors, everything needs a place and it must look good doing it!” According to Mariëtte Zietsman, marketing manager at Hansgrohe, a sink and a pullout kitchen mixer…

The impact of COVID-19 on the property industry has been an undeniable challenge, and felt across the globe. Putting this into perspective, Firzt Realty’s CEO Denese Zaslansky points out: “Locally, in terms of house and sectional title sales, our company experienced an 80% drop in sales for April, a 70% drop in May and in June our sales showed a 10% drop year on year. “The impact of COVID-19 in April and May certainly had a negative effect on buyers’ appetite partly due to not viewing the properties personally. Buyers’ sentiment changed due to the reduced interest rates where a buyer purchasing for R1-million found that, taking the saving into account, their monthly repayments would be around R1 800 less and that they would qualify for a mortgage bond easier…

If you are currently in the process of buying or selling property, another important element to take into consideration is the transfer process, which now due to COVID-19 has its fair share of challenges. “The biggest impact that COVID-19 has had on the property transfer process is the substantial backlog as a result of the lockdown. This backlog is still being felt and the various institutions involved in the transfer process are still working to resolve the bottleneck of transactions,” says Christopher Dykes, director of Dykes Van Heerden Incorporated. To understand just how the pandemic has impacted the property transfer process, Dykes explains that recently the City of Tshwane provided figures showing how applications increased from 124 in March to 3 203 and 4 434 in May and June respectively,…

Lulasclan in an online textile and creative consultancy studio offering a range of homeware and décor products from cushions, fabrics and wallpapers to collectable art. The team believes in the beauty that exists in Africa and its cultures, finding ways to preserve it by documenting it, then translating it onto beautifully crafted textile designs and products. Driven by pure design, craft and quality, Lulasclan thrives on working with professionals in the interior design, fashion, hospitality and retail industry, creating exclusive prints and capsule collections that are full of life, colour and bring a space or garment to life. www.lulasclan.com Founded by South Africans and life partners Greg and Roche Dry, Egg Designs offers a unique perspective on contemporary furniture inspired by a soul that’s deeply rooted in Africa. The founders…

ADAM COURT Director and designer of OKHA Timeless design is born out of an appreciation of history and how it culminates to inform contemporary everyday life in combination with an artistic instinct. Modern classic design suits a contemporary lifestyle, where value is placed on clean simple lines and open spaces. We are a digital society, so our design pieces are both beautiful and fully functional, to make the most of the spaces we inhabit. Very little is ornamental. I find inspiration in fashion, film and architecture – all of this plays a pivotal role in reflecting how society feels and are integral parts of our lives. I find that not only does traditional architecture inspire me, but at times, cityscapes and urban sprawl also feed into ideas. Our Miles armchair…

For any designer, working on a project that’s close to home can be quite a task, and it was no different for this interior designer when it came to materialising her dream home. A family space that’s designed for a couple and their three boys (aged seven, five and two), this Johannesburg-based property has five comfortable bedrooms (with en suites) and spacious living areas, making it perfect for all. “My family and I are in love with the easy flow and the beautiful touches of flowers around the house that make it a feast to see all the time. Our family is young and energetic so I had to leave a lot of spaces for them to navigate around all corners,” says the owner. Speaking on the interiors, she says:…

If you didn’t know better, you’d think this home was set in a nature reserve overlooking bountiful natural vegetation. But this Highveld property is located in an estate that’s not far from the city. “We have lived in this incredible ‘hidden gem’ estate for over 10 years,” says the owner. Having acquired the last vacant stand in the estate, the owners wanted to build something truly special. “We felt so liberated moving into this ‘out there’ home.” – the home owner “The beauty of this estate is that the stands are still large. Most complexes/estates these days have small stands and huge houses. Our estate is unique in that although there are 28 houses within the complex, not one neighbour looks onto another. Even with our glass house, we still…

Celebrating its location, this contemporary home has been designed to lap up the beauty and surrounds of a family estate along the luscious North Coast. “Function over form was important to us.” – the home owners For the young owners, this stand was meant for them. On their journey to find a home, the couple experienced many disappointments along the way. By luck they acquired this beautiful plot to build their dream home. The owner says: “We started having a look at vacant land. Two weeks later we were on a tour of several plots. Ironically we didn’t even get out of the car – when the agent showed us the plot we ended up buying. It was way out of our price range so wasn’t worth getting our hopes…

From refrigerators engineered to keep food fresher for longer to ovens that will cook every ingredient to absolute perfection, modern kitchen appliances are dreams come true, saving us time, money and sanity. The future we’ve been promised could finally be here. A GREAT INVESTMENT It goes without saying that if you have the means, every appliance in your kitchen should be of the highest quality available. But if you have to choose, our experts agree it’s best to invest in the kitchen appliances you rely on most – and a good-quality refrigerator tops that list. According to Hirsch’s Margaret Hirsch, “I would definitely invest in a good fridge because it will keep your food fresh for a longer period of time. With the new technology on the market, today’s fridges…

There’s no excuse for empty walls when you can make a statement with a gallery wall filled with a wide range of wall art pieces. www.chairmanhome.com Woolworths has partnered with Mo’s Crib – a Pretoria-based, eccentric home décor design unit with a focus on sustainability – to offer this timeless Grass Woven range of baskets and planters. www.woolworths.co.za Originally created as a custom piece, OKHA’s Repose sofa is now available for purchase. It comes in five different sizes with attached and detached ottomans, making it a practical sofa system as well as a beautifully sculpted landscape form. www.okha.com Lemon worked with Chicago-based illustrator and artist Laura Berger to create a series of wallpapers inspired by human interaction and connection. www.lemon.za.com Airloom’s first EDIT Collaboration of functional art showcases the talents…

Are you looking to create a bedroom that both you and your little one will enjoy? A child’s bedroom is a space to exercise your creative flair and let your imagination run wild as you create a room as unique as your child. By investing in quality furniture, reducing the clutter, and taking a modern approach to design, you’ll have a room with longevity and décor items that bring joy and last well into the teen years. MODERN AND TIMELESS One of the first things that should be decided on is your colour palette and theme. Marissa Müller, product administrator/stylist at Cielo, believes this will give you a good indication on which furniture to introduce into the bedroom. “Natural wooden furniture, black and white with a dash of colour is…

Window treatments are one of the best ways to transform or elevate any room in your home. We speak to industry experts on how to use curtains, blinds and shutters to achieve this. STYLISH CURTAINS Curtains remain a practical and durable solution for windows and doors, says Paul O’Brien of Blind Designs. “A popular option is our Ripple Shade blind. Ripple Shade offers the luxury of a curtain with the simplistic structure and function of a blind. The Ripple Shade features traditional curtain fabrics that are hung in an S-fold wave format instead of a pleated or gathered header. The Ripple Shade can be done in popular sheer fabrics or fabrics that offer privacy or dim-out. Curtains add depth and texture to a room, they really do ‘dress’ a window…

French pairs: Two doors that are hinged to swing. They come in a wide variety of designs, and offer a timeless and classical appeal that complements homes with more traditional architectural designs. You can choose to open just one door, or both, and they offer the best security when shut. However they cannot be used in very wide openings, offer a reduced glazing area when compared to their counterparts, and can slam shut by wind if not secured with cabin hooks. They require space for the outward or inward opening arc of travel. Sliding doors: As their name suggests, sliding doors are made up of two or four panels, one of which slides open over the other when opened. As they slide over each other, they are a great option…

With so many features packed into one little Wi-Fi camera, it’s no wonder Yale decided to call it an “All-In-One” camera, says Stacey Conradie, marketing assistant at Yale. “This nifty camera with the Yale app is a standalone outdoor camera with a built-in LED spotlight which is ideal for doorways and entrances. You can activate the spotlight remotely or it can be triggered on motion detection. “The camera also has crystal-clear two-way audio. You can talk to pets and loved ones remotely using the Yale View app. Also, it has a siren which can be triggered via the app. With the customised settings, you can also mask off a small section of the viewing area, of the camera, to activate push notifications to your smartphone when movement is detected within…

There’s no doubt that the kitchen is central to modern life. More than just a place where we store food and prepare meals, the kitchen functions as a space for eating, relaxing, entertaining and, this year most of all, working. As a result, the must-have kitchen innovations are focused not only on aesthetics, but versatility too. SMART YET STYLISH DESIGN This year, more than before, the importance of home and the kitchen in particular has come into sharp focus, as Danielle Steenkamp of Sterlings explains: “More ergonomic designs are becoming a must for ease of use in the kitchen space. Practicality is now a huge essential, but that does not necessarily mean that the design has to be compromised – it should enhance it.” Philip Richards of blu_line says, “The…

An elegant vanity or a well-placed mirror can tie your bathroom space together, adding aesthetics yet being functional. An eye-catching vanity can also work as a statement piece to elevate your bathroom look. FIRST THINGS FIRST Vanities are an important bathroom element. Not only do they need to look stylish, fit properly and suit the rest of your bathroom, but they must also be practical. When looking for a vanity for your bathroom, Monika Krowlewicz, design executive at Ferreiras Tile + Bathroom, suggests the three Ss: style, storage and spend. “You want your vanity to match the overall theme and style of your home and bathroom. Storage space is essential as it prevents a bulky build-up of ‘stuff’ on your counters, and finally what you can and want to spend…