Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2022 i South African Home Owner

Which season do you prefer, winter or summer? I like winter, maybe it’s because I am a winter baby. I prefer the colder months because I get to control how much heat I need, whether I am sitting inside or outside. On page 170, Hasmita Amtha shares how to enjoy your outdoor entertainment area with ideal heating solutions. To help you prepare those heartwarming meals, we showcase the latest smart kitchen appliances starting with the oven and on to the now trending air fryer, see page 140. For those who enjoy spending some quiet time sitting by the fireplace, on page 160 we look at trendy sofas as well as share the top factors to keep in mind when sofa shopping. To brighten up the cold days, Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor explores…

What inspired you to become an architect? My passion for innovation and design. As a child, I always wanted to create or invent something. I first chose engineering and mathematics at university, but quickly yearned for something more creative and artistic. A year into my studies, I switched to architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved over the years? Going on 15 years now, my design philosophy is to try to best understand the context and the environment in which we work. I have shifted to a “less is more” approach, looking towards efficient and sustainable design complemented by beautiful aesthetics that are free of clutter and pure in detail. Good architectural design is … inherent in the DNA of the design. It is like your favourite song, where all…

What inspired you to become an architect? I am, by nature, a very curious person and acquired an interest in how things are conceptualised and developed. It all started at a young age at home when my father – a structural engineer – exposed me to the construction industry; my choice of architecture emanated from this. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I have been exposed to the industry for about 16 years. School and the various firms I worked at have contributed valuable tools to what I call my adaptive design philosophy. With my understanding of history and the modern world (including the fourth industrial revolution), I consciously adapt to new trends. In so doing, I maintain the valuable principles encrypted in the history of architecture.…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? Growing up, I was drawn to how spaces look and feel, and loved design magazines, coffee table books and TV shows that showcased design in some form – they allowed me to dream and see how others lived across the globe. I was fortunate to be raised by my grandmother and my mother, who were both houseproud and meticulous about their home’s appearance. I always understood that a home is a critical form of self-expression and needs to be functional, comfortable and almost magical. My career path started in business and corporate, but design was always calling. I eventually started taking up design projects until I could no longer afford to treat them as side jobs and set up a…

W hat first drew you into the world of interior design? I grew up on a starry-eyed diet of magazine-lifestyle television shows – the kind that offered a glimpse into the most lavish homes across the world. I was captivated and compelled enough to pursue a part-time formal education in design and learn how to unpack these looks. Add to this years of experience, and you have a well-trained eye backed by knowledge. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? I want people to live well. The interiors I create are functional, yet the forms are luxurious and effortlessly sophisticated. I aim to curate elegant, timeless spaces while remaining aware that the definition of luxury and sophistication shifts with time. I have learned, particularly with residential…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? I love all things related to interiors and décor, especially colour and texture. I enjoy the process of selecting items according to each client’s style and brief. What’s your design philosophy? Creating a space that’s unique and reflects the client’s personality while still being functional, timeless and comfortable. What should readers keep in mind when looking for an interior designer? Clients should look for a designer whose signature is what they love. They need to ensure that the signature will complement their home’s style and architecture. What’s your signature design style? My signature is timeless combined with classic contemporary. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? I love texture and natural elements such as wood,…

W hat’s your design philosophy and how has it evolved with experience? We design spaces that align with our clients’ needs and values. To do this successfully, we get to know our clients while communicating the process and end result in a language that’s relatable to them. We have learnt so much from our clients over the years. Most important was the change in our approach, learning how to communicate and explain why some things work and others don’t. Today, we have the confidence and insight to say no to ideas or designs that we know won’t have a desirable end result and tie in with the client’s vision. This is a key element in the success of each project. What’s your signature design style? Our style combines high-end quality…

Transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat with the range of mixers from Bijiou, distributed by MacNeil. The Stylet gold mixer is finished in a medium gloss over a brushed look. It dazzles in low-light settings. www.macneil.co.za Bang on trend and big on drama, Italtile presents the Mystic marble range from Ceramica Sant’Agostino.These super-slabs are extravagantly patterned and luxuriously veined, adding theatre to any space. www.italtile.co.za Personalise your bathroom by adding a mosaic feature wall to create interest or differentiate areas within the room. www.tileafrica.co.za As the mercury dips, what could be better than wrapping up in a heated towel after a luxurious bath?The Jeeves Sienna is a stainless steel heated towel rail that is both functional and beautiful. www.italtile.co.za…

“We have new CS&CO artist ranges that include local artist Rene Versveld and two new international artists – Egyptian-based artist Jamal Mohamed and American mural artist Kipper Millsap. We also have some gorgeous new metallic designs under our Textures range, many of which can be used on walls and ceilings.” – Cara Saven, Cara Saven Wall Design “As we’ve detected a growing demand for our designs in the curtaining market, we have moved some of the more popular designs onto a 280-wide format. We use an organic cotton base cloth, which allows for a softer draping type fabric, ideal for curtaining.” – Michéle and Wayde Fortune, Design Team Fabrics “Each artist added to our platform has a unique style and story to their collections. You can view all the latest…

Madeleine Hugo, owner of lifestyle brand The Cotton Company, draws inspiration from Turkey to bring comfort and style to South African homes. Balancing tradition and modern techniques and using the entrepreneurial skills she gleaned from previous business ventures, Hugo has established the Cotton Company as a leader in local design. Explain more about your love forTurkish towels and how it led to the launch of The Cotton Company? I fell in love with Turkish towels when I lived in Istanbul. A highlight of my stay was an extraordinary road trip through theTurkish countryside where I met a family of authentic Turkish towel weavers. To date, it is this family that still lovingly crafts our Turkish towels and throws in rural Turkey. How doesTurkish design differ from or complement the South…

How has your design philosophy evolved over the years? For the last 35 years, we have seen and designed according to various architectural trends – think Tuscan, modern farmhouse, industrial chic, and so on. We’ve always adapted and met our clients’ briefs with these trends. We believe that if you don’t adapt to the new South African style, you will be left behind. What makes SBE Africa’s service stand out? We pride ourselves on being good listeners. We design houses for people who think ahead and understand that the value of the house is as important as the value of the budget. When we see our clients, it’s important for us to not only take notes, but also start sketching, and we always have the information ready when the client…

What inspired you to become an architect? Since a young age, I’ve loved the creation of beautiful spaces while having a deep appreciation for the field of psychology. While studying architecture, I realised the incredible link between the two disciplines, especially in residential architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I designed my first home during my studies in 2006 and have been involved in high-end residential architecture ever since. The biggest impact on my design philosophy has been the realisation that no one client is the same, and the design solution is never the same. The driving force behind the success of JK Designs is that we spend significant effort to understand lifestyle and personality and then design their home with emotions as the primary driver.…

What inspired you to become an architect? Architecture is all about the everyday living experience of the home, and for me, getting all the five senses to experience a designed space is the biggest driver and ignites my love for architecture. How has your design philosophy evolved over the years? I have been practising architecture for 13 years, and in this time, my design approach has evolved and continues to change with every new project I complete. However, the forms and shapes that I use in my design remain the basis and can easily be traced throughout my work. What advice do you have for home owners looking for an architect? Look for a designer who will create a space that speaks to you. From the way you live life…

The IID is the only professional body representing the interior design industry in Southern Africa. It is dedicated to establishing, promoting and maintaining expertise, professionalism, sound business practice and high standards throughout the industry. As a professional design organisation, the IID provides guidelines and inspiration to its members on a wide range of topics, actively promoting the collaboration of like-minded professionals – a truly worthwhile investment. Membership of the IID indicates your status as a qualified, experienced and ethical practising professional. dorothy@dvr.co.za; www.dvr.co.za…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? Design and furniture manufacturing are in my blood. As a descendant of many generations of woodworkers, craftsmen and designers from Portugal, my destiny was exactly this. I love all things beautiful. Interiors became a passion from a young age, from designing my room as a young girl to working in our showroom during school holidays and watching my parents grow in this field. Design is just part of my everyday life, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I also enjoy interacting with clients, meeting new people all the time, evolving, and sharing ideas, and most importantly, creating new beautiful spaces that make people happy. What’s your design philosophy? I believe in acquiring quality pieces that you won’t tire of…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? Both my parents were involved in fabric. My mom owned and designed clothing for her store, Lady Cotton, and my dad imported fabrics. I was introduced to fabrics as a toddler. As a young mom, I decided that I needed to work and chose a career in interior design, which has always been and still is, my passion, my business, and my life. What’s your design philosophy? My philosophy is simple: work with your eyes and your heart. Your heart has to be in every project you take on no matter the size. I work with my soul. I believe every client I encounter deserves the best from me and our designers. It is a privilege to be asked to…

What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? Design is not merely a profession; it is a way of life – and being a designer is not about what we are, it is about who we are. Clients trust us with their interior spaces; they trust that we will provide the best design for them, and we should always remember that. Originally working as an employee and younger soul, it was extremely easy to take on my employer’s ideologies and what I thought an interior designer was supposed to do and be. Over the years in the industry (and years in adult life), my philosophy has changed to creating personal sanctuaries for my clients while trying to be as sustainable as possible.This means trying to create long-lasting…

Nirit Saban is an abstract artist who loves to draw what she sees in nature and her surrounds. She interprets her understanding of life around  her in a unique style that emanates from her heart and soul. She is particularly interested in the relationship between nature and nurture and delves deeply and sometimes humorously into the eternal mystery of life and love. As a creative, I love to explore organic textures, patterns and colours playing with nature and science as my backbone. My artistic media are ink, pastel, charcoal and pencil. I specialise in nature/nurture interpretations and symbolism, with nature as a mirror to our intrinsic nature and way of being on Earth with all living creatures, society and culture. My design aesthetic is raw, playful, free and spontaneous, and…

Described as a “dream and a blessing”, this home is the culmination of the owner’s years-long vision. “This home has been in my head for years, and we are so lucky to have been able to make it a reality.” Enjoying a prime location on a coastal estate, it has been renovated to create an “uncomplicated” family home. The plot was the first one the owner visited on the luxury estate, which offers excellent security and beautiful views. Not much of the original house remains, so the construction of this home was essentially a new build, says the owner. Although there was not too much room to move when it came to deciding on the architectural style because of the estate’s regulations, the owner still managed to incorporate the contemporary,…

This family escapes the European winter to spend time in their “summer dream house” in a luxury Winelands estate. It borders a green belt and is within walking distance of the polo field and a restaurant – just a few of the facilities this family enjoys when they are in the country. One of the reasons this family chose South Africa is its sunny climate, so the home has been designed to make the most of the outdoors. Pergolas and decking form part of the alfresco outdoor entertainment area – a firm favourite with the family. The design is modern classic, with plenty of concrete, natural stone, glass, and wood in the interior. High ceilings and large windows ensure an airy feel for this spacious home.The kitchen and family room…

What inspired you to become an architect? I have always had an appreciation for creating – having a vision and translating it into reality. As a child, I used to sketch houses and plans, build houses or apartment blocks with Lego and cities from big wooden blocks. I had a natural curiosity about how things work and how to arrange items to create my next “building design” – a curiosity that continues to this day. I was fascinated with construction sites and buildings and enjoyed witnessing what all the different tradesmen were doing. As I grew older, the appreciation of physical and Godly creation combined and the inspiration derived from it to sculpt the physical with the metaphysical landscape into a completely different reality, space, feeling or presence heightened. How…

W hat inspired you to become an architect? Personal financing has always driven me, and at a point in my life, I identified property development as a key market into which to venture. I saw architecture as a vehicle that I could use to essentially develop my own property development portfolio and, in essence, become financially independent. However, architecture has brought me greater fulfilment than I anticipated. Together with my growing team, achieving each successfully completed project and genuine client satisfaction all brought me pleasure; with time that pleasure transitioned into purpose. The journey architecture has taken me on has been a life-changing experience that my earlier self could never have seen coming. Good architectural design is … providing something uniquely suited for the client and the site with the…

What inspired you to become an architect? I always loved to draw, sketch and plan. In school, I used to draw my bedroom furniture to scale and rearrange it on paper, making sure that everything fitted and worked before starting any kind of big furniture moves. It was always part of my DNA – the desire to design and make things work practically. With a mechanical engineer as a dad and an artistic mother, I had no option. I inherited a good combination of both artistic and logical thinking. The act of liberating one’s imagined ideas by completing a design in reality is probably the most exhilarating experience in the world. How has your design philosophy evolved in your career? I have been in the industry for 12 years. During…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? Being a creative, interior décor and design professional was a natural fit for me. I have an innate sense of scale, tone and texture, and love tactile subtleties and functional form. What makes Olala Interiors stand out? Offering a complete decorating and design consultancy service, my team and I work with clients and architects, designing full spectrum interiors for the home. This includes the electrical and plumbing layouts, the specifications thereof, ceiling detailing, specification of floor and wall finishes, kitchen and bathroom design and sanware and lighting selection. Then we go a step further and manufacture almost everything from the front door to the back door. What we can’t make, we import or buy from local agents. Our design office…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? Initially, I fell in love with interior design for the level of technical detailing. Design Hatch has evolved into a design firm offering a wealth of knowledge on all the technical aspects of building. We love taking a client’s vision from design to completion. It is extremely satisfying working with a client who trusts us to materialise their dream. What’s your design philosophy? Striving for our client’s satisfaction, we invest in producing quality work with design trends that are dynamic. We ensure we form a personal relationship with our clients, which allows us to understand exactly what the client needs while taking it to the next level. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? We…

What first drew you into the world of interior design? After an aptitude test at school recommended I take a creative or technical direction, I was confused. I then did some research and discovered interior design. I loved the idea that I could create spaces for people to make memories in; I love that clients can walk into a space I designed and that it sparks joy; I love that every day is different and each client’s needs are different. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? I believe a space should tell the client’s story. I believe a space should tell a client’s story. After all, we’re creating homes, not just spaces. When you start out as a designer, you have all these grand ideas…

How it all started … Jayshree Naidoo, a well-known and respected industry supplier originally from the steel industry, where she worked for 23 years overseeing the manufacture of lighting, chandeliers and security solutions to design professionals, was looking for new opportunities. With her passion for interiors, she joined Inovar Floor Sandton as the general manager in 2020 and witnessed the franchise grow from strength to strength. In January 2022, Naidoo purchased the Sandton franchise. “During the pandemic, we noticed home owners renovating and improving their interiors. I bought the business because I have always had a keen interest in interior finishes and saw an opportunity to grow the Inovar brand,” says Naidoo. The pandemic radically changed the way people use their homes, significantly increasing the time spent working, studying and…

There’s nothing pedestrian about contemporary bathrooms. From mosaics around a mirror to hand-painted tiles on a feature wall, bathrooms are being reimagined. “The bathroom has become a sanctuary for many of us to find peace and tranquillity; important for our wellbeing,” says the team from Hadeda Tiles. Colourful, textured tiles have become an easy way to create a statement or change the look of a bathroom. COLOUR Gone are the sterile whites and greys once associated with bathrooms, says the team from Ferreiras Tile + Bathroom. “After the past few hard years, everyone is moving to brighter, warmer and more vibrant colours to liven up our spaces.” In a bid to brighten up our homes, tiles with warmer undertones of yellow-orange are being used to add warmth to bathrooms. The…

• Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and the purposes of the sofa in your day-to-day life. A sectional sofa may be the best option for a large family. And, if you have children or pets, it may be a good idea to choose a stain-resistant fabric for upholstery. If relaxation and comfort are important, you could consider sofa styles that recline. • Size and shape: Measure and understand the size of the sofa and what your space can accommodate. Think about your own dimensions too, not just the room’s; consider your height and whether you prefer low seating or a more upright position. • Colour and fabric: Neutral colours are a popular and practical choice for sofas, but the daring home owner can opt for a bright hue to make a…

One of the best ways to transform the look and feel of your interiors is by incorporating a variety of luxury fabrics and wallpaper in your living spaces. From serene pastoral scenes and ethnic prints to animal motifs and traditional florals, the choice is endless when it comes to luxury wallpaper. Curtain and upholstery fabrics also come in a wide variety of fabulous materials and designs. We share top tips for introducing textural and visual interest to your home. MAKING YOUR SELECTION Firstly, the wallpaper and fabrics you choose need to suit your style and lifestyle. Cara Saven, owner and founder of Cara Saven Wall Design, says you need to trust your own taste before a trend. “Trends come and go, but you want your wallpaper to last longer than…