Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2022 i South African Home Owner

The owner loves the tranquillity of this Winelands estate, so the home has been designed to make the most of the stunning mountain views and natural beauty. There is also a strong sense of community and the convenience of having “a variety of wonderful places on our doorstep”, which adds to the appeal, she says. This is a family that loves to socialise, so it was important for the home to have an easy flow. “We enjoy entertaining, and this house certainly gives us those options, whether indoors or outside.” The courtyards provide ample shelter from the weather throughout the year. An interesting feature of this home is the use of space and the separation of the house into four sections. “As we wanted to downsize, we felt we would…

Within one of Polokwane’s finest lifestyle estates, this extensive seven-bedroom property was a vision inspired by the owner’s travels and stays at five-star establishments. “I wanted a home that captured the essence of a luxury hotel and combined the décor elements I loved all in one place,” shares the owner. Bringing global opulence to this city in Limpopo, the owner opted for a soft interior aesthetic that uses a neutral colour palette to achieve the desired outcome. He says: “The house is quite big, so I worked with an interior designer to materialise a soft look and feel with fine furniture, finishes, fixtures and décor.” For this owner, the result of the home gives him great happiness. “My home is stunning and gives me a lot of pride. It has…

New on shelf, the cast-iron bread oven from Le Creuset is not to be missed if you’re an ardent breadmaker. www.lecreuset.co.za The Tabletop Braai from Woolworths is a lightweight and portable grill that can be used on a small balcony or your dining table. www.woolworths.co.za Make two delicious flavours of ice cream or sorbet with the Cuisinart Dual Frozen Core Ice Cream Maker (2L). www.yuppiechef.com Featuring an orginal Carrol Boyes illustration, this collection of fine porcelain dinner plates from the local brand is a must for a quirky table setting. www.carrolboyes.com Large-scale slabs, be it on countertops or walls, are simply exquisite and impactful. The marble effect from Infinity Surfaces is available in a diverse range of colours, grains and movements. www.infinitysurfaces.co.za…

WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT? ARCHITECT AND VISUALISATION SPECIALIST KELVIN GIBBS HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF ACQUIRING EXPERT ADVICE From a young age, Gibbs knew he would pursue a career in architecture. He says that for him, emotion has always been present within buildings. “I’ve come to realise that experiencing space is something we all have – but the ability to guide these experiences into something amazing brings me joy.” In the office … I work closely with our clients and Johann Koch (our founder and director) to convey our clients’ dreams and visions on paper and space, which culminates in an architectural design. What sets you apart from the rest? Not many companies invest the amount of time and effort into getting to know their clients as we do, resulting…

NEW SHOWROOM OPENING Bravo Brands, an African leader in home and lifestyle comfort, is opening its second Brand Experience Centre and headquarters in Kramerville, South Africa’s leading design district. The new Brand Experience Centre integrates the full stable of brands, including Alpine, Edblo, Gommagomma, Grafton Everest, King Koil, La-Z-Boy, Nouwens, Sealy and Slumberland, into one holistic experience for the consumer, reaffirming Bravo Brands’ position as a leader in home comfort. Situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s design district, this new location is easily accessible and conveniently located close to Sandton, the business hub of the city, to meet consumers where they are. “Driven by unprecedented change in retail, shopping behaviour and consumer expectations accelerated by the impact of the pandemic, it is imperative that we create a valuable shopping experience…

Perched on a mountaintop, this home boasts spectacular views of Windhoek’s city skyline. The owner shares: “The biggest drawcard for us was the fact that the house is located in unspoilt nature – in a 3 000ha game reserve – yet very close to Windhoek. “What also sold us are the mesmerising views of Windhoek. We are about 300 metres above the city, which ensures breathtaking sights of the city and the surrounding Khomas Hochland mountains.” The home has many unique features. “It was built in a contemporary style more than 10 years ago, but what stands out is that the original architect of the house, Jan Spruyt, used the mountain topography to build the house on a slope, using the uneven level to build the house down from the…

Familiar with this estate after moving here in 2016, these home owners were looking to build a larger home to accommodate their young family. “We were attracted to this estate for its private game reserve and wonderful outdoor lifestyle – walking, mountain biking and game trails. We wanted a secured estate with a good school on the property too,” shares the owner. Opting for a corner stand, the couple believed this plot would give them the freedom to build the house they envisioned for their family. “My wife and I have demanding jobs, and we needed a home we could come back to after a long day to relax and unwind. We designed our home to be a sanctuary to enjoy our downtime.” A four-bedroom property with staff quarters, this…

T he bathroom is the ideal place for self-care, says the team from Duravit. “It is one of the few places where one can be truly alone without being distracted by the constant demands of screens. In this context, we refer to the bathroom as the new living room.” With wellbeing now top of mind for many home owners, the experts say there’s renewed interest in features – from saunas and bathtubs to the choice of accessories – that evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. HOT THERAPY The Finns clearly know a thing or two about the health benefits of saunas. In a country of just over 5 million people, there are reportedly more than 3.3 million spas in homes, hotels, sports centres, factories, ships, and even underground mines…

From the Mac Collection, this server from Wunders can be customised to complement various interior styles. www.wunders.co.za Bringing an element of calm, this vintage print from CABO is a lovely decorative touch. www.cabodesign.net Oozing luxe appeal, the Roberto Cavalli Maclaine armchair from Casarredo is a beautiful addition to a formal lounge. www.casarredo.co.za Recently launched, Fireside from Feel Good releases an intensely rich aroma once lit. Think crisp notes of bergamot, lemon leaf and other warming spices – perfect for a winter mood. www.feelgoodsouthafrica.com Available from Always Welcome, this scatter by Waldman Studios is a moody masterpiece. www.alwayswelcome.store…

Buying property is a big decision and a costly exercise. Not all buyers have available cash for the purchase, and many will have to apply for a loan from a bank or financial institution. Despite a third, and 50 basis point increase in the repo rate, banks are still willing to lend, and potential buyers are always encouraged to save money for a deposit, especially when a bank loan is needed. “Based on the property, a home loan applicant’s credit profile and the bank’s policies at any given time, banks do not always ask for a deposit when purchasing property,” says Angela Glover, head of product for secured lending at FNB. She explains that first-time buyers, in particular, have accessed finance without paying a deposit. To help customers attain home…

“Dolby Atmos is probably the most talked-about audio format in home cinema.”– Richard Vaughan, Planetworld Home Tech needn’t be a foreign language, so whether you don’t know your XLR from your RCA or you lap up all the alphabet soup you can handle, we rounded up some experts to give you the lowdown on how to cut through the home entertainment jargon noise. ASK AN EXPERT “’Where do I begin?’ is a question we often get from someone looking to set up a home cinema,” says Richard Vaughan, national sales manager at Planetworld Home. “Creating your home cinema can at first seem very daunting, however, when working with knowledgeable specialists, this can be a very enjoyable and exciting process.” Cinema Architects sales and marketing manager MauricioTavares agrees, saying that without…

“Proper mulching also plays a critical role in protecting the biological life in the soil, particularly in winter.”– Simon Clements W inter need not be a drab affair, says the team from Lifestyle Home Garden. It’s possible to introduce instant colour with winter seedlings in beds, borders, pots and hanging baskets all over the garden. “Think pansies, violas, primroses, poppies, primulas, petunias, gazanias, ornamental kale, calendula, bokbaai vygies, alyssum and English daisies for a colour extravaganza that will lift your spirit.” Simon Clements of Simon Clements: Garden & Landscape Design says it is important to have as many winter-flowering plants in your garden to feed pollinators during the scarce season. “Aloes, such as the Krantz aloe, add incredible colour to winter gardens.” He adds that winter is the ideal time…

LOUISE SWEENEY Founder and creative director of Lulu Maison Interiors, an interior design studio The world has changed and just as we were all breathing out a bit regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the war on Ukraine was unleashed, adding to our feelings of uncertainty. It’s this kind of unpredictability that makes us increasingly want to live in nurturing, safe spaces and cosy up to warm, comforting or joyful colours and textures. We’re still bringing the outside in by following biophilic principles that seek to connect our inherent need to affiliate with nature in the modern environment. More so, as we bring the internet of things with smart appliances into our homes. We want to see nature around us, so over-scaled plants – some people choose to grow an olive tree…

CREST DEVELOPERS 082 888 2565 Crest Developers was responsible for the complete build and finishes of this bespoke home. The brief from the owner was clear: “build me my dream home”. With a reputation for building innovative homes to the highest quality standards, Crest Developers was able to deliver this and more. Boasting a sought-after vantage point overlooking the Indian Ocean, large expanses of glazing allow for spectacular sea views. They also ensure that the home fills with natural light. Yet even with the sizeable glazed door and window openings, the home offers considerable privacy because of the ample indigenous landscaping between neighbours. The home has been reconstructed and redesigned with a distinctly tropical modern look. There are large overhangs on the roof eaves, plenty of screening and natural exterior…

This home is so well designed that the owner says the family never wants to leave it to go on holiday. Not only does it enjoy the security that comes from being within a lifestyle estate, but the home has been set out to include an intimate courtyard that provides an additional layer of safety and belonging. “The inward living of a courtyard lets you escape reality when you live in your own private oasis,” says the owner. All four children’s bedrooms lead outward to this courtyard, encouraging them to interact in a secure and comfortable shared space. “Modern courtyard living is underrated in suburban areas,” she adds. Having a courtyard instead of a large garden also makes it easier to save water. Pots with suikerbos and other indigenous plants…

Transform your bathroom into a biophilic paradise with bespoke “House of Leaves” wallpaper. GROEN translates beautiful imagery into statement wall art with custom-designed, made-to-measure wall coverings.You can choose from a variety of themes and colours. www.groenjan.co.za Indulge in the experience of a waterfall or magical mist with the Almar chrome multifunctional spin stainless steel shower head from Italtile. Offering three settings to suit your mood, this sleek shower also saves you water. www.italtile.co.za With its ebony matt black finish and sensual lines, the Cobra Seine Ebony raised basin mixer from Cobra adds glamour to any bathroom. It also combines a beautiful aesthetic with comfortable, ergonomic handling. www.lixil.co.za Made by artisan weavers inTurkey, these luxury 100% cotton towels will add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Not only beautiful to…

Not only used for patio doors and restaurants, stacking or folding doors have many benefits – aesthetic and functional – in a contemporary home. ROOMS WITH A VIEW Frameless folding doors are a huge trend, says the team from Van Acht, as they allow for uninterrupted views. You don’t have door stiles obstructing the view, even when the doors are closed. Radiant Glass Concepts has designed and manufactured its own majestic frameless sliding folding door system to create an unobscured look. “Our doors are very popular for use between family rooms and patios, and even as secondary barriers to enclose entire patios,” says the team. “Sliding folding doors are aesthetically appealing and, when opened, create a seamless flow between the interior and outdoors, adds the team from Van Acht. Karishma…

Going off the grid is becoming a popular option as South Africans grapple with continued power outages and the desire to have more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyles. However, Treetops Renewable Energy Systems’ Stefan Ortmann says that going off the grid completely is an “unnecessary expense” even as solar power is highly viable in our climate. “Partially going off the grid will give you ‘sunny day autonomy’,” says Ortmann. He says this means installing a system that will give you sufficient solar power during sunny days without going to the expense of installing a hugely pricey system to keep going after a few cloudy days. “In a 24-hour cycle, many of our clients – say a family of four – would typically use about 20 units of energy. To be off…