Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i South African Home Owner

PROPERTY This striking scandinavian-inspired home, with its top floor constructed to face towards the dam while the rest of the home faces in the other direction, makes quite a statement. Set within a lifestyle estate on a rocky, sloped site described by the owner as “challenging to build on”, this family home has been designed to make the most of its surroundings. There is also a privacy screen on the top floor, which is visible from the road. Functional, yet striking, this screen, with almost a thousand stained glass tiles in an assortment of earthy colours, has become one of the home's standout features. The tiles also give the home its personal stamp. “The design layout of the glass tiles is a Morse code pattern for our names,” explains the…

PROPERTY With the owners based in Johannesburg and the children away during the school terms, the inspiration behind the design and creation of this property was to offer its residents a space where they could rest, recuperate and spend time together as a family after busy weeks at school and work. Situated in an eco-estate in the KwaZulu-Natal countryside, this property not only offers the owners and their children a peaceful location where they can spend quality time together, but also provides all the amenities for a luxurious and modern lifestyle. “It is easy to tell that the property was designed to allow the family to feel as though they are on holiday whenever they are here.” To create a home conducive to the family's requirements, it was decided to…

INTERIORS Like most elements in your home, the paint colours you choose will depend not just on the trends, but also on your personal preferences. Over the years, there has been greater interest in understanding how colour affects us, resulting in chromotherapy being included in the home environment. For example, it is now known and understood that shades of blue and green encourage rest and relaxation, while yellow stimulates creativity and red increases appetite. Read on to find out the latest in paint colours for your interiors. A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOURS From bold and moody colours to muted shades and pastels, the current ‘in’ colours are diverse and offer something for everyone. Palesa Ramaisa, colour projects designer SSA, Dulux, says that one of 2023's key trends has been a takeover…

Every day, in different spaces and ways, architecture touches our lives. From our homes to places of business and the malls where we shop, the designs of these spaces have been conceptualised by architects. South African architecture has a centuries-long history, with design elements taken from all corners of the globe. Residential architecture has progressed through many phases to the more contemporary designs and ultramodern homes we see today. The country's temperate climate and its influence on our lifestyles play a key role in the design of homes. THEN AND NOW Suzette Hammer, founding member and executive director at SBE Africa Architects, says some trends, like pseudo--Tuscan designs and farmhouse styles, are now outdated and people are leaning towards cleaner lines. Older trends used in new developments and estates have…

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY Brett Cohen, CEO of The Gas Company, thinks that we should all aim to disconnect ourselves from the national grid. “But we need to accept that there is no silver bullet, no panacea,” he says. “The path to off-grid living is going to rely on a basket of energy sources, and the most important components are solar and gas.” Cohen says that “as a rule of thumb” you want to use solar for electronics, motors and appliances, and use gas whenever heating is the objective. This includes cooking with gas, geysers, heaters and fireplaces. SOLAR POWER “One way we can create low-energy homes is to ensure the use of natural energy sources in the home,” says Theresa Sebastian, managing director of Sonnenkraft SA. In an average home, the…

PROPERTY With expansive sea and golf course views as well as the dense natural vegetation surrounding the site, this home was designed and built to offer its residents a relaxed holiday feel. Situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the property affords its residents a delightful lifestyle within spaces that are trendy and pleasing to the eye wherever one looks. According to the owner, the interior style is modern, comfortable and minimalistic chic with a focus on design and art. “The tones, textures and Pantone colours throughout the home are calming, not visually overstimulating,” she says, adding that “this is a family home designed to relax in and have fun”. Apart from the breathtaking views surrounding the property, there are several other highlight features. One is the double-volume entrance hall,…

PROPERTY MILLENNIUM FLOORS & BLINDS 021 981 2153 The owners wanted the timeless look of hardwood flooring in a modern vinyl application flowing through this 400m2 property without any joints. Millennium Floors & Blinds used the Como Fire Luxury Vinyl range to achieve this seamless look. The dark warm wood appearance with the painted bevel elevates the floor and brings warmth and depth to every room. Millennium Floors & Blinds supplies and installs a wide range of inspired flooring and window solutions that will uplift any home or office interior. Designed in a U-shape with the kitchen as the heart of the home connecting the indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, this residence radiates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in every room. “We wanted to create an open-plan family home that…

KITCHENS While previously not as high ranking as appliances and the kitchen's design, cabinetry has now moved up the ladder of things to pay greater attention to when creating a standout kitchen. With a focus on new and innovative materials, sustainability and changing lifestyles, the latest cabinetry allows home owners to add a touch of creativity to their kitchens while ensuring that functionality remains top of mind. A TAKE ON TRENDS Trends come and go, but when it comes to kitchen designs and creations, most experts recommend staying true to what suits your lifestyle and use of space rather than trying to keep up with everything that is in at the moment. With that said, the Casarredo design team mentions that the “return to nature has never been stronger than…

Animal-print décor items can make a bold statement in your interior design scheme. By incorporating them in a variety of ways, such as wallpaper, fabrics, rugs and objects d'art, you can add interest and personality to your space without going overboard. This trend is ever-evolving and offers a stylish way to enhance your interior design. Animal prints can be quite bold, so it is worthwhile mixing them with solid colours or more subtle patterns to avoid overwhelming the space. For example, pairing a leopard print pillow with a solid-coloured sofa or a zebra print rug with neutral furniture. Moderation is key when incorporating animal prints. Using them sparingly ensures they remain a statement piece rather than overpowering the entire room. www.cielo.co.za Strategically used animal print can add fun, whimsy and…

After qualifying as a chartered accountant, Steven Louw spent 15 years as a partner in a large firm before moving abroad for a while. After he returned to South Africa, Louw held an executive role in a diversified investment holding company with interests in the chemicals, minerals beneficiation, industrial services, building materials and financial services industries. Louw was born in Rustenburg in the North West province. His wife, Lisa, was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom. She was just two years old when her family emigrated to South Africa. What is the most rewarding part of your current role? Steven: Definitely the diversity and creativity of the job and the chance to learn something new every day. I work with and meet people who are excellent at what…

GARDENS Nothing heralds spring quite like a rose garden in full bloom, and in just a few weeks, we'll be witnessing the spectacular October flush. Growing healthy, vibrant roses starts with gardening basics – the right place for the plant and a sound watering, fertilising and care programme. Halmar Taschner of Ludwig's Roses says that from September, you should increase the amount of water your roses receive to 15 litres per plant, spread over three waterings per week, and continue this regime until late autumn. “The volume of water is more important than the frequency,” says Taschner. “Effective watering to the roots is the secret to growing roses.” “Roses that are fertilised regularly are happy roses! The quantity, quality and size of the blooms are far superior to roses that…

PROPERTY OKELO KITCHEN DEZIGNS 011 914 1042 The home owner asked Okelo Kitchen Dezigns to create a bespoke TV unit. A wall in the lounge was allocated for the project. Okelo Kitchen Dezigns then designed, manufactured and installed a TV unit to cover the entire wall. A variety of materials were used for the wall unit, including PG Bison's range of Summer White SUPAGLOSS and Storm Grey SUPAMATT. In addition, white oak veneer stained with Jax Oleum's Dark Smoke was used to bring in a natural texture to add some warmth. Okelo Kitchen Dezigns also installed LED lighting on most of the display cabinets, using smart Wi-Fi switches to control the lights. After living in their home for 15 years, the owners decided it was time to give their much-loved…

PROPERTY Nestled in the heart of a premier lifestyle Nestate, this home epitomises luxury. It is one of the many property selections, including single- and double-storey options, on offer. As with all the properties, this contemporary sectional title unit has been designed and fitted to the highest standards, with contemporary tiles, quality appliances, hansgrohe fittings and Caesarstone tops. As the homes in this part of the estate are located alongside a championship golf course, all have garages and space to park a golf cart. The homes have been configured with open balconies to make the most of the estate's spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding scenery. Each home has been curated with neutral colours to create a clean palette for the home owner to imprint their personal style.…

BATHROOMS MINIMALIST BATHROOM Wall-mounted fixtures: “Wall-mounted furniture and toilets keep the floor clear, creating an illusion of more space. Even small elements like wall-mounted vanity taps keep the counter surface uncluttered.” – Candace D'Amore, Durbanville Sanitary & Plumbing Supplies Porcelain or ceramic tiles: “Choose large, plain tiles in neutral colours like white, grey or beige. Go for a smooth matt finish to create a clean and seamless appearance.” – Nicole Russell, Italtile Oversized mirrors: “A large mirror can help to create the illusion of space in a small bathroom. Choose a mirror with a simple frame or no frame at all.” – Amadea Oberholzer, Lifestyle Ceramics Sleek fixtures: “To achieve a sleek and streamlined look in a minimalist bathroom, select materials and fixtures that are clean and simple. Choose fixtures…

HOME OFFICE Years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced employees the world over to work from home, there are few signs of things reverting to the old normal. As workplaces navigate this terrain, the home office serves as a beacon of adaptability, resilience and harmonious work-life balance. “While some individuals may have the luxury of a spare room or a designated office space, many others live in smaller homes or apartments with limited space, making it challenging to set aside an entire room solely for work,” says Andrew Greenland, product developer at Cielo. He adds that the key to maximising space is having furniture that can serve a hybrid purpose. “We offer a writing desk that can double as a console table so that people can work in their lounge, for…

GAMING ROOMS Gaming has transcended generational boundaries, captivating enthusiasts of all ages with its immersive experiences and engaging play. As the gaming industry continues to evolve and innovate, designing the perfect gaming room has become an art form that appeals to young and old gamers alike. Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood and enhancing the ambience of a gaming room. Mauricio Tavares, marketing director at Cinema Architects, says old-school neon signage is very on-trend. “Neon signage carries a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the vibrant aesthetics of the ‘80s and ‘90s. It brings back the memories of classic arcade games and the retro gaming culture, appealing to both seasoned gamers and younger enthusiasts who appreciate the vintage aesthetic,” he says. He adds that neon signage can create a…