Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i Home

A few weeks ago, we held a readers’ day in Pretoria. It was on a Saturday morning and I’d followed the GPS lady very carefully because I was unfamiliar with Garsfontein’s streets. “You have arrived,” she announced, shortly before 9am. Always so condescending. But I digress. The function was held in a tile store and a handful of readers (space was limited) had come to find out all about the latest trends, with a session afterwards during which everyone had to put together a moodboard for any project they were currently working on. Some were revamping bathrooms, others stoeps. One reader was building an entire house from scratch. Yet another had come all the way from the KZN Midlands but she still needed to buy a piece of land so…

Watch this space! BUSINESS cowgirlblues WHO Bridget Henderson WHERE Woodstock, Cape Town HER WORK Frustrated at not being able to find suitable wool locally, Bridget decided to start spinning her own. “Many of the European brands source their yarns here,” she explains, “and then we import them back again. That just doesn’t make sense.” And so the cowgirlblues brand was born, inspired by the title of one of her favourite Tom Robbins’ novels, Even Cowgirls get the Blues. Bridget’s yarns are all sourced from the Karoo and range from 100% merino wool to kid mohair and silk blends. She makes up her own colourways inspired by current trends and the world around her, and produces a range of lace weight, sock weight, double knit and chunky yarns, selling them online…

Who lives here? Michelle Ward {WHERE} Gonubie, Eastern Cape {SIZE} 119m2 (interior), patio 24m2 {ORIENTATION} North The vibracrete walls were concealed with a timber fence. “I wanted bright colours that reflect a happy home,” says Michelle Ward, who swapped her family home on a smallholding for a more compact house in Gonubie, 20km north of East London, in October 2014. “I’ve always loved colour, so it was fun to go a bit crazy when my sister and I decorated my new home.” Michelle’s creative instincts recognised the potential despite the previous owners’ conventional finishes and cluttered interior. “My sons, Nicholas (26) and Ryan (29), have already left home, so it’s the perfect size for me, but it was the possibility of seamless indoor-outdoor living that clinched the deal,” she says.…

Who lives here? Wehrner and Annette Lemmer {WHERE} A smallholding 16km outside Port Elizabeth {SIZE} 160m2 {ORIENTATION} South When Wehrner and Annette Lemmer returned to Port Elizabeth about 20 years ago, somewhat broke after their working holidays abroad, they were keen to move to Cape Town. But the two nature-lovers soon realised that building a home-cum-studio in an indigenous forest would only be possible in Port Elizabeth. At the end of 1998, they purchased a 2ha smallholding near Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve and in 2000 built a compact box-shaped house. “We were forced to build the smallest house possible,” says Annette, a hairstylist and owner of Jigsaw hair salon. Their living area upstairs covered a mere 40m2 , while downstairs (where the lounge and kitchen are located today) was Wehrner’s…

[TURN OVER A NEW LEAF] Plant shapes are the inspiration behind much of artist Claudia Gurwitz’s work – just look at this wall with its leaf design in the home she shares with husband John Lofty-Eaton and their three-year-old son Levi (left) in Riebeek-Kasteel. “I made some hardboard stencils, stuck them up with Prestik and then painted over them with a brush,” she explains. Claudia used leftover water-based paint in colours she mixed herself. Bright idea Not keen to paint? Use wallpaper! Go for the same design in two colours and glue strips of it onto the wall. [DOWN MEMORY LANE] Much-loved collectibles including framed holiday snaps, artworks, glass baubles and even little trinkets hanging from cast-iron hooks create a focal point on this bedroom wall. The frames have been…

Project 1 On the ropes QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 1/10 Time needed 2 hours Do it yourself for R520: rope cord R120, paint R250 (1 litre), wax R150 (500ml) You will need SHOPPING LIST • ± 30m rope cord in two colours (we used yellow and white); available from CD Fox• Annie Sloan paint in White• Annie Sloan Clear Wax TOOLS • paintbrush• hot glue gun• lighter• cross-stitch template (see sketch)• masking tape• drill with 6mm drill bit• scissors• cloth Get started ... 1 Paint the stool with two coats of white Annie Sloan paint, allowing it to dry between coats. Once the second coat has dried, seal it with wax. 2 Cut both cords into four 6m lengths and seal the ends by burning them with the flame of a lighter to prevent them from unravelling.…

“Use wide masking tape to protect the tiled splashback while you’re busy sealing the wooden top,” advises Deon. Seal the deal Wendy of KZN writes My husband used reclaimed floorboards to make countertops for my kitchen but some of the boards have holes in them. Can I use resin to seal the tops or is there a special recipe for Oregon pine? Deon de Goede of DIYDeon replies You can repair the holes with homemade wood filler: collect sawdust while sawing Oregon pine (or whatever type of wood you’re using). If this isn’t something you do regularly, ask at your nearest timber merchant such as Timbercity. Mix the sawdust with a small amount of Woodoc 25 Water-borne Floor Sealer and fill the holes with this mixture. Then sand the countertops…

Email stashit@homemag.co.za Bronze beauty Wanita Pretorius of Riebeek-Kasteel writes This bronze piece is about 40cm high and very heavy. It belonged to my Swiss grandfather who lived in Zurich and he gave it to my mother almost 40 years ago. There’s no stamp or name under the marble base; can you tell me what it’s worth? Shona Robie of Stephan Welz and Co replies This Art Nouveau patinated bronze figure was produced in Germany, circa 1900. She is commonly known as ‘Stella’ and is usually stamped Geschutzt meaning “protected” or “officially patented”. The artist, however, is unknown. In a market where Art Deco and Art Nouveau figures are desirable, it will attract much attention at auction. CIRCA 1900 VALUE R6 000–R8 000 Blooming lovely Anton Crossley writes This Italian vase…

Gardening tips for April • Spread fallen leaves as mulch around shrubs or add to the compost heap. Sieve last year’s compost and spread on the garden. Use any material that has not decomposed as a base to start a new compost heap, making sure to layer dry and wet material alternately. • It is not advisable to grow annuals in the same position every year as this can result in a deficiency in soil nutrients and increase the risk of soil-borne diseases. Where space is limited, remove as much of the soil as possible and replace with soil from another part of the garden. • Change your watering programme to mid-morning, so that leaves will dry and the soil will warm up before dusk. • Avoid digging up or…

Clever composting The Green Genie home composter (R785, greengenie.co.za) has a lock alignment lid to keep animal intruders out, a front sliding door for easy compost removal and an insect repellent pouch. Hang it high Scheurig hanging planter R140, builders.co.za Help nature along Wonder Organic Compost Activator (R37, kaapagri.co.za) is a natural product that helps to speed up the decomposition of garden waste; one packet is enough for two tons of compost. Under pressure 16L knapsack pressure sprayer R589, takealot.com Keep bugs at bay Use Protek Complete 350 SC systemic insecticide (R387 for 1L, kaapagri.co.za) seasonally for preventative control. Handy hampers Sturdy extra-large baskets from R635 each, biggiebestwebshop.co.za…

WINNING LETTER Look what we’ve made! Jessica Swartz of Cape Town writes I don’t know if you remember me but I was the girl who did all three of your workshops at Kamers – and loved every minute of it. Home is my monthly addiction. Why don’t you have two every month? Just kidding! My husband and I bought a little beach house in Britannia Bay on the West Coast and I’m in the exciting process of decorating. Here are some pics of what we’ve been up to. A low-cost pergola James Louw of Stilfontein writes I read in the February issue that your editor, Wicus, is considering building a pergola and is wondering how much it will cost. Well, I built my pergola for less than R5 000! I…

Marieta got the idea to display bright blue tins and a washbasin on her turquoise wall from Aspidistra Garden Centre in Stellenbosch. True blue A cheerful turquoise wall (Mermaid Jewel from Plascon) and a steaming pot of mint tea welcome visitors to Marieta’s garden. The silver Moroccan teapot is at the ready on the table and the mint, growing in a bucket, is within picking distance. Floral art Marieta’s garden is on two levels and the roof garden features several elements reminiscent of the souks of Marrakesh in Morocco: a star-shaped fountain (see next page), lots of blue and a touch of silver, plus striking tiles arranged around the flowerbeds. The colourful display provided by the latter creates the impression of a textured patchwork quilt underfoot. Group four of the…

Who lives here? KP and Petro Steenkamp, their children KP Junior (12) and Lente-Edeni (8) and their fur babies, Adam and Rudolph {WHERE} Middelburg, Mpumalanga {SIZE} 500m² The Steenkamps’ new home on an estate on the outskirts of Middelburg marks a new beginning for the family. It’s hard to believe that this warm and inviting abode – and most of the furniture – is only just over a year old. Five years ago, the family’s farmhouse was razed to the ground in a fire, and although they soon recovered themselves and built a new dwelling on the farm, it never truly felt like home. In addition, the children attended school in town and the driving back and forth started to take its toll. That’s when they decided it was time…

{Runners-up} Oostewald Bekker and Yolanda Cilliers Their entry CATEGORY Entire house LOCATION Boston, Belville SIZE 144m2 ORIENTATION North We purchased the place before we’d seen the inside; we were surprised by how small it was! – Yolanda The mirror was exchanged with a friend for a doll’s house. Oostewald and Yolanda are well-known contenders in Home’s Fix it with Flair competition. The duo, who were crowned winners in 2012, have entered every year for the past three years and made it into the Top 5 in our 2015 competition. This is the third house they’ve renovated in Boston and Yolanda says she felt it was important to tackle this one differently to the previous two. “I’ll never forget what Anneke Blaise (Home’s former editor, who passed away in 2014) said…

Wallpaper is the ideal way to dramatically transform a room. Use a bold pattern on a focal wall or a subtle background texture to complement a painting – there is such a wide variety of designs available that you will be spoilt for choice. You can even add your own unique touch by printing a wallpaper panel from a favourite photograph. Installing wallpaper may seem like a daunting task, but it’s not nearly as difficult as many people believe. If the wall surface is smooth and free of dust and flaking paint, simply wash down the wall with sugar soap and allow it to dry thoroughly before hanging the wallpaper. You will need • wallpaper• measuring tape, straight edge, spirit level and pencil• wallpaper paste and wide wallpaper brush• sponge and craft knife• large, flat…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 5/10 Skill level 5/10 Time needed ± 2 hours (painting or varnishing excluded) Do it yourself for ± R500: pine R475, wood glue and screws R25 Shopping list • 22 x 95mm planed pine, cut to: two lengths of 1 900mm (frame) three lengths of 460mm and six lengths of 300mm (leg structures) seventeen lengths of 600mm (base)• Alcolin Cold Glue• 150-grit sandpaper• about one hundred 8mm x 40mm chipboard screws Tools • sander• jigsaw• cordless drill and 3mm drill bit• clamp• multi-square• tape measure• pencil Project notes • You can adjust the size of your daybed to fit a standard single bed mattress (920 x 1 880mm). • Remember to drill pilot holes. Get started ... 1 Measure and mark the 460mm and 300mm planks (see sketch 1 and 2) and saw them along the…

Q: Where can I get the wooden daybeds with under-beds on castors as featured on page 28 of your January 2016 issue? – Lauren Day, KZN A: A local carpenter in Ballito made them; call John Church on 081 270 8321 or email johnchurch1962@gmail.com. Otherwise, build your own daybeds – we show you how on page 72. Q: Where can I find S-hooks to fit on a kitchen rail? – Anne Thompson, Centurion A: You can get them at UCAN in Game stores (0861 4263 2273, game.co.za). Q: Where can I buy the wallpaper on page 41 of your January 2016 issue and who can install it? – Lorette Slabber, Yzerfontein A: The wallpaper is from Robin Sprong Wallpaper (021 447 9842, robinsprong.com); they can recommend an installer near you.…

Email gardens@homemag.co.za What kind of bug is this? Elise van der Merwe writes These insects first invaded my Nandinas and have now spread to my Halleria ellipticas and roses. I tried Complete but it didn’t work for very long; I even squashed them with my fingers. What are they and what can I use to eradicate them? JJ replies They are Australian mealy bugs; treat them with Malasol. Fight the fungus Sandra Goslin writes What’s causing the dead spots on my lawn and what can I use to fix the problem and prevent it from recurring? JJ replies Are you watering in the evening or do you perhaps have clay soil that retains a lot of moisture? I’d treat the entire lawn with something like Odeon, Bravo or Mycoguard and…

1 Annuals for spring colour Plant annuals such as pansies and petunias now for a colourful spring garden. A mass planting will attract attention to a particular area: create a broad edge along pathways and borders; fill up the bed among spring-flowering bulbs; add to containers, window boxes and hanging baskets; or brighten up a sunny rockery. Add colour to vegetable and herb gardens with orange and yellow calendulas. Grow in lightly composted, well-drained soil in a sunny area – soil that is too rich will result in more leaves and fewer flowers. The frilly, bright and pastel flowers of Iceland poppies are pretty among spring bulbs, inter-planted with pansies and taller spring annuals. Look for compact varieties that can withstand windy conditions. 2 Go wild Encourage and protect birds…

Q: Some of my rose bushes look as if they have red scale; I’ve been treating them with Malasol for the past six weeks, but they’re still dying. Any advice? Your photo shows a classic case of serious sunburn that has resulted in stem kanker (see sidebar). There is no cure, but it’s not infectious. Sadly, the plant should be removed. Roses with a more or less horizontal growth pattern and without leaves shading the centre of the bush are much more prone to this. The sap flows very slowly in the horizontal stems compared to the more upright/ vertical stems. I would suggest planting a Colourscape variety to replace your rose, such as ‘My Granny’, ‘Granny’s Delight’, ‘Deloitte & Touche’ or ‘Amarula Profusion’. Q: Is it a good idea…

Newsflash! Jan was awarded its first One Michelin Star rating in the 2016 French Michelin Guide earlier this year, making Jan Hendrik the first South African to receive this prestigious accolade in Asia and Europe. Congratulations! Best for compost The handy OXO Good Grips countertop compost bin (R399, metelerkamps.co.za) makes collecting kitchen scraps a breeze – simply transfer them to your compost bin when it’s convenient. The flip-up lid is simple to open with one hand and the sturdy handle makes it easy to carry. Star quality Feast your eyes on the tempting recipes in Jan – A Breath of French Air (R395, Struik Lifestyle) by talented Michelin star restaurateur, chef and photographer Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Not simply a cookbook but a memoir too, the book celebrates renowned…

ON THE BOX Fresh Cut (Season 1 starts on April 12 on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv) is an inspiring show that invites viewers to explore the splendour of South African flowers. Floral communications expert Jill Manson meets the farmers who grow some of the country’s most spectacular blooms, goes behind the scenes at the flower market and shares all her tips and tricks to help you create your own floral arrangements at home. Jakkalsvlei Sundown Festival 17 April: Herbertsdale Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar on the Garden Route invites you to bid the summer sun farewell from 11:00–19:00. The event is free and there will be at least four bands, lots of food and craft stalls as well as tasty fare at Jakkalsvlei’s restaurant (picnic baskets are also available). Call…

What sport! Tennis and squash racket mirrors R350 each, Silo Designs Pretty posy Faux flowers in copper pot (22cm) R399, @home Have your cake… Small Diana cake stand R695, Coricraft For your treasures ‘Living’ trunk (medium) R1 695, Block & Chisel Time to recline Marlow daybed R3 500, MRP Home Ticks all the boxes Oak glass door cabinet R13 995, Biggie Best All in bloom Floral embroidered scatter R275, Woolworths Hooked on you Rome iron hook R195, Coricraft Candles in the dark Liana chandelier R3 695, Block & Chisel So cosy Melody Herringbone throw R250, Woolworths STOCKISTS @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Biggie Best 021 534 8662, biggiebestwebshop.co.za Block & Chisel 021 691 0878, blockandchisel.co.za Coricraft 011 611 8700, coricraft.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Silo Designs 079 563…

GO GEOMETRIC Reds in Diamonds (1 350mm wide) R415/m, INCdecor Geo Bright Colour by Suzy Amoils R605/m², Robin Sprong Trellis Candy Brights in pink (1 350mm wide) R415/m, INCdecor SECRET GARDEN Exotic Flowers by Soil Designs R680/m², Robin Sprong Orla Plum by Skinny laMinx R605/m², Robin Sprong Pagoda and Palms by Jim Thompson (1 370mm wide) R1 875/m, Lula Fabrics MAKE AN IMPRESSION Fired Earth (10m x 53cm) R380/roll, Builders Jungle Tile in teal (1 300mm wide) R504/m, Design Team Woodpile Spruce by Skinny laMinx R605/m², Robin Sprong CALL OF NATURE Parrots Black by Soil Designs R680/m², Robin Sprong Indira Damson (10.05m x 52cm) R2 188.80/roll, Hertex Butterfly House by Jim Thompson (1 370mm wide) R1 875/m, Lula Fabrics FLOWER POWER Bouquet by Rebel Walls R1 080/m², St Leger &…

Email experts@homemag.co.za Go with the flow Erizna du Plessis writes We purchased our first home two years ago and I’m still struggling with the layout of our TV room. It’s right in the middle of our house and has no windows to provide natural light. And with large doorways to the kitchen and dining room on either side, the layout of the furniture just doesn’t work. I’d really like a French theme with light, natural colours throughout the house. Please help me to make this space comfortable, sociable and stylish. Germarie Bruwer and Margaux Tait of homeology.co.za reply The most important element in a multifunctional room such as this is furniture arrangement. Having a practical floor plan with the right size furniture allows for a seamless flow and a comfortable…

Snuggle buddies Edi and Jangles – brothers from different mothers! – Janice Nightingale, Johannesburg Send us your home videos! Do you have a funny home video of your furry friends? Post it on Facebook or Instagram and use #TuisHomePets or email it to pets@homemag.co.za. The clip shouldn’t be longer than 30 seconds and must be your own original footage. This month, the winner will receive either a large Paw x 4, a Kitty Castle or a voucher from Wag World; go to wagworld.co.za. Cat’s eye view Adopted kitten Casper always finds the highest spot in the house for the perfect vantage point. – Joey McDonald, Vereeniging Good morning, world! Jack Russell Laura gets ready for the day. – Alta Henning, Clocolan Pot-purrrr-i The pot-pourri bowl is just the spot for…

If you choose the right bulbs and plant a wide variety, you’ll have plants in flower every season. – Graham Duncan What is a bulb? Bulbs, tubers (corms, tuberous roots) and rhizomes are all called bulbs. Despite their different appearance and growth habits, they share one important quality: apart from the evergreen species, bulbs collect food during the growing period via the plant’s leaves and store it in their underground ‘pantry’ for the dormant period. True bulbs such as Lachenalia are round or oval with a pointed end and have relatively soft scales. Corms such as Watsonia species and rhizomes such as Agapanthus species are relatively hard. Autumn is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. Take your pick from the a multitude on offer at your local nursery – and…

How to grow For soft luscious stems and leaves, grow celery in well-composted soil in partial shade or morning sun. Water regularly and fertilise with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser such as Vita Nitro Boost 8:1:1 or Vita Green 5:1:5. Tip of the month Celery is a good companion plant for the winter veggie garden; plant it with leeks, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower and onions. Did you know? Dried celery leaves can be used as a salt substitute. Grind the leaves into a powder to use as flavoursome celery salt. Common problems Under-watering and growing in full sun will result in stringy, tough and thin celery stalks. Uses Cook with onions and carrots to form the flavour base for soups and add to green salad, potato salad, cream cheese, curry and savoury muffins.…

About 12 years ago, we started collecting various succulents and cacti as a hobby. This has developed to such a degree that we are currently able to offer more than 30 different species to the public – all are waterwise and well suited to Western Cape conditions. – Eben and Cleo Roux of 4 Plants, Penhill Where and when {VENUE} Tokara wine and olive farm, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch {DATE} Saturday 9 April {TIME} 09:00–14:00 {COST} R20 per person Tokara’s beautiful gardens will also be open to visitors during the fair. For more information, call 082 894 6405 or visit rareplantfair.co.za. Not many gardeners can resist buying n plants and if you love collecting rare or unusual specimens – or would like to acquire something out of the ordinary for your…

Curried mince Under R75 • Serves 4 (with leftovers) Preparation time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 25 minutes • 15ml oil• 400g mince• 1 sweet potato (about 400g) cut into 1cm cubes• 1 tin (410g) Chakalaka• 1 tin (410 g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained• 1 tin (410g) tomato and onion mix 1 Heat the oil in a pan and fry the mince and sweet potato together until the mince is brown. Break up the mince continually with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. 2 Add the remaining ingredients and about 250ml boiling water – rinse the tins out with the water to get every last drop of flavour into the pan. Simmer for about 20 minutes and serve with steamed rice, a spoonful of yoghurt or sour cream and cucumber salad. Tip Add…

For the umpteenth time this week, my husband and I had to search for our house keys. We wanted to get going, but where exactly were those darn keys? Fortunately, I have a husband with a sense of humour; he laughed when we finally found them: in the refrigerator. Where I’d put them when I wanted to chill a bottle of white wine quickly before we went out. We locked the house and left, solemnly promising each other (again) that we would pay more attention to always putting our keys in the same place, because sometimes he also leaves them in strange places. Like on top of the refrigerator, which (of course) is worse than in the fridge. My husband told me a story about his father and mother. When…