Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Home

Other than a boisterous bunch from Germany, we were recently the only guests at an inn in Greece. Yorgos, the owner, warned us in advance: “There will be noise. Maybe I find you different place.” But I know the inn well, with its view over the Aegean Sea and the church bells of the nearby Greek Orthodox Church that toll mournfully three times if anyone in the village passes away. “We don’t mind noise,” I tell Yorgos, and confirm the booking. The inn has a communal kitchen and in the mornings this room is a clamour of voices and laughter. And spoons clinking against cups and bowls. I can speak about three words of German but the group of young people, all from Bavaria, were keen to chat. We were…

ON THE BOX Home to Win (starting 19 August on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv) sees 20 of Canada’s favourite renovation stars teaming up to create a dream home. Contractors, designers and DIY experts come together under one roof, transforming an ordinary home into an extraordinary space. Once the house has been located, the crew divides into teams to renovate and decorate it from top to bottom. In each episode, newly completed rooms are revealed and in the final episode, three competitors go head-to-head to win the gorgeous fully-furnished home. FREE STATE WINE SHOW 2–3 August: Ilanga Estate Boutique Hotel, Bloemfontein Enjoy well-loved iconic blends along with new up-and-coming wines at the annual Free State Wine Show. Up to 200 wines will be available – from sparkling wines to full-bodied…

Perfect match Keen to create storage space for “all the ‘ugly’ things that come with braaing, such as tongs and firelighters”, Tania de Clercq had cupboards installed on either side of the indoor braai in her Brackenfell home. To match the wood stored in the middle section, she had rounds cut from pieces of braai wood which were then glued onto the cupboard doors! In the corner The stairs in stylist Amanda van Wyngaardt’s Randburg townhouse were built more than 20 years ago. “I imagine this was a space-saving design,” she says. “The previous owners had the gas fireplace custom built by Heatwave to fit perfectly into the staircase – there wasn’t a convenient spot for it in the living area. We love it as it warms up the downstairs…

Millions of hosts around the globe have opened their homes to guests as a result of this home sharing platform. Airbnb has taken the world by storm, and South Africa is no exception. From earning a supplemental income to becoming full-time hospitality entrepreneurs, thanks to the global footprint of Airbnb you can start an exciting new venture or uplevel your existing Airbnb listing. How do you set up an Airbnb listing that guests enjoy, what should you charge, what happens on the rare occasion that something goes wrong…? Home magazine, in partnership with Airbnb, is hosting a conference aimed at existing and aspiring Airbnb hosts and will present company representatives, experts and fun guests to help you make the most of your home sharing adventure. With knowledgeable speakers, exciting presentations,…

Des Armstrong of Hadeda says their Mexican Talavera (clay glazed) tiles, as used here for the splashback as well as for the trim around the concrete braai, are suitable for indoors and out. They are for use on walls only and need not be sealed. “Clients often choose our Talavera tiles for their vibrant patterns and colour, and the current trend is to use a combination of different patterns together,” says Des. “When the same pattern is used, as in this kitchen, it ties a space together beautifully, especially when matched with appliances or other interior themes.” CONTACT 011 788 5774, hadeda-tiles.com…

The Marees opted for powder-coated aluminium security shutters from American Shutters for the kitchen door that leads out onto the veggie garden. Karina Palmer of American Shutters says their range has a number of advantages: • The shutters are easy to clean, making them a hygienic choice for high-moisture areas like the kitchen. • A unique gear tilt eliminates the need for visible tilt rods, giving the shutters a stylish finish and allowing for uninterrupted views through the louvres. It also allows the louvres to fit snugly against the shutter framework for a smooth look, better light control and privacy. • Integrated cover strips on the louvres close the gaps between the shutter panels, improving light control and privacy. • Strip-proof Italian locks secure the top and bottom of the…

• If you find the ‘perfect spot’ but need to change almost everything, it’s not worth it. Find something that’s already a ‘shell’ for what you envisage. • Look for a bargain and join forces like Michelle and I did to make it affordable. • If you’re investing in a weekend getaway spot, don’t go for something too far away – heading out on a Friday afternoon should not feel like a mission. If you plan to list the property on Airbnb, proximity to urban areas will ensure more bookings. • Check the basics: if the plumbing is bust or any structural elements are compromised, it’s not worth it. A renovation is always more expensive than you anticipate, so avoid any nasty surprises and, if necessary, get an expert opinion…

Teracoat managing director Warren Varrie says resin flooring is very popular in Europe but is relatively new in South Africa. “Over the six years that we’ve been installing resin floors in Africa, we’ve seen it grow in popularity. It’s versatile, suits any style and doesn’t intrinsically crack or have sealers that wear out. It’s also warm, hardwearing, scratch-resistant and soft underfoot – and it can easily be repaired if the floor is damaged,” he explains. A Teracoat resin floor takes about five days to install (it’s a five layer, 7mm system) and two days to cure. It’s available in six colours and best suited for indoor use. It can be installed over tiles. Prices start at R550/m2 . CONTACT 011 463 7775, flooring.teracoat.co.za…

You will need • 250ml Tjhoko Paint in the following colours: Stéffan, Nade, Fine Lining, Vinia Stone • 50mm paintbrush • old rag and mutton cloth • Tjhoko Waterslide Transfer • 80-grit sandpaper • 250ml Clear Glaze Here’s how... 1 Remove the handles and clean the dresser with a cloth dipped in lacquer thinners, then wait about 20–30 minutes until dry. Apply masking tape to those parts that will not be painted. 2 Paint the first colour (we used Stéffan). Wait until dry (20–30 minutes or longer in winter and at the coast), then apply a second colour (Nade on the drawers and cupboard doors, Fine Lining on the rest). 3 Wait until dry, then apply a whitewash technique using the third colour (Vinia Stone): moisten a piece of mutton cloth with water…

Bedroom blues Jenny Gouws of Emalahleni writes I need some help with the placement of furniture in my bedroom; at the moment, it doesn’t flow and feels disjointed. It’s a large room – 6.5 x 6m – that opens onto an enclosed pool and braai area. I love my wardrobes and was considering painting them; I like French country décor, but I don’t have a massive budget. I’d also love to place a big chandelier in the centre of the room. I thought about putting my bed against the wall next to the door; there is a section of wall jutting out to the right of where the bed is currently located. I love the chairs but they need to be updated with new upholstery; I’m also unsure of where…

WHO LIVES HERE? Annelie Carstens WHERE Durbanville SIZE 50m² Annelie Carstens’ kitchen renovation made it to the Top 3 in our 2012 Fix it with Flair competition, but seven years later it was starting to look dated. Recently, her entire home was the star of our 1,2,3 Fix It! TV programme (in conjunction with BUCO, Timbercity and Afrikaans lifestyle channel VIA) in which three teams tackled a renovation, room by room. The yellow team, consisting of Jacques Müller and Justin Duckitt, were tasked with the kitchen makeover. They are no strangers to us as their own cottage renovation in Nieu-Bethesda saw them being crowned the Fix it with Flair winners in 2017. Annelie’s dream for her home has always been to remove the wall between the kitchen and spacious living…

Out and about… Hide ’n seek This beauty was spotted in the veld while we were on holiday. – Kayla-Jane Watson (14), Jeffreys Bay Spot the cat Irish finds the ideal hideout. – Laurella Wallace, Durbanville On the wagon Alfie is going places! – Leani Loots, Adelaide Fun in the park Bismarc, Katryn, Chloe, Wallace and Otto are pooped after a good run around. – Claudia Heunis, Midstream, Pretoria Ready, steady, go! Cocker Spaniels Hugo and Sophie are all geared up for their walk in Newlands Forest. – Andrew Vermaak, Cape Town On the job Bailey takes a well-deserved nap after all her hard work. – Emily Moya, Villiersdorp Hot product Show Foot (R375, apetslife.co.za) prevents slipping and is a great alternative to shoes for older dogs that are struggling…

We love succulents! Pencil tree With its fiery red and yellow tips, Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’ has wowed gardeners from the moment of its introduction. It is an almost perfect garden plant: drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, resilient and versatile. It can grow into a tree or be kept at knee height. How to grow Plant in full sun in well-drained, lightly-composted soil. Plants can also cope with rocky outcrops and sloping embankments as well as sandy soil, which makes them suitable for coastal gardens. Water once every two weeks in summer, letting the soil dry out before watering. To encourage the growth of young plants, plant in composted soil and feed with a liquid fertiliser. Garden uses This versatile plant thrives in beds that receive hot afternoon sun. It is useful as a…

New in nurseries Busy Lizzies are back! After being wiped out of home gardens by the downy mildew fungus, a new disease-free, fast-growing bedding impatiens is available for spring. Impatiens ‘Beacon’ was trialled in South Africa last year alongside varieties that are susceptible to downy mildew and it remained healthy and flowering while the other varieties died. Available in bright red, orange, violet, salmon, white and coral, as well as a mix, Impatiens ‘Beacon’ is a low-growing, floriferous plant that does best in shade to semi-shade and requires well-composted soil and regular watering. Feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser to encourage plentiful flowers. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za STOCKISTS Gardena 010 591 3988, gardena.com/za Grovida 031 205 2872, grovidasa.co.za Kirchhoffs 011 794 2316, kirchhoffs.co.za Makro 0860 600 999, makro.co.za…

Nola cultivates many of her plants from seeds and cuttings. All the vygies in the garden were propagated from a mere handful of plants. “I also have a silver tree or two that I grew from seed. I sow the seeds between the chip stone in the garden to prevent the birds from eating it. The stones protect the seeds and provide enough heat for them to germinate underneath. My indigenous spring-flowering bulbs such as Freesias and Sparaxis also multiply readily. I actually forget where they are but because we don’t dig over the garden, they come up again every year.” NOORDHOEK OPEN GARDENS 2019 Nola’s garden is open to the public during the annual Noordhoek Open Gardens to be held on 19 and 20 October. For more information, email…

• Most succulents need full sun, or sun for at least half the day. • Succulents don’t require a lot of water – they are more likely to die from too much rather than too little water. Make sure the soil drains well. It’s a good idea to add coarse sand to the soil to improve drainage. In winter, if it hasn’t rained, I only water once every few weeks; the rest of the year, the succulents are dependent on rainwater. The succulents in the hothouse and on the veranda get a small amount of water every week. • Although I add thick layers of compost to the rest of my garden and always provide mulch, this is not necessary in a succulent garden. Succulents thrive in sandy soil. •…

There are five Cotelydon orbiculata varieties that occur in different habitats across South Africa – some have bigger foliage, some have leaves that are more grey or green, while others have smaller leaves or unusually shaped foliage. C. orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Takbok’ has grey foliage resembling stag horns, while C. orbiculata var. oblonga ‘Flavida’ has leaves that look like fingers. Flowering seasons vary from late summer to autumn and also winter. Plant all the different varieties to add interest and texture to your waterwise borders!…

Chicken casserole with tomatoes Under R135 • Makes 4 generous servings Preparation time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 35 minutes • 8 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) • 5ml chicken spice • 30ml olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 250g mushrooms, sliced • 125ml white wine • 8 bottled Peppadews, sliced • 1 tin tomatoes with garlic and herbs • 100g olives, pitted 1 Season the chicken well with the spices, salt and pepper to taste. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden-brown. Add the onion and mushrooms and fry for a few more minutes until browned. 2 Stir in the wine and cook for a few minutes. Stir in the Peppadews, tomatoes and olives and simmer for 25 minutes or until cooked and fragrant. Serve with mashed potatoes, bread, rice or pasta. Tip Feel…

INSPIRE YOUR inner biophiliac and restore your connection to nature with pieces that have been made to last, crafted from the best quality, sustainably sourced woods. Every piece in our Fossil range of bedroom, dining and living room furniture has been made in Vietnam from solid acacia wood, wirebrushed for a smoother, more even finish. The Fossil range is made from wood that has been sustainably grown and sourced in Vietnam.…

WINNING LETTER Home sweet home Belinda Milner of Bapsfontein writes Wicus, I read your letter in the December 2018 issue and was determined to reply to your question: “Where is your favourite place on earth?” However, being me, things went astray (mostly my mind) but I’ve somehow managed to circle back... We bought a smallholding in October 2017 with a house that was little more than a squat -– it needed a lot of work! Inspired by Home (and equally frustrated due to finances), we set about turning this grotty house into a home we love. It seems like there’s a never-ending list of things to do. We decided from the get-go that we would save and fix, so we still don’t have ceilings and the outside desperately needs to…

Gentle curves Minima, run by architect Jacques Cronje of Jacques Cronje Timber Design, has added the new Radius seating range, including this gorgeous kitchen stool (R2 880, unstained), to their collection of lighting and furniture products. Expressing a love of geometry, clean lines and comfortability, the stool is made from sustainable birch plywood and is suitable for indoor or covered outdoor areas. See more at minima.co.za. Create, innovate! WHO Theresa McGill WHERE Skukuza, Kruger National Park BUSINESS Miss Milly HER WORK When Theresa’s husband Mark landed his dream job in anti-poaching, she’d lie awake at night, worrying about his safety. Instead of counting sheep, she began doing little craft projects using washi tape. “I washitaped everything I could find, from brooches to pegs,” she says. From there, her stationery and…

WHO LIVES HERE? Arno and Melanie Carstens with their son Hayden (7) and two dogs, Bucket and Steven WHERE Cairnside, Simonstown SIZE 722m² Having lived in nearby Clovelly and Kalk Bay, award-winning musician and fine artist Arno Carstens and his wife and manager Melanie were already familiar with the low-key vibe of the Southern Peninsula when they bought their expansive coastal property three years ago. “The location is amazing because we’re directly across from the Glencairn tidal pool and beach,” says Melanie. “The area is very laid-back and still fairly undeveloped. It’s heavenly if you consider that it’s just a 30-minute drive from the Cape Town CBD.” Interestingly, it wasn’t just the sensational sea views that sealed the deal. “We were also struck by the dome-shaped ceiling in the living…

To create an efficient well-organised kitchen, it’s important to take into account your unique needs, says Mholi Mthembu, architect and owner of Mad Design Studios. Here are his top tips: • If you have space, consider a scullery with plenty of storage options; this should include a combination of closed and open shelves with the closed shelves accommodating functional items that don’t always look good. A scullery can also accommodate appliances such as a dishwasher, waste disposal and recycling units, and detergents. A large sink is a must-have for washing items such as an electric frying pan which can’t go in the dishwasher. • The allocation of storage must be well planned. Keep items such as glasses, plates and cutlery near the sink. Pots, utensils and spices are best kept…

It’s important to seal wooden surfaces in a kitchen to protect them from moisture and scratches, says Frikkie Greeff of Woodoc. “Applying a good quality sealant such as Woodoc 25 or Woodoc Water-Borne Floor on wooden floors can keep them beautiful for decades,” he explains. “The same products may be used on wooden countertops, splashbacks and even cabinetry to prevent water- and heat damage as well as scratches.” Woodoc 25 is available in a satin or matte finish; Woodoc Water-Borne Floor is available in gloss and matte and is non-yellowing. CONTACT 0800 411 200, woodoc.com…

Martina and Michelle offer the following tips: • Do as much as you can yourself, even if it takes a bit longer. • If you use sub-contractors, make sure you’re on site to supervise during the renovations. Otherwise, employ someone you trust to fill that position – it will save you money in the long run. • Look for bargains, especially if you’re going to decorate with bespoke or collector’s items. This takes time, but it’s worth it. • You can save a lot by making small compromises, such as painting a floor as opposed to adding another expensive finish like tiles. • Recycling and repurposing items is a great way to keep your budget under control.…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE  Hard labour 5/10 Skill level 5/10 Time needed 5–6 hours Do it yourself for ± R6 500: wood R6 300, nails R38, Alcolin Acrylic Sealant R25, sandpaper R10, wood filler R30, screws R50 Project notes • We clad an area of about 8.5m² above the kitchen cabinets, between two side walls. Adjust the material quantities and measurements according to the area you wish to clad. • Measure meticulously before you cut. • Sand your planks beforehand. • Remember to drill pilot holes. You will need SHOPPING LIST • 30 pine floorboards (3.6m each) • 10 planed pine planks, 1 800 x 22 x 44mm in size (vertical struts) • six planed pine planks, 2 400 x 12 x 144mm in size (windowsill) • six planed pine planks,…

Calling in the professionals to install a new kitchen can be expensive; you’re looking at between R100 000 and R200 000 (or more!) for a complete overhaul. While it will up the value of your home, it’s not in everyone’s budget. Luckily, there are a few hacks to help you achieve a brand-new look at a fraction of the cost – like in Annelie Carstens’ Durbanville kitchen where her makeover came in under R35 000. Jacques Müller and Justin Duckitt, accomplished DIY renovators, share their tips on renovating your kitchen on a budget: 1 Start off by getting rid of everything that’s outdated and tacky, whether it be old appliances or tiles on the walls. Removing tiles yourself is not as hard as it looks: simply remove the grout between…

Marina Brodie of Pretoria writes My young son wants to keep a pair of birds; I’ve never had a pet bird so I’m not sure how to care for them. Any advice? Dr Dorianne Elliott, a member of the South African Veterinary Association, replies There are many bird species that are successfully kept as pets, with the parrot and canary families being particularly popular. Consider these factors: Smoke/toxic fumes Birds do not make good pets in homes where people smoke! The passive inhalation of cigarette smoke is known to cause respiratory disease, irritation of the skin and chronic eye problems, and these predispose the birds to developing secondary bacterial infections that may prove fatal. Many common household cleaning agents release fumes with a similar effect, and care should be taken…

Joe van Zyl of Ficksburg writes I was not able to prune my ‘Tourmaline’ hybrid tea roses in July. Is August too late? Ludwig replies In very cold areas such as the eastern Free State and Drakensberg, pruning is best done in the second half of August. In any case, pruning later is better than not pruning at all. Remember though that the later you prune, the later the rose bushes will flower. Lauren Smit of Pretoria writes I planted ‘Artista Panarosa’ climbing roses to cover a pergola last year. How do I prune them? Ludwig replies It depends on how much the roses have grown. The initial older stems can be cut out, as well as any straggly side shoots. Tie the longer arching canes against the frame of…

WHO LIVES HERE? Nola Muller Viotti WHERE Noordhoek, Cape Town SIZE OF GARDEN About 500m² TYPE OF SOIL Mainly clay Indigenous plants take centre stage in Nola Muller Viotti’s Noordhoek garden. And thanks to these plants, her garden is colourful and vibrant all year round. “I can say with a fair degree of certainty that 95% of my plants are endemic to the Western Cape. It is really only the aloes and some Ericas that don’t occur here naturally. With so many plants from the region, I can be sure that there’ll be something in bloom all the time. My garden also attracts an abundance of birds, butterflies, bees, lizards, leopard toads, vlei rats, field mice and the odd snake,” she says. Nola and her late husband Gianni started their…

• Aloes are stunning, even when they are not in flower. • The silver trees are very special. Although they grow tall over time, they never dominate the garden. • March lilies that re-emerge and bloom every year without any fuss. • The small white agapanthus is such a dependable little plant that flowers for long periods in summer. • Crassulas need little water and are so beautiful with their symmetrical leaves. • My yellowwood tree is always green and even though it grows slowly, it is exciting to see how it has developed over the years. • My pincushions put on a magnificent display for months on end. Leucospermum erubescens is my favourite; it has a long flowering season from September right through to January. • The vygies are…

• Cotyledon orbiculata – its whitish-grey circular leaves add wonderful contrast and shape to the garden (see page 112). • Echeveria ‘Afterglow’ – this plant has spectacular flowers and its pinkish-lavender leaves literally glow. • Blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens) – it has magnificent turquoise-blue foliage. • Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ – in summer it is soft and pretty with long stalks of white flowers and in winter it turns a bright burnt-orange. • Echeveria gibbiflora ‘Rosea’ – this plant is so ornamental with its frilly red and green leaves. • Aloes of all types and sizes – I love them because they make strong statements in the garden, are indigenous and flower profusely in winter. • Agaves – there are so many that are spectacular: Agave potatorum is smaller and compact with…

Rooibos koesisters This dish is my take on Kubra Mohamed’s recipe in Bo-Kaap Kitchen – using rooibos, aniseed, cinnamon and lemon zest. Makes about 30 koesisters Preparation time: 2 hours Cooking time: about 35 minutes • 125ml light brown sugar • 60g softened butter • 175ml rooibos tea, hot • 125ml milk • 10ml each cinnamon and aniseed • 10g instant yeast • 1 medium egg • 500g flour, plus a little extra for kneading • oil for deep-frying • desiccated coconut for rolling SYRUP • 250ml water • 250ml light brown sugar • 1 strip orange peel 1 Mix the sugar and butter and stir in the hot tea to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar, followed by the milk to cool it again. Make sure the mixture is lukewarm – if it is too hot, the yeast will lose its…

Make it beautiful The fabulous fabrics featured in our ‘Cooking with spices’ story on page 114 are from the delightful Isobel Sippel Studio, a collaborative creative space where a deep love of textiles and beautiful things reigns. Visit Shop 5, Salt Circle Arcade in Cape Town or shop online at isobelsippel.com. GREETINGS! A gesture that symbolises a greeting between friends and a simple yet clear message that invites people to enjoy the good life is what Kunjani Wines wishes to convey with its newly designed and updated wine labels. Situated high up on the Bottelary Hills outside Stellenbosch, the boutique winery boasts a building design that puts a modern twist on Cape Dutch architecture. Fun details in the interior of the restaurant and tasting room such as the graphic wallpaper…

OUR CAREFULLY selected, all natural full grain Freehand leathers are free from artificial processing and pigments and are finished entirely by hand. These natural surfaces are rich in colour and authentically soft and warm to the touch, hand-finished to gracefully absorb the marks and scratches that occur with use. Each piece will develop a rich patina over time, wearing in rather than out, looking better with age. All the styles in our Freehand range are available in 1 seater and 3 seater options.…

THE OXFORD RANGE WITH 168 WAYS TO CUSTOMISE IT, THE OXFORD COUCH CANNOT BE MATCHED. Our Oxford is our bestselling couch by far, and for good reason. A contemporary design that suits all spaces and styles, sturdy frame and time-tested durability, at the most desirable price. DESIGN YOUR OWN 7 COLOURS LEATHERLIKE: Nubuck Stone, Brown, Grey, Black, Saddle Tan LINEN: Charcoal || VELVET: Oyster Stone 6 SIZES Ottoman, 1 Seater, 3 Seater Corner Units (Right-Hand and Left-Hand Facing) Full Corner Unit 4 LEG OPTIONS METAL: Classic Chrome || Black V WOOD: ScandiOak || Walnut OXFORD LUXE OXFORD MIX…

1 ACCOUNT Buy on arevolving credit plan. Open an account and get the opportunity to pay for your purchase over a period of 6 months (interest free), or 12 months. Enjoy added rewards and discounts as aTFG Rewards member. 2 CREDIT TOP UP Temporary credit limit increase. Get a temporary credit limit increase on your account so you can get your desired item right away. Once paid in full, your original credit limit will apply. 3 BIG BUY Buy now with once-off credit. Now you can get those larger, more valuable items with a Big Buy once-off credit account and pay more affordable installments over a longer term. You don’t need a TFG account to apply, and once your purchase has been paid off, the account will be closed. *…

• Don’t be afraid to suggest a lay-by payment option to second-hand dealers. I’ve found most to be very accommodating, especially if it secures the sale. By the same token, if you want to build trust and be afforded the luxury of credit terms again, it’s vital that you make payments timeously and consistently. • Measure your space carefully; rather ask someone who is good at taking accurate measurements to assist you if it’s not your thing. I’ve had to have several pieces modified – or even sell them – because they didn’t fit the space for which they were intended. • Don’t buy something just because it’s affordable. Be patient and wait for the perfect piece to come around – it will. • I love repurposing furniture for a…

• Always ask suppliers for recommendations. That’s how I found The Southern Art Ceramic Studio where I got the beautiful tiles for the wall and floor near my stove. • Don’t be afraid to draw your own layout before having it done professionally. This is a good way to visualise what works for you before you take on the opinions of others. • Make moodboards! For this kitchen, I created one from images I found in Home. Include things like various shades of grey that you’d like paired with existing items and colours. I had my heart set on charcoal kitchen cupboards but after making the moodboard I realised they wouldn’t suit the rest of the space and so I went for a light grey – which I love! •…

Karen opted for downlights in her kitchen with a chandelier above the dining table. Eben Kruger of Eurolux suggests the following for optimal kitchen lighting: Consider layered lighting: this includes downlights for general illumination, task lighting for prep areas, and accent lighting such as chandeliers and wall sconces to highlight feature pieces. A layered effect serves a functional purpose and it brings a room to life visually. When it comes to positioning downlights, each one should illuminate 2–2.5m2 and be situated about 40cm away from any cabinets for ultimate light distribution. A popular position for pendant lights is over the island, while chandeliers also work well above the island or a dining table. CONTACT 021 528 8400, eurolux.co.za…

The chalk paint trend just keeps on growing! And whether you’ve decorated an old piece of furniture or revamped a melamine kitchen with Tjhoko Paint, we want to showcase your creativity. Proudly South African Tjhoko Paint has enthusiasts redecorating their homes all over the country. Because it’s self-sealing and requires no sanding before application, transforming something old into something new and beautiful has never been easier. Show us what you’ve done and you could be SA’s very first Tjhoko Champ! Not only that but you also stand a chance of winning fantastic prizes – and being featured in Home as an inspiration to all our readers. How it works To enter, all you have to do is jazz something up with Tjhoko Paint, take a picture and upload it (with…

In today’s world of ever-changing trends, a dynamic kitchen that adapts to your needs, space and style is a must – and Milestone Kitchens offers just that. Known for its all-in-one kitchen features, the award-winning manufacturer boasts a range of elegant and functional freestanding units available in three gorgeous styles: African Allure, French Flair and Swedish Style. Each piece is carefully handcrafted and constructed using a combination of solid pine and Supawood, which can be painted in the colour of your choice. This means that not only can you mix, match and move your kitchen to your heart’s content, but you can also customise this space to complement the rest of your home. Milestone Kitchens units are available online and items can be delivered to your doorstep. Alternatively, pop into…

Art for everyday scenes Luka du Plessis of Despatch writes According to my parents, this painting is an original work by A.L. Grace. Frame excluded, it measures 500 x 360mm but other than that I have no information on it. Is it valuable? Kayleen Wrigley of Walker Scott Art Advisory replies Alfred Lyndon Grace was a British artist of the Victorian School, best known for his genre paintings often depicting cricket games, fishing scenes, military subjects and, occasionally, animals and flowers. Due to the broad yet unchallenging thematic nature of Grace’s work, his pieces held universal appeal. High demand for his artworks led Grace to reproduce them as engravings, making them more affordable and accessible to a larger audience. This painting is typical of Grace’s very relatable style. It’s a…

Remember August is regarded as the windiest month in many parts of the country, so take precautions in your garden. Stake standard roses securely to prevent the top section from snapping off. Young trees and newly planted shrubs will also need sturdy stakes so that their emerging roots are not damaged. And keep an eye on moisture levels as hot and dry winds will leave the soil extremely parched. Busy bees BEE SANCTUARIES Morgan Freeman is well known as an actor and film director but did you know he is also an avid environmentalist? Concerned about the loss of natural food sources that have led to a rapid decline in the population of wild bees, 81-year-old Freeman has converted his ranch in Charleston, Mississippi into a bee sanctuary to conserve…

Waiting period Riana Fourie asks on Facebook If you spray a lemon tree with Plant Care, can you eat the lemons already on the tree, or should you rather wait for it to bear new fruit? JJ replies Plant Care usually stays in the plant for three weeks. Wait for four weeks; any fruit the lemon tree bears after that can be picked and eaten. Tree infestation Rene Ernst of Randburg writes What is this white mildew on my tree and what can I use to treat it? It is also spreading to my other trees; please help! JJ replies This is a type of scale and the best route to follow is to make a mixture of the Makhro products, Plant Care and SK Eco Oil, and spray the tree with…

• If you have clay soil, dig the planting hole through the clay into the subsoil where the soil is softer, says Nola. This will also improve drainage. When you plant, mix the clay with a little mushroom compost. • Be mindful of the time of year when you cut back your fynbos. Pruning time differs from plant to plant. For example, I cut my proteas back once they start to form new leaves. And when the Ericas become woody and untidy, it’s their turn. Cutting back helps the shrubs to grow more densely. • Gazanias are such a valuable groundcover but can become leggy after a while. I lift them after they’ve bloomed but before the rainy season and then tidy them up and replant them. • Leave sufficient space…

This indigenous succulent is perfect for a waterwise garden. It grows easily, needs little water and looks great in any corner of the garden – in a rockery, a flowerbed or in a pot in a sunny spot. Even when not in flower, its interesting foliage adds texture to the garden. Pig’s ears (Cotyledon orbiculata) like well-drained soil. Although they mostly prefer full sun, they will also tolerate semi-shade under trees. During the flowering season, pig’s ears bear clusters of small tubular-shaped flowers at the end of long stems carried above the attractive foliage. These bright little blooms, mostly orange-red in colour, will attract bees and sunbirds to your garden. Some of the varieties have foliage with a thin red margin that adds to their appeal. Pig’s ear blooms and…

1 Bring 2L of fresh full-cream milk slowly to the boil (it must just start to bubble and steam), stirring constantly so that the milk does not burn. Remove from the heat and stir in about 30ml apple cider vinegar and, for extra flavour if you like, about 15ml fresh lemon juice. 2 The mixture should immediately start to curdle and separate into the crumbly curds (paneer) and whey. Leave to stand for about 10 minutes for the mixture to separate completely. If the whey is not slightly yellow and watery after 10 minutes, add a little more vinegar. 3 Place a colander over a large mixing bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Pour, or carefully spoon, the separated mixture into the cloth so that the whey drips through into…

Sometimes it just happens. You wake up and the whole world is topsy-turvy. Something is just out of kilter. You don’t know what it is, but it is rubbing you up the wrong way. You know how it goes. You get up and do your usual rise-’nshine stuff, like opening the curtains. But one of them won’t budge. You give it a tug. And then another. And then you lose it. A wild rage flares up inside you. With the utmost self-restraint you refrain from wrenching the damn thing off its rails and flinging it on the floor. Then jumping on it, before hurling it out of the window with great force. In this kind of mood, I’m often reminded of my notoriously cantankerous Oupa. If he got up on…

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THE NAPOLI RANGE SOPHISTICATED AND sustainably sourced the dark stain solid acacia of the Napoli range is contrasted with elegantly understated Art Deco style brass details. Made in Vietnam, the straight silhouettes speak of an eastern influence. This collection extends to every room with a full range from dining tables and consoles to bedroom storage and home office furniture. The Napoli bed is also available in Double, Queen and King Extra Length. NAPOLI MIX NAPOLI LUXE NAPOLI CLASSIC Terms & Conditions apply. All prices and information are correct at the time of going to print. Prices and product availability are subject to change without notice. Please visit our website for current stock and prices.…

The smooth shape of round dining tables creates a sense of communal warmth and encourages more intimate conversation making it well suited for agathering of loved ones for a meal. The lack of edges brings an added softness and better flow to the room and is ideal for fitting in to and opening up smaller spaces. CLASSIC LUXE MIXED LUXE CLASSIC Terms & Conditions apply. All prices and information are correct at the time of going to print. Prices and product availability are subject to change without notice. Please visit our website for current stock and prices.…