Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2020 i Home

Good advice is worth its weight in gold and now that two readers – Heidi Lund of Swellendam and Wouter le Roux of Cape Town – have said the same thing, allow me to reiterate: it’s better to live in a house for a while before you start renovating it because a space reveals its secrets to you as the seasons come and go. As Wouter puts it: “You have to get used to a space before you make changes; that way you can plan the renovation down to the finest detail – like where to store the vacuum cleaner once the dust has settled…” And it’s not just the vacuum cleaner. It’s also the clothes rack for drying laundry indoors when it rains, a place for your books and…

Hive of activity This contemporary wine rack in Jackie and Danielle Uitenweerde’s home in Somerset West immediately catches the eye. Jackie is the owner of Design11, a company that laser-cuts decorative steel screens and structures for indoors and outdoors, and he conceptualised this design himself. The rack, inspired by the hexagonal cells of honeycomb, was cut from steel and then powder-coated in a soft golden colour. Visiting friends loved the rack so much that it has become part of the Design11 range. Known as The Hive, it is available in a variety of colours. Keep it cool Hans and Charlene Nieuwoudt made quite a few changes after moving into their home in Die Boord, Stellenbosch about five years ago. This space, originally part of the kitchen, is now partly an…

• Choose one of your favourites then add the complementary shade opposite it on the colour wheel. For example, to complement the pink couch in our lounge I used green on the other couch (see page 19). For the cushions, I used split complementary colours, violet and yellow; these are the colours on either side of pink and green on the wheel. Trust the colour wheel! • A monochromatic scheme is often used in houses, as it’s a safe bet and much easier to work with than colour. However, always add a splash of colour in the form of cushions, vases and a patterned or colourful rug. • Mix colours and textures. I’ve used linen and velvet together – I really love the feel of different textures on a couch,…

WHO LIVES HERE? Heidi and Peter Lund with their dogs Sweeti Pi and Buddi, cat Peanut, and a family of chickens WHERE Swellendam SIZE 150m2 When Heidi and Peter Lund moved into what was an almost 100-year-old house in Swellendam in April 2018, they planned to change just about everything. However, after establishing that almost all the internal walls were load-bearing and the plumbing and wiring needed to be replaced, the quote for the renovation soon exceeded the original price of the house. So they decided against a major renovation and opted to “dress the old dame in a different way” by utilising paint and colour to make their new home more cosy. “After living in the house for about five months, we realised that the building was actually very…

“Pellet fireplaces are similar to wood-burning fireplaces,” explains Leonardo Errera of Italfire. “But instead of burning firewood, it burns compressed hardwood pellets. You control the temperature by means of a thermostat attached to the device. You simply fill the hopper (pellet storage container) with pellets and with the push of a button your fireplace is lit.” A fan called a combustion blower pulls outside air into the stove and blows out smoke and fumes through a stainless-steel flue. Another fan called a convection blower sucks cold air in the room into the stove, where it is heated, and then recirculates the hot air, helping to distribute the heat evenly. The stove will automatically use the correct number of pellets to maintain a constant temperature – all you have to do…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 2/10 Skill level 2/10 Time needed Weekend project Do it yourself for ±R343 (excluding printed fabric*): batting R68, sheeting R132, bias binding R23, embroidery thread R120 *printed fabric from R350/m2 You will need SHOPPING LIST • 2 x 2m printed fabric • 2 x 2m batting • 2 x 2m sheeting • 10 x skeins of embroidery thread in the same colour • 10m bias binding TOOLS • scissors • pins • water-erasable marker • plank (144mm x 22mm x 2.4m) to use as spacer and straight edge (you can use a ruler, if you prefer) • embroidery needle • overlocker • sewing machine • iron Get started... 1 Place the printed fabric on the batting and cut the batting to the same size as…

Q: Where did Sonja and Francois Nolte find the three prints in their new dining area and braai room, as featured on page 62 of your March 2020 issue? – Lesley Mocke, Witbank A: The prints on either side of the braai were second-hand finds at the Milnerton Market; the bicycle print is from Home Depot (homedepotstores.co.za). Q: Where can I find the rug featured on page 59 of your March 2020 issue? – Denise Miller, Centurion A: The homeowner, Kay Price, bought two identical rugs at Weylandts (weylandts.co.za) and stitched them together to create the mirrored effect. Q: Your DIY contributor Shelley Bergh used a rattan mat for her cupboard revamp on page 67 of the March 2020 issue; where can I get something like that? – Annick de Freitas,…

Homeowner and interior designer Wouter le Roux shares his top tips for small spaces: Lightweight furniture Opt for chairs you can ‘see through’, a sofa on legs and multi-purpose or modular pieces like nesting and over-the-sofa tables. Add height with a tall floor lamp, plants and floor-to-ceiling doors. More light is better Choose finishes that reflect natural light, such as flooring in a light colour or glass doors as partitions. Thanks to dimmer switches – even in the bathroom and under counters – you can create the mood you want, whether hosting a cocktail party or getting stuck into a craft project. But never mix atmospheric and task lighting! Create storage Be sure to include clever storage solutions, especially for the five ‘horrors’ of a small apartment: the mop, vacuum…

Pete van Zyl of Port Elizabeth writes We’re planning a month-long holiday and we’ll be taking our two pooches with us. Any advice on what to pack for emergencies (we’ll be in remote places far from a vet)? Dr Omar Mehtar of TAH Sitari (Somerset West) replies If you take your pets on holiday, it’s always a good idea to find out beforehand where the local vets are situated. However, some of the more common scenarios can be treated or at least managed until a vet is available: Bee-stings Dogs are naturally inquisitive and often get stung on the nose or lip. It’s usually a little painful, then itchy and then the dog’s face starts to swell up. Some dogs also break out in hives (small bumps all over the…

The sting in the fruit Johan Squires of Bloemfontein writes The fruit on my orange and lemon trees is being stung by something. In previous years, the problem was limited to the orange tree but now the lemons are also affected. Once the ‘sting’ is visible on the skin of the fruit, the orange rots soon afterwards. JJ replies Generally, citrus is not stung by fruit flies but when this does happen, I recommend using Efekto Eco Fruitfly Bait. Apply to the branches and stems of the orange and lemon trees. The bait will attract the fruit flies away from the fruit. Re-apply regularly during the rainy season. Listen to JJ’s gardening tips and tricks on Derrich Gardner’s show Brekfis met Derrich at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG.…

John de Jager, owner of Stone Age in Klapmuts, shares his tips for using natural stone around your home: • The choice of stone will depend on personal taste, he says. “We often mix different types of stone to obtain various textures and colours. Different coloured cement can be used between the stones and sometimes we will even paint the stone. • Sandstone is an excellent option for high-traffic areas as it is not slippery when wet. It also doesn’t get too hot in sunny areas. • Dark stone on outdoor floor surfaces can get very hot in the summer sun, so choose wisely and keep in mind how much direct sun a particular area will get. • Be careful not to use slate near or in water as it…

WINNING LETTER Time to reflect Monique van Deventer of Hilton, KZN writes Since we bought our 10ha ‘fixer-upper’ smallholding six years ago, we’ve had plans drawn up and shelved, then redrawn and passed – and now we’ve canned the whole design and gone back to the drawing board for something more modest and affordable. In January, my husband left to work abroad for six weeks and I spent a lot of time on my New Year’s resolution to declutter and surprise him by repainting the inside of the house and learning to use a drill. I also watched a documentary on minimalism and while I’m not aiming to live in a beautiful ‘box’ like Christiaan Greyling (deserving winner of your 2019 Fix it with Flair Innovation category), I reflected on…

WHO LIVES HERE? Roy and Elise Parkhurst WHERE Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate, Franschhoek SIZE 440m² Nestled between the vineyards just under the Franschhoek Pass and boasting the most majestic views of the imposing Drakenstein Mountains and the small town below, you’ll find Roy and Elise Parkhurst’s home. And what a dreamy space it is… Initially, they planned a traditional H-shape home but in the end they opted for a house with a simple, easy flow – and a view from every window to make the most of their dramatic surroundings. When Roy and Elise bought their plot in the Fransche Hoek Agricultural Estate in 2007, they were relative ‘pioneers’ on this 100ha working farm with its olive trees, vineyards and abundance of unspoilt fynbos and nature trails. Located in the…

The Parkhursts chose an agricultural estate because of its mountainside surroundings, low density (93 erven on 100ha) and high security. According to estate agents Lynette Schoeman and Doug Gurr of Pam Golding Properties, there are pros and cons to living in such an environment: Pros • A sense of space. • Excellent security with automated access control complemented by 24-hour security guards. • Homeowners have access to fantastic walks and trails all within the convenience and comfort of the development. • A picturesque atmosphere complemented by vineyards and olive groves or horse stables and paddocks. • Some estates produce and offer owners estate wine, if located on a wine farm. • Some have facilities such as communal swimming pools, tennis courts or even a clubhouse. • Supreme privacy. Cons •…

• If you’re not sure which colour to use, study a favourite rug, wall hanging or picture and select one of the more subtle shades in that object to use as a highlight elsewhere. For example, a red elephant wall hanging in my dining room has a turquoise thread running through it and this inspired the turquoise walls. • Don’t be afraid to work with the colours you love – make sure these ‘echo’ throughout your home and resonate in your space. • Trust yourself! You don’t have to stay stuck in an old way of doing things – follow your instincts.…

A beautiful fireplace adds character to any room and value to your home. The choice of finishes is seemingly endless – gather a few ideas you love and start the process of elimination according to what your requirements, aesthetic and budget will allow, says Shelley Gordon-Williams of Malachite Interiors. “The simplest way to make your existing fireplace a feature is to style your mantlepiece, if you have one. Play with a display of ceramic vases or a lovely pair of wooden candlesticks, for example. Use larger pieces and items don’t have to be balanced either.” Shelley says that a statement mirror above a fireplace will reflect light and make a room feel bigger. Alternatively, an artwork can introduce colour and texture. Televisions installed above a fireplace are not ideal, unless…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 3/10 Skill level 6/10 Time needed 4 to 5 hours Make this shelf for ± R1 110: timber R980, screws R20, glue R30, sandpaper R10, wood filler R30, steel R40 PROJECT NOTES • Measure twice, so you only have to buy once. • Sand your planks beforehand. • Remember to drill pilot holes. #1 Trendy with steel You will need SHOPPING LIST • 22 x 69mm planed pine, cut to: two 1 540mm lengths (front) four 320mm lengths (sides) • 18mm plywood, cut to: four 1500 x 300mm shelving planks • pine wood filler • Alcolin Fast Set Glue • 25mm square tubing, cut to: four 300mm lengths and two 400mm lengths (struts) • 25 x 3mm flat iron, about 300mm long (screw plates) •…

The power of a painting Sivan Goren of Westdene, Johannesburg writes My partner inherited this painting, titled Hospital Patient, by Marianne Podlashuc. Can you tell us more about the artist and how much the painting is worth? Ruarc Peffers, managing director of Aspire Art Auctions, replies Dutch-born Marianne Podlashuc was a post-war painter born in 1932; she witnessed the horrors of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands as a child during World War II, and this left an indelible impression. In her seminal publication, Art & Artists of South Africa (1983), Esmé Berman notes that Podlashuc was “possessed of a profound social consciousness and projects it in powerful, stylised images of lesser-privileged local communities”. Podlashuc came to live in South Africa in 1953. Famously, her painting titled Three Boys was used by Penguin Books…

Furry friends forever On the lookout Lilly and Miley keep a close watch on the neighbourhood. – Joné de Wet, Paarl Whatcha lookin’ at? Don’t mess with Luka, the Yorkie/Chihuahua cross. – Mariechen Schoeman, Langebaan Quiet contemplation… Rescued pup Luna is safe and warm in her new home. – Shaun and Celeste Mcturk, Springs Cat in a hat Cairo is rather pleased with his winter outfit. – Danielle Botha, Thabazimbi Bedtime buddies Gus and Ivy know how to keep warm! – Megan Mathias Oosthuysen, Johannesburg Sleep like a log Banksy has found the hot spot! – Sue Anthony, George Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za…

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! If you didn’t prune in July, it can still be done in the first two weeks of this month. In those really cold parts of the country that experience severe frost, rather delay pruning until the last week of August or even early September. Movement in the garden There are many sounds and movements to be heard and enjoyed in a garden – in the bending of branches and in the rustling of leaves; as trees catch the first whisper of a restless wind; in swaying palm trees and tall, creaking bamboo. Ornamental grasses demand attention as they toss and ripple when the breeze moves through them, and as they shimmer in the sunshine and whisper in the moonlight. With their differing growth habits of tassels…

New in nurseries Winter colour Brighten up the winter garden with Cineraria ‘Senetti’, a new, taller-growing cineraria hybrid with huge heads of daisy-like blooms in vivid blue or magenta, with white centres. Plants grow up to 60cm with a 45cm spread, and bloom right into summer. It is a showstopper in the garden and in containers. Plant in full winter sun or semi-shade. Water regularly so that the soil doesn’t dry out and boost flowering with a liquid fertiliser twice a month. After the first flush of blooms, cut back by half to encourage a second flush. Note that it stops flowering when night temperatures reach 26ºC. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za STOCKISTS Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Makro 0860 600 999, makro.co.za MRP Home 080 021 2535, mrphome.com…

• Purple broom (Polygala virgata) • Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) • Silverleaf spurflower (Plectranthus oertendahlii) • Crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) • Aloe (Aloe arborescens syn. Aloe mutabilis) • Salvia spp. • Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) • Freesia hybrids • Soap bush (Noltea africana) • Parsley tree (Heteromorpha arborescens) • Plumbago auriculata • Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) • Natal bauhinia (Bauhinia natalensis) • Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) • Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) • Silver bush everlasting (Helichrysum petiolare) • Roses • Apricot tree (espaliered) • Succulents • Vegetables such as spinach and onion >>…

Flower garden flat bread Flat breads decorated with toppings that replicate a flower garden are trending on social media and they’re such fun to bake! Use this recipe as inspiration for your own work of art. Just remember to keep the flavours cohesive so that it tastes as good as it looks. Makes 1 flat bread • Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus rising time Baking time: 30 minutes • Oven temperature: 200°C • 1kg ready-made bread dough • about 45ml olive oil • 1 small red onion, cut into 5mm rings • about 15 black olives, pitted • 1 red chilli, thinly sliced • 1 green chilli, thinly sliced • 12 cherry tomatoes, cut into wedges • 2 spring onions, cut into long, thin slices • a few sprigs flat-leaf parsley • sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper • olive oil…

TABLE TALK We spotted these bespoke pure flaxseed linen napkins (44 x 44cm; from R220 each) by local artist Emzi Ficaroni at E Gallery in Stellenbosch. Mix and match her feminine designs or combine these beauties with plain napkins to create an interesting tablescape. Call 082 909 1446 or see more @emzigallery on Instagram. Stock up If your cellar needs refreshing, try these two delicious reds... Tokara Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (R125, tokara.com) boasts dried cranberry, red currant and subtle cassis aromas with whiffs of tobacco spice on the nose. Expect a mouthful of sweet berries interwoven with spice and light toasty notes imparted during barrel maturation. Middelvlei Rooster Merlot 2019 (R90, middelvlei.co.za) is an elegant, juicy wine with soft tannins. Expect concentrated flavours of plums, cherries and dark chocolate with…

CREATE, INNOVATE! WHO Kendall Giles WHERE Cape Town BUSINESS Keniken HER WORK Kendall Giles is the creative mind behind this contemporary collection of artisanal table linen hand-screened onto 100% cotton fabrics. Inspired by the exquisite fauna and flora of the Cape, the designs feature an array of proteas, pincushions, bees and sunbirds, amongst others, all printed on colourways that include black, moss-green, grey, gold on black and black on natural. The range includes napkins in sets of four, table runners, tablecloths, tea towels and aprons. Kendall recently expanded her collection and introduced a range of ceramic accessories incorporating her unique designs, as well as purses, wine carriers and multipurpose soft pots ideal for pot plants and herbs. Go to keniken.co.za for details. A SIMPLE SOLUTION The new Simply Stored range from…

Elise and Roy’s fireplace is newly built but you can also install a freestanding stove in an existing fireplace, says Carli Adendorff of Décor Fires. “To prevent heat being lost through the chimney, and cold air from entering your room, you need to install a block-off plate a short way up the chimney above the fireplace. It has no impact on the heat output of the fireplace. Remember that about 60% of the heat from the stove is lost through the glass – the larger the window, the hotter the fireplace will make the room.”…

WHO LIVES HERE? James Diack, his partner Diane Lecluse, and their dogs Luke, Dali and Lolita WHERE Melville Ridge, Johannesburg SIZE 215m² After his first viewing of an old semi-detached house situated on the top of Melville Ridge in Johannesburg, James Diack knew that despite its dilapidated appearance, it could be transformed into something special. The stand has such glorious views of the Melville Koppies that it’s hard to believe the bright lights of a vibrant suburb are just a stone’s throw away. “I loved the idea that I would be able to walk to the local bakery and our favourite restaurant or pub down the road – Melville has such an international feel,” muses James. Not keen on an overlarge home requiring a lot of upkeep, James was nonetheless…

1 Rustic charm A brand-new fireplace was high on Winston Williams and his family’s wish list when they renovated their home in Kuils River in 2018. They entered their project in Home’s 2019 Fix it with Flair competition and we were so impressed that we simply had to share it with our readers! The fireplace takes pride of place in their open-plan living area. “It is wonderful to watch the fire and hear it crackle, even if we are in the kitchen on the other side of the room,” says Winston. The chimneybreast extends beyond ceiling height into the exposed roof beams, creating the illusion of space, while the exposed bricks lend rustic charm to the structure. 2 Cool contrast This contemporary fireplace is a showstopper in Daphne and Stephan…

Keep these tips in mind if you heat your home with a closed combustion stove, says Morné le Roux of On Fire: POSITION Make sure your closed combustion stove is far enough away from the wall (at least 100–150mm) so that it does not cause damage. The size of your fireplace will determine this distance; consult your supplier. Also note the proximity of your furniture to the fireplace. When it comes to décor, avoid having anything flammable such as wood, paper or synthetic fabrics too close to the fireplace. Vinyl tiles are actually plastic, so they are not a good choice for flooring. FLOOR PLATE On wooden floors, laminate floors or carpets, you must have a heat-resistant panel under your fireplace for safety. It can be tempered glass, granite or…

Step in the right direction Mary Marshall of Cape Town writes Two years ago, I renovated my cottage, including a staircase. I was inspired by a beach house in Yzerfontein with a very open flat-steel handrail, which was replicated and installed by professionals. When we applied to have the renovations approved by Council, I was told my staircase “wasn’t up to code” and that the gaps between the bars were too wide. It was a great disappointment as the custom-made balustrade cost a lot of money.  I’ve seen homes with no balustrades or railing on the stairs. If I removed my balustrade completely, would I get my house approved? Nadine Naidoo of Meik Architects replies There are two ways in which you can obtain sign off through compliance. The first option is to modify the…

WHO LIVES HERE? Wouter le Roux and Brendon Foster WHERE Chelsea Village, Wynberg SIZE 67m2 Peeling Novilon, a dated kitchen, a run-down bathroom and wall-to-wall chocolate-brown carpets made Wouter le Roux very happy when he first viewed this apartment in Wynberg’s vibey Chelsea Village. Others saw trouble, he saw an opportunity. “The flat had a simple yet functional layout,” explains Wouter of Hello Charlie Interior Design Studio. The bedroom and bathroom were separated from the living areas, so there was no need to demolish walls. Another bonus was an abundance of natural light, thanks to existing large windows. When Wouter and his partner Brendon Foster bought the apartment in November 2018, the intention was to rent it out permanently; however, those plans quickly changed. Brendon explains: “The penny dropped when…

The wrong cut? Santie van Blerk of Bela-Bela writes I pruned my ‘Arianna’ roses in mid-July, and I see that the strongest new shoots on some of the stems are further down, below where I cut. Did I cut incorrectly when pruning? Ludwig replies I always say that the rose decides for itself where to sprout and how you cut does not affect that. In August, you have a chance to do corrective pruning. Cut back to the strongest shoot or let the rose sort itself out. It is all about the expected quality of blooms – for longer stems and large blooms, remove one or two of the competing stems on main branches as well as twiggy new growth. CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za…

WHO LIVES HERE? Rocco de Villiers and Clive van den Berg with their pooches Kleintjie (Irish Shorthair Terrier), Lochner and Bossie (Scottish Terriers) WHERE Parktown Ridge, Johannesburg SIZE OF PROPERTY 2 000m² TYPE OF SOIL Rocky I take photos of plants for my Instagram all the time. People love it and then they share pictures of their own plants with me. – Rocco Pianist and entertainment artist Rocco de Villiers and sculptor Clive van den Berg’s heritage home in Parktown, Johannesburg, boasts a fabulous garden with steps, low walls and charming secret nooks. But maintaining a garden like this when your house is built on a rock requires skill, passion and constant planning. Respected British architect Robert Howden designed the residence, Howden House, completing it in 1913. Rocco and Clive…

If, like Rocco, you love an informal design with elements of an English cottage garden, but want to stick to indigenous plants, Stellenbosch garden expert Pietman Diener has the following advice: “When you think of an English cottage garden, roses are usually the first plant that comes to mind,” he says. “Nevertheless, it is entirely possible to give this style a South African twist with indigenous plants. Use elements such as shrubs trimmed into informal topiaries, paths made of natural materials such as stone or tree stump rings, mixed beds with an informal grouping of plants and pot plants in a variety of containers. By choosing indigenous plants, you can have the cottage-style garden you love but it will cope better with our more temperate South African climate.” British garden…

Pasta with bacon, garlic and Parmesan Under R70 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes • Cooking time: 8 minutes • 300g spaghetti • 250g diced bacon • 100g butter • 30ml olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 125ml grated Parmesan or pecorino • freshly ground black pepper • a pinch of dried chilli (optional) 1 Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente (usually about 8 minutes). 2 Meanwhile, fry the bacon in the butter and olive oil in a large pan until crispy. Stir in the garlic and turn off the heat. The garlic must cook without burning or discolouring, otherwise it becomes bitter. 3 Pour the cooked, still moist spaghetti into the pan mixture and stir through so that the butter coats the pasta. Season to taste…

Friend Jan phones to ask if I’d like to buy his grandmother’s old pump organ. He is scaling down big time, he explains, moving house one last time. Actually, he corrects himself, it’s the penultimate move, the last one being the ABF (absolute bloody final), which is strictly speaking not a move, it’s more of an exit – into eternity. For now, he’s moving to a cosy little place in a retirement village. It can house only a small selection of his books but the baby grand, the ancient organ, the bulky Cape antiques and his extensive collection of mechanical tools (for building cars, his hobby) have to go. He is stripping away his earthly chattels in order to enter the metaphorical eye of the needle. Ah, I say, (ever…