Innehållsförteckning för September 2017 från Home

She has a pug named Vincent. The first picture I received was the one on the left, with the subject line: “A prime example of ‘don’t’”. Vincent is a lovely little pooch, but his ‘laid-back’ pose on that cushion is really not ideal. Luckily, our creative editor, Marian, had many more, shall we say ‘tasteful’, pics up her sleeve as well as plenty of advice on how to make the most of scatter cushions in your home décor (turn to page 66); if used correctly, they add life to a drab space. If you get it wrong, well, they could land up on the floor and become the dog’s snooze spot... While putting together this issue, we were also busy judging this year’s Fix it with Flair entries. It was…

It’s the Home team’s favourite time of the year: judging the entries in our annual Fix it With Flair competition! We wait excitedly for entries to close so we can see what readers have been up to. And we weren’t disappointed. Every year, the bar seems to have been raised higher with even more moving stories, resourceful solutions – and, of course, beautiful living spaces from entire homes to individual rooms. While the Home team carefully went through all the entries, the selection of semi-finalists was hotly debated – there could, after all, be only 10! This year’s rules stipulate that at least 50% of the work has to have been done by the homeowners. We checked – and double-checked – the budgets and our Top 10 certainly know how…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 1/10 Time needed 3 hours Do it yourself for ±R512 (cork tiles R220 per pack, carpet tape R72) You will need SHOPPING LIST • repositionable spray adhesive • 2 packs of cork tiles • leftover paint in the colour of your choice; we used Annie Sloan Duck Egg • carpet tape (very strong double-sided tape) TOOLS • craft knife • steel ruler • cutting mat • paintbrush GET STARTED 1 Download the template we used from homemag.co.za and cut it out with the craft knife and steel ruler. 2 Spray the template with the adhesive and position it on a cork tile. 3 Use the craft knife and steel ruler to cut out the shapes from the cork; you should fit two…

Q: On page 76 of your June 2014 issue, there’s a cupboard with fabric behind the glass. How was this done? – Maryann Prinsloo, Pietermaritzburg A: Homeowner Maryke Roberts says she used a staple gun to attach Velcro to the inside of the cupboard door. She then also sewed Velcro onto curtain fabric to attach it to the Velcro on the door. Maryke says using Velcro, instead of stapling the curtains directly onto the wood, makes it easy to remove the curtains when you need to wash them. Q: On page 8 of your May 2017 issue you featured an image of bird-themed wallpaper – I absolutely love it! Where can I buy it? – Annarica Allison, Cape Town A: Design Joburg, who supplied the image, says it’s from Black…

Just another pot plant… Baby keeps an eye on the front yard. – René Joshua, Port Elizabeth It’s so blooming lovely! One-year-old Taro loves to frolic among the West Coast veld flowers. – Ronel Vorster, Melkbosstrand Come clean Snowy Young is trying his best to hide from granny and her comb. – Corrie du Plessis, Roodepoort The pawfect spot! Peanut found the most colourful place in the garden for his new lookout. – Rose Clark, Pretoria New on the market  A Cat in a Flat’s wall-mounted Art Panel (R3 622, acatinaflat.co.za) allows kitties to climb on the various shelves or use them to perch up high or enjoy a quiet nap. Locally manufactured from pine plywood, it is finished with natural materials to keep it as toxin-free as possible. The…

Grey water Q What is grey water? A Grey water is defined as used water from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines. It does not include water from the toilet or kitchen. Q Do I have to use biodegradable cleaning products if I use grey water to water my garden? A Many people say they’ve noticed an improvement in their grass and plants since using grey water in their garden. This is because of the grey water’s alkaline nature, which most plants love – with the exception of acid-loving plants such as azaleas, begonias, gardenias, hibiscus, camellias and ferns. But in the long term, phosphate and salt buildup from constant grey water use can be toxic and your garden will suffer as a result. Aim to use biodegradable dishwashing…

Q: I have agapanthus growing in-between my ‘Knysna’ roses, but the roses tend to suffer from scale and don’t perform very well. Are the agapanthus plants the problem? Roses find it difficult to compete with other nearby plants that have a shallower root system and grab the food and water before it gets to the roots of the roses. In addition, when the lower leaves of the roses are partially covered by other plants, the lack of light on the leaves reduces photosynthesis and this means that the roots are not being fed by the leaves. They need to spread wider and deeper to find water and nourishment. Dig up the agapanthus and any other plants interfering with the rose; this will automatically loosen the soil, provide aeration and allow the…

Pork and chakalaka rice Under R110 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes • 15ml olive oil• 200g cherry tomatoes• 250ml jasmine rice, rinsed• 125ml mild chakalaka• about 350ml boiling water• a handful of baby spinach• 1 smoked pork fillet, sliced Using a pan that has a tight-fitting lid, heat the oil and cook the tomatoes uncovered until their skins begin to burst open. Stir in the rice and cook until all the grains start to colour. Add the chakalaka and water, followed by the spinach. Top with the sliced pork and put the lid on. Turn the heat down to low and steam until the rice and meat are cooked; top up the liquid as needed. Mieliepap tart with bobotie Under R75 • Makes 4 generous servings Preparation time: 30 minutes…

WINNING LETTER I can’t stop painting! Thuli Musa of Bryanston writes I have always admired the painted furniture in different houses featured in Home. I buy the magazine religiously on the 14th of each month and have piles and piles dating back several years! You’d think with that addiction I’d have tackled some projects along the way. But I’ve always been afraid to try. Recently, I summoned up the courage to buy a tin of chalk paint and an old side table as my first foray into the heady world of painting furniture. I enjoyed it so thoroughly I can’t seem to stop! After the little old table, I painted the hallway table and I’m starting on my bedside cabinets shortly. I can no longer walk past the paint store…

1 A work of art The pretty mosaic bird that Magdel van der Walt of Cape Town created years ago during a once-off art class finally found a home when her daughter Janneke (now 12) added it to her bird-themed bedroom. Magdel, co-owner of décor manufacturer TinTown, cut the bird shape from chipboard, then decorated it with shards of mirror and coloured glass. It’s a charming fit in this porthole window and perfectly complements the rest of Magdel's home décor which features owls, deer and rabbits on the walls, in little nooks and on fabric and ceramics. 2 Another dimension In her all-white space, Marcelle Crowther of Hocus Interior Design Studio wanted to ‘disrupt’ the stark line of the entrance hall staircase. “Artwork with standard square or rectangular frames displayed…

As an entrepreneur, Lucas Steyn is accustomed to spotting a good opportunity. The homeowner Lucas Steyn WHERE Botrivier SIZE 60m² So when he came across a photograph of a used shipping container that someone had converted into a living space abroad, he wasn’t just amazed by the idea – he was inspired! “I became obsessed with used container conversions and the endless possibilities they present,” Lucas says. That was three years ago and since then the popularity of container housing has skyrocketed, thanks to its affordability and sustainability. These days, containers not only house offices on building sites, but also create stylish modern living spaces. In 2015, after plenty of research and planning, Lucas enlisted the help of sustainable housing company Berman-Kalil to set up this container unit on his…

How many renovations have you worked on? I’m a serial renovator! Since childhood, I’ve worked on many projects with my parents – so it’s nothing new to me. This is about the seventh project I’ve done on my own. Was this one the most labour intensive? Yes; because no trucks or heavy equipment could enter the site, everything was done manually. The size of the boulders was enough to scare anybody off! In retrospect, is there anything you’d do differently? I wouldn’t change a thing. Every visitor remarks on the quiet soulfulness of the studio and people find it difficult to believe that it was once a swimming pool. Any cost-cutting tips? Plan, plan, plan; and, of course, recycle and upcycle. Visit building sites and find out whether they have…

Over the years, Home has become an institution at The Cape HOMEMAKERS Expo – and this year is no exception! This much-anticipated event is back at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and it’s set to be even bigger than before! Pop in at the expo, which runs from 31 August to 3 September, and find us in Hall 4 opposite the restaurant. You can take part in our fun, free and informative demonstrations, take a break with the team and get to know us a bit better, and enjoy our delicious home-baked treats! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN… Home entertainment – with coffee! The Gap Coffee Company shares its secrets, tips and creations! With their non-traditional products, even a novice can make a delicious cup of coffee like a…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 4/10 Time needed ± 2 hours Do it yourself for ± R1 800: wood R1 500, screws R75, castors R230 If you're in Cape Town from 31 August – 3 in September, catch Deon in action at the Tuis\Home demo theatre at the annual Cape Homemakers Expo; turn to page 63 for details. You will need SHOPPING LIST • one 1 800mm length planed pine (69 x 94mm), cut into nine blocks of 150mm each (supports) • six 2 400mm lengths planed pine (22 x 94mm), cut into six lengths of 1 870mm each (long base pieces) • fifteen 1 800mm lengths planed pine (22 x 94mm), each cut shorter to 1 370mm (slats) • two packets of 8mm x 40mm chipboard…

Out with the old! Troy Thomson of Benoni writes We’re redecorating our dining room and I’d like to sell these items as they no longer suit the look of our space; what do you estimate I could get for them? Adrian Bolt of Ashbey’s Galleries replies Your two pieces of furniture are both very interesting. The chestnut wood dresser is French and was made in the Brittany region of western France for export to the Eastern market, particularly Turkey. Its notable features are the finely modelled tiles set into the doors and the ‘broken arch’ pediment which derives from Classical Greek and Roman architecture. The stylised waves indicate a probable coastal area of manufacture. CIRCA 1890 VALUE R15 000 Your modern folding bar is of Eastern manufacture, probably Indonesia. The…

Massage for pets Mandy Grobler of Cape Town writes I’ve heard about massages for pets that help with stiffness and anxiety. What’s it all about and how does it work? Lorren Barham, owner and animal hydrotherapist at Pet Wellness Worx, replies Pet massages may seem like a strange concept to some, but they are often used for professional or working dogs that need help recovering after injury or surgery. In our practice, we do medical Tui Na massage, a complementary therapy that has a positive influence on both the physical and psychological well-being of your pet. These are some of the benefits: • Improves connective tissue and increases joint mobility. • Encourages flexibility and range of movement in joints. • Helps to reduce muscular tension and soreness. • Helps to…

“No vase or bowl, jug or pot need be empty in spring,” says Melissa Rautenbach of Flourish. “There are so many flowers from which to choose; it’s easy to give your home a splendid spring feel. “We filled an old cupboard I had in my garage with spring blooms to create this impressive focal point (opposite),” she says. “Tins, pretty vintage teacups, milk jugs, bowls, glass jars and enamel bowls were all used as containers for this wide variety of flowers. Preferably, your containers shouldn’t match perfectly; different sizes, colours, shapes and textures all contribute to the impact of your spring display. It’s also not essential to have an entire cupboard filled with flowers; one or two shelves of blooms combined with books, magazines and family photos will also do…

1 Banana frozen yoghurt • 3 bananas, chopped into chunks and frozen• 350ml double cream yoghurt, frozen in a small ice tray to make yoghurt cubes• 45ml unsweetened peanut butter• 60ml Huletts Golden Syrup (or to taste)• about 100ml milk or coconut water• 30ml choc chips This recipe is quick to prepare, once all the ingredients are frozen. Be patient; it’s worth it! Simply put the frozen bananas, yoghurt, peanut butter and golden syrup in a food processor that can handle frozen ingredients and process until creamy, using the milk or coconut water to adjust the consistency. This delicious soft serve frozen yoghurt can be enjoyed immediately, or decant it into a suitable container and freeze for a couple of hours until firm. Serve with a sprinkle of choc chips, nuts and an extra drizzle of…

IN MINT CONDITION  We spotted the beautiful Mint ceramics from Thia de Vos at Kamers/Makers at Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope earlier in the year; shop for more gorgeous items (including the medium side plate R165; pictured above) online at mintcreatinghome.co.za . Made to share Johanne 14 (R275, Quivertree) by South African chef and food writer Hope Malau features traditional dishes infused with so you can glimpse township a of culture, resilience, community and family – all around shared meals, of course. The recipes range from favourites like milk tart, crunchies and chakalaka to more niche offerings including ox livers with pot bread and what to do with a pig’s head. Go on, try something new! SHARP SHARP Make carrot ribbons with this handy pencil sharpener R149.95, pylones.co.za Sweet!…

A friend of mine, an artist working on a major exhibition, suddenly became anxious about all the work she needed to get done. But I knew: she wasn’t really worried about her workload. Like all super-talented people, she suddenly doubted herself. She was questioning: Will I disappoint the gallery? Will I disappoint myself? Can I do it? It seems to me that everything I paint is outdated and unsuitable. Do I, as an artist, still have something to say? “Come away with me,” I told her. “Just give me three days of your life.” “What are you up to?” she asked suspiciously. “I’m going to help you get the cobwebs out of your head.” I chuckled a little at my talented friend because I understand her fears so well. There’s…

ON THE BOX Home Made Easy (Season 2 starts September 4 on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv) offers all the help you need to turn your house into a home – from practical gardening tips to exciting DIY projects and inspirational décor advice. Join local presenters Tanya Visser, Ryan Paulsen and Elle Franco as they share their top tips and tricks for a “home sweet home”. HOMEMAKERS Expo 31 August – 3 September: Cape Town International Convention Centre 15–17 September: Parkview Shopping Centre, Pretoria With the theme “A Tribute to Your Home”, this expo celebrates your living spaces. Exhibits include improvement products; décor, furniture, gardens, kitchens, handmade gifts and DIY products. Tickets from quicket.co.za cost between R50 and R80; go to homemakersonline.co.za. If you’re in Cape Town at the…

The fact that our home was made from material that would otherwise have gone to waste makes it extra special. – gone Sue Who lives here? Sue and Bruce Macdonald, their kids John, Matthew, Skye, Savannah and Troy, as well as five dogs and a cat named Tipsy. WHERE Noordhoek SIZE 350m² It was always on their bucket list to build their own home on a large plot where they would be surrounded by nature... So, in 2014, when Sue and Bruce Macdonald heard that a 16-hectare plot on a Noordhoek slope was up for sale, they quickly sold their Fish Hoek home to buy the vacant land and squeezed into a small, nearby apartment. Now, all they needed was a house… As luck would have it, they heard…

Total cost: R123 000 Roof (materials and labour) 22 000 Aluminium windows 13 000 Building materials (cement, stone, bricks, Brickforce, interior paint and bonding liquid) 40 000 Electrical fittings, air-con and installation 16 000 Labour 32 000…

# 1 Classic and contemporary A combination of cushions with a classic botanical print and broad stripes works surprisingly well with an African throw and a more contemporary fabric on the coffee table in Jane Linley-Thomas’s living room. The look is unusual, but it works because all the textiles feature the same coral shade. This creates the sense of cohesion that’s essential when mixing motifs and patterns. # 2 One motif, many sizes When mixing floral motifs in the same muted palette, keep it interesting by varying the scale of the design on different cushions. If the scatters also boast a variety of sizes and shapes, like on Liesl Rheeder’s stoep in Panorama, even better. Similar cushions available from Plan B Vintage and Strand Trading Post; side table from Chair…

New look for an old chair  Ingrid Nuy of Cape Town writes I’d like to reupholster a chair I acquired many years ago when I was living in digs. My mother thinks it’s the ugliest chair she’s ever seen; she calls it “Toad of Toad Hall”. I think it has history and character, and it’s rather comfy, but the fabric is faded and old. I’d like to cover it in an affordable fabric that matches either a soft green, nature-inspired palette with pops of blue, soft pink and neutrals, or something more neutral with pops of pink and grey. After its makeover, the chair will sit in the “office corner” of our bedroom; I will actually sit and work in the chair with my laptop resting on my lap. Any advice?…

Berries for the birds Albin and Sanet Bowler of Cape Town write We have a beautiful lantana in our garden and the birds seem to enjoy the berries but we’re concerned that they may be poisonous; are they? JJ replies Your plant is unfortunately the highly invasive Lantana camara. It has been declared a Category 1 invasive species in South Africa, which means that it must be removed from your property to avoid prosecution. This plant is a problem because it competes with and replaces indigenous species, reducing the biodiversity of natural ecosystems. The entire plant is poisonous to humans and animals and the leaves are a skin irritant. For more information, go to invasives.org.za. For some shade… Albie van Zyl of Cape Town writes I recently bought a home…

I grew up in a rambling farm garden. It was beautiful and lots of fun! I adore the massive old trees; they’re so full of character. – Tessa Who lives here? Jamie and Tessa Chance SIZE OF GARDEN About 36 hectares WHERE Lidgetton Valley, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands The park-like garden at Endebeni Forest is a sight to behold in every season – as one swathe of colour gently fades, another is about to burst forth. “Each season is amazingly beautiful with something special in flower,” says homeowner Tessa Chance. “The previous owners, who developed the garden, made sure there was an abundance of colour in all four seasons.” Tessa and her husband Jamie bought Endebeni Forest in the KZN Midlands in December 2016 and plan to retire there one day. “We feel…

Tasks for September By Kay Montgomery 1 The beginning of the gardener’s year Spring officially begins on 22 September but is usually celebrated by gardeners on the 1st of the month. It is a season of fresh breezes and lengthening days, unfurling leaves and furry buds, and a glorious garden display of delicate pastels and rich vibrant colours. It is not only the sights of spring that delight, but also the scents. One must be nearby to enjoy the fragrance of sweet violet, creamy-white narcissus, freesia, sweet pea and stock, but the flowers of yesterday-today-and-tomorrow (Brunfelsia), butterfly bush (Buddleja auriculata) and September bells (Rothmannia globosa) spread their fragrance far and wide. Fill empty spaces in your garden with colourful annuals and perennials available and in flower now at garden centres.…

Ricotta loaf with peanut dukkah This delicious starter can be made in a jiffy, yet it looks very impressive. Keep the extra dukkah in an airtight container in the pantry – you can do so many things with it: dip fresh bread in olive oil and then in the dukkah as an appetiser; sprinkle over oven-roasted cauliflower or broccoli; use it as a crust for lamb chops or chicken; stir through steamed jasmine rice or couscous; or sprinkle over salad for extra crunch. Makes 1 loaf Preparation time: 25 minutes   • 10–15 soft Turkish apricots• honey• 300ml ricotta• lemon juice• ciabatta or savoury biscuits, to serve PEANUT DUKKAH • 80ml sesame seeds• 15ml coriander seeds• 5ml cumin seeds• 5ml fennel seeds• 250ml peanuts, roasted and salted• a generous pinch each dried thyme, marjoram and mint• coarse sea salt flakes and freshly…

Fish & chips, cinnamon & sugar, brandy & Coke... What would one be without the other? Brandy and Coke pudding Serves 6 Preparation time: 25 minutes Baking time: 30–35 minutes Oven temperature: 180ºC • 180g dates, finely chopped• 5ml bicarbonate of soda• 250ml boiling water• 30ml cola concentrate• 100g softened butter• 100g (125ml) sugar• 3 extra-large eggs• 210g (430ml) self-raising flour, sifted• 30ml cocoa• pinch of salt BRANDY CUSTARD • 100g (125ml) brown sugar• 250ml milk• 2 cinnamon sticks• 100g butter• 2 eggs• 50ml brandy  1 Preheat the oven and grease a 22cm Bundt cake tin or a medium-sized ovenproof dish (we used an enamel saucepan) with butter. Put the chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle the bicarb over and pour in the boiling water. Stir gently and set aside. Once it fizzes, add the cola concentrate and allow to cool slightly. 2 In the…