Innehållsförteckning för September 2019 från Home

and took a boat trip to the tiny volcanic island of Nea Kameni. Our tour guide was a modern-day Greek god. The women swooned. His smile was straight out of a toothpaste advert and he sprinted up the hill to the lookout point with a grin on his face, while the rest of us stumbled after him, panting. Impressive, I thought. But then he opened his mouth and raised the stakes even higher: he could speak seven languages fluently. The words tripped off his tongue like honey off a hot spoon; it was as if he’d swallowed Google Translate; a real polyglot. As a lover of languages, I hung on every word while the rest just sat and stared. Muttering under my breath, I said that with those looks and…

CREATE, INNOVATE! WHO Esmé Kruger WHERE Swellendam BUSINESS The Hand Printing Studio HER WORK After doing several courses in textile design, printing and dyeing, fine artist Esmé Kruger fell in love with the process of hand-printing and established The Hand Printing Studio in 2018. With the help of her team, she hand-prints designs onto fabric for her collection of scatter covers, dishcloths, tablecloths, scarves and throws. “The designs are inspired by the South African landscape and our diverse heritage,” Esmé says. “We do very short runs by hand on 100% cotton, with lino print or silk-screening techniques. We use water-based inks and add embroidery to create really special pieces.” Esmé also runs workshops on hand-printing techniques; see more at @The Hand Printing Studio on Facebook. GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Shop…

WHO LIVES HERE? Axel Ryder and Richard Wood WHERE Riebeek West, Western Cape SIZE 248m² Axel Ryder and Richard Wood’s container home in Riebeek West in the Swartland is a dream come true. But it wasn’t without its fair share of blood, sweat and tears: a container home that fits into a steel frame like a puzzle, and has brickwork here and there to fill in the gaps, requires meticulous planning. And that’s exactly how these two creative minds tackled their project – with plenty of research and attention to detail. They began digging the foundations in November 2016 in the most tree-filled section of the large property, which already had two homes on it. Their first obstacle was that the entire project had to be financed with hard cash:…

Philip Nel of Inizio Homes explains more about the design method: • The main structure is a light-gauge galvanised steel frame that is factory-fabricated and rapidly assembled on site; unlike some forms of alternative construction, this type of building method is SABS and NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council) approved. Our homes are also compliant with the SANS XA energy-efficiency regulations. • The homes are typically assembled and finished on site. The components are flat-packed together on a truck, delivered to the site and rapidly set in place with minimal lift requirements. • A much lighter foundation system can be used; it’s far less invasive and reduces on-site work. • The construction method can be utilised on many different terrains and soil types and for a variety of purposes. It’s…

Cathy and Basil went with Swissline Design because of the timber construction company’s aesthetic and due to the fact that they were able to put together 80 percent of the home off site. Their factory is in Bellville, Cape Town, so the construction process wasn’t hampered by issues such as bad weather or proximity to building supplies. “After months of planning, it was incredible to see a big truck and crane arrive on our property with all the panels and then they put up these beautiful structures in just four days!” says Cathy. “The high R-Value (heat resistance) of our fully insulated modular timber frame is a big advantage of this kind of construction,” says Nadia Lüdi of Swissline Design. Clients are free to add their input when it comes…

The home’s interior was decorated mostly with second-hand pieces sourced online or from second-hand stores and markets. “We really focused on purchasing locally produced, handmade and recycled items to contribute to the local economy and to retain a lower footprint,” Alta says. The pair were on a tight budget so a lot of planning went into saving on costs, rather than splashing out on luxury buys. “In our kitchen, for example, we opted for affordable materials, such as open shelving instead of cupboards, and simple finishes like painted pine. We also held back when it came to décor, apart from two rows of splashback tiles. This allowed us to invest in a quality gas stove and a beautiful bath with copper taps for our en suite.” The couple also chose…

1 IsoBoard can be treated with water-based paints and wood stains to suit your colour scheme. 2 When replacing a ceiling, leave the existing ceiling as is and simply install IsoBoard directly underneath – a quick and permanent solution with minimal mess or fuss! 3 Adjacent boards interlock with tongue-and-groove edges, providing easy installation and a continuous layer of thermal insulation. 4 Concealed fixing clips and an adhesive are included in the package when installing IsoBoard as a ceiling.…

Décor dilemma The challenge Ronell Ferreira of George writes We bought a house and have been struggling to come up with attractive but practical plans for the laundry and scullery. The scullery is just off the kitchen and the laundry is on the other side with a separate entrance; the washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher are kept there. There is also a toilet and shower in that space. I suspect it was an outside room that the previous owners converted into an inside room. The laundry works well where it is now but I want to close up the door to keep it separate. The entire space is tiled and it has the only toilet on this floor, so it could make a good guest loo. There will be…

You will need SHOPPING LIST • Alcolin Latex-Key Cement Additive • 1 x Alcolin Epoxy Floor Paint kit • Alcolin Sugar Soap • Alcolin Floor Screed TOOLS • hammer • chisel • scraper • trowel • splatter brush • paint stirrer • mohair roller (225mm wide) • 2 x 50mm brushes • masking tape Here’s how... 1 Prepare the floor Make sure your floor surface is in good condition. In this house, old vinyl tiles first had to be removed in the bathrooms. These were chopped up with a hammer and chisel and then lifted with a scraper. 2 Once the vinyl tiles had been removed, a self-levelling screed was needed before painting could begin. To ensure the Alcolin Floor Screed adhered to the old cement, Alcolin Latex-Key Cement Additive was…

Steel-frame homes are hot news both around the world and in South Africa. They are mostly used for new buildings but a steel frame can also play a role when it comes to renovating an old house – as was the case for Braam Colyn’s project on his family farm in the Robertson district. Here, the existing clay brick walls of his grandfather’s old wine cellar, built in 1947, were retained as far as possible but a steel frame was constructed on the inside to create a second floor and a covered stoep in front of the house. Gawie Viljoen, senior architectural technologist at Vil.Arch, and his draughtsman colleague Stefe Giliomee teamed up with Braam to conceptualise and execute this innovative makeover. Here are their five top tips for using…

Spring fever! Bloomin’ marvellous Beagle pup Arlo enjoys the first wildflowers at the coast. – Nicolette Truscott, Lyttelton Ears to yellow! Cola is chuffed with the pincushion’s first blooms. – Danielle Swart, Kirkwood Where’s the catnip? Rescue kitten Shadow is in her element in her new home’s garden. – Rickey Rawlinson, Bloemfontein Amongst friends… Snowy has had to learn to share the herb garden. – Adele van Tonder, Lichtenburg Gone fishing Hannah is ready to pounce at the pond. – Mooniq Marlie, Cape Town Spring queen Luna rocks her flower crown. – Elza Bouwer, Herolds Bay Hot product Save a bird’s life! These cute character cat bells (R21 each, shingavet.co.za) will liven up any collar while letting feathered friends know when kitty is around. They’re available in 15 different characters…

Patio plant of the month Lavandula angustifolia ‘Blue Spear’  This is a showy English lavender with tall flower spikes that stand upright and close together so that the impression is one of a mass of flowers. This patio plant needs bright light and can take morning sun. Don’t overwater it – let the soil dry out moderately before watering again. The potted plant can later be transplanted into the garden as a focal point, or used in a rockery or mixed border. English lavender attracts butterflies and nectar-seeking birds. It makes a good cut flower and can be used in pot-pourri because of its lovely fragrance. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za Waterwise plant of the month Wild pear Dombeya rotundifolia’s common name, wild pear, comes from the clusters of sweetly scented…

Double delight Osteospermum 3D ‘Banana Shake’ is a new double-flowered Cape daisy that bears striking yellow blooms with a raised raspberry-red centre that looks like a pompom. Being compact and nicely rounded, the plants make eye-catching bedding plants and can be planted with succulents in containers and in hanging baskets. They grow in well-composted ordinary garden soil and should receive full sun and regular but not frequent watering. Once established, these plants are fairly drought-tolerant. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za In Darwin’s Most Wonderful Plants (Jonathan Ball, R225), author Ken Thompson reveals Darwin as a pioneering botanist whose observations and theories were ahead of his time and are only now being confirmed by modern research. The book shows how the Victorian scientist’s groundbreaking studies on climbing and carnivorous plants revolutionised several branches of botany.…

Making frozen yoghurt is as easy as making double-cream yoghurt with your sweetener of choice in an ice cream machine. If you don’t have a machine, try this: Mix 1L double-cream Greek yoghurt with honey to taste and a dash of vanilla essence. Spoon the mixture into an ice tray and freeze until just set. Turn out the yoghurt ice cubes into your juicer jug (make sure it can chop ice) and pulse until smooth and creamy. Add a little milk if it’s not getting smooth enough; frozen yoghurt must have the same consistency as soft-serve ice cream. Spoon back into a flat container and freeze for several hours until firm. Using an ice cream scoop, make balls and serve with baklava (see opposite page).…

Pork steaks are lean, and quick and easy to cook. – Home food editor Johané Neilson PORK STEAKS WITH TOMATO AND OLIVES This quick weeknight meal is so impressive you can even serve it at a party! Serves 6 Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: about 35 minutes • 4–6 pork steaks • 15ml balsamic vinegar • 45ml olive oil • 250ml pitted black olives • 4 baby sweet peppers, deseeded and sliced • 1 tin (410g) tomatoes • about 250ml stock, warm • 250ml long grain rice, soaked and drained • 100g feta, crumbled • about 125ml fresh basil and flat leaf parsley, chopped 1 Trim the pork steaks of excess fat (you want an even layer of no more than 1cm). Now rub the meat with the balsamic vinegar and 5ml olive oil then set aside for about…

Come September and I notice the little ones going to school in spring attire. Us oldies go about our business cloaked and scarfed, our breath whisking white plumes into the thin morning air. In Stellenbosch, the branches of the ancient oaks still reach to the sky with bare knuckles, yet the kids are making paper spring blossoms. I remember the chill of the Spring Day celebrations of my youth in the north-west of the country, seldom warm enough to brave the bite in the air without a jersey. The onslaught of the torturous easterly wind of August had not abated. Relentless it was, that wind, without pause or reprieve, transforming your whole world into a dull haze of dust. At school we sang Spring is here! Spring is here! with…

RIO LARGO Multiple award-winning 100% extra virgin olive oil Produced from hand-picked olives on the Rio Largo estate in the Western Cape. Once you have tasted the difference, you won’t want anything else. From R 229 RICHARD BOSMAN Quality and tradition. From this local Quality Cured Meats factory comes a range of prized meat rubs, salts and relishes to enhance the flavour of any meal. From R 75 FLAVOUR UNION A union of local flavour and heritage European truffle Flavour Union brings premium luxury salt, honey and mayonnaise to the table, handcrafted in Cape Town and flavoured with authentic truffles sourced in Italy. From R 159…

YOU SPEND a lot of time in your kitchen every day so make it a place that you feel calm, happy and productive. An organised kitchen makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Optimise your kitchen for greater efficiency with a few small changes and some great names in storage. The key to an organised kitchen is using the space you have in the best possible way, making the most of your storage options and ensuring everything has its own place. Clutter free countertops and organised cupboards make your space more comfortable, welcoming and best of all, always ready for guests. REDECKER Natural, practical, beautiful. The Redecker Family of Germany have been making a wide range of artisanal fine brushes for over three generations from natural and sustainable sources to care…

WINNING LETTER Pre-loved treasures Mike Slabolepszy of Edgemead, Cape Town writes As an avid Home reader, I thought I’d share what I have created from secondhand items I’ve found over the years at car boot sales, garage sales, markets and thrift stores or been given as hand-me-downs. Nothing was bought new. All of these pieces have a story or history behind them – and some of them took a long time to find. Now it’s time for me to scale down, so I will be selling up but I thought you might like to take a look... Moroccan-inspired makeover Monika van der Westhuizen writes For some time now, I have been dreaming about a Bohemian-themed living space. The Moroccan rugs on page 13 of your April issue just confirmed that…

WHO LIVES HERE? Godfrey Hill, Boyd Raimond and their Miniature Schnauzer, Mischa WHERE Rosendal, Free State SIZE 145m² Godfrey Hill first fell in love with the peace and quiet of Rosendal in the Free State 15 years ago. Even after relocating to the Netherlands in 2008, he would return at least once a year. And soon after he met his husband Boyd Raimond, a Dutchman, Godfrey introduced him to this piece of heaven. Boyd felt an instant connection with the small town and the two of them decided to make this their second home; they spend at least three months of the year here to be close to Godfrey’s family and friends. Building work commenced on a plot close to a dam and Berg Maria in 2016. “Initially, we thought…

The structure All the timber used for the structural elements and façade was sourced from sustainably controlled and managed forests. The floors, including the deck, are made from treated spruce wood beams and OSB (Oriented Strand Board), an engineered wood-based panel consisting of strands of spruce, pine and some hardwoods bonded together with a synthetic resin. This is covered with laminate flooring (Kronotex’s Mega Oak Dezent) and insulated with a cellulose fibre manufactured from recycled newspapers sourced from Eco-Insulation. The walls and ceiling comprise treated spruce wood uprights, OSB and DWD boards (all-round tongue-and-grove MDF fibreboard) insulated with Isotherm, which consists of polyester fibre produced from recycled PET bottles. The exterior of the home is clad in hardy larch kiln-dried timber and finished with an age-old method of ‘charring’ the…

Two filtering systems are in place to reclaim grey and black water from basins and toilets in the homes: there is one septic tank for every two homes to collect toilet waste which gets pumped to an Aerobic Baffle Reactor (ABR) and then to a wetland in the village populated with vegetation that acts as a natural bio-filter system. The wetland is also fitted with an Oxygen Nano Bubbler that adds oxygen into the waste before it enters the area; this helps break down the bacteria in the waste. A pump at the end of the wetland then pumps the filtered water back to the homes for re-use in toilets and garden irrigation. Storm water is captured by canals around the village that channel it to the Rietvlei Dam. […

What you need SHOPPING LIST • 18mm laminated pine, cut to: one 1 000 x 340mm panel (base) two 1 000 x 330mm panels (front and back) four 300 x 330mm lengths (sides and partitions) • four planed pine planks 3 000 x 22 x 44mm in size, cut to: eight 1 060mm slats and two 345mm lengths (lid) • four 50mm castors • two flat hinges • two packets of 6mm x 40mm chipboard screws TOOLS • cordless drill and 3mm drill bit • pencil • try square • tape measure Project notes • Remember to drill pilot holes. • Sand your planks beforehand. Get started... 1 Glue and screw the sides (two of the 300 x 330mm pieces) at a right angle to each end of one of…

Colour choice Paint all the walls in the scullery white, except for the wall behind the sink; this one can be painted in a light grey such as Plascon Light Grey Aluminium. Paint the back door in the same colour as the laundry doors to create flow between the different areas. Paint the window frame white. CONTACT shellybergh@gmail.com…

It’s time for the Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expo – and this year promises to be the most exciting yet! As always, our demonstrations are fun, informative and packed with nifty tips – and they’re free so be sure to come early for the best seat. You can also look forward to lots of giveaways, prizes and tasty treats. Specials at the expo Subscribe to Tuis | Home and get a 35% discount. This is a once-off offer valid only for print subscriptions paid for at the Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expo. The October issue, hot off the press, will be on sale for only R30; our special editions Home Bathroom, Home Paint it and the latest issue of Home Yard will also be on sale for only R40! Our daily programme…

It’s hard to believe that this modern structure was once a dilapidated wine cellar! The combination of the original clay brick walls and new steel frame on the exterior takes your breath away. “The sloping roof panel and wooden pergola over the stoep give this building an exuberant edge,” says Gawie. Thanks to the changes, the ground floor is now 85m² with a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchen; the stoep provides an extra 30m² of living space. The new upper level covers 60m² and consists of an open-plan bedroom en suite. The low wall around the building delineates the yard and is reminiscent of a typical farmstead. The plunge pool and a square braai area are also new additions. Steel from Brandwacht Staalkonstruksie; aluminium frames from Greenline Aluminium…

Cindy van Zyl of Pretoria writes Is it really necessary to take my pets for annual check-ups at the vet, especially if they’re still young and clearly in good health? Dr Barry Dallas, veterinary advisor at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, replies In a research report released by Hill’s Pet Nutrition South Africa, we found that half of all pet owners don’t take their pets to the vet regularly for check-ups or vaccinations and over a third only visit the vet when their pet is showing visible injuries or illness. While I believe this isn’t because of a lack of love for our pets, but rather the result of busy lives, these statistics are alarming. Pets can be masters of disguise when it comes to hiding pain or illness. They rely solely…

Linda van Schalkwyk of Benoni writes A friend told me that she finger-prunes her ‘Garden Queen’ roses. I have not heard that term before. What is the benefit of it? Ludwig replies Finger-pruning is when we use our fingers to snap or pinch off a third of the buds on a hybrid tea rose. If we didn’t do that, all the buds would open and flower at the same time. By pinching off some buds, flowering is staggered and lasts for longer. The pinched stem develops new buds which come into flower about three weeks later. It also encourages the rose to produce more green leaves which strengthens the roots, resulting in a healthier rose. Finger-pruning is done during the first half of September, depending on the stage of growth.…

STICKY CHICKEN The secret to braaiing smoky, succulent chicken is adding the basting sauce for only the last quarter of the cooking time. Serves 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: about 45 minutes • 4 Grain Field Chickens chicken leg quarters SPICE RUB • 5ml sea salt • 3ml freshly ground black pepper • 10ml smoked paprika • 5ml mixed herbs • 5ml mustard powder • 5ml lemon zest • 3 sprigs of thyme BASTING SAUCE • 30ml apricot jam • 60ml chutney • about 30ml red wine vinegar • 15–30ml Sriracha (or your favourite hot sauce) • 15ml Worcestershire Sauce 1 Light the briquettes in your kettle braai; you will need medium-high heat to cook the chicken. 2 Using a sharp knife, cut three deep incisions in the skin of each piece of chicken. This will help the heat (and flavouring)…

Soak the tentacles with the calamari tubes in milk for about 1 hour. Pat dry and mix with cornflour well-seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you want to fry additional crispy calamari tubes, score lightly with a butter knife on one side of the tubes; this gives it a nice pattern and a crispier end result. Shake off any excess cornflour and deep-fry in a few centimetres of oil in a pot until golden-brown and crunchy. Drain on paper towels and serve with extra lemon juice and good quality mayonnaise as a dipping sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.…

Research Buy and taste a few different brands of kombucha so you have a frame of reference for what the drink tastes like before you start brewing your own. Remember Wash your hands thoroughly before you handle the scoby and sterilise any spoons and bottles that you use for the brewing process – just like when you make jam. Avoid using plastic and metal which can react with the acids. It all starts with a scoby Kombucha is made with tea, water, sweetener and a kombucha ‘scoby’. Scoby stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”. It resembles jelly and is the living culture of bacteria and yeast that ferments the tea and changes it to the tart and slightly sweet effervescent beverage that has everyone abuzz. It is similar…

YOUR KNIFE collection will depend largely on how often you cook and how you cook. You may need only a few versatile, good quality knives to get you through most tasks or you may find that a selection of purpose-made knives better suits your personal style of cooking. Discover your knife skills with our range of every day, versatile knives or professional quality, specialised knife collections from the best names in the business. “The best knife? The one that feels right in your hand.” Quality made for every day. Achieve cutting and carving perfection with the excellent balance and lightweight feel of beautiful 18/0 stainless steel knives, made to last years of every day use. From R 799 Timeless British design. The award winning Robert Welch Signature knives are fully…

OUR RANGE of baking essentials includes tins, trays and moulds that allow you to create amazing cakes, biscuits, pies and breads. Add the finishing touches to your creations with icing and decorating tools from some of the most trusted brands in baking. A silicone spatula is the perfect tool for folding in egg whites. Always make sure your utensil is perfectly clean to avoid the dreaded flop. A great recipe lasts forever. Everyone loves the timeless quality that Le Creuset brings to the kitchen and dining table. From authentic French cast iron cookware made to last a lifetime to hard-wearing stoneware ideal for baking, roasting and serving, in a range of bold colours. Each Le Creuset piece is built to last, made to be passed from generation to generation, becoming…

ON THE BOX On Big House, Little House (starts 23 September on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv), interior designer Aidan Keane helps people to create amazing new spaces in their homes. In each episode, we see him lend his expertise to two families with two very different homes: one big and one small. The homeowners have completely different budgets to work with but have very similar renovation projects in mind. Don’t miss it! 10 TH  ANNUAL WATERBLOMMETJIE FESTIVAL 7 September: Paarl Four local wine producers have joined forces to celebrate the 10th Waterblommetjie Festival with a fun-filled line-up for the whole family. Try various delicacies from traditional waterblommetjie bredie and soups to gin cocktails and decadent waterblommetjie ice cream. Entry is free with the donation of one tin…

A loving touch Over the years and in bits and pieces, Rosemary Barker has updated the façade of her Simon’s Town home. Paying homage to the 1890s Victorian villa, she retained many of the original features of the house, such as the sash windows (two of which still boast their original glass panes!), and had new shutters made to replicate those that had perished. A boring strip of tar was dug up at the front of the house and replaced with rosemary, lavender and wild buchu bushes. Inspired by the open skies and sea, Rosemary added touches of cool blue to the exterior of her otherwise white house. Too beautiful! A safe space Security bars create a cottage pane effect on the home’s original sash windows. On either side of…

While their 120-year-old Netherlands home features dark greenish-grey walls and black woodwork, the pair was keen on a raw industrial look for their South African abode. “We wanted a blank canvas,” says Boyd. “The views from each window create the décor. White walls and ceilings were a no-brainer and we love the cement floors and black steel.” “I think our design style is best described as individualistic comfort, where vintage and antique sensibilities meet modern materials and designs,” says Godfrey. But it’s the simple pleasures that make this house a home. “We love the silence, the birdsong and spotting a little duiker every now and then,” adds Boyd.…

Nadia Lüdi of Swissline Design says a timber frame built like this one can last for three generations or more. “There are houses in Europe built with these materials that have lasted more than 200 years,” she says. “The Siberian larch façade is UV-oiled: UV oil penetrates the wood, keeping it flexible; the surface is rendered water- and dirt-repellent. Thereafter, no sanding is required and it rarely needs to be touched up with an oil or sealant, if at all. The timber is kiln-dried, so it’s of a good quality and can contend with various climates.” Building with timber is not as limiting as people think. “There’s a 80m-tall building with a timber frame in Scandinavia!” says Nadia. When securing a home loan for a timber build, Nadia says banks…

After purchasing a vacant plot in the Lynedoch Eco Village outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, Alta Vogel and Kristian Leisegang had to select building material in line with the sustainability ethos of the community. Not only were they committed to creating an ecofriendly home, but it had to be budget-friendly too. They researched various options and decided on second-hand bricks, based on the look they wanted and the fact that this would suit their budget. They sourced the bricks from a nearby municipal landfill – and went to collect some every day for a few months. “We would go to the dump, select the best whole bricks we could find and then meticulously count them and pay for them with cash,” says Alta. “We had to haggle over the…

IsoBoard offers an easy-to-install insulation solution to fit to new builds or retrofit to existing buildings. This enables your home to manage temperature fluctuations with ease and you to maintain comfortable living and working spaces for the lifetime of your building. Suitable for all the different areas in your home, this environmentally responsible thermal insulation solution is as versatile as it is effective. You’ll keep your home’s temperature steady, which means using less electricity to run air-conditioners – thus minimising your carbon footprint. For more tips, tricks and information, visit isoboard.com, like us on facebook.com/isoboardand follow us on Twitter @isoboard. GET IN TOUCH CAPE TOWN 021 983 1140, southsales@isoboard.com DURBAN 031 569 1800, dbnsales@isoboard.com PRETORIA 012 653 8204, northsales@isoboard.com IsoBoard is easy to install; watch the video at homemag.co.za.…

Q: Which floor tiles were used in the kitchen on page 53 of your August 2018 issue? – Jessica Walters, Cape Town A: The tiles are Torre Stone Glazed Porcelain from Italtile (italtile.co.za). Q: What is the name of the pink paint used on the door on page 79 of your December 2017 issue? – Evelyn Robbins, Durban A: That colour was specially mixed; try Duram NuGlo in the colour Spring Cosmos or Plascon Velvaglo in the colour Fuscia Fizz. Q: I love the bathroom pendants on page 75 of the April 2019 issue; where can I buy them? – Elaine Thompson, Johannesburg A: The pendants are from superbalist.com but you can find similar ones at K.Light (klight.co.za). Q: Where can I buy the lovely rose-gold pendants on page 40…

As soft as silk Q I’ve just finished renovating an apartment in Durban that I’d love to list on Airbnb. Some friends say I should buy polycotton duvet sets as these are more affordable to replace and easier to wash. Personally, I dislike polycotton, which makes me think guests might too. What would you suggest? Gift Mazibuko, Senior Buyer Bed & Bath at @home, replies Creating a sanctuary in your guest suite not only ensures the soundest of slumbers for guests, but also gives them a cosy space in which to unwind. With a luxurious softness and a silky sateen finish, cotton linen, such as our Egyptian cotton range, will last longer than any other fabric. Egyptian cotton is known for its strength and durability and is naturally lightweight…

Flower of the Year 2019 is the Year of the Nasturtium, nominated by Fleuroselect, the international ornamental plant industry organisation. This old-fashioned flower remains a firm favourite with modern gardeners as it continues to please our eyes and our palates from early summer to late autumn. Nasturtiums were not only to be found in the humble cottage gardens of old. Royal monarch Louis IV also enjoyed their flamboyance at Versailles, while in his garden at Giverny, Impressionist painter Monet delighted in the way they spilled over paths and wound their way among the flower borders. There are bush and trailing nasturtiums with single or double flowers in cream, lemon, gold, through orange and flame to red and mahogany, spurred or spurless with green, blue-green or variegated leaves. Grow nasturtiums in…

Pot conundrums Albert du Plooy of Pretoria North writes What type of plant can I grow in a pot on top of this tree stump? It is in full sun. And what is the name of the potted lily (below)? I bought it more than 10 years ago and this is the first time it has flowered!  Why did it take so long to bloom? How do I care for this plant? The pot stands in a corner that gets sun in the afternoon and it is underneath a fibreglass roof. Should the plant be repotted annually? Here at the foot of the Magaliesberg we get no frost in winter. JJ replies Good options for that sunny spot on the tree stump are succulents – try Crassulas, Echeverias and small…

“I don’t have many gardening tips,” says Jean. “And I don’t garden by the book. Early morning walks with a cup of tea give me time to assess what needs to be done. “I am a firm believer in mulching and feeding plants regularly with compost. I find trimming back plants very enjoyable and it’s so good for them. It stimulates new growth and the plants flourish.” When it comes to her roses, Jean doesn’t follow a specific maintenance programme. “I control diseases by spraying them with Rose Care from time to time. I feed them at their root zone with compost and sometimes apply Nitrosol or some of the fertiliser we use on the farm. I first check how the roses are doing before deciding what they need. “And…

Pringles be damned! Who can leave a hot, crisp cluster of tentacles on the plate?– Felicity Cloake, theguardian.com Brinjal salad with fried halloumi A hearty salad like this makes the ideal side dish or starter, or even a vegetarian main course served with pita bread. Remember, fried halloumi is best served hot. Serves 6–8 as a side dish • Preparation time: 30 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes • 2 medium-sized brinjals • 30ml olive oil • 15ml red wine vinegar • 1 bottle (280g) artichoke quarters marinated in oil, drained • 1 small red onion, sliced • 200g cherry tomatoes • 8 mini cucumbers, each cut into quarters lengthwise • 45ml pomegranate rubies • 60ml fresh mint leaves • 1 block (about 300g) halloumi • about 45ml flour • a pinch of dried mint • a knob of butter and a dash of olive…

Made to serve We love the resin detail on this pretty 27cm Kiewiet Oak Board (R799, yuppiechef.com) – it’s perfect for serving cheese, meats or tapas. IN STYLE Enjoy great Italian design and craftsmanship, inside and out, with chic Voga Italia wines in re-usable glass bottles. The Voga Pinot Grigio is light-bodied with pear and floral aromas, while the Rosa is a fresh, well-balanced, dry-yet-fruity rosé. Prices start at R169 from leading retailers nationwide; visit vogaitalia.com. Good enough to eat Spoil yourself with a packed lunch every day and keep it healthy for spring! We love the large Mepal Bento Lunch Box (R329, available exclusively online at home.co.za) in light pink. A TASTE OF THE CAPE In her new book Cape Mediterranean (R350, Struik Lifestyle), our favourite food blogger Ilse…

COOKWARE THAT is made to last is an investment in a lifetime of great food and delicious memories. Our collection of premium cookware includes a little something for every cook, from the just married couple to the aspiring foodie. Whether you are equipping your kitchen from scratch or upgrading to professional quality cookware, our range includes the most well-loved names available. “Invest in classic copper cookware, an excellent conductor of heat as well as an object of beauty in the kitchen.” UNDERSTANDING COOKWARE 1 CASSEROLE A cookware essential that allows you to create diverse meals from casseroles and stews to risotto and more. From R899 2 SKILLET Ideal for searing steak, fish or vegetables with authentic grill marks. Designed for low fat cooking. From R799 3 FRYING PAN Best for…

FROM THE coffee lovers to the tea tribe, everyone knows that a big part of the enjoyment is in the ritual. For some, it is the making. Beans freshly ground just seconds before the extraction using their state of the art espresso machine. Or the steeping of your tea bag in water just boiled in your hard working yet super stylish kettle. For others it is that first glorious sip from your favourite mug or cup, and the sharing of a great moment in your kitchen with your favourite people. Our range of coffee machines, milk frothers, kettles, toasters and tea accessories is perfectly complemented by a connoisseurs collection of coffee beans, pods, syrups, teas and treats, ready to be enjoyed any which way you choose. What’s your ritual? MAGNIFICENT…