Cxfgytrcc by Coroneameesta

Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

No.1

9 771814 165001

home an dg magazinarden e

07184

SA’s

R60.00

(vat incl.) Namibia N$60.00

July 2020

DIY

A versatile work station An origami lampshade

FOO OD

Cook with

SO TRENDY! Y

Create impact in your garden with grey plants

mushrooms Stuffed chicken, gnocchi, kebabs – even a pickle

8 tasteful

GRAB A BRUSH

TJHOKO CHAMPS • Practical islands to suit every style • Pack a punch with patterned tiles Win freestanding units worth R50 000

Enter & win!

READER HOMES

Shades of black & grey showcase exotic treasures

Planned to perfection for an elegant retirement

Kitsch collectibles add colour in this funky cottage

Reader home

Kitchens R

49 décor

8 Fresh ideas for using what you have 10 Exotic treasures, paintings and heirlooms create the ultimate refuge 20 Décor choices that are all about nostalgia 28 A colourful and texture-rich country sanctuary 40 Kitchens Sociable islands that are the hub of these spaces

do it yourself

58 Build a trestle desk for your home office 62 Make an origami lampshade

in the kitchen

98 Mushrooms Goodness from the soil! 108 Quick food We’ve got supper sorted 110 Food & drinks to feed your senses

competitions

5 Write in to Your Space and WIN 56 WIN Milestone Kitchens units to the value of R50 000! 70 Enter our Tjhoko Champs 2020 competition now! 76 Send us your pet pics and WIN 82 Complete Crossword #143 and WIN a book worth R290 83 Enter our Rookie Stylist 2020 competition now!

Marvellous mushrooms

in the garden

84 A reader creates pictures with pots, pavers and plants 92 Plants of the month Grey in all its shades takes centre stage

regulars

6 What’s new on the décor scene 66 Advice Ask the experts 66 Décor dilemma 68 Trash or treasure? Let’s find out 72 Renovation Improve, don’t move! 76 Pets and their peculiarities 78 Gardening notebook 114 Last words from Karin Brynard

60 Meet the Top 3 contestants in our Declutter competition

Cover photograph Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

he other day, someone referred to the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ that we are experiencing during this Covid-19 pandem mic as a “coronacoaster” – like a rollercoaster ride at the fun fair. Except that in reality it is anything but fun. But, as one does on a rollercoaster, we cling to that car for de ear life because we definitely don’t want to fall out. And you comfort yourself with the knowledge that the topsy-turvy ride will come to a stop at some point. Meanwhile, many of us are still working from home – these c days it’s a safe little cocoon in which we can attend a telephonic meeting in-between unpacking the dishwasher or pulling out weeds. (Just don’t cut your finger with the pruning shears; it tends to distract you – and your colleagues – from the conversation at hand...) Video meetings are another matter entirely. In an ideal world, you best be sitting there all neatly, looking spick and span in an ordered, tidy space. You may have square eyes and square buttocks by late afternoon, but the show must go on. There are now experts who advise you on how to be the ideal participant in a video meeting: place your computer so that your camera is at a certain height to avoid a double chin; make sure there is light in front of you, not behind you, otherwise you’re just a dark shadow. And, most importantly, think about what’s going on in the background! The latter is my guilty pleasure in video meetings, because people’s homes are interesting: a lovely wall colour, a busy bookshelf, striking art. Each of these things tells a story and reveals something about the person on the other side of the camera. I don’t know about you but I’m longing to visit my family, or to set a long table for friends, where everyone is talking and laughing over each other and no one needs to ask “can you hear me?”. Where the end of a visit is not the click of a mouse but a hug at the front door, a touch of hands, a kiss. I think that’s why I look at the ‘stuff’ in people’s homes during video calls: it’s almost like being there. So please keep your camera on and I’ll do the same. And hold onto that rollercoaster car, there are still a few more ups and downs ahead. • With the June issue, we included a fabric mask (there was also a MRP Home voucher). That issue cost R15 more than the regular cover price, which upset many readers. First the good news: the cover price of the issue you have in your hands is once again R60, the price since April this year. The annual price increase in April is something we always try to resist but in the age of digitalisation, printed publications have become a premium product. It was not an underhand move (as some readers suggested on Facebook); it was, unfortunately, inevitable: we have to balance our books. In addition, our paper is imported (there’s no similar paper available locally) and the exchange rate doesn’t make things easier. The June issue – at a cost of R75 – was an exception. It was the first of three special issues this year that include something extra for readers. When we compile a bonus issue like this again in the future, we will indicate it clearly on the cover so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the till. We should have explained it better in June. We sincerely apologise. In the meantime, I can assure you that the Home team is working harder than ever to ensure that SA’s favourite home and garden magazine is worth every cent. We will continue to search far and wide for the most beautiful houses, impressive gardens, easy DIY projects and inspirational renovations. And don’t forget the delicious food – all tried and tested in Johané’s own kitchen!

editor@homemag.co.za

4 home July 2020

EDITOR CAPE TOWN OFFICE Cape Town postal address Office Manager JOHANNESBURG OFFICE

EDITORIAL Features Editor Creative Editor Food Editor Art Director Designer Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Multimedia Journalist Photographer Retoucher

Wicus Pretorius • editor@homemag.co.za 20th Floor, Media24 Building, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town PO Box 1802, Cape Town, 8000 Amina Essop 021 406 2401 Media Park Building, 69 Kingsway Road, Auckland Park

Shané Barnard • shane.barnard@media24.com Marian van Wyk Johané Neilson • johane.neilson@tuis.co.za Andrew Maritz Jade Cupido Tessa Jean-Jacques Gillian Eva Amy Johnson Suné Esterhuizen Francois Oberholster René Nortjé

CONTRIBUTORS Shelly Bergh, Karin Brynard, Elza Cooper, Greg Cox, Deon de Goede, Paula Dubois, Gerda Engelbrecht, Marié Esterhuyse, Petro Jacobs, Kosie Jansen van Rensburg, ER Lombard, Marlene Malan, Kay Montgomery, Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Marie Opperman, Melissa Rautenbach, Hettie Scholtz, Ludwig Taschner, JJ van Rensburg, Amanda van Wyngaardt, Henrique Wilding Production Manager General Enquiries ADVERTISNG HEAD: Advertising Sales (Cape Town and KZN) Key Account Manager (CT) Sales Manager (JHB) Classified Sales MEDIA24 LIVE Head of Events Head of Sponsorship Marketing Manager LIFESTYLE CREATE STUDIO Creative Director Commercial Manager: Monthlies Commercial Editor CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Product Manager

Kerry Nash Donvé Myburgh 021 406 2387

Sarah Curtis-Bowles 021 461 2396 Charlene Meyer 082 928 5970 Susan Pienaar 083 281 7300 Evonne Mehl 021 461 2396

Francois Malan 021 406 2376 Nikki Ruttiman 011 713 9147 Andile Nkosi 021 406 2257

Michael de Beer Lise Coetsee Gerda Engelbrecht

Armand Kasselman Janine Snyman 011 713 9918

SUBSCRIPTIONS, RENEWALS AND ENQUIRIES TEL 087 353 1300 • FAX 086 296 6681 • EMAIL subs@media24.com SMS “home” to 32361 (R1 per SMS) • WEB Zinio.com or Magzter.com

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CAPE TOWN

Published by Media24, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001. Tel: 021 406 2121

CEO: Media24 Ishmet Davidson • CEO: Media24 Print Media Rika Swart GM: Media24 Lifestyle Minette Ferreira Head of Finance: Media24 Lifestyle Jameelah Conway CMO Media24 Lifestyle Nerisa Coetzee Copyright Media24. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise therefrom. Home has the right to make alterations to any material submitted, and cannot be held responsible for the loss of or damage to any material submitted for publication. All prices stated are subject to change and may vary from store to store; retail prices in-store should be considered the final confirmed amount.

your space Write to us at Home, Readers’ Letters, PO Box 1802, Cape Town 8000; email editor@homemag.co.za, fax 021 408 3046, and join our Facebook group (facebook.com/homemag) or follow us on Instagram @TuisHomeMag. When submitting a letter, please include your full name and the town in which you live.

IN SHORT

Renovation inspiration

Lynette Whittaker of Mossel Bay writes I’ve been a subscriber to your publication for as long as there’s been a Home. There’s a stack of them in every room of our house. And they get read time and again by the whole family. We’re avid renovators/interior enthusiasts and have found so many good ideas and inspiration in your magazine. I can send you albums full of ‘before & after’ projects we’ve tackled. Because of you. I have found so many suppliers, entrepreneurs and shops, because of you. Today, I was sitting in the sun on my couch (on Mother’s Day) and looking through back copies of Home for ideas for our bathroom. My partner has decided to use this lockdown time to renovate it. Maybe not the best time as we can’t shop for fittings and building supplies or get contractors to help, but it keeps him occupied. In the 10 years we’ve lived in this house, our bathroom has undergone many facelifts but this is the first major renovation. I found the inspiration I was looking for in your March 2019 issue. We’re going bling with gold paint! We’re not done yet, but I will send an ‘after’ pic as soon as I can.

Before

Inspiration!

A happy Mother’s Day Renate Venier of Pretoria East writes

A picture that says a thousand words. No caption needed. Lockdown Mother’s Day made. And as always, the May issue did not disappoint: it was jampacked with inspiration from cover to cover – from the colour-coded book shelf on page 19 (that absolutely blew my mind) to the challah bread recipe on page 104 (a much-needed distraction from banana bread!) and everything in-between all the way through to Karin Brynard’s bittersweet narration of Mamma’s “oopsie-broeks”. Thank you to my daughter for her thoughtfulness and thank you to the Home team for not disappointing, despite these ‘unprecedented and unpredictable’ Covid-19 lockdown times.

In your April issue, Wicus said in his editor’s letter: “I’ll bet you my last match and candle that loadshedding will once again take the top spot (in the mostsearched words on Google)”. I lay claim to that last match and candle! Who would’ve thought when that issue went to print that Covid-19 would come galloping in on its white charger and leave Eskom in the dark! Luckily for me, I now have so much longer to read my mag and in fact will probably read it several times, try out the recipes, do some home decorating and who knows, when this all blows over, we might even look forward to a little loadshedding. Sending you a virtual hug and thank you for a great magazine! – Debbie Arnold, Bryanston On the day that Caxton announced it was no longer publishing magazines, how grateful I was to have Home in my arsenal. I hope that your mag goes from strength to strength, especially during these challenging times, as it gives me a sense of normality over and above the pleasure of reading it. It’s a bit of an elixir as I was getting serious withdrawal symptoms when at first I couldn’t find the May issue on the shelves. Thanks to all for keeping the ‘home’ fires burning – your dedication and efforts are sincerely appreciated. I hope you enjoy what you do as much as your readers enjoy what you have done. Big virtual hugs! – Ilona Baguley, Edenvale The writer of the winning letter gets a Meryn Gers Ceramics voucher worth R1 500! Mervyn Gers Ceramics produces bespoke functional and decorative ceramics with a range that brings a natural, textured touch to any table. Every dinnerware set and all their ceramics are handmade in Cape Town and treated with a unique glaze. Every piece is fired at a very high temperature to create stoneware that is as durable as it is beautiful. To view the range, go to mervyngers.com.

WIN!

The editor reserves the right to edit letters at his discretion.

WINNING LETTER

Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za. The Napoli range of pendants and ﬂoor lamps from Lighting Warehouse features organic woven designs in rattan to add texture and earthy tones to any space. We love this three-light bar pendant (R1 299)! Visit lightingwarehouse.co.za.

what’s new

Compiled by Shané Barnard

CREATE, INNOVATE! WHO Zelda van der Walt WHERE Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal BUSINESS Blokk HER WORK What started out as a hobby for Zelda, turned into a small business two years ago when more and more friends and family started requesting some of her handmade wooden tile blocks. “The faux tiles are decorated with a variety of raw materials, such as concrete and paint, as well as transfers. Each piece is handmade and has a matte ﬁnish, giving the tiles a ‘vintage’ feel,” Zelda explains. The designs are constantly changing and the collections are updated frequently; you can buy a single tile (from R95) or mix and match to create a unique artwork. Blokk started trading at art festivals and trade fairs, and has now expanded by launching an online shop, making the handmade pieces available anywhere in South Africa. Visit blokktiles.com to browse the collection. Plascon’s new palette for winter celebrates the beauty of nature and hibernation with soothing blues, golden-yellows and earthy reds, such as the warm colour Hot Terracotta (pictured here). “Winter should be a celebration of the depth of natural colours,” says Nozipho Kunene, Plascon’s retail marketing manager. “People are yearning for community and peace, and colour has the ability to satisfy those desires.” See more at plascon.com.

6 home July 2020

Image courtesy of Kansai Plascon

Vrou-vrou cotton throw in magenta (double) R3 315, Mungo

Super plush Damson blanket (200 x 220cm) R299.99, MRP Home

Block & Chisel has opened a new store at 155 Jan Smuts Avenue in Parkwood, Johannesburg. The showroom is all about a boutique-style retail experience. “We have designed our stores to be what we like to call ‘inspired retail’. This means bringing in natural light and creating interesting nooks and varied spaces to demonstrate the versatility of a piece,” says Block & Chisel’s director Paul McAdam. Expect to ﬁnd rich layering, a combination of modern and traditional styles, and plenty of beautiful detail. Go to blockandchisel.co.za for more.

s esign d w e rky n

Local contemporary artist Lillian Gray has expanded her works of art beyond the canvas by introducing a lifestyle range with a splash of colour. Gray’s signature portraits are now available as scatter cushions, sling bags, utility bags and coin bags; the scatter cushions (R450 each) feature digital prints on linen. Go to lilliangrayart.com.

Give your home ofﬁce a stylish update with this Leaning Desk from Native Décor (R999). It is made from sustainable birch plywood and painted MDF and leans comfortably against the wall to create a sturdy work station that can easily be moved around the house as required. Go to nativedecor.co.za.

Faux sheepskin hide (50 x 90cm) R499, @home

Charcoal deluxe polar ﬂeece throw (150 x 180cm) R69, Decofurn

Baroness Duck Egg Quilt (180 x 240cm) R1 950, Haus

Ruby Furry Peacock Throw (140 x 220cm) R1 750, Haus

STOCKISTS @home 0860 834 834, home.co.za Decofurn 087 740 1800, decofurnsa.co.za Haus 0860 437 839, hertexhaus.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Mungo 044 533 1395, mungo.co.za

fresh ideas

Old made new! Keen to revitalise your décor? Start with what you have – you’ll be surprised how much you can do with old planks, leftover tiles or forgotten trellises... By Suné Esterhuizen and Shané Barnard Photographs Francois Oberholster and Elza Cooper Styling Marian van Wyk and Amanda van Wyngaardt

For good measure A creative display of treasured measuring cups and spoons adds tons of charm and personality to Manuel and Jenny Cernades’ new kitchen in Linden, Johannesburg (see the full kitchen on page 40). “Some of these measuring spoons were passed down from my grannies, and others I have been collecting for over 30 years,” Jenny says. She took the top off an old table and used half of it to create the display board. Each item has its own nail keeping it in place and ready for use. Different coloured panels on the original wood make for interesting texture in the otherwise monochrome kitchen. The collection now has pride of place between two window frames made from recycled Oregon pine. Window frames from Orejen

8 home July 2020

A fresh coat of paint has given this wall, finished with a beautiful rose pattern back in 1935, a lovely contemporary aesthetic. Paint colour

Plascon Paris Paving

Trendy trellis Nadine Theron of Worcester isn’t a fan of bare walls. When the Therons replaced one of their old garden gates, she decided to repurpose its trelliswork. It now adorns a wall in her reading nook where it stands out beautifully against the grey wall. “I’m a ‘more is better’ type of person,” she says with a chuckle. The nook is formed by an alcove in front of a window that gets wonderful morning sun. Nadine had an oversized ottoman custom made at a local upholsterer to fit the space so that two people can sit comfortably and read. The trelliswork also serves as a handy rack. “I sometimes hang magazines or even books on the bars,” she says. White table from PEP Home; yellow scatter from Hermanus Factory Shop

Make a splash When Morné and Peter Foale decided to renovate the guest bathroom in their home in Bergvliet, old tiles from a previous bathroom renovation came in handy. The leftover tiles were the perfect size for a splashback above the basin. “We decided on a monochrome look and used 60 x 60cm black-and-white tiles on the floor,” says Morné, who describes her décor style as industrial with a touch of French flair. Geometric tiles on the floating shelf next to the basin echo the black-andwhite theme. Geometric tiles and floor tiles from CTM; splashback tiles from Quadrata; mirror from Delicious Display; wire rack from MRP Home

Did you know?

Nadine was the winner of our 2019 Rookie Stylist competition. Do you have a cute corner in your home that you’d love to share with us? Follow @tuishomemag and enter – there are weekly prizes up for grabs and the overall winner will receive a R15 000 voucher from MRP Home!

STOCKISTS CTM 010 003 9987, ctm.co.za Delicious Display 021 448 7513, deliciousdisplay.com Hermanus Factory Shop 028 312 3265, hermanus-factory-shop.business.site MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Orejen 083 303 3063, orejen.co.za PEP Home 0860 737 000, pepstores.com Quadrata 021 712 1357, quadrata.co.za

reader home

‘The best place under the

sun’

Shades of green and blue, exotic treasures, paintings and heirlooms set against a black and grey backdrop create the ultimate refuge. By Marie Opperman • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

WHO LIVES HERE? Mariëtte and Peter Bouwer; their son Martin (22) visits over weekends WHERE Bosplasie, Onrus River SIZE 430m2

Mattress made by Alida Clarkson

A cow skull picked up in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley adorns the wall next to the built-in braai on the stoep. The mosaic artwork on the tables is Mariëtte’s handiwork. An old carved Indian door (opposite) surrounded by potted spekboom and common tree Euphorbias welcomes visitors at the driveway. >>

July 2020

home 11

reader home

n the banks of the Onrus River and a stone’s throw from the ocean lies a slate-grey house filled with the wondrous beauty that only a bold creative could put together. Here you are taken on a trip with the homeowners, artist Mariëtte Bouwer and her husband Peter, not just to distant lands and all corners of South Africa where they have collected colourful mementoes, but also to a bygone era with antiques and heirlooms, many of which have been given a fresh new look. It is a true spectacle that delights the heart and soul. Little wonder then that Mariëtte calls herself a dreamer. “I would love to have been a traveller by profession...” she says wistfully. But then she hastens to add: “To me, my house is the best place under the sun. It’s where I feel completely at home; it’s my refuge. I love the ocean and spend many a happy hour exploring the coastal byways of Onrus with my dogs Pablo and Frida.”

Wooden statuettes and plants (above) create a still life on a weathered table. “Fortunately, we started acquiring cactuses a long time ago; they are now huge,” says Mariëtte. The stoep (right) is characterised by earthy colours and textures. Mariëtte bought the wicker chairs in Hermanus and painted them grey. The white lanterns are old Chinese Christmas decorations.

12 home July 2020

A cactus and Frida Kahlo print create a Mexican atmosphere in the TV room. The Bouwers bought the rug from a gypsy in Lisbon. The curtain over the front door is a tablecloth from Sri Lanka and two Indian dolls are hanging on the right.

More rooms, steps and levels Mariëtte and Peter, who owns a glass and aluminium business in Hermanus, had this two-storey house built in 2001 and then redesigned it eight years later. They drew up the plans for the extension themselves in 2009, deciding at the same time to change the interior layout of the house. “We didn’t use an architect but because we live on a slope, an engineer had to plan the driveway,” explains Mariëtte. “Our daughter Saskia Bekker is an architectural designer in Onrus, so she helped with the planning.” (Saskia’s house was featured in Home Renovations in 2019.) The Bouwers moved out during the alterations. “We packed everything up and rented a house for six months. We even relocated our collection of cactuses.” Other than the new driveway and double garage, the shape of the house pretty much stayed the same. “Although it’s now 3m longer and 7m wider, and three more levels were added to the original two. With all these steps we have to climb, Peter and I will need to be fit in our golden years, like the old people in Greece,” says Mariëtte with a smile. The negotiating of stairs begins at the antique carved Indian door on the street side. “If I had to choose something to take with me when I move, it would be this door,” says Mariëtte. Not that it’s actually a front door, since it doesn’t take you into the house but rather down a flight of stairs to the stoep. “This is an upsidedown house,” explains Mariëtte. “You enter at the top and end up a couple of levels down at the bottom.” From the stoep – a sociable nook with a braai, built-in seating and a cement table – steps lead down to the kitchen, living room and main bedroom en suite. “We host festive meals in the kitchen, which was specially extended to make room for an antique table that seats 12 people. It’s about 140 years old.” >> July 2020

home 13

reader home Colourful furniture and accessories from all corners of the globe come into their own against the grey walls; these include a wardrobe and pouffe from India, an ottoman upholstered in Chinese silk, rugs from Morocco and gold cushions from a store in Woodstock, Cape Town. The walls were finished with CemWash, a product from Cemcrete, in the colour Grey; they were then sanded to make them a little lighter. Mark Dixon, a student friend of Mariëtte’s, did the paintings.

Lower level

Bedroom Scullery

Ground level

Lounge

Main Bedroom Bath

Bath

Kitchen

Toilet

Study

Bedroom

TV room

Stoep

Street level entrance

I love anything with a story. Most of our furniture consists of other people’s hand-me-downs. – Mariëtte

The lounge ﬂows seamlessly onto the stoep. The cement ﬂoor was treated with CreteCote and sealed with Cemcrete Colour Hardener in the colour Grey.

July 2020

home 15

MariĂŤtte colour-washed the Balinese coffee table in Plascon Jade and then applied a silver leaf finish. Peter made the rectangular table and the curtain fabric is menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suit linen. Star pendants from Hadeda; green artificial rattan chairs from MRP Home

Paint colour

Plascon Black roof paint

16 home July 2020

The wooden drawers under the concrete slab in the kitchen (left) were custom made by a friend, Anton Rossouw. Mariëtte painted the proteas above the glasses cabinet (far left); it was previously a bookcase that belonged to her late Ouma Malie.

The old enamelware was collected from all around the country.

Paint colour

Plascon Iron Ore The kitchen dresser against the black wall is another heirloom piece from Ouma Malie. Mariëtte gave it an undercoat of Plascon Midnight Blue and then colour-washed it with Teal Tide; the glass in the doors was replaced with wire mesh. “Most of the crockery stored in it is old family tea sets.”

The spindle chairs were painted grey and the black-and-silver Indian chairs were bought from a shop in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, which has since closed. Pine drawers and baskets from MRP Home

The old cabinet is from Bali; it was whitewashed for a weathered look. The artworks on either side were created by a friend, Craig Cockroft.

The main bedroom on the top floor overlooks the Onrus River and garden. Mariëtte’s favourite photo in the large frame at the top of the gallery wall is of her mom Sannie Goosen (now 89), smoking a pipe behind the water tank on the family farm in Porterville. Cane headboard from Snuffels

[ MARIËTTE’S DÉCOR TIPS ]

“I’m a bit of a rebel when it comes to following interior décor rules! I think the soul of a house, what you think is beautiful, what you treasure and find practical all depends on individual taste. Feel free to create your own interior design rules,” says Mariëtte. • Combine different fabrics and textures to create a wonderful atmosphere. “For me, it starts with walls in various shades of grey, against which the colours and textures I use are shown off to perfection. I even sanded some walls to create a rougher texture and a livelier look.” • A uniform floor creates a beautiful whole and comfortable flow throughout the house. “I play with loose rugs in various sizes and shapes. Sometimes, I toss rugs on top of each other for texture.” • Finish the walls with artworks that make strong statements. “Also use ornaments such as plates and plants. For even more texture and ‘movement’, I add contrast with items from different cultures and interesting accessories – both old and new.” • Move your furniture and ornaments around regularly to create new and interesting looks. • Paint can work wonders. “Feel free to give an old, boring bench or cabinet a fresh coat of paint in a new shade.” • Different textures, colours and patterns on cushions, bedding, loose rugs and curtains always add warmth. “Have fun with what you have.” • Plants can add life to a room and give it natural appeal.

18 home July 2020

Ten shades of grey With its new palette, the Bouwers’ home now boasts six black walls, with the rest in 10 shades of grey. “I love the tranquil feel of these colours. I only use the black walls as focal points, and never more than one in a room. A black backdrop allows black-and-white artworks to stand out so beautifully. Other colours work just as well against a black wall – as do plates, masks and plants,” says Mariëtte. “But who knows, next time I might use only white throughout my house.” Mariëtte, who also paints under her maiden name Goosen, describes herself as “an undisciplined artist who does paint techniques on furniture”. She painted most of the wooden furniture in her house herself and finished it off with a colourwash technique in a different shade to soften the look. “I prefer to give old pieces a new lease on life and tend not to buy new furniture. I also have old family pieces, some of which are from my late grandmother Malie,” she explains. “Some of the furniture had many layers of old paint, which I took off with paint remover. Then I sanded and painted the wood – any good water-based PVA works for me. It can easily be sanded down.” Mariëtte purchased her collectibles in countries such as Bali, India, Morocco, Portugal and Turkey. “I love their exotic look. They complement the earthiness of my African items and weathered wood.” The beauty of this house lies in the detail: textures of wood, rugs and steel, and the sudden bursts of colour in fabrics and paintings that when combined form a glorious whole.

The charcoal drawings were done by Mariëtte. The lighter wall is finished with CemWash, here in the colour Light Grey.

Paint colour

Plascon PVA Black

The fabric hanging at the window in the goldthemed guest room comes from Bali.

The built-in bath and vanity in the main en-suite bathroom were finished with Cemcrete SatinCrete, and the walls with CemWash in the colour Grey. Balinese glass bead necklaces, a suitcase from Spain and baskets add warmth to the space. Baskets from MRP Home

The old brown suitcase belonged to Mariëtte’s mom Sannie.

Mariëtte made these curtains from a tablecloth bought at H&M Home. The black-and-white woven cotton pot comes from Morocco.

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS Alida Clarkson 072 510 0266 Hadeda 022 788 5774, hadedashop.com H&M Home 0860 690 707, hm.com/za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Snuffels 028 312 1802

reader home

For old times’ sake Childhood memories have inspired the décor in this creative couple’s home. By Marlene Malan • Photographs Elza Cooper Styling Amanda van Wyngaardt

Delicious Monster lampshade from Mos Lighting; chairs from Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers

The pink metal display cabinet in Duan and Reg’s living room was a gift, while the lampshade matches their delicious monster plant. The iconic Wassily chairs are made of steel and leather and date back to 1925.

ven before Duan Wanty and Reg Hart have offered you a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, their garden cottage makes you feel right at home. The reason? Your eyes are immediately drawn to the cheerful yellow wall just inside the front door – large and bright, loaded with artworks, prints, handcrafts and souvenirs, it’s a focal point that instantly tells you something about your hosts. This living room wall forms the core of their home, the couple says. It symbolises who they are and their outlook on life. And the sense of déjà vu you experience is not accidental. This cabinet or that lamp, this ornament or that handmade piece... You get the feeling you’ve encountered them before, perhaps in your mom’s or grandmother’s house. And that’s precisely the reaction they want to evoke. “Our home is all about nostalgia. On Sundays we often take a trip to antique shops, charity stores or other unusual places. We never set out to find something specific, but rather look for things that remind us of our childhood, our grannies’ homes or our families,” says Duan.

At the end of last year, the pair moved from a much larger three-bedroom house into this cottage at the back of Reg’s aunt Neeltje Swanepoel’s property. “The idea of downsizing was attractive for several reasons,” says Duan. “You can do more with less space. We’re also passionate about plants, so what could be better than a garden cottage?” The big property with its lawn, as well as the leafy tranquillity of this suburb between Rosebank and Cresta, were also drawcards. Duan (34) works as a producer and content editor in the film and television industry and Reg (32) is the owner of a fashion and lifestyle store, Co-Op Squared in Linden. He also freelances as a designer and art director for film and TV productions. Duan says their home was designed in such a way that the interior and exterior would work cohesively. “We enjoy every inch of the space because everything feels like one entity. A smaller place makes it easier and cheaper to change the style and look when the fancy takes us. Our jobs are demanding, so we need a home that provides an immediate balm for the soul.” >>

WHO LIVES HERE? Duan Wanty and Reg Hart with their cat Harley WHERE Victory Park, Johannesburg SIZE 60m2 with a 24m2 stoep

July 2020

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The Zodiac tub chairs from the 1960s were bought at an antiques store in the Free State. Reg had them reupholstered in a woolly fabric – with the ‘wrong’ side facing outwards. He believes these chairs are the ultimate in comfort but they are hard to come by. The table in-between them comes from the same antique store.

Reg and Duan enjoy sitting on their stoep and watching the birds flitting about in the leafy garden. Even when it rains, the couple can be found here, listening to the raindrops on the roof. The transparent roof sheeting ensures that the space gets plenty of sunlight.

Pocket-sized paradise Reg’s aunt Neeltje says she and her husband Hendrik bought the 2 624m2 property in 2010 after it had been unoccupied for 18 months – they live in the main house. “Victory Park is a small suburb with a central location,” she explains. “There are only two access roads into the suburb, so it’s quiet and safe. “We also wanted to be near schools, and I really wanted a lovely tree. This property met all those criteria! The tree in question is a South American tipu tree (Tipuana tipu).” (This tree is a category 3 invasive but existing specimens need not be removed.) “We planted a plane tree that has grown quite large; it has gorgeous seasonal colour. Beautiful aloes, a jacaranda and an avocado tree that bears delicious fruit are located behind the flat,” Neeltje adds. She says the outbuilding, which is now Reg and Duan’s cottage, was a mess. “The living room was a rubbish dump, there were no ceilings, the roof leaked and the walls were crumbling.” Neeltje and Hendrik renovated the outbuilding in 2011. “We converted it into a comfy cottage, where we may one day retire. When Reg and Duan decided to move in, we enclosed the stoep and raised the roof. That made a huge difference.”

Duan and Reg say they searched for this wire locker for a long time; it is located in a sunny spot and houses a collection of thriving plants. They like to sit in this nook and enjoy their morning coffee or sundowners. Wire locker from Re-Trend

Duan says these figurines are a fond reminder of his childhood – his mom had a collection of them in her bedroom.

The orange alarm clock belonged to Reg’s father; although it makes quite a racket, it still keeps accurate time. Reg also inherited his grandfather’s first TV set (right).

Cane table from Re-Trend; figurines from Bail Bond Pawn Shop in Linden

Their own stamp

Paint colour

Dulux Sun Dust

The drinks trolley was a gift from Neeltje when Duan and Reg moved in. The pair bought the pink 1970s lampshade at a second-hand shop for the bargain price of R50; its plastic discs change colour, depending on how they catch the light. The sturdy lampstand was made from old steel plumbing pipes and an old brake drum. Lampstand from Horizon Furniture in Bloemfontein

Duan and Reg have added their own colourful style and treasures, giving the cottage a unique personality. The spacious front stoep was one of the biggest drawcards for the couple. The front door opens into an open-plan living area which includes the kitchen, dining room, TV room and a reading corner. The cottage has one bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. The front stoep also includes a seating nook that leads to a sociable braai area with an L-shaped outdoor bench. “The prominent interior wall is quite something!” says Duan. “It was difficult to get the yellow right because the space gets so much light and yellow can be quite temperamental. We tried three different shades. The first was too light and creamy and the second reminded us of a nursery school, but the last one was perfect. It provides just the right amount of brightness, joy and drama.” “Since it’s the largest wall surface in the room, we knew everyone would notice it first. That’s why we wanted to emphasise it,” adds Reg. “This specific yellow brightens up a dull day and puts a smile on your face. Even the crying boy in the painting seems less sad. And the Japanese fan above the window (see page 20) was perfect – cheap enough, pink enough, big enough and busy enough!” The pair wanted to make sure that an open space such as this wouldn’t seem cold. “The ceiling and walls are quite high, but the bright colours help the room to feel warmer. The round mirrors (see page 24) were a fantastic bargain and create the illusion of windows. They reflect the light and echo the yellow on the other wall,” says Reg. “A guest once said they look like the portholes of a cruise ship. We quite like that comparison because creating the atmosphere of a ‘staycation’ is what we wanted. We also chose the yellow because we knew it would show off our plants to best effect. It brings a ray of sunshine indoors.” >> July 2020

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The lamp on the sideboard was a lucky find on a rubbish dump; Duan and Reg were chuffed that it actually worked when they plugged it in. The couple later gave it a new blue lampshade. The blue figurine, ‘Whistling Boy’, is a fairly rare Art Deco statuette from the early 20th century. Duan and Reg used it as a décor prop in a short film, Fluit-fluit which can be seen on Showmax. Reg bought the mahogany sideboard at a second-hand shop in Montgomery Park some years ago. He and Duan covered the padded sections of the cupboard doors with green velvet remnants that perfectly complement the yellow focal wall and greenery in the house. Lampshade from MRP Home; statuette from Cart

Duan purchased the dining table with his first pay cheque. Back then, it felt expensive, he says. But he really wanted one as he feels that meals around a table are the best way to spend time with loved ones. The legs were originally white but they have since had a coat of yellow and are now black. Table from MRP Home

24 home July 2020

Paint colour

Dulux Gloss Enamel Kingfisher Black

Braai area

TV room Kitchen

Bedroom

Kitchen table

Stoep

Dining room

Bathroom

Duan and Reg wanted to retain the wall supporting the tiled kitchen slab in its exposed brick state since it complements the unplastered parts on other walls in the cottage. Black steel shelves – with books on one side and bigger kitchen utensils on the other – perfectly suit their ‘tiny house’ lifestyle where every inch of space must often perform more than one function. >> Kitchen counter from Builders; tiles from Italtile

Light and dark Another striking colour choice in the couple’s home is the pink in the bedroom. “We didn’t deliberately set out to find a pink but when this colour caught our eye, we wanted to use it somewhere. Eventually, it ended up on the bedroom wall. Now we love it,” says Duan. Bold colours are definitely a reflection of who they are. While Duan likes bright hues, Reg prefers black or grey – which is why these are the base colours in the cottage. “I think we have both managed to make our mark on this space. It’s a brave compromise that makes us both happy,” says Reg. “I shied away from dark colours because I thought they made a space seem smaller but Reg has shown me that they make corners disappear and the rooms actually feel more spacious,” adds Duan. However, they totally agreed on the dramatic dark bathroom. “I also believe that our colour choices are linked to the fact that we are in our thirties, each with a distinct personality and strong ideas. I have a musical theatre background and Duan studied drama.

So we’ve learned that we don’t have to be modest and that life is colourful. We actively seek out colour in our lives.” One of the biggest benefits of the cottage is its large windows. They let in plenty of natural light and at the same time bring the greenery of the garden inside. “We always want our doors and windows to be open to let in the fresh air and allow the light to flow inwards as much as possible. Outdoors and indoors must be at one. This is what makes our home feel spacious, open and free. It’s our haven in the middle of suburbia,” says Duan. Reg agrees. “It’s our green-and-yellow refuge in the city; the place where we cook amazing meals, drink wine, laugh and chat with friends. This is where we are at peace,” he says contentedly. “And when we leave here, we go out into the world friendly and cheerful.”

The couple took care to find bedside tables that wouldn’t take up too much space. These wooden boxes, painted in the same pink as the wall, were mounted to appear as if they disappear into the background. Wooden boxes from Woodlady

Duan and Reg feel that the black, grey and white palette in the bedroom helps to highlight the pink wall: the simpler the other colours, the brighter the pink!

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Paint colour

Dulux Sweet Sunday 2

Reg’s preference for white, grey and black is also central to the bathroom’s colour scheme: it’s the only room in the cottage that has no bright hues. Hexagonal mirrors in shower from MRP Home

A piece of furniture can have more than one function. – Duan

The old post office pigeonhole cabinet (left) provides storage space for Reg and Duan’s collection of shoes, at the same time bringing loads of colour and texture to the room. The flamboyant flamingo on top – a nod to their love of dramatic, kitsch keepsakes – was discovered at a pawnshop.

The mouse lamp is compact enough to fit on the bedside table and enhances a toy theme. Lamp from Co-Op Squared

Shoe cupboard from Modern Antiques

STOCKISTS Bail Bond Pawn Shop 011 782 0617, facebook.com/BBNorhcliff Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Cart 076 567 5886, facebook.com/carttheshop Co-Op Squared 074 232 6730, co-op-chop.com Mos Lighting 073 480 6965, mosproducts.co.za Horizon Furniture 051 451 1057 Italtile 010 271 2272, italtile.co.za Modern Antiques 082 556 7902, modernantiques.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers 011 836 1650, oldjwauctioneers.com Re-Trend 011 482 2454, facebook.com/pg/ReTrendsa Woodlady 079 889 8826, woodlady.co.za

Savouring the slow life

A soon-to-be retired couple created their own country sanctuary where tactile textures and vibrant colours speak of a happy home.

By Marian van Wyk â&#x20AC;˘ Photographs Francois Oberholster

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A lush star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) and potted heliotropes soften the north-northwest-facing brick faรงade. The homeowners used second-hand RainQueen planter boxes against the back wall; they are planted up with Mackaya bella.

WHO LIVES HERE? Sharon and Piers Harington with their three dogs and a cat. WHERE Stanford 2 SIZE 420m (includes a large garage and front veranda on a 976m2 plot)

The lounge, where the décor is all about comfort, is Piers’ favourite spot in winter. “Feet up, all the dogs next to us on the big couches, books and a crackling fire” is a typical scene for the Haringtons. Invincible Strand closed-combustion stove from FCS Distributors

Paint colour

Dulux Ruby Fountain 1

We’re on the veranda from morning tea till sundowners – and for all the meals in-between! – Sharon

Garage

Storeroom

Bath

Kitchen Dining area

Sitting area

Kitchenette

Toilet

Wine store

Pantry

Outside toilet

Bedroom Sitting area Bath

Dressing room Main bedroom

Bedroom Stoep

hen Capetonians Sharon and Piers Harington decided to retire in a small town, all roads kept leading back to Stanford. A mere 150km from the Mother City, the quiet, riverside Overberg village was ideal as Piers, an anaesthetist, can commute between their Rondebosch flat and Stanford, where he spends weekends with Sharon. “The plan was to retire early so that we could make friends and enjoy our surroundings. I would start the ball rolling and Piers would commute for a while but three years on, his retirement is now referred to as the ‘R-word’,” says Sharon with a chuckle. When they saw a plot for sale along a dirt road on the edge of town, with a view of open land bordered by huge gum trees and a small private nature reserve, their minds were made up. “It was a view we would never tire of. We could see a family of bontebok and their babies walking along the road in the reserve,” says Sharon. The couple bought the plot in 2017 and sold their Rondebosch family home, where they brought up their three children: Amy (34) who lives in Australia, and Sebastian (30) and Holly (26) who both live in Cape Town. “Building our own home has been a lifelong dream; bricks and mortar make me happy!” says Sharon. “We wanted a low-maintenance home, a huge veranda to remind me of my childhood in Zimbabwe, cement floors… A sort of farmhouse with an industrial feel.” Sharon designed the house to scale on graph paper, while constantly bouncing ideas off Piers. “I made drawings with the dimensions of every piece of furniture from our Rondebosch home in mind. Windows were carefully positioned so that certain key pieces would fit comfortably.” Construction work began in November 2017 with Eugene Theron as project manager and building contractor, and in May 2018 Sharon moved to a rental home in Stanford so she could keep an eye on the progress. >>

Ground floor

Scullery

reader home

First floor

A generous 65m2, the size of the veranda was non-negotiable when Sharon designed the house, and the 4.2m-long teak table is the perfect spot for family gatherings. Most of the furniture was bought second-hand, except for the red armoire, which they brought back from Saudi Arabia where Piers worked for seven years. The same cement screed floor was laid throughout the house and sealed with a clear polyurethane sealant. July 2020

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Sharon’s love of colour is evident in the dining area, where six second-hand chairs sport upholstery in three different shades. Aluminium windows made to order by GoGreen Design; pendant lamps from Livecopper

“It’s a real treat; it makes me feel so spoilt,” says Sharon of the scullery. Wall tiles from Pudlo Tiles

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Building for easy living The Haringtons opted for exposed brick walls. Apart from being low-maintenance, they have a warm appearance in winter and are cool to the touch in summer. “We took great care to choose a clay brick that would be neither too pink nor too yellow, and used the same bricks from Beukes Bricks in Caledon inside and outside. “Dirt, dust and picture nails don’t show up,” Sharon elaborates. “But our art shows up well on these walls; even better than I imagined. Settlement cracks that one sees in plastered walls don’t occur.” Initially keen on industrial-style steel-frame windows, Sharon opted for aluminium frames – another easy maintenance decision. While steel is stronger, aluminium is anti-corrosive and easier to clean, thanks to a smoother surface. A grey cement screed floor was laid throughout the house. “Our floors are easy to clean and they hide dirt and dust well. Our rugs look beautiful on it too!” >>

In the kitchen, clerestory windows lighten the brick walls. “It’s my dream kitchen, and I love my Lofra stove. It has three ovens, which makes it very economical; I use the small one when it’s just Piers and I at home.” The steel cladding on the island unit brings back fond memories of old pressed-steel ceilings. Sharon spray-painted the bar stools red several years ago.

Rustenburg granite tops with an antique finish from Southern Granite; wallpaper custom printed by Smart Art; steel cladding on island unit from Pudlo Tiles; pendant lamps from Livecopper; Lofra stove from Electrical Industries; MDF cupboards manufactured by Your Style Cupboards and spray-painted in Dulux Rhine Castle; handmade green subway tiles from Akashic Tiles

reader home

[ SHARON’S TIPS FOR BUILDING A NEW HOME ] • Enjoy the process! Be excited, but also patient. • Spend your money on ﬁnishes that you will enjoy every day but stick to your budget. If you desperately want something that’s over budget, search the internet; there is always a less expensive option. Or cut costs somewhere else. It can be done! • Hiring a project manager is money well spent; the challenges and frustrations were minimal and there were no disasters or major misunderstandings between us and the builders. Eugene Theron managed all the contractors and even put up with, and organised, me. Without him as our level-headed project manager and now friend, I don’t believe the build would have gone so smoothly. He made this project the most enjoyable thing I’ve ever done.” bunny bedside lamp from Journey

“Our bedroom is so peaceful; we wake up to birdsong every morning,” Sharon says. The Nepali kist was a gift from Piers on their 25th wedding anniversary and the tasselled throw belonged to a friend’s mother. “When she passed away, no one wanted it. I pleaded and promised I would love it forever.” The kelim and curtain linen were bought second-hand from a Facebook Bric-a-Brac site.

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“When the ceiling shutter boards were removed during the building process, I was amazed at how the concrete adds an industrial element,” Sharon says. “We kept as much of the ceiling area like that as possible.” Throw from Bella Bella Interiors Paint colour

Dulux Woodland Fern

Sharon is a big fan of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whose work inspired the colourful palette of the upstairs guest bedroom (above). The teak headboards in this room and another guest room downstairs (above right) used to form part of the driveway and pedestrian gates at the family’s former Rondebosch home.

All laid out for retirement Sharon and Piers are fit and agile but built their double-storey retirement home with the future in mind. The levels are the same throughout the ground floor, where the main bedroom and guest bedrooms are located on opposite sides of the living areas. Only the designated guest unit is double-storey with a separate entrance and patio, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a kitchenette. It can be separated from the rest of the house by simply closing a pair of double doors that connects the lounge with the guest unit. “Between visits from our children or friends, we rent this space out on Airbnb – but that doesn’t happen very often,” says Sharon. Apart from the potential rental income, this section of the house could also accommodate a carer should the need arise in future. “The proportions worked out so well. We love the sense of space, high ceilings, cement floors and especially the veranda where we spend most of our time. To be honest, there is nothing we would change if we could go back in time.” >>

When Sharon spotted this pair of mirrors on a Facebook Bric-a-Brac site around the time when they bought this plot, she envisaged them in their future bathroom. Rustenburg granite tops with an antique finish from Southern Granite

The dining room opens up onto this courtyard, where a water feature adds to the tranquil ambience; according to Sharon, Georgina the Schnauzer owns the property â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the family!

Two cement dogs from Peppino Cement that Sharon painted black are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;on guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the front entrance.

The two-bedroom guest unit has its own entrance with the same red doors as the main house. Silver birch trees will eventually provide much-needed shade on the northnorthwest-facing veranda in summer.

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‘I’m useless at minimalism’ Sharon’s décor style was influenced by the souks (traditional marketplaces) and cities of the Middle East and Asia. “While living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 1997 to 2003, I spent hours in the poky little souks laden with fascinating dusty bits and colourful pieces,” she says. “Turkey was a favourite destination for its wonderful textiles and rugs. I adore jewel colours, especially deep red, and fabrics like velvet, silk and linen. I love colour, intricate patterns, carved wood, old or second-hand pieces, junk shops, online brica-brac sites and, of course, MRP Home. I could never be a minimalist; I’d be useless!

“I’ve collected my décor pieces over time, without consciously thinking about my style. I’m very lucky; Piers just lets me get on with it. He is the most patient, relaxed person and I know what he would really dislike.” Having embraced country life, Sharon spends many hours a day pottering in her garden. “I do most of it myself but the talented Tommy Ngwenya and his team help out twice a month. “There are countless varieties of birds that visit the garden every day. We wake up to birdsong and hear the blue cranes flying overhead around the time we go to bed. Late at night, we hear the owls calling. But best of all is the silence here.”

In summer, the dogs enjoy lying on the top step of the 1.6m-deep pool. “The steps are a waterwise element but will also help us with getting in and out when we are aged,” Sharon explains. A Cuphea plant border defines the area.

Wall tiles from Pudlo Tiles

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Akashic Tiles 044 382 1163, akashictiles.co.za Bella Bella Interiors 083 226 9698, Bella Bella interiors/facebook Beukes Bricks 028 212 1754, beukesbricks.co.za Electrical Industries 021 511 8177, eionline.co.za Eugene Theron 084 208 5165 FCS Distributors 082 565 8411 GoGreen Design 021 945 1156, gogreendesign.co.za Journey 082 824 6201 Livecopper livecopper.co.za Peppino Cement 021 988 7471, peppino.co.za Pudlo Tiles 021 448 0607, pudlo.co.za RainQueen 083 629 9576, rainqueensa.co.za Smart Art 021 447 0872, smartart.co.za Southern Granite 028 312 3335, southerngranite.co.za Your Style Cupboards 082 327 6518

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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

July 2020

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What every kitchen needs… In the heart of these homes, everything revolves around a functional and sociable island!

Island style

• Two different materials were used for the island’s countertop: stainless steel where cooking takes place and an attractive oak finish for the dining section. • The gas hob is integrated into the stainless-steel countertop, making cleaning easy. • Although the 3m x 1.5m island doesn’t have a water supply, there is a plumbed prep bowl to the left and a sink at the back. • Two oversized pendants (700mm D) provide ample light for cooking and create lovely pools of light that add to the ambience in this sociable kitchen. The standard height for pendants above an island is 800mm, but serious cooks may prefer them to be about 50mm lower, says Micke Fourie of Home’s new online design service Welcome Home. “If your family members are all tall, or the ceiling is very high, the pendants can be suspended up to 1 000mm above the island,” he explains. By Shané Barnard • Photographs Francois Oberholster, Henrique Wilding and Elza Cooper Styling Marian van Wyk, Henrique Wilding and Amanda van Wyngaardt

A cement-wash has been applied to the brick walls and sealed with ProNature Wall Protect. The latte add a little local African ﬂavour. Pendants from Orejen

Back to black When Manuel and Jennifer Cernades bought this property for their furniture shop Orejen in Linden, Johannesburg more than 20 years ago, they had visions of one day building a home at the back and living right where they worked. “We ﬁnally got around to building the cottage extension and we plan on moving in in the next two years or so,” Jenny says. The couple started building the extension and renovating the existing kitchen four years ago. “The kitchen was outdated and not ergonomic or functional at all. We love entertaining in the kitchen and I don’t want to be stuck there on my own,” Jenny explains. A big, inviting island where guests can join in the conversation and participate in the cooking was, therefore, high on their wish list. Jenny and Manuel loved the idea of industrial-style freestanding units and approached Prochef Concepts to design

the kitchen with its powder-coated black steel cabinets. “Steel is not only a modern ﬁnish, it’s so versatile too. It’s durable, easy to clean and as the kitchen consists of modular units, installation happened in record time,” Jenny explains. “The simple clean lines embody the best of Scandinavian and Danish design.” As the kitchen would be the centre of their new living area, the couple didn’t want any appliances to be visible. An integrated fridge and space underneath the sink next to the back wall that accommodates the dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer provide an elegant solution. “I love, love, love the easy maintenance of the steel,” says Jenny. “The fact that it’s timeless and will never go out of fashion means it’s probably the ‘last’ kitchen I will ever want. I love the island area, which has become an entertainment space – it really works.” >>

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kitchens

Convex glass-and-tin wall clock and copper tap from Orejen

“Kitchen islands are great, but the bar stools often get in the way when you don’t have visitors using them,” says Jenny. “Our custom-made stools have screw-top seats so you can adjust the height and they ﬁt neatly into the storage space under the countertop when not in use.”

A stainless-steel drying rack with a handy drip tray above the sink has been ‘boxed in’ with Oregon pine. “I never have to pack away my everyday crockery. We only have two of everything; after washing up, it’s all ready to be used instantly.”

CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Orejen 083 303 3063, orejen.co.za Prochef Concepts 072 700 5481, prochefconcepts.co.za Pro Nature 021 556 1238, pronature.co.za Welcome Home welcomehome.co.za

A family affair Dirk and Annamarie Blom’s eldest son Theuns bought a property in Betty’s Bay years ago with the idea of one day setting up a family holiday home there. Six years ago, Theuns and his three brothers teamed up to build a retirement home on that property for their parents. “It’s a wonderful house to live in,” says Annamarie. “There are six bedrooms – one for each family, plus one where all the grandchildren sleep. It’s great because we are never under each other’s feet!” A large open-plan kitchen and living area is the heart of the home. And when the entire family spends their holidays here, cooking and socialising is what it’s all about, says Annamarie. “All my children love making food. We all hang out around the island while one of them is busy and we chat for hours on end.” “We wanted the kitchen to be the focal point of the space,” she explains. Timeless white ﬁnishes suit the couple’s uncomplicated lifestyle, while wooden ﬂoors add warmth. A built-in bookcase – where recipe books and ordinary novels stand side by side – is located in the adjoining pantry but it immediately draws the eye. “It’s my favourite part of the kitchen!”

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“The plan was actually to hang a painting in the gap where the bookcase now stands,” recalls Annamarie. “But then the bookshelf ﬁtted in there so perfectly, down to the millimetre!” The back of the bookcase is painted dark red for a pop of colour.

kitchens

Island style

• The slab of the 1.5 x 3m island is ordinary concrete, painted white. “Occasionally, if there is a mark that doesn’t want to come off, we sand the slab lightly and give it a new coat of paint,” says Annamarie. • The freestanding red Smeg oven fits neatly into a gap in the island, with more than enough drawers for kitchen utensils alongside. • A prep bowl with a cold water tap was built into the island. • Because the kitchen is on one side of an open-plan living area, sufficient storage was essential so that the space does not look cluttered, explains Annamarie. The island also serves as general storage space for blankets and other everyday items.

Exposed rafters add a sense of spaciousness, and the IsoBoard ceiling keeps the open-plan area cool in the hot summer months. The paper decorations are a remnant from Christmas celebrations – Annamarie loved them so much that she left them up.

The turquoise patterned tiles immediately caught Annamarie’s eye when she had to choose a splash panel. “They remind me of the inside of a shell, perfect for a beach house.” White melamine cupboards ‘disappear’ against the large white wall behind. Tiles from Douglas Jones

EX P E RT AD V IC E You can definitely paint your cement countertops if you follow the right steps, says Jenny Moolman, Duram’s brand manager: 1 Preparing your countertop is important in ensuring a good result. Allow new cement to cure for at least 28 days before painting. 2 Make sure that your cement surface is clean and dry and free from dust, oil and grease. Apply Duram Showfloor Cleaner & Degreaser, rinse with clean water and allow to dry. Then lightly sand with 100-grit sandpaper before wiping with a damp cloth. 3 Apply Showfloor Cement Primer to a uniform thickness to seal the surface. The primer dries to a clear finish – ideal for a raw cement look. 4 Paint the counter with Duram Showfloor Polyurethane Floor Paint. First do a test patch with the paint to ensure that it is properly primed (follow the instructions on the packaging). Then apply two coats of paint to your cement countertop, and additional coats in areas likely to endure more wear and tear. Duram Showfloor Polyurethane Floor Paint dries to a mediumsheen finish and is available in a variety of attractive colours. It offers excellent scratch-, scuff-, stain- and wear-resistance and can easily be touched up. 5 Let the paint cure for 2–3 days. Counters should be repainted every 2–5 years, depending on usage and wear. >> CONTACT 021 555 3090, duram.co.za STOCKIST Douglas Jones 086 166 7242, douglasjones.co.za

July 2020

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Just the right height Sarah and Richard Stevens had always wanted to settle down in the leafy suburb of Walmer in Port Elizabeth, but they just couldn’t find what they were looking for. Eventually, in 2008, they found the perfect empty plot in the neighbourhood where Sarah spent her childhood. “This afforded us the opportunity to design our home exactly the way we wanted it – including the kitchen!” says Sarah. A keen cook and baker, Sarah loves spending time in the kitchen and was even a contestant on the BBC Entertainment cooking series Come Dine With Me South Africa in 2013. When a special occasion such as a milestone birthday calls for a celebration, as many as 40 guests might arrive at their home and thanks to an open-plan design, Sarah as host can be part of all the action! Sarah, a landscape architect, and Richard, a cattle farmer, worked with Andrew Hart of Andrew Hart Cabinets who custom built

the kitchen cabinets and mounted them slightly lower than standard height to accommodate what Richard refers to as Sarah’s “duck’s disease”. “I’m quite short, so it made sense to adapt the cabinets to my height,” she explains. At first, the kitchen was red and purple but after about five years, the Stevens updated the cabinets by painting them apple-green. “The quote to have them spray-painted was astronomical, so we bought paint and some rollers and got stuck in ourselves,” says Sarah. “It was a huge effort, but so worth it!” The kitchen is the main attraction in the Stevens’ home and you will often find Sarah here, baking treats. “My heart is happiest when our boys, Charlie (24) and Robbie (21), are home for holidays and long weekends, as it gives me reason to spend even more time cooking!”

Sarah has been collecting Le Creuset casseroles in every imaginable colour for years. “They’re a firm favourite for baking bread, plus they look beautiful stacked on top of each other like a Christmas tree.”

Cake stand from Nicci Stewart Ceramics

I adore the cheerful open feeling of the kitchen and knowing that I can go in there and create magic. – Sarah Paint colour

Dulux Apple Green

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CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Andrew Hart Cabinets 082 563 4174 Le Creuset 086 177 3321, lecreuset.co.za Nicci Stewart Ceramics niccistewart.com Lemon Tree Interiors 041 581 0012, lemontreeonline.co.za

kitchens

Island style

• The standard height for an island is 900mm. Richard and Sarah’s is 870mm, but you can also build it higher if your family are all tall – but it shouldn’t be higher than 940mm. • Richard and Sarah wanted a hardwearing surface for the island but didn’t like the feel of wood or stainless steel. Richard, who also does work in the construction industry, experimented by casting the countertop using self-levelling epoxy resin, a substance usually used for floors in factories. • The Stevens had drawers installed on both sides of the island for Sarah’s collection of kitchen gadgets and utensils. “I love a gadget!” she says. >> Most mornings, you’ll find Sarah in the kitchen, baking a fresh loaf of sourdough bread.

When the Stevens bought their plot, there were two pine trees that had to be felled before the house could be built. “We saved the wood, had it dried and treated, and used it for the other counters, as well as the staircase.” The chandelier from Lemon Tree Interiors is a nod to Sarah’s parents. “My folks have always had a chandelier in their homes, and I love a bit of bling and flamboyance.”

Timeless elegance When Sharon Rix and Rudolph Prinsloo bought their home in Stellenbosch in February 2019, they immediately upgraded the kitchen and bathrooms. “Although the layout of the kitchen worked, the finishes were outdated,” says Sharon. Apart from moving the refrigerator and freezer to the scullery for more storage space in the kitchen, only the cabinets and counters were changed to give this room a fresh look. The family enlisted Rikus Visser and Dawid Griesel of Signature Group to build the new kitchen cabinets. The geometric cement wall tiles from Moroccan Warehouse were the starting point for the new finishes in the rest of the kitchen. Sharon chose white engineered quartz countertops to replace the original black granite surfaces, and a soft shade of grey in a matte finish for the kitchen cupboards.

E X P E RT A D VI C E Handmade cement tiles are porous and can easily absorb moisture if not sealed correctly, says Kundra Bowley of Moroccan Warehouse in Cape Town: All our tiles are ‘pre-sealed’ with our Colour Retainer Sealer, a water-based sealant that prevents marking during installation. For areas like floors and splashbacks, I recommend applying two layers of our Polyurethane Sealer with a satin finish as a final sealant; one layer should be sufficient for a wall surface. If you look after your tiles, these sealants should last for years. However, you can consider giving the tiles a light sanding every 3–4 years and resealing them. Personally, I love the worn look of these tiles – they have soul! CONTACT 021 461 8318

Pendant from Pieter Deon Interiors

Paint colour

Plascon Wishing Well

Island style

• The solid oak island has castors at the bottom so that it can easily be moved around when it’s loaded with food and drinks when they entertain lots of guests. • Fresh veggies are stored close at hand in baskets on the bottom shelf of the island. • The island’s wooden slab complements the wooden shelves and echoes the shelves on the wall. It also goes well with the patterned tiles and grey finishes.

kitchens Encaustic cement tile A411-E (200 x 200mm) R1 463/m2, Hadeda

Sharon searched long and hard for a black tap for the laboratory sink. “It has such old-fashioned charm!” Black tap from Victorian Side Bathrooms

Pavimento Antiqua Glazed ceramic tile (200 x 200mm) R490/m2, Italtile

Perfect patterns

Create a unique focal point in your kitchen with these striking tiles.

CONTACTS AND STOCKIST Pieter Deon Interiors 082 309 4487, pieterdeoninteriors.co.za Signature Group 061 419 5702, sig-group.co.za Victorian Side Bathrooms 021 982 0461, victoriansidebathrooms.co.za

Mosaico Vero Picasso Estrella Nero porcelain tile (200 x 200mm) R290/m2, Stiles

Cuban White Star porcelain tile (223 x 223mm) R695/m2, Pudlo

Heritage Grey porcelain tile (331.5 x 331.5mm) R540/m2, Womag

Encaustic cement tile A500-C (200 x 200mm) R1 463/m2, Hadeda >>

STOCKISTS Hadeda 011 788 5774, hadeda-tiles.com Italtile 0861 555 109, italtile.co.za Pudlo 021 448 0607, pudlo.co.za Stiles 021 510 8310, stiles.co.za Womag 021 447 6161, womag.co.za

July 2020

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Coastal cool When Guy and Andrea Osler decided to escape the rat race and get into a slower pace of life, a permanent move to their holiday home in Struisbaai was the logical choice. “Struisbaai has always been our happy place,” says Andrea, a freelance communications consultant. “We initially thought we would move for a year, maybe two… But after six months, we knew that we didn’t want to move back to Cape Town. Our daughters Daniela (11), Sofia (10) and Isabelle (3) were thriving in the less frantic environment. We love our home and its proximity to the beach – Guy’s passion is deepsea fishing and the girls and I love to surf.” The Oslers moved in in January 2019 after building a large extension onto the existing cottage. A functional kitchen was high on the priority list for Andrea, who enjoys cooking and planning occasions that bring people together. From the get-go, she knew she wanted an open-plan kitchen connected to the dining area and living room. She enlisted the help of Jaco Louw from Tip of Africa Creations to build and install the cabinets, including a custom wine storage unit above the fridge.

The island with its striking patterned tiles is the main attraction in the space. “I wanted the stovetop to face the living area, as I love to interact with family and friends while cooking. When I’m cooking, I feel like the star of a culinary show!” The island is all about storage: just below the stovetop is a large spice drawer for easy access. Lower down are various deep drawers for pots, pans and plates, as well as shallow drawers for cutlery and other bigger utensils. A separate scullery at the back of the kitchen, ideal for hiding the mess of cooking and dirty dishes while entertaining, offers extended storage space and allows the kitchen to remain uncluttered. Andrea has always dreamed of having a light blue kitchen, and has been collecting blue, turquoise and aquamarine platters and bowls of all sizes since she and Guy got married. “Many are gifts from friends and family who think of me when they see a bowl or platter in ‘my colours’.” Choosing blue for the kitchen cabinets was, therefore, a no-brainer. Floating shelves are functional and offer a neat display space for treasured items. Pendants from Block & Chisel; tiling by Fred Retief of Disa Renovations

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E X PE RT A DV I C E Quartz surfaces remain a popular choice for kitchen counters as they offer excellent strength and durability and can even increase the value of your property, says Trevor King, marketing director of Caesarstone South Africa: When it comes to a kitchen countertop, investing in a hard-working surface that will stand the test of time is worth it. Take into account whether the surface comes with any type of warranty, and whether it is scratch- or stain-resistant, a valuable asset in a kitchen. Keep in mind the type of care and maintenance your preferred surface will require and whether it will suit your lifestyle. High quality finishes such as quartz come in a multitude of colours, require simple routine care, and can last a lifetime. CONTACT 083 608 5810, caesarstone.co.za

I love that the blue cabinets are understated, yet still make a statement. – Andrea

Soft blue Shaker-style kitchen cabinets work perfectly in a beach house. “All the different shades of blue and turquoise are reminiscent of the sky and ocean,” Andrea says. Another must-have for the Oslers was a butler’s sink. “It’s a timeless character piece that adds charm to any kitchen,” she says.

Paint colour

Plascon Decide

Island style

• Blue-and-white patterned tiles from Moroccan Warehouse on the island add colour and character, while classic white metro tiles from Italcotto on the splashback provide a neutral backdrop against which the patterned tiles and blue cabinets pop. “The ornate pattern of the tiles also breaks the kitchen’s straight, clean lines,” says Andrea. • The island has an overhang, but it is not actually for seating; instead, guests congregate around the table, as in kitchens of yesteryear. • The Oslers decided on a hardwearing quartz countertop from Caesarstone for the island, while the light oak countertop on the back counter provides balance and texture and ties in seamlessly with the floating shelves above. >>

Laminated wooden flooring throughout the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas creates a uniform look and seamless flow, at the same time adding warmth to the space.

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS Block & Chisel 021 691 0878, blockandchisel.co.za Disa Renovations 066 573 7892 Moroccan Warehouse 021 461 8318 Tip of Africa Creations 028 435 6131, tipofafricacreations.co.za

Minimalist magic

When Riëtte Marshall and Leonard Ricketts moved into this house in Oude Westhof, Bellville five years ago, they knew they had their work cut out for them. The dark kitchen with its black granite slabs bothered them the most. “I had to clean those surfaces all day long because every little spot showed up on the black!” recalls Riëtte. The family immediately removed the built-in washing machine and tumble dryer and converted that space into a cupboard. Then in April 2019, the major renovation of the rest of the kitchen began. In consultation with Gerrie van Dalen of Upfront Design, Riëtte and Leonard’s son Mark planned a new kitchen that would include all of the family’s preferences. “I knew exactly what I didn’t want in the kitchen,” says Riëtte. “It had to be practical and everything had to be within easy reach so that we wouldn’t have to constantly move around any clutter.” An island was non-negotiable. “I wanted an island that would allow me to see everything while I work,” she says. “So many people make the mistake of putting their prep bowl in the island and the stove against a wall. But I wasn’t keen on staring at a wall while I cook!” Previously, the kitchen was separated from the living room by a wall; this was demolished and a sliding door between the bar and dining room was removed to make the kitchen, dining room, bar and living room one big open-plan area.

Riëtte loves the industrial look, so she decided to incorporate the extractor fan’s exhaust ducting as a design element in the kitchen. “Good lighting above the island was a must, and Gerrie suggested we wrap the lights around the exhaust ducting,” she explains.

Paint colour

Plascon Bovine

E XPE RT A DVI CE Ashley Howarth of Blum South Africa says it’s important to calculate your storage needs depending on the size of your family and their shopping habits. “Knowing your daily routines in the kitchen, cooking habits and keeping your lifestyle in mind will make choosing your cabinetry solutions that much simpler.” Drawers are preferable for all areas of the kitchen. They create more space for storage and are more accessible than shelved cabinets. For added convenience, Ashley recommends Blum’s Orga-Line dividers to keep drawers tidy. Corner cupboards can be awkward to access. “Blum has a unit called the Space Corner which has fully extendable drawers that allow you to reach those items stored at the back.” For an overall minimalist kitchen design, keep the gaps between the cabinetry fronts to a minimum. “Handle-less cabinetry with high quality fittings will add to an uninterrupted design,” he says. CONTACT eclipsegroup.co.za

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The wooden stools were custom made by Reclaimed Woods; they echo the other industrial elements in the kitchen.

kitchens Island style

The slab for the island is Dekton in the colour Kira. “Dekton is a combination of quartzite, porcelain and glass heated at very high temperatures and compacted,” explains Gerrie. “It strengthens the surface and makes it extremely durable.” The other work surfaces are Caesarstone in the colour Moorland Fog.

The oak elements, such as the drawers of the island, were finished with Rubio Monocoat’s natural oil sealant. The minimalist finishes and handle-less cabinets perfectly suit the family’s uncomplicated décor style.

A new grocery cupboard (left) was top of Riëtte’s priority list. “I just hate trying to find groceries in the far reaches of a bottom cabinet, so I decided on a tall cupboard with drawers – it’s much more practical.” A ceramic prep bowl provides a touch of colour in the otherwise neutral kitchen and the copper tap is the perfect complement. “I wanted to bring in a Mexican or Portuguese design somewhere in the kitchen because I adore the colours of those countries,” says Riëtte. “The old and more contemporary items work well together.” >> Talavera prep bowl from Hadeda; copper tap from Copper Bath

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No frills or fuss With three children, there’s always activity around the kitchen island in Christo and Yolande Worst’s home in Yzerfontein. “This is where homework is done; where our kids Mila (16), Christo (4) and Stian (2) like drawing; and, of course, where we make food,” says Yolande. “At other times, we just sit with a cup of coffee and chat.” When the family moved in at the beginning of 2018, they made minimal changes to the kitchen. The earthy ﬁnishes perfectly suited their design aesthetic. “The cement ﬂoors are practical and easy to keep clean, especially in this phase of our lives,” says Yolande. The Worsts initially considered installing doors over the open cement shelves, but then decided against it. “Luckily, the little ones quickly learned not to touch the stuff on them!” The Worsts put their own stamp on the kitchen with a few minor alterations, such as new pendant lamps, a lick of paint and a collection of plates that serves as a splashback above the stove. “We live a fuss-free life. We enjoy cooking and love to entertain friends and family,” says Yolande. “It’s my absolute happy place.”

Island style • The island was built with cement and screeded with Cemcrete SatinCrete in the colour Bone. “You want a good hard sealant for a kitchen counter which takes a lot more wear and tear than most surfaces,” says Joanne Sykes of Cemcrete. Therefore, she recommends ﬁrst applying Cemcrete SiliconSeal until saturated, followed by three coats of CreteSeal SolventBased Sealer. “Even then, don’t put anything hot directly onto the surface,” she says. • The Worsts ‘inherited’ this quote (right) on the island when they bought the house; Yolande says it matches her personality perfectly.

Exposed rafters create a sense of spaciousness in the Worsts’ kitchen. The bar stools and pendants above the island add texture. Stools from Decofurn; pendants from MRP Home

Yolande brought colour into the mainly neutral kitchen with a powder-blue stove and a collection of blue-and-white plates above it. “I love colour and I’m drawn to anything blue and white. The plates were collected over the years and now they work so beautifully in our beach home!”

STOCKISTS Cemcrete 0860 236 27383, cemcrete.co.za Decofurn 087 740 1800, decofurnsa.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com

Pops of green in the form of paint and plants add life to the scullery.

E X P E RT A D V I C E A cement shelf can be built using various methods, but the following two ways are probably the easiest if you do it yourself, says Karin Cronjé, owner of Hands On Creative Building & Management:

Paint colour

Dulux Woodland Fern

You can use lintels over which a concrete layer is cast to fill the grooves and then finished to a smooth surface, or you can build shuttering (a wooden box) in which you weave rebar and then fill with a lightweight concrete mixture. For this type of mixture, the stone is substituted with a lightweight material such as vermiculite so that it is not so heavy. Although lintels are very strong, it is not recommended to make a shelf between two walls longer than 2 600mm. Building lintels between two walls is an easy and quick process, but you are limited by the width and thickness of the material (lintels). A shelf is usually between 280mm and 350mm deep, while standard lintels are 75 105 or 150mm thick – and you cannot cut lintels thinner and place them next to each other to achieve a certain shelf depth. If you use the shuttering method, you can determine the size of your shelf yourself, without limitations. You can adjust the depth and breadth of the shelf, as long as you weave in sufficient steel. The only disadvantage of this method is that you are going to work with large amounts of wet concrete and the drying time will be much longer than when you use lintels. Remember, cement surfaces tend to develop hairline cracks. As long as they are hairline cracks, there’s nothing to be worried about, it’s part of the look. Sprinkle the screeded surface regularly with water while you wait for it to dry – this prevents the concrete from drying out too quickly and not achieving its full strength. CONTACT 083 277 3166, karin@handsoncreative.co.za

COMPETITION

WIN

free standing designer kitchens

w w w.milestonekitchens.co.za

One lucky reader will receive Milestone Kitchens units to the value of R50 000!

Mini Island on Castors, R16 037

All units are from the Swedish Style range and painted in Graphite Black

till dreaming of a stylish kitchen revamp but struggling with a limited budget? You’re in luck! Our Kitchen Heroes competition, brought to you by Milestone Kitchens, is back and you stand a chance of winning beautiful Milestone Kitchens units of your choice – and a design tailored to suit your needs. These days – more than ever in a world dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic – the kitchen is the centre point of the home. We not only cook and eat in our kitchens but we also use the space to socialise, entertain guests and even supervise homework while kids are being home-schooled. So getting the design and layout right is just as

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important as choosing the units that will look best in your home. Silvia Miles Perhaps the kitchen of your dreams has a super-sized island in the middle, maybe you’ve always wanted a butler sink, or how about a beautiful dresser in the style and colour of your choice? Send us your story and tell us why Sabrina Miles you need a makeover. If your entry is selected, the mother-and-daughter team at Milestone Kitchens, Silvia and Sabrina Miles, will help you design your space with units from their impressive range.

HOW TO ENTER • Go to milestonekitchens.co.za and select the ‘hero item’ around which you’ll design your kitchen from their range of products. Make a note of its name and the style you’d prefer. • Now take a photo of your own kitchen and, in no more than 150 words, tell us why you want to renovate. Include the name and style of your hero item (dresser, island, sink unit, cutlery server – whatever it might be!) in your entry. • Email your entry to competition@homemag.co.za. Readers outside South Africa can enter; free prize delivery anywhere in SA, courtesy of Biddulphs. See competition rules on page 112. CLOSING DATE 31 July 2020 Please note The winner must place their order no later than 31 January 2021.

Pot Drawers, R9 072 Njabulo Book Shelf, R26 274

Mix, match and move with Milestone Kitchens Flexible and convenient, you’re sure to create the ideal space with this practical and stylish range of freestanding units. 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. The advantages of trendy freestanding units are clear: Flexibility You don’t have to commit to one look for the next 20 years. Your kitchen can change and grow with your family, home and budget. Easy access and hygiene In the case of a leak or spillage, these units can easily be moved as they are not attached to the walls. Investment If you decide to move home, you can take your kitchen with you. For more information, visit milestonekitchens.co.za.

milestonekitchens2010

MilestoneKitchens

@milest0ne_kitchens

Did you know?

Milestone Kitchens units are available online and items can be delivered to your doorstep. Alternatively, pop into the Factory Outlet Store at 44 Stanley in Johannesburg to view the full range.

Utensils Wall Unit, R8 006

Sink Unit with space for Dishwasher, R17 208

Inspiration STATION Suddenly in need of a desk for working at home? Follow these easy steps and make a nifty trestle table. By Deon de Goede • Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk Deon de Goede

PROJECT NOTES • To cut costs, buy a trestle at the store and use an old door or wood offcut for the top – then you only need to make the two cupboard units. • Measure twice, so you only have to saw once. • Remember to drill pilot holes. • Sand your planks beforehand.

Paint colour

Dulux Dragon Feel

PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 4/10 Time needed 1 to 2 hours Do it yourself for ± R1 300: wood R1 170, screws R20, glue R30, sandpaper R10, wood ﬁller R30, hinges R20

Rug from MRP Home; lamp from Weylandts; hanging plant and chair from @home; briefcase from africandesigncollective.org; cat bookends and leather journals from Baraka Gifts & Décor; pencil case and tote bag from Skinny laMinx

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do it yourself

You will need SHOPPING LIST • 22 x 95mm planed pine, cut to: four 765mm lengths (trestle legs) four 600mm lengths (trestle horizontal struts) • 18mm plywood in these sizes: one 400 x 400mm (trestle shelf) four 680 x 300mm (cupboard sides) four 300 x 300mm (cupboard base and top) two 644 x 300mm (cupboard back boards)

two 300 x 280mm (cupboard shelf) one 1 800 x 650mm (top) • pine wood ﬁller • Alcolin Fast Set Glue • one packet 6mm x 50mm chipboard screws • 150-grit sandpaper • two 100mm ﬂat hinges • one packet shelf nails

TOOLS • cordless drill and 3mm drill bit • pencil • tape measure • try square • hammer

Here’s how First the trestle...

2 Attach two pine offcuts underneath the 400 x 400mm plywood shelf.

3 Mark the thickness of the base and top across the 680 x 300mm sides and drill pilot holes. Glue and screw one 300 x 300mm base and top at a right angle between two sides. Place one 644 x 300mm back board inside the frame and screw together to complete the cupboard.

Then two cupboard units...

1 Lay two of the 765mm legs next to each other and make a mark on each, 100mm from the ‘bottom’ end. Place one 600mm horizontal strut at a right angle ﬂush across the ‘top’ of the two legs and screw together; attach another horizontal strut at the 100mm mark. Repeat to make a second such structure. Place the two structures against each other and attach the ﬂat hinges in-between.

The two freestanding cupboards on which the work surface rests can also be used as bedside cabinets.

4 Screw in four 70mm offcut blocks underneath the cupboards as legs. 5 Mark the height you want for the cupboard shelf and tap in the shelf nails at these marks; place the 300 x 280mm shelf on the nails. Repeat steps 3–5 to make another cupboard.

To finish

Fill all screw holes with wood ﬁller and allow to dry completely; sand the wood thoroughly. Place the trestle in position and ‘hook’ its shelf over the lower horizontal struts. Position the two cupboards on the other end, one with its back against the side of the other, and place the work surface across the top.

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Baraka Gifts & Decor 021 425 8883, barakashop.co.za Deon de Goede 084 589 5026, deon@diydeon.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Skinny laMinx 021 424 6290, shop.skinnylaminx.com Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za

Wood supplied by Timber Connection (timberconnection.co.za)

GET ORGANISED!

Our Declutter Competition in partnership with Gumtree is in full swing. Here are our Top 3 entries and the cluttered spaces that will be transformed by our team of experts – after which they will be featured in Home. These stories will also be shared on DStv lifestyle channel VIA.

OUR TOP 3

Cheryl Button and her husband have been living in the same house in Bantry Bay, Cape Town for more than 30 years. “Over time, we’ve gathered many hand-me-down items of furniture, trinkets, kitchenware, clothing, books and toys. Now there’s just too much of everything! We need to create space by getting rid of the mismatched furniture and other people’s once-loved items. Our kids are grown-ups now and there’s so much we no longer want or need.” Cheryl recently started making face masks and wants to create a space in which she can sew. Although she feels overwhelmed and isn’t sure where to begin, she wants to make a fresh start in celebration of her 25th wedding anniversary. “I’d love to be freed of all this clutter and keep only the items that we use and that have meaning for our family.”

When Shaheeda Loofer and her family moved into their home in Plumstead, Cape Town nine years ago, they immediately began renovations to convert the small three-bedroom house into a spacious family home. This process was only completed eight years later in 2019 and now Shaheeda’s garage is cluttered with boxes, leftover building materials and general chaos. “We just shut that door!” she confesses. Her dream is for the garage to once again become a functional space where the washing machine and tumble dryer, recycling bins and gardening tools can take their rightful place, with enough space for a car too!

When Elize Potgieter and her family relocated to Wellington three years ago, finally getting round to decluttering and selling or donating unwanted items was high on her priority list. “I used to be the queen of my garage but every time we moved house, I lost my grip a little more. Now I can’t even see the floor or work surfaces in my studio anymore!” Elize makes quilts, rugs, baskets and other décor items; it’s a hobby she shares with her mom and she wants to transform this space into a more functional area to inspire her creativity. “As a child, we moved house often; perhaps that’s why I yearn for sentimental things. My cluttered home, however, doesn’t reflect who I am. I strive for a minimalist feeling – that everything has a place and is in its place.”

COMPETITION

THE DECLUTTER EXPERTS and VIA presenters For stylist, artist and designer Carin Smith, decluttering is more than just a trendy word. “It’s a lifestyle. It involves more than just reducing the ‘stuff’ in our lives – we must also learn to declutter our minds,” she says. “It’s difﬁcult to get rid of things because people are naturally sentimental. Decluttering is a skill that can and must be learned.” Carin believes that messy spaces not only lead to frustration but also sap your energy. “An ordered space with less clutter gives you room to think and get creative.” She suggests you ask yourself the following questions before you buy something new: • Do I really need it? • Do I have another similar item that I can rather repair? • How often will I use it? • Where will I put the new item in my house?

Jani Augustyn-Goussard is passionate about the way colour and décor can make a difference, not only to homes but also in people’s lives. This colour fanatic, entrepreneur, and space and fabric designer is also trained as a draughtsperson and international colour language expert, and she hosts regular workshops on, among other topics, paint techniques. “My mission is to help people to make the most of their surroundings so that they can be joyful, successful people. It can be as simple as sorting out, packing away, or moving a few things around, or painting a room in a fresh new colour!” Jani believes every person has an inherent colour and décor scheme that allows them to ﬂourish. “It’s a wonderful journey of discovery tackling this with someone. You don’t have to strip your entire house of all your sentimental things when you declutter,” she says. “Collect pretty and treasured items but be practical about it.”

Carin Smith

How to buy and sell during Covid-19

Jani Augustyn-Goussard

On Gumtree, you are permitted to sell unwanted items online or buy something you may need for when you’ve ﬁnished decluttering your home. To cope with the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gumtree offers the following advice for carrying out transactions and making contact with strangers: • Communicate beforehand about health and safety measures, and ensure that you and the buyer both wear masks. Ask your buyer to maintain a distance of 1.5m at all times; you can place the items in a demarcated spot on your driveway or a parking lot for inspection. • Do not allow buyers into your house. Keep all your listed items in one place, such as your garage, and meet buyers outside if possible. • Use alternative payment methods wherever possible. Insist on an immediate transfer and check your account to make sure the transaction has gone through; do not hand over the item until the money shows in your account. • Wash your items beforehand or disinfect them with an alcohol wipe. Make sure there is hand sanitiser available for you and the buyer, and use it often. Once the transaction is done, wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

[ ON THE BOX ] The ﬁrst episode of Pak Weg, Pak Reg! will be broadcast on VIA (DStv channel 147) on 3 August at 19:30. Tune in every Monday until 26 October to see how the team declutters the homes of 13 readers and transforms them into practical living spaces.

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Find the video on homemag.co.za

An origami lampshade QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 2/10 Time needed 1 hour Do it yourself for R272: Paper R60, styrene sheeting R62, ceiling light ďŹ xture R130, LED light bulb R20

Shelly Bergh

Shine on! This fun lampshade project is perfect for downtime at home. By Shelly Bergh Photographs Francois Oberholster

Gold frames and wooden tray from H&M; ceramic deer from Railheim; dog on cloud by Frank van Reenen; paper from The Deckle Edge; styrene sheeting from Maizey Plastics

do it yourself

You will need SHOPPING LIST • 3 sheets of A3 card (160gm) • A4 styrene sheet • ceiling light ﬁtting • split pin paper fastener • double-sided tape • LED light bulb (stays cool, and will not pose a ﬁre hazard)

TOOLS • steel ruler • cutting mat • craft knife or embossing tool • pencil • stapler • scissors • hole punch

Get started...

1 Place the ﬁrst sheet of card on a cutting mat in a landscape position. Using a ruler and craft knife, score a vertical line 1cm from the right edge; this strip forms a lip to which the next sheet will be attached in step 5. 2 Measure and score seven equally-spaced vertical lines to divide the space between the left side of the card and the lip into eight equal sections. Fold each scored line to make a valley fold, then unfold.

3 Measure 22cm from the top of the ﬁrst, third, ﬁfth, and seventh fold, and make a small pencil mark. 3a Use a ruler and craft knife to score lines joining each pencil mark to the top and bottom of the fold lines on either side. Erase the pencil marks.

4 Fold each scored line made in step 3 into a mountain fold. The sheet of card should now form the shape shown (it may need a little encouragement). Repeat steps 1–4 with the remaining two sheets.

5 Make a tab for sticking the three sheets together by cutting off the top and bottom corners of the 1cm lip (the lip is visible in the foreground of pic 4) on the right side of each sheet. The corners should be cut to match the angle of the adjacent folded line.

6 Flatten each of the three folded sheets and turn them on their sides. Cut through all the layers in the position shown, beginning about 3cm down from the end of the fold and ﬁnishing at the top point. >> July 2020

home

7 Stick the three pieces together: apply double-sided tape to the front of the lip, down the right side of the ﬁrst piece, and attach it behind the left edge of the next piece, aligning along the top and bottom edges.

8 Cut along the second mountain fold from the right end, as shown. Discard the trimmed small piece.

9 Turn the three attached sheets over. Triangular peaks will now show at the top. Work along the top edge of the piece, using a stapler to secure the two layers of each triangular fold together as close to the base as you can. 10 Stick double-sided tape on the edge you cut in step 8.

11 Cut an A4 piece from the styrene sheet. Punch a hole in the top left corner. Roll the sheet into a cone and mark where the hole is on the styrene below. Punch a hole on the mark you’ve made.

12 Place the lamp holder and cord of your light ﬁxture on the sheet and roll it into a cone again with the holes lining up. Insert the split pin paper fastener through the holes and bend the pins open to secure the cone in place.

13 Wrap the origami lampshade around the cone with the cord of your light ﬁxture, then close using the double-sided tape you attached in step 10 and ﬁt an LED light bulb. STOCKISTS Frank van Reenen frank.co.za H&M 021 826 7451, hm.com/za Maizey Plastics 0861 100 420, maizey.co.za Rialheim 079 898 3120, rialheim.co.za The Deckle Edge 021 180 4442, deckleedge.co.za

Visit one of our showrooms Johannesburg 227 Jan Smuts Avenue Parktown North 011 447 3149 Centurion 15 Coachmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, 26 Jakaranda Street Hennopspark 012 653 6808 Cape Town Eagle Park, Computer Road, Montague Gardens 021 555 1034

Manufacturers of Distinctive Decorative Coatings www.cemcrete.co.za

0860 CEMCRETE

enquiry@cemcrete.co.za

advice

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za

Ask the experts

Compiled by Shané Barnard

ASK US ON FAC EBO OK Do you have an urgent question that just can’t wait? Then join our Tuis|Home Experts group on Facebook and get help from the team, professionals and other readers.

Need help with revamping your entrance hall or keen to paint a fireplace? You ask – we find the answers.

Décor dilemma The challenge Karien van den Berg of Potchefstroom writes Our 1980s house has an entrance hall with a very high ceiling and lots of texture (the walls are roughly plastered and the exposed brick is whitewashed). It gets plenty of natural light, thanks to high windows – which is great for my plants. There’s also a built-in planter with a bookcase resting on it; it’s practical, but not much to look at. The plants on top ended up there because it’s the only spot in which they flourish. The natural light coming in has a yellow tone and the sconce above the bookcase is the only artificial lighting. At the moment, this area doesn’t showcase our personal style; I’d like to know how to turn it into a modern, practical space with lots of character. Any advice?

1 CONSTRUCTION

The solution Home contributor Shelly Bergh replies The amount of light this small area gets is fantastic – make the most of it! The yellow tinge is caused by yellow glass in some of the high windows; replacing it with regular glass will take care of that. Here are a few design suggestions:

If you’re not using the built-in planter, get rid of it and put the bookcase on the floor. Since it’s such a small area, it would be easy to update the flooring with a cement screed or beautiful terrazzo tiles. 2 PAINT Because it’s a long narrow space, it would be best to paint the walls and ceiling white. The whitewashed brick wall would look lovely in a soft mint tone; this would still showcase the texture of the brick, but it won’t look so busy. It’s the first thing you see as you walk in, so make it a beautiful focal point. The front door and surrounding wall will also look good after a paint job. You could repeat the mint-green on the bottom third of the wall and paint the rest in a complementary dusty-pink. Paint the front door and frame in the same pink and consider painting the door off the entrance in pink too. 3 STYLING

66 home July 2020

Since plants seem to thrive in this space, add more by hanging some from the ceiling and walls. Replace the wall sconce with a more contemporary light fitting and hang a big mirror in the middle of the mint-green wall. Make sure the books are packed neatly – arranging them according to the colour on the spine is a great way to create a neat and impactful look. A rug on the floor will complete the picture. CONTACT shellybergh.com

Quick questions Q: There is a protective plate under the fireplace in the Sondagskloof eco home on page 46 of your September 2019 issue. What is it and where is it from? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mariaan Blattes, via Facebook A: It is a glass plate from Premier Fires (premierfires.co.za).

A lick of paint Liezel-Joy Williams of Weltevredenpark in Roodepoort writes Homeowners Jenna and Eugene Theron painted the pine ceiling and fireplace in their lounge, as featured in your April 2020 issue. How should these surfaces be prepared, and which paints were used? Jenna Theron replies To start, give the varnished knotty pine ceiling a light sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper to clean it and to create a bit of grip for the primer. Thereafter, follow these steps: For the ceiling 1 Apply one coat of general primer; we used Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer. 2 Apply two coats of regular ceiling paint; if you prefer a high-gloss finish (the same as used on skirting boards), use a high-gloss non-drip enamel. This is, however, much more expensive and labour-intensive. For the fireplace 1 Apply a slurry coat of bonding liquid (try Alcolin Permobond) mixed with cement (even tile cement will work if you need to purchase smaller quantities). Apply the slurry with a block brush or a thick, soft-bristled paintbrush. If you like a textured effect, make a thicker (more firm) slurry mix. 2 Allow about 24 hours to dry, then apply a regular plaster primer. Allow to dry completely before applying two coats of a good quality wall paint (we used an easy-to-clean, externaluse wall paint with a low sheen).

Q: I love the colour of the blue cabinet on page 54 of your October 2017 issue. Can you help me find a similar shade? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; M.R. Prinsloo, Piet Retief A: Try Dulux Dramatic Sea or Dulux Marine Blue (dulux.co.za).

advice

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za.

Stash it or trash it? Golden oldie

Gail Rigele of Midrand writes I inherited this pottery jug; it was brought back from Egypt for my grandmother after World War II. Can you tell me anything about it, and how much is it worth? Ainsley Taylor of Stephan Welz & Co. replies This lovely jug is an item of Gouda pottery (pronounced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how-daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) and as the name suggests, it was made in the Netherlands in the municipality of Gouda which, as well as being famous for cheesemaking, was a bustling centre for ceramic production for centuries. Gouda pottery is a generic term for all Dutch pottery, other than the more well-known Delftware, and it has a very particular charm of its own. This style of pottery was pioneered by a company called Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland, or PZH, when in about 1910 a new process to produce the matte glaze characteristic of all Gouda pottery was discovered. Created for purely functional purposes between 1910 and the outbreak of war in 1939, the ceramic ware was mass-produced in the millions and exported all over the world; although, remarkable as it now seems, each piece was hand-painted and bears the initials of the artist. Thousands of artists were employed to paint the ceramic ware and they had some degree of freedom in their choice of style and colours. During the years in which these factories ï¬&#x201A;ourished, the artistic

styles of Art Nouveau and Art Deco greatly inï¬&#x201A;uenced the world of art and design, and both styles are uniquely and beautifully incorporated in Gouda ware, contributing to its charm and ongoing appeal among collectors today. CIRCA Between 1910 and 1939 VALUE This jug, unusual in its limited palette, would have an auction estimate of R1 000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R1 200. CONTACT swelzco.co.za

DIY MADE EASY

Even the professionals use it

t Combats effects of rising and penetrating damp t Interior and Exterior application t Use on concrete, brick, cement and/or gypsum based plaster

APPLICATION r 4UJS XFMM XJUI B Ã¡BU QBEEMF r "QQMZ DPBUT CZ CSVTI r *G UIF TVSGBDF JT FYDFQUJPOBMMZ EBNQ Divide the wall into 3 or 4 sections horizontally - First treat the bottom section of the wall, allowing 24 hours to dry in between each section r 0WFSDPBU UIF FOUJSF BSFB XJUI B TFDPOE DPBU PG %".1-0$

6083 ASHAK Home JULY2020 1/2pg

PREPARATION r Apply EJSFDUMZ UP B TPVOE DMFBO TVSGBDF r 5IF TVSGBDF DBO CF EBNQ CVU OPU XFU r 3FNPWF PME QBJOU MPPTF HSJU GSPN UIF TVSGBDF UP GPSN B TUBCMF LFZ r 8BTI TVSGBDF XJUI TVHBS TPBQ PS EFHSFBTFS BOE SJOTF XFMM XJUI XBUFS r 1SJNF DSBDLT XJUI %".1-0$ CFGPSF SFQBJSJOH

PROMOTION

QUICK DIY FIX! Give a broken ceramic item a new lease on life with Alcolin Rapid Set Clear Epoxy.

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 1/10 Time needed 20 minutes

1 Lightly sand the surfaces to be repaired before cleaning to help ensure a good bond. Use acetone to clean the surfaces. 2 Mix the Alcolin Rapid Set Clear Epoxy according to the instructions on the packaging. 3 Apply the epoxy to both surfaces and apply pressure (initial setting time is 1–10 minutes and full cure is reached after 24 hours). The ear of our jug was broken in two pieces, so we attached these ﬁrst. Tip Remove any excess epoxy immediately with acetone. 4 Repeat steps 2–3 to attach the ear to the jug.

Did you know? Alcolin Rapid Set Clear Epoxy has a high bond strength, dries in minutes and offers invisible glue lines. It can also be used for: • Repairing small plastic ﬁgurines and costume jewellery. • Repairing broken casings on electronic equipment. • It’s ideal for gluing small metal/wood/glass parts where clamping is not possible.

YOU WILL NEED • broken ceramic item (we ﬁxed a jug) • sandpaper • acetone • Alcolin Rapid Set Clear Epoxy

Visit www.alcolin.com for product details or call the Sticky Questions Helpline toll-free on 0800 222 400 for expert advice.

COMPETITION

ENTER NOW FOR

T o o Champs 2020

TJHOKO CHAMPS! There’s no stopping Tjhoko Paint enthusiasts, which is why our popular Tjhoko Champs competition is back. Here’s how you can win...

ore colours, more techniques – and loads more creativity! This is what we are seeing among the evergrowing group of Tjhoko Paint enthusiasts across the country. Whether it’s old upholstered easy chairs and worn-out melamine kitchens revamped with Tjhoko’s chalk paint, or boring ﬂoors that have been given a new lease on life with Stencil of Paris, Tjhoko Paint is the paint of choice when it comes to decorative projects. And 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 crowned this year’s Tjhoko Champ. Not only that but you also stand a chance of winning fantastic prizes – and having your project featured in Home to inspire all our readers.

HOW TO ENTER 1 To enter, all you have to do is jazz something up with Tjhoko Paint, take a picture and upload it (with a before picture) to paintit.tuis.co.za. 2 Fill out the form with the details of your project and click on “submit”.

Brush stroke Freepik.com

Remember • You can enter anything from a set of napkins stencilled with Tjhoko Paint to a wardrobe intricately decorated with a layered effect – as long as you have used Tjhoko Paint products. • Entries close at midday on Thursday 17 September 2020, after which readers can vote for their favourite. The Tuis I Home team will determine the Top 10, taking into account readers’ preferences, then chalk paint guru Nadine Vosloo will select the overall winner.

70 home July 2020

Nadine Vosloo

FIRST PRIZE The winner receives: • R10 000 cash • A Tjhoko hamper to the value of R3 000 (excludes Tjhoko Paint’s new fabric and wallpaper range) • A personal master class with Tjhoko Paint expert Nadine Vosloo Terms & conditions apply

SECOND PRIZE The runner-up receives: • R3 000 cash • A Tjhoko hamper to the value of R3 000 (excludes Tjhoko Paint’s new fabric and wallpaper range) Terms & conditions apply

PROMOTION

The bedroom walls were painted in the colour Da’vid.

Photographs ER Lombard

The geometric patterns were painted in Nade, plus two new colours: Holiday’s Coral and Terena’s Idea.

Check out Tjhoko Paint’s YouTube channel

www. (youtube.com/tjhokopaint) to see how this bedroom was transformed!

FOR YOUR WALLS! Tjhoko Paint’s beautiful colours are now also available in a low-sheen PVA.

jhoko Paint, South Africa’s popular locally produced chalk paint, has long been the ﬁrst choice for creatives wanting to effortlessly transform furniture and other surfaces. Here’s some good news: Tjhoko Paint’s trendy colour palette is now available in a low-sheen, water-based PVA – Tjhoko Inspired Wall Colours.

Did you know? Tjhoko Inspired Wall Colours does not replace Tjhoko Chalk Paint; rather, it’s a new durable wall paint. It has an excellent spreading rate of 8–10m² per litre per coat. This means that a 5L tin of paint will cover about 25m² – which is more than enough

for a standard sized room. Because the paint contains no ammonia, it has a low odour. Moreover, it is completely washable – painted surfaces can simply be wiped with a damp cloth but sugar soap can also be used for stubborn stains. Tjhoko Inspired Wall Colours now gives you the option of painting your interior walls in your favourite Tjhoko shades. The price? Only R549 for a 5L tin. Deliveries can be made throughout the country; the minimum order is 5L, with free delivery for orders over R1 000. Make sure you order enough paint for your project because as long as the tins are tightly sealed, the paint will keep for up to 10 months.

“But few DIYers will be able to resist this product for such a long time,” says Nadine Vosloo of Tjhoko Paint. “Once you’re acquainted with Tjhoko Inspired Wall Colours, you’ll never need to use any other paint to make a glorious, affordable difference in your home.”

CONTACT US! Need to ﬁnd your nearest stockist, or have a query? Visit tjhokopaint.co.za, email support@tjhokopaint.co.za or call 073 206 3104.

Go to www.youtube.com/tjhokopaint for more inspiration and videos. July 2020

home 71

advice

Email your renovation to experts@homemag.co.za.

WITH FLAIR entry

Don’t move, improve! This couple converted an awkward kitchen into a fun contemporary space. By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel • Photographs Greg Cox • Production Marian van Wyk

Subway all the way Designed specifically for New York’s first subway station in 1904, subway (or metro) tiles never seem to date. “More than a century later, we still love the subway tile’s sleek, easy-clean, ever-contemporary and durable personality,” says Nicole Russell of Italtile. “With a few design evolutions here and there, they remain a modern choice with a nostalgic twist.” Nicole shares a few of her top tips for using subway tiles in the kitchen: • The bevelled subway tile is a more modern, elegant version of the flat subway tile and it’s ideal for adding a bit of oomph to a space, such as in the form of a trendy splashback. Both flat and bevelled tiles can be used in different patterns, but the bevelled look is great for adding more depth to a wall. Bear in mind that subway tiles should only be used on walls. • While subways are timeless, their design, colours and lengths change with the current trends. Nowadays, there is a variety of options to choose from, ranging from a facebrick colour to mini mosaic subways. There really is something for everyone and the available options just keep increasing. • Besides subways, there are various other kitchen tile options to consider. We’ve noticed that consumers are embracing bolder colours, shapes and textures and with the likes of Pinterest offering ideas and décor suggestions, people are putting exciting looks together. Patterned tiles are also very popular, while patchwork tiles remain a timeless trend. Mini mosaics are cost-effective and they are proving to be a big hit with customers. CONTACT 011 510 9000, italtile.co.za

72 home July 2020

hen Sarah and Richard Mattheyse moved into their new home in December 2012, they loved that there was a garden for their dog and that it was closer to their work at the time. The kitchen space, however, was rather awkward and impractical, consisting of only two walls opposite each other and a backdoor. “The layout had to change to make better use of the space,” says Sarah, who had been planning and changing the design in her head and on paper since they moved in. Finally, in 2017, the couple tackled the renovation. The project took about six months to complete, as they did everything themselves and could only work in the evenings and over weekends. The only things they didn’t do were the plastering and tiling. “We gutted the entire area and started from scratch,” says Sarah. “We wanted to maximise the space, create better storage and make the kitchen more practical to use and clean.” Awkward U-shaped cupboards were replaced with a long sleek counter against the wall. To maximise the space and storage, the counter depth was extended to 700mm, instead of the standard 600mm, and the couple opted for deep, oversized drawers. Both the oven and sink were moved to this counter to allow for more storage space.

WHO LIVES HERE? Sarah and Richard Mattheyse WHERE Protea Heights, Brackenfell SIZE 9m²

Before

The old kitchen was gutted and the backdoor was replaced with a new one from Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aluminium.

The open shelves house everyday crockery.

Paint colour

Plascon Kitchens & Bathrooms Serious

Bosch hob, oven and extractor from Hirschâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; laser-cut stainless-steel countertop from Schuurman Lasercut

advice

We love how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created a feeling of open space in a small area. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sarah and Richard

TOTAL R56 332 Cupboard cutting and materials

20 730

Stainless-steel top

1 687

Sanitary ware and fittings

8 750

Hob, oven and extractor

6 700

Paint, sealant and glue

1 900

Electrical fittings

2 500

Tool hire

1 350

Tiles and grout

4 515

Tile and plaster labour

1 800

Aluminium door (incl. installation)

6 400

CUPBOARDS

Floor-to-ceiling storage was fitted along the entire length of the wall opposite the counter. A dishwasher and small electrical appliances are concealed in the middle; the fridge, pantry storage and more drawers are also housed here. Plug points were moved and added, while water outlets and a drainpipe for the dishwasher were reconfigured.

Melamine chipboard cupboard carcasses were pre-cut and fitted with black melamine drawer fronts. The door fronts were fitted with birch ply to warm up the space. Melamine chipboard from PG Bison; birch ply and hinges from Lumber King

On the job...

74 home July 2020

TEKA basin from On Tap; cupboard handles from Gelmar; shelf brackets from Mica Hardware; subway tiles from Italtile; tap and fittings from One Stop Plumbers Shop

[ THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? ]

On the job...

COUNTERTOP

For the countertop, a stainless-steel sheet was bonded to birch plywood with Gorilla Glue to create a hard-wearing surface that suited the couple’s aesthetic and budget. WALLS

Metro tiles fit beautifully with the new design aesthetic, which combines natural and modern industrial textures with a simple black, white and light wood palette.

What would you do differently next time? We installed floor-to-ceiling pocket doors to conceal our dishwasher, microwave and small appliances. The combination of the hinges or slides and the weight of the doors causes the doors to not move as freely as they should. They open easily enough but can be a bit finicky to close. In hindsight, we would have looked for fittings more suited to large pocket doors. The runners each have a geared wheel and are linked by a rod running the whole length to keep the doors aligned. Any other hints or tips? Be flexible in your original design and only commit to something once you’ve mapped out all the ergonomics – from how doors open to how you will unpack your dishwasher. This stuff matters! When doing DIY, stick to what you are willing to learn.

STOCKISTS Matthew’s Aluminium 021 905 4792, matthewsaluminium.co.za On Tap 033 345 1647, ontap.co.za Gelmar 021 035 0080, gelmar.co.za Hirsch’s 031 582 4400, hirschs.co.za Schuurman Lasercut 021 951 7733, sl.co.za Lumber King 021 883 2842 Mica Hardware 086 112 2114, mica.co.za Italtile 010 271 2272, italtile.co.za One Stop Plumbers Shop 021 982 7480, onestopplumbersshop.co.za PG Bison 011 897 5200, pgbison.co.za

advice

Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za

Animal antics Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel

Take it outside!

Look there!

Mieke points Willem in the right direction. – Christine Schoeman, Oudtshoorn

Feline frisky

Move over Lionel Messi; Molly is here! – Tamsyn Wiggill, Cape Town

In on all the action

Gatsby goes everywhere – even to the golf course with Dad! – Tayla-Jade Southby, Port Elizabeth

Hot product If your dog is susceptible to tear stains caused by eye discharge, Vet’s Best Clean Eye Round Pads with soothing Aloe Vera (R75, shingavet.co.za) will help to reduce marks if used regularly.

76 home July 2020

Ready for adventure! Kitty is all set for some caravan action. – Mariette Swart, Brackenfell

Q&A

Make a diﬀerence

Mary Nichols of Jo’burg writes I’ve read various reports on how some pets have tested positive for Covid-19. Is this something we as pet owners should be concerned about?

Sno’ big deal

Taz enjoys the snow in Switzerland before moving to SA. – Stephanie Hayman, Eston, KZN

On top of the world

Charlie loves to explore. – Ryno Schoombee, Pretoria

Each owner whose pet is featured here wins an XL K9 Camper for dogs or a medium Cupcake for cats from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za), available at leading vet and pet shops. The K9 Camper is made from a heavy-duty waterproof canvas, discouraging the breeding of ﬂeas and other mites, and while perfect for patios or kennels, it will also look attractive in your home’s interior. The Cupcake bed is a favourite among cats and smaller dog breeds, and it’s fully machine-washable. Send your pics (at least 2MB each) and contact details to pets@homemag.co.za – you could be a winner too! See competition rules on page 112.

WIN!

Gert Steyn, managing director of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), replies Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which infect humans and certain animals such as cattle, cats, dogs, bats and camels. Canine and feline coronaviruses only infect animals; they don’t infect humans. But some of the coronaviruses that do infect animals, such as MERS Cov which infects camels, can infect people – but this is rare. Although a dog in Hong Kong tested “weak positive” for Covid-19, it hasn’t shown any symptoms of the disease. It is, as yet, unconﬁrmed whether the “weak positive” result is due to the presence of the virus itself or if the dog actually contracted the disease, as it hasn’t shown any antibody response to date. There is, thus, still no evidence to suggest that any animals – including pets, livestock, or wildlife – might be a source of Covid-19 infection at this time. Besides direct exposure after the droplets of an infected individual have been breathed in, transmission via touching a contaminated surface or object (pets) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes is feasible. Smooth nonporous surfaces (e.g. countertops, doorknobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g. pet fur) as porous materials absorb and trap the virus, making it harder to contract through touch. However, because all animals can carry various pathogens that can be transmitted to people, the following habits should be practised: • Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste or supplies. • Clean up after pets properly. • Seek advice from your local vet if you have any concerns about the health of your pet. How to protect pets if you have Covid-19: If you have Covid-19, or suspect you do, practise social distancing from pets as you would with humans. If possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you’re sick. Avoid contact with your pet, including petting and being licked. If you have to care for your pet while you’re sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. REMEMBER Don’t use sanitiser on your pet and don’t touch them just after you’ve used any as it can be harmful. CONTACT sava.co.za July 2020

home

advice

Send garden info and queries to gardens@homemag.co.za.

Gardening notebook

WHY DO WE PRUNE PLANTS?

Gillian Eva

Create a new pathway in your garden this month, or check existing ones for uneven surfaces and repair them now.

Pruning is done to encourage a good shape and a healthy plant, and to improve the quality of fruit or flowers. In mild winter gardens, prune in the second half of July but in cold gardens, wait until the beginning of August to avoid possible frost damage to new emerging growth.

Compiled by Gillian Eva • Photographs Francois Oberholster and supplied

Walk this way

Osteospermum

he original paths of ancient times were narrow and winding, up hills and down dales, through grasslands, whispering woods and alongside meandering streams made by animals searching for food and water and by the feet of early man as he hunted and gathered wood.

Garden paths Paths in gardens, as in life, are trails of discovery; they are walkways that guide visitors from one area to another, sometimes swiftly and other times at a more leisurely pace, creating a particular mood by their direction and by their shape. Paths should always lead to a destination. A straight path is used to reveal the shortest possible route to an entrance, to a home office, and to utility areas such as a laundry or garage. Formal gardens with year-round structure have direct paths, as do formal herb gardens with beds dissected by paths. There is a sense of anticipation and mystery when all is not revealed at once – of a secret world, a private space, a hideaway. A curving path slows down progress and makes the journey more interesting, inviting the visitor to discover what lies around each bend or curve. A narrow path with colourful flower borders on either side will slow down progress. A path that disappears around a shrub or hedge encourages exploration and stops people and pets from taking shortcuts. A meandering path through a wildflower meadow or woodland walk creates a feeling of mystery, adventure and romance. Japanese gardeners are masters of suggestion, concealing as much as they reveal in their landscapes. They encourage contemplation with the careful placement of plants, water and rocks and use curving paths to conceal parts of the garden.

78 home July 2020

Cotyledon

Euphorbia

[ RAIN PATHS ] Hugelkultur is a German word meaning mound or hill culture (culture here refers to growing things) where plants are grown on a man-made mound or small hill. On a flat site, hugelkultur mounds will add highs and lows; the highs made by laying old logs where you want a mound, then covering the wood with leaves, soil and compost to about a metre in height. By building these mounds, you create a path or swale (a shallow channel with gently sloping sides) that will direct rainwater from hard surfaces so that it is slowly absorbed into the soil and does not run off. These swales also become habitats for a diverse range of plants. On mounds, grow Bulbine frutescens, Euphorbia tirucalli, Cotyledon orbiculata, Senecio mandraliscae and Aristida junciformis. For low areas, consider white arums, wild garlic, sedges, hostas and astilbes. On slopes, try Portulacaria afra ‘Nana’, osteospermum and arctotis. In the vegetable garden, bush beans, bell peppers and onions can be grown on mounds; squashes and nasturtiums will thrive on slopes, and parsley and lettuce are both suitable for low areas. By Kay Montgomery

Arum

Waterwise plant of the month

Water smart

Photograph Gillian Eva

Flapjack plant The flapjack plant (Kalanchoe luciae) is also known in Afrikaans as meelplakkie because its foliage appears to be dusted with flour (meel) which helps to reflect the sun and keeps the plant cool. This succulent forms a basal rosette of large rounded leaves that are greyish-green in colour with red margins. The flower head is tall with small tubular white flowers that are sweetly scented. Before the mother plant dies, she produces small plantlets that can be planted out. For the best leaf colour, grow in full sun in rock gardens and on rocky slopes.

We love succulents!

Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ There are many different varieties of Sedums, also known as stonecrop. Low-growing varieties such as ‘Angelina’ make vigorous, quick-growing groundcovers and border plants, with lovely bright lime-yellow foliage. It has a spreading growth habit, up to 60cm wide, with short upright stems (20cm high) and spiky leaves that add texture to the garden. Clusters of small yellow flowers appear in midsummer, attracting butterflies. It is a heat- and drought-tolerant groundcover for dry, sunny slopes and lowmaintenance pavement gardens. How to grow Stonecrops tolerate semi-shade but do best in full sun, which brings out the foliage colour. They grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Reduce watering once established and keep the soil dry in winter. Too much shade dulls the leaf colour. Clip to keep in shape. Garden uses Use for texture, contrast and brightness in a garden bed, especially as a contrast plant with dark or burgundy-leafed plants. It is particularly effective when planted in swathes to create a river of colour. It is also very eye-catching when used to cascade over rockeries and walls, as well as in containers on sunny patios or decks. Did you know? Stonecrops are cold-hardy; their leaves take on a reddish hue in winter. Good to know They do not tolerate foot traffic because the fleshy stems are fragile and are easily broken. Although they spread quickly, they are not invasive and respond to clipping or they can easily be pulled out. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

advice

Grow your own!

Brussels sprouts

Growth in the veggie garden slows down in July, leaving ample time to plan for spring and summer sowing. Towards the end of the month, kickstart summer fruiting crops by sowing seed indoors in seed trays or pots, under warm, controlled conditions. By the end of September, seedlings will be ready for planting out.

Cabbage seedlings

[ KITCHEN GARDEN TASKS FOR JULY ] • Water early so that plants can dry out by nightfall. Vegetables in containers need watering once or twice a week. • Boost broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser. • Stake broad beans and Brussels sprouts. • In regions that don’t get rain in winter, moisten (but do not soak) the compost heap. • Dig manure into empty beds so that it can break down before planting in August.

How to germinate seed indoors • Place seed trays or pots in a warm area near a north-facing window or heat them from the bottom up by putting them on a hot tray (on newspaper) or on an electric blanket on its lowest setting. • Create a moist microclimate by covering the seed trays with clingfilm. • If trays indoors do not receive enough light, take them out during the day and bring indoors at night. • After germination, move the seed trays closer to a sunny window during the day (but move them away at night when it gets cold). You can also take them outside to a warm sheltered area and bring them back indoors at night. Planning tips • Choose veggies that your family will eat. • Set up a sowing schedule, including succession planting (sow seeds at different intervals so the plants don’t all mature at the same time) and make a note of estimated harvest dates. • Factor the first and last frost dates into your planning.

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What to sow now Summer rainfall areas Start sowing garden peas in cooler areas and lettuce, parsnip, radish, Swiss chard, tomatoes (indoors), and turnips in less frosty areas. ‘Above ground’ crops such as cabbage, squash, leafy greens, tomatoes, brinjals, peppers and chillies can be sown in seed trays indoors. Winter rainfall areas Sow the same

fruiting vegetables as for summer rainfall regions indoors, plus beetroot, celery, garden peas, radishes, and turnips in situ (directly in the kitchen garden bed). Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast This is prime sowing time for beetroot, beans, brinjals, chillies, carrots, cucumber, mealies, melons, squash, pumpkin, radishes, Swiss chard and tomatoes.

advice

Indoor plant of the month

Ask Ludwig

Lavandula stoechas Lavandula stoechas is a spring-flowering lavender with strongly aromatic foliage that adds fragrance and beauty to the home. It flowers profusely with bracts on top of each bloom, resembling bunny ears or the open wings of a butterfly. If grown indoors, it needs bright light and can take some morning sun. Let the soil dry out moderately between watering. Snip off spent flowers to encourage more. In warm, bright conditions, such as a patio or living area, it may bloom for up to three months. After flowering, plants can be lightly trimmed and planted in the garden in full sun; make sure the soil drains well. CONTACT plantimex.co.za

Ask JJ ‘My Granny’

Light trimming of ‘My Granny’.

Lack of fruit Wimpie van der Walt of Bredasdorp writes Why does our granadilla creeper bear masses of flowers but no fruit? It’s always full of bees but the flowers fall off after a day. It has not borne a single fruit this season.

Groundcover roses Marion de Waal of Germiston writes I have a border of ‘My Granny’ roses. Do I need to prune them and how do I go about it? Ludwig replies We classify ‘My Granny’ roses as groundcover roses, which are generally low-growing spreading shrubs with arching stems Add compost around roses. that carry clusters of flowers. With all roses that grow like this (the other ‘Granny’ roses, Sunsation range, Flower Carpet, ‘Adele Searll’, and Fairy roses) the easiest way to prune them is to give them a good clipping with hedge shears and remove some or all of the two-year-old wood. Pull off all, or as many leaves as possible, because they can harbour pests and diseases. Regenerating the soil after pruning is just as important as pruning if the roses are to grow well in the coming season. Because of the spreading branches, even after pruning, digging over the soil is difficult. An easier way is to spread compost and Vigorosa over the area and spike it in with a fork. This allows the compost to fall into the holes made by the fork, which improves aeration and water-holding capacity at root level. Water well afterwards. In most areas, the best time to prune is from mid-July to early August, but later in very cold areas. CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za

JJ replies There are two types of granadilla: an ornamental one and a fruiting one. If you have lots of bees pollinating the flowers, it is probably an ornamental variety. Enjoy it for its flowers, and plant a fruitbearing variety next to it if you’d like to harvest fruit.

Listen to JJ’s gardening tips and tricks on Derrich Gardner’s show Brekfis met Derrich at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG.

July 2020

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crossword #143

Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht

WIN!

One of eight NB Publishers books worth R290 could be yours.

Maggie: My Life in the Camp by Maggie Jooste is a remarkable first-hand account of a teenage girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences during the Anglo-Boer War. Margaretha (Maggie) Jooste was only 13 years old when the Anglo-Boer War broke out and her life was irrevocably changed. After months of house arrest in their Heidelberg (Transvaal) home, she, her mother and younger siblings were sent away to concentration camps in Natal. There they experienced hunger, deprivation and loss, but also surprising acts of kindness from British guards. This very personal account is a story of hardships, but also one of humanity and friendships over enemy lines. A deeply moving, but also heartbreaking, true story. The first eight readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a copy of Maggie: My Life in the Camp worth R290. Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #143, PO Box 1802, Cape Town, or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 31 July 2020. See our competition rules on page 112.

Name ............................................................................. Address .......................................................................................................................... Postal code .................. Cell .............................................. Tel. (w) ............................................. Email .........................................................

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Note: The solution to Crossword #141 is available online at homemag.co.za.

COMPETITION

#ROOKIESTYLIST2020 The search is on for Home’s Rookie Stylist 2020 in partnership with MRP Home. Enter and win!

ast year, we were blown away by our readers’ creative entries in our first-ever Rookie Stylist competition – more than 1 400 entrants displayed their favourite nooks in their own homes on Instagram. We’re passionate about all things beautiful and love to celebrate the ways in which South Africans decorate their spaces, a philosophy we share with MRP Home, so the Rookie Stylist competition is back in 2020! Every week, one lucky entrant will win a MRP Home voucher worth R2 000 (the recipient will be selected by the Home team) and, ultimately, the overall winner and Rookie Stylist for 2020 will receive a R15 000 MRP Home voucher to spend on whatever delights their senses. This winner will also be chosen by the Home team, and as an added bonus, the winner’s home will be shot for publication in an upcoming issue of Home, SA’s best-selling décor and gardening magazine.

HOW IT WORKS To participate, take a photo of any nook in your home, using your cellphone (take it in natural light for best results). Do a close-up or step back for a wide-angle shot. You could choose a room, a stoep, a focal wall, shelf or bed – anything goes, as long as it’s pretty and styled to your satisfaction. Upload this picture to your Instagram account. If you don’t have an account, create one by downloading the app in the Apple app store or on Google Play. Write a short caption, add the hashtags #rookiestylist2020, #tuishomemag and #mrphome, and also tag @mrp_home and @tuishomemag – and off you go! • The competition runs from 25 May to 17 July 2020.

2 3

ENTER ! N I W AND Unleash your creativity! Use the MRP Home voucher included in the June issue (valid until December) to buy the perfect showpiece at your nearest store.

WHO LIVES HERE? Mercia Kruger WHERE Paarl SIZE 270m2 TYPE OF SOIL Loam

This grey plant, the cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) is indigenous to Australia and has a naturally rounded growth habit. It needs almost no pruning. Mercia neatens up the shrubs twice a year by trimming off any lopsided stems.

Pretty

reader garden

as a picture Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always room for one more plant, pot or paver in this Boland garden. By MariĂŠ Esterhuyse Photographs Francois Oberholster

Mercia designed the large iron dome and had it constructed by The Kelim & Decor Shop in Paarl. The smaller domes and some of the pots were items Mercia already had; she simply rearranged them. The round grey pots on the plinths, also from The Kelim & Decor Shop, were originally white-washed, but she sanded them to achieve this look. The large terracotta pots come from Overberg Pottery in Kleinmond, while Mercia made some of the smaller ones on her potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheel. July 2020

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reader garden

ercia Kruger of Paarl likes to create pictures in her garden – but she seldom buys anything new in order to do so. “There is always some or other construction work on the go in our neighbourhood. It’s amazing how much stuff people throw away, which then ends up on the rubble heap: half-bricks, cracked pavers, interesting stumps or chipped pots,” she explains. “I pick them all up because I can always find a use for them in my garden. When my husband Riaan was still alive, he often asked me, ‘Where do you find all this stuff and where are you going to keep it?’ But I always find a spot somewhere in one of the ‘rooms’ in my garden.” Mercia’s garden consists of a front area, a narrow alleyway space running next to the house and a backyard with a sociable braai area and comfy seating.

The trunk of this monkey thorn was as thin as Mercia’s finger when she bought it about eight years ago. “It’s a thorn tree that grows quickly but I keep it in check by regularly trimming it into a ball shape. In summer, I cut off the soft twigs weekly and by October I prune it back to the hard wood to keep the shape of the tree looking neat. This prevents it from becoming too big for my garden,” says Mercia.

Front garden

The front garden was formerly a lush green lawn that required lots of maintenance. This was transformed into an interesting garden room that now needs minimal attention. “It’s not something I just decided overnight. I thought long and hard about it,” says Mercia. “The lawn needed a lot of time and effort. Cutting and watering a lawn on a slope is hard work. In August 2017, myself and Hendry Maans, my right hand in the garden, started transforming this area, a little at a time. I was worried that the shock would be too much for me if I removed everything straight away and was suddenly confronted by a bare garden!” To get the sloping lawn more even, they created different levels with railway sleepers. “Luckily, I had quite a few sleepers in my back garden that I had acquired over the years, but I had to buy more as the work progressed. The terraces were first prepared and levelled out before the sleepers were put in place. They are not all evenly spaced apart as I wanted to keep the look informal.” The bare soil between the sleepers was covered with a thick layer of gravel, which made a plastic underlayer unnecessary. The larger brown stones come from a farm in Simondium but it took three trips to get enough stones to fill the area. With this done, the rest of the lawn was removed and soon the garden started to take shape. Since Mercia likes interesting plant combinations, she tends to grow more waterwise plants alongside those that are more thirsty, but she waters her garden by hand with a hosepipe connected to the borehole to ensure that each plant gets the water it needs. “My front garden is now largely a container garden. I rearrange my pots often and use interesting pavers to add interest to this space,” she explains. “It’s not a flower garden. I make it beautiful by creating contrast, texture and focal points with a variety of pots – with or without plants – birdbaths, interesting garden paths and large stones which collect pools of water. “I also create contrast with interesting foliage and different plant shapes and sizes – from tiny aloes to large quiver trees and my prized cycad. “Many of my smaller succulents come from The Wise Gardener, my sister Alma’s nursery in Worcester. But my choice of plants changes constantly. You eventually learn what works in your garden. My front garden will probably always be a work in progress. I’m always moving pots around and trying something new – I like creating pictures.”

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Pots beneath monkey thorn from Overberg Pottery

Mercia’s sister Carol gave her this cycad 32 years ago. “Back then, the tuber was as big as an apricot and it had one slender leaf. Today, it has this imposing presence in my front garden and it forms massive cones every second year that burst open in September.”

Mercia grew this indigenous sausage tree from a seed. Each summer, right through until May, it bears blood-red blooms on long pendulous stalks.

With virtually no ﬂowering plants in the garden, colour is provided by grey and green foliage in many shades. The varied structures and leaf shapes of the plants create contrast – these include plants with round and pointed leaves, stems that sway in the breeze and spiny stems that catch the eye. Pots from The Kelim & Decor Shop and Peppino Cement

A number of water features and birdbaths attract birds to the garden. This ﬁsh pond is a spectacle of white, pink and blue when the water lilies bloom each year.

Alleyway garden

A narrow alley runs down the side of the house and this is where Mercia has laid a path of concrete sleepers to connect the front and back garden. She also uses this area to propagate new plants and store her garden tools. “I store thousands of pebbles, pottery shards, extra pots, half-bricks and stones here; the borehole pipes also run through this area. But I prettied up the storage area with plant stands and all sorts of interesting items. The alleyway gets sun from 9 o’clock in the morning until 2 o’clock in the afternoon, so it’s the ideal spot for cultivating new plants,” she explains. Sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica) forms a green wall along the boundary between her property and the neighbours’. Its upright growth habit makes it ideal for such a narrow space; the plant’s bright red fruit also attracts birds. A row of trident maples (Acer buergerianum) that came up from seeds are growing in front of one of the plant stands; Mercia prunes them regularly to form a mini avenue.

Tillandsia aeranthos is one of Mercia’s favourite air plants. This easy-to-grow plant thrives in dry conditions, requiring little attention as it absorbs all its nutrients and water from the air. For about four weeks in October it bears purple-pink flowers.

Back garden Mercia’s woodland garden is located at the back of the property; this is where her two Beagles, who both died last year, would play. This area includes a giant cycad, a yellowwood tree, leopard trees, Japanese maples, leather leaf ferns, orchids and a granadilla covering it all. Most of Mercia’s air plants are also housed here. “Of course I also have pots and all sorts of items on display here. On the shelf (above left) I have a birdhouse that my 93-year-old dad made out of bamboo about 11 years ago. Ring-necked doves often take up residence to breed inside. The braai area is also home to my air plants and other treasured collectibles,” she says. >>

Mercia designed the metalwork for the built-in braai (left) not only to look pretty but also to keep her dogs out of the fireplace. “Amber and Mischka always took the gap after a braai – the moment the coals had cooled down, they’d jump inside to lick the grid. When we braai, I simply lower the framework onto the bottom bracket and raise it again afterwards.” July 2020

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I adore cactuses. Their spines add texture and their ball shapes make me think of faces turned towards the sun. – Mercia

The long drooping grey stems and foliage of Tillandsia usneoides have given rise to a very apt common name: old man’s whiskers!

Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis)

[ A LOVE OF GREY ] Mercia adores any shade of grey in her garden, whether it is a cement birdbath or the grey old man cactus that reminds her of the Pachypodiums in the Richtersveld. She especially loves her collection of Tillandsias – grey epiphytes (air plants) that cling to or hang from any suitable spot. “My favourite is the Tillandsia usneoides. It grows easily and doesn’t require much maintenance. I do water it often though, especially in summer. The best way to do this is almost like when you rinse your hair after you’ve washed it – I allow the water to slowly run down from the top until all the stems are well saturated. “My inspiration for making grey part of my garden comes from my numerous visits to the Richtersveld. The grey plains with their grey rocks, grey-leafed vygies, grey everlastings and the grey elephant’s trunk (Pachypodium namaquanum) always transﬁxed me and I wanted to recreate this in my garden so I could experience the same feeling,” she says. (Read more about grey plants on page 92.) CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Overberg Pottery 028 271 4213 Peppino Cement 021 988 7471, peppino.co.za The Kelim & Decor Shop 021 863 1944, info@kelimdecor.co.za The Wise Gardener 082 839 2317, wise-gardener.co.za

reader garden

Mercia’s favourites Succulents and cactuses • Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) • Pinwheel aeonium (Aeonium haworthii) • Kerky bush (Crassula ovata) • Jelly bean plant (Sedum pachyphyllum) • Golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii) • Mexican lime cactus (Ferocactus pilosus) • Old man cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) • Various Mammilaria species • Various Echeveria species • Gasteria • Haworthia • Maiden quiver tree (Aloidendron ramosissimum syn. Aloe ramosissima) • Quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum syn. Aloe dichotoma) Shrubs and other • Cycad (Encephalartos spp.) • Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) • Orange jasmine (Murraya exotica syn. Murraya paniculata) • Cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) • Dwarf num-num (Carissa macrocarpa ‘Green Carpet’) • Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) • Gongoni grass (Aristida junciformis) • Creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa) • A variety of air plants (Tillandsia spp.)

Gongoni grass (Aristida junciformis)

Trees • Monkey thorn (Senegalia galpinii) • Sausage tree (Kigelia africana) • Leopard tree (Caesalpinia ferrea)

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go grey! Between black and white lies an entire spectrum of subtle shades that the creative gardener can utilise.

By MariĂŠ Esterhuyse Photographs Francois Oberholster, Kosie Jansen van Rensburg and Petro Jacobs

Star jasmines in modern trough-shaped containers are being trained up stainless steel cables to create a green wall.

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plants of the month

rey and silver hues create a sense of calmness and cool elegance in your garden. They also provide contrast and look good with almost any other coloured flower or foliage. Petro Jacobs of Petro Landscaping in the Western Cape is passionate about using grey in a garden. “I can’t resist using grey in some or other form when I design a garden, whether it be in the choice of plants or in hard elements such as a bench, pots, pavers or water features,” she says. “My palette will always lean towards shades of deep and soft green, soft grey and silvery-grey. The subtle contrast of grey with these greens and other colours creates a sense of depth in flowerbeds and adds tranquillity to a garden.” Petro believes grey works incredibly well with white, red and maroon and all shades of blue, purple and pale pink. “The only colour that I won’t easily use with grey is bright yellow, but that’s a personal preference.” She likes to incorporate hard elements with a simple grey cement finish in her designs. “Grey pots and pavers are timeless and classic but also perfectly complement a more contemporary design. “Wooden benches and furniture like those from Benchmark Wood Classics and Hope Garden Furniture weather over time, taking on a greyer hue. “Modern cement benches with a smooth cement finish are another example of how you can incorporate a simple yet striking grey element in your garden design,” Petro explains.

Erica Bench (1 600mm) R3 968.65, Old World Concretes

gardens

Favourite greys Petro says it’s difﬁcult to choose, but these plants are at the top of her list: Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana) is one of her favourite grey-foliaged trees. Here, it has been used with ornamental grasses such as indigenous weeping anthericum (Chlorophytum saundersiae), gongoni grass (Aristida junciformis) and the exotic Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’. As the grasses grow, they will frame the sculpture by Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe.

Silver-bush everlasting For topiaries, low- to medium-height hedges and natural gardens with a less formal structure, Petro favours silver-bush everlasting (Helichrysum petiolare), salt bush (Rhagodia hastata) and Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa). Here, Australian brush cherry, salt bush and Australian rosemary have been trimmed into ball shapes; on the left, a low salt bush hedge creates contrast against the dark green foliage of the big num-num.

False olive (Buddleja saligna) and pambati tree (Anastrabe Integerrima) are also good choices for grey-foliaged tall hedges or screening plants. Australian rosemary

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Herbs with grey foliage that Petro likes to use include creeping rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’ syn. Rosmarinus ofﬁcinalis), sage (Salvia ofﬁcinalis), curry bush (Helichrysum italicum) and lavenders such as Lavandula angustifolia, L. stoechas and L. dentata.

[ LOTS OF SUN, LITTLE WATER! ]

Salt bush softens the grey cement pavers of this pathway. Silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae), a hardy groundcover that thrives in full sun, has been planted in-between the pavers.

Many plants with grey foliage originate in the warmer parts of the world, so they are well suited to a sunny climate. Many are also drought-resistant and therefore ideal for gardens with little water. Grey, which is lighter than many shades of green, reﬂects more of the sun’s direct rays, which helps plants to cope with heat more easily. Some have ﬁne hairs or a velvety, even waxy, layer that helps the plant to conserve water and protect it from drying out and scorching.

Lavender (left) is another favourite, and artichokes (above) are an interesting choice with their grey-green foliage.

This pot’s weathered look provides a touch of grey in an informal bed of garden heliotrope.

Location Rustenberg Estate (rustenberg.co.za)

Succulents are a must if you’d like to use grey in a garden. Consider stalwarts such as Aloe ferox, Cotyledon, Sedum and the many Echeverias varieties.

Groundcovers and informal border plants that look good along pathways include lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina, see page 96) and grey-foliaged Gazania and Arctotis hybrids. Or consider Festuca glauca, an ornamental grass that is also perfect for mass plantings and works well in a contemporary design.

3 greys for your garden #1 Dusty miller

#2 Silver spurﬂower

This silvery-grey plant looks lovely throughout the year. It also bears inconspicuous creamy-yellow daisy-like flowers but many gardeners prefer to cut off the blooms and use the plant just for its foliage colour and texture. Trimming off the blooms also helps to give the plant a bushier appearance. Dusty miller likes compost-rich soil that drains well. It is easy to grow, fairly disease-free and drought-resistant. When the plant gets older and untidy, cut it back or replace with new plants (these can be made by dividing or taking cuttings). The soft grey leaves look good in a mixed bed and are great for softening a bed of brightly coloured blooms. It also looks striking if planted at the front of a flowerbed and creates contrast in a mixed pot. Pick the leaves and place them in a vase in your house; it looks lovely with blooms or just as a silvery-grey focal point. The leaf shape of dusty miller varieties differs – the lacy Plant guide foliage of ‘Silverdust’ looks as if Full sun its margins have been carefully to semi-shade cut out with scissors. Average water needs Centaurea cineraria, also Frost-sensitive known as dusty miller, closely Perennial resembles Senecio cineraria, Height 45–75cm but bears purple flowers in summer.

Although this Australian Plectranthus species prefers shade, it grows equally well in a sunny bed. Fine, silvery hairs coat the leaves, giving it a velvety appearance. In late summer and autumn, and sporadically throughout the year, it bears tall spikes of tiny white ﬂowers on thin stalks. The plant multiplies by taking root where the stems touch the ground. It also grows easily from cuttings. Cut back hard if the stems become too straggly; it will recover Plectranthus quickly. Silver spurﬂower thrives in argentatus well-drained soil and makes a good background plant in beds or under trees. It is fairly drought-resistant and requires little maintenance.

#3 Lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb’s ears, with their soft grey foliage, are showstoppers in the front of a bed. This low-growing plant grows easily and multiplies quickly. In summer, it bears small purple ﬂowers on stems carried above the leaves. Plant it in a sunny bed in well-drained soil. Keep wet in summer, especially in winter rainfall regions. Divide the plants in autumn or spring if they become too dense and transplant elsewhere in the garden. They also self-seed readily. Lamb’s ears look lovely along a path, or plant them in a mixed border where their grey foliage will provide contrast. The leaf shape of Stachys byzantina is similar to that of a lamb’s ear, hence its common name.

Plant guide

Lamb’s ears

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Full sun to semi-shade Frost-hardy Waterwise Perennial Height 25cm

Plant guide Dappled shade Average water needs Perennial Frost-sensitive Height and width 0.5–1m

Location Rustenberg Estate

(Plectranthus argentatus)

[ OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER ] • Pig’s ears (Cotyledon orbiculata) This succulent has interesting grey-green leaves. The leaf shape of the various cultivars differs – from large oval-shaped leaves and foliage that resembles long fingers to those that look like a deer’s antlers. The plant is waterwise and grows easily from seed and cuttings. • Rose campion (Lychnis coronaria) This low perennial is easy to grow and needs little attention. It boasts white or purply-pink flowers on long stalks carried above the silvery-grey leaves. Rose campion self-seeds readily and can easily be grown from seed. • Old man’s whiskers (Tillandsia usneoides) An interesting rootless air plant, it has stringy grey stems that dangle down with uniformly grey linear leaves. Simply hang it from a tree branch; it requires no food or water from the Andean silver-leaf sage host plant. • Andean silver-leaf sage (Salvia discolor) A perennial shrub that blooms in summer and autumn, it has grey stems with grey-green foliage. The almost purple-black blooms contrast beautifully against the grey-green calyx that shields it. Location Rustenberg Estate

(Jacobaea maritima syn. Senecio cineraria)

plants of the month

Did you know?

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 ‘Firesticks’ 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!

gardens

Plectranthus argentatus

Tillandsia bergeri

Jacobaea maritima

Lychnis coronaria

Tillandsia usneoides

Styling Melissa Rautenbach

Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Firesticks’

Cotyledon orbiculata

Stachys byzantina

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS Benchmark Wood Classics 021 761 7656, chelseagardenandhome.co.za Hope Garden Furniture 066 225 3895, hopegf.com Old World Concretes oldworld.co.za Petro Landscaping 021 913 7924, petrolandscaping.co.za Sources Gardening with Keith Kirsten by Keith Kirsten; Reader’s Digest A South African Garden for All Seasons with chief contributor Jennifer Godbold-Simpson; gardeningknowhow.com; rhs.com; gardensonline.com; gardenia.net; glassgardens.co.za

food

cooking with mushrooms

EASY PICKLED TURMERIC MUSHROOMS

Recipe on page 103

By Johané Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster

Marvellous

mushrooms

Whether you choose exotic oyster or versatile button and brown mushrooms, they’re all melt-in-the-mouth delicious and healthy to boot!

Did you know?

Edible mushrooms are a good source of protein and fibre; they also contain vitamin B and D, as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system. Source: bbcgoodfood.com

MUSHROOM, BACON AND OLIVE GALETTE

Recipe on page 105

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Gnocchi with mushrooms and pecans Homemade gnocchi is quicker to make than you think. Practice makes perfect and soon you’ll be serving fresh gnocchi within an hour – but feel free to take a shortcut with a store-bought packet if you’re short on time (or lack the confidence). Serves 4 Preparation time: 50 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes • 6 large potatoes (about 800g) • 1 egg yolk • salt, pepper and nutmeg • about 250ml flour, sifted twice (see tip) • semolina, for rolling SAUCE • 45ml olive oil • 250g button mushrooms, cut into thick slices • 125ml pecan nuts, finely chopped • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • 5ml tomato paste • 80g (1 packet) flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 Place the whole potatoes in salted water and boil until soft (about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes). 2 Make the sauce Fry the mushrooms in half of the oil until golden-brown. Stir in the pecan nuts, garlic, tomato paste and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. 3 Drain the potatoes, cool until you can handle them, then peel. (Gloves will help, the potatoes should preferably still be slightly hot.) 4 Mash the potatoes finely with a potato ricer or work it through a sieve for the best results. 5 Mix the egg yolk, salt, pepper and nutmeg with the mash, along with enough flour to form a manageable ‘dough’. Knead to a smooth consistency. 6 Divide the dough into four, roll each piece into a long, even sausage about 1.5cm thick and cut into bite-size gnocchi. Roll each gnocchi in the semolina until it’s evenly coated, then cook half the gnocchi at a time in salted water until they float to the top (then you know they are done). Scoop out with a slotted spoon straight into the hot mushroom sauce. Repeat with the rest of the gnocchi. Mix the sauce through and garnish with the remaining olive oil and, if you feel decadent, a little grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

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Tip

Sifting flour introduces a lot of air into it, ensuring a pleasant, light texture in the end result. If you sift it twice, it’s even better!

cooking with mushrooms

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Stuffed mushroom and feta chicken This recipe looks difficult but is actually very easy. If you prefer not to stuff the fillets, you can simply cut the chicken into cubes and fry it with the mushrooms. This will halve your cooking time, but the flavours will still be delicious! Serves 4 • Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes • a large knob of butter • 250g button mushrooms, thinly sliced • 2 leeks (white parts only), well rinsed and finely chopped • 1 round feta cheese, crumbled • 4 chicken breast fillets • 15ml olive oil • 1 heaped tablespoon sour cream • 250ml jasmine rice, steamed until cooked • 200g broccoli florets, steamed • a handful baby spinach

1 Sauté the mushrooms and leeks in the butter until fragrant. Stir in the feta, remove from the heat and cool slightly. 2 Cut a slit in the thickest part of each chicken breast and stuff with a spoonful of the filling; wrap the chicken tightly around the filling. Secure each fillet with a toothpick if preferred. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. 3 Heat the oil and pan-fry the chicken until golden-brown all over. Add any remaining filling, the sour cream and a splash of boiling water to the pan, cover and steam over low heat until the chicken is cooked (about 10 minutes). 4 Remove the chicken from the sauce and place on a chopping board, then mix the cooked rice with the pan juices. Cut the chicken into medallions to show off the filling and serve with the creamy rice, broccoli and spinach. >>

PORK CHOPS AND BROWN MUSHROOM SAUCE

cooking with mushrooms

Easy pickled turmeric mushrooms This pickle is a delicious side dish with grilled meat, a cheese platter or as a topping on anything from a sandwich to a burger. I make mine with lots of oil because I use the pickling juice as a salad dressing or dipping sauce once the mushrooms have been eaten. Halve the oil if you wish. Makes 1 medium-sized jar Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus marinating time Cooking time: 5 minutes • 250g baby button mushrooms (or halve ordinary button mushrooms) • 15ml fresh lemon juice • a generous pinch of salt • 60ml white wine vinegar • 120ml olive oil • 1 whole garlic clove, crushed • 5ml pink peppercorns (or mixed) • a sprig or two of fresh thyme • a few sprigs fresh origanum • 3ml ground turmeric • 3ml coriander seeds, crushed • 1 bay leaf • a slice of lemon peel 1 Wipe off the mushrooms with a damp cloth. Place the mushrooms in a small saucepan with the lemon juice, salt and 300ml water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. 2 Mix the remaining ingredients in a separate saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. 3 Using a slotted spoon, remove the blanched mushrooms from the water and place in the hot oil mixture. Mix through and place in a clean jar or earthenware bowl – the mushrooms must be covered with the liquid. Refrigerate overnight.

Tips • The aroma of the lemon peel becomes more pungent the longer it lies in the pickling liquid. If all the mushrooms are not eaten at once, remove the strip of peel. • I like serving this with an extra sprinkling of sea salt. • The pink peppercorns and turmeric add a wonderful aroma to the pickled mushrooms, but experiment with other whole spices: fennel seeds, cumin, white peppercorns, a juniper berry or lemon leaves. • You can also substitute a small sprig of fresh rosemary for the thyme and origanum.

Pork chops and brown mushroom sauce Enjoy this classic pub fare with a cold beer or two! One loin or rib chop per person is a decent portion, although many men will be tempted to devour at least two. Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes • 4 pork loin or rib chops • 6 sage leaves, chopped • 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into wedges • 350g brown mushrooms, whole or halved if they are big • 30ml butter • 15ml flour • 350ml beef stock (see tip) • 60ml cream, optional 1 Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, trim off the rind and most of the fat layer, until you’re left with a 1cm layer of fat on the chops. Chop the trimmed fat into blocks and cut the rind into small blocks.

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2 Heat a pan and gently render the fat until there is a good amount in the pan, then fry the chopped rind in that until crispy. Season with a generous pinch of sea salt. Remove the rind but reserve the fat. 3 Season the meat on both sides with sage, salt and black pepper. Fry the chops fat side first (hold upright with tongs) until the fat has good colour. Then do the same on the bone side, still holding the chops upright. Now fry the chops for 2 minutes on each side, turn over and fry for another 2 minutes. Keep a spatula handy to press down the chops in the pan to stop them from curling up as the meat browns. Continue to fry the chops, turning them over as needed for a total cooking time of about 10 minutes. Use your judgment and let the thickness of the chops determine the cooking time. Remove and allow the meat to rest while you make the sauce. 4 Add the onions and mushrooms with the lump of butter to the same pan until fragrant. Beat in the flour and cook for another minute. Beat in the stock and cook for a few minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy. Stir in the cream and put the chops back in the sauce; heat through and serve with mashed potatoes. Garnish with the crispy bits of skin. Tip Don’t make the stock too concentrated or your sauce will be too salty. You can always add salt later, but if the sauce is too concentrated from the start, you’ll battle to get the balance right. >>

No-nonsense pork chops with a rich mushroom gravy and a bowl of mash to mop it up – heart-warming stuff! – Alastair Hendy in Fresh in Autumn

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cooking with mushrooms

OYSTER MUSHROOM KEBABS

Mushroom, bacon and olive galette Have fun trying different ingredients for this free-form French tart. Makes 1 tart Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Oven temperature: 180°C

Printed fabric from Samesyn (samesyn.co.za)

• 250g button mushrooms, sliced and fried • 200g bacon bits, fried until crisp • 125ml black olives, pitted and halved • about 125ml grated Gruyère or mature Cheddar • 1 egg, beaten • micro herbs or basil, to garnish (optional) DOUGH • 375ml (225g) cake flour • a pinch of salt • 15ml chopped chives • 125g cold butter • 1 egg yolk • about 30ml ice water 1 Make the dough Combine the flour, salt and herbs in a large bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs (or pulse in your food processor). Add the egg yolk and enough ice water to bring the dough together, then knead in the mixing bowl until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead vigorously until nice and smooth. Shape into a flat disc, cover with wax paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest. 2 Preheat the oven. Remove the dough from the wax paper and put it on a large sheet of baking paper. Roll the paper into a circle about 30cm in diameter; use a sprinkling of flour to prevent the roller from sticking to the dough. 3 Spread the mushrooms, bacon and olives over the middle of the dough circle, leaving a 4cm gap around the edge. Finish with a sprinkling of cheese. 4 Using the baking paper, fold the dough edge inwards over the filling. Brush the rim with egg and bake for about 40 minutes

until golden-brown and cooked through. Garnish with a sprinkling of micro herbs or basil and enjoy hot or at room temperature.

Oyster mushroom kebabs Oyster mushrooms with their velvety white folds are ideal for marinating in a spicy oil because the cap absorbs loads of flavour. If you battle to find oyster mushrooms, use a mixture of button, brown and/or portobello mushrooms. Always cook at a high heat, whether you bake the mushrooms in the oven, pan-fry them or braai them over the coals, so that the outside can caramelise. Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating time Baking time: 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes under the grill Oven temperature: 220°C

2 Thread the mushrooms, onions and bay leaves tightly together on two long or four short kebab sticks. If you are using wooden skewers and you have time, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from catching alight due to the high cooking temperature. 3 Preheat the oven. Now bake the kebabs for about 10 minutes, turn and bake for another 20 minutes. Turn once again and grill for 5 minutes on each side if you’d like caramelised tips here and there. 4 Drizzle the syrup or concentrate over the cooked mushrooms for a hint of sweetness with all the spicy flavours, and serve as a starter with flatbread. With a sprinkling of pomegranate rubies, baby spinach, tomato salad and Greek yoghurt with a spoonful of tahini stirred through it, this makes a crunchy, colourful meal. Hummus is also a delicious accompaniment.

• 400g oyster mushrooms • 1 large red onion, cut into wedges • 12 bay leaves • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped • 15ml smoked paprika • 10ml ground cumin • 5ml each coriander seeds and peppercorns, coarsely ground • juice of 1 small lemon • 45ml olive oil • 30ml balsamic glaze, date syrup or pomegranate concentrate 1 Remove the stalks of the mushrooms and make sure the caps are clean. Place with the onions and bay leaves in a baking dish. Mix the remaining ingredients to make a fragrant oil and mix this with the mushrooms. Add a generous pinch of sea salt flakes. Leave for 30 minutes to marinate.

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SUNDAY SPIT BRAAI With proudly South African pork, it’s easy to create a delicious family feast.

SUCCULENT PORK SHOULDER

Marinate and braai a pork shoulder (with or without an electric rotisserie*) for the ultimate Sunday roast. Serves 6–8 Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating time Cooking time: 3 hours

PROMOTION

1 1 Using a sharp knife, cut a 1.6kg pork shoulder into 1.5cm-thick slices. Ask your butcher for a whole deboned joint, rindless and with an even layer of fat. (If you ask him nicely, he may take care of step 1 for you with his sharp butcher’s knife.)

2 Make the marinade. Combine 125ml fresh orange juice; 125ml fresh lemon juice; 125ml ginger beer; 15ml smoked paprika; 5ml each ground cumin, coriander and chilli powder; 10ml onion flakes; 3 crushed garlic cloves; 5 bay leaves; 5ml sea salt flakes and 5ml crushed peppercorns; and a chilli; mix through the meat. 3 Marinate the meat for about 30 minutes. While it marinates, light the fire and get the coals ready.

4 Thread the meat onto a skewer and press all the garlic cloves, bay leaves and onion ﬂakes remaining in the tray in-between the slices of meat. Finish off with half an orange at the end of the skewer and place it in the wire basket of your electric rotisserie.

5 Braai the pork over low coals for about 3 hours; the meat will rotate slowly over the heat. Mix about 30ml sriracha sauce with the remaining marinade and baste the meat with this every 30 minutes.

6 Remove the meat from the heat and carve the succulent and golden-brown braaied pork into chunks all along the skewer. Serve with a fresh salad in toasted tortillas or pita breads. A salsa of ripe avocado, diced sweet pineapple, chopped coriander, red onion and cucumber is a delicious accompaniment. Enjoy!

*Without a rotisserie

An electric rotisserie is not essential. Braai your pork gently over medium coals, turning frequently. If you have a kettle braai, close the lid and monitor the temperature – 160°C is ideal. Or roast the meat in the oven, turning as needed.

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By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster

We’ve got supper sorted! Winter blues? Tuck into a bowl of hearty soup – and remember the bread for dunking! Creamy mussel and corn soup

Under R200 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes • 2 tablespoons garlic butter • 125ml white wine • 1kg half-shell mussels, defrosted • 15ml olive oil • 1 red pepper, chopped • 1 chilli, seeded and chopped

• 5ml ﬂour • 250g frozen corn kernels • about 500ml quality stock • 250ml cream • 60ml fresh coriander or parsley

1 Bring the garlic butter and wine to the boil in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the mussels, cover and reduce the heat. Steam for 5 minutes. 2 Heat the oil in a second saucepan and sauté the sweet pepper and chilli for a few minutes. Stir in the flour and corn kernels, followed by the stock, and cook for 5 minutes. 3 Reduce the heat slightly, then add the steamed mussels and cooking liquid. Make sure any loose pieces of shell stay behind in the first saucepan. Add the cream and coriander to the soup, season with salt and pepper, and heat through. Serve with fresh bread.

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Broccoli and spinach soup

Under R75 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 25 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes • 1 bunch spinach, well rinsed • 1 head of broccoli • 30ml butter • 15ml olive oil • 1 garlic clove, chopped

• • • • • •

15ml ﬂour 500ml chicken stock 250ml milk nutmeg, to taste 1 Camembert, sliced croutons, to serve

1 Trim the veins off the spinach leaves and chop them finely. Cut off the broccoli florets, set aside and finely chop the stalks. Melt the butter and oil and fry the veins and broccoli stalks for 5 minutes until fragrant. 2 Stir in the garlic and flour and cook for another minute. Whisk in the stock and milk until well blended; bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. 3 Coarsely chop the broccoli florets and spinach leaves into smaller pieces and stir into the soup; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes then blend the soup with a stick blender. Dilute with extra stock if necessary. Serve steaming hot with a slice or two of cheese and crispy croutons. Garnish with garlic flowers or chopped chives if you have some in the garden.

quick food

Dry soup mixture consists of a combination of dehydrated barley, peas and lentils.

Bean soup with pork meatballs Under R95 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes • 4 plump pork bangers • 45ml olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 garlic clove, chopped • 115g tomato paste • 1 tin (400g) red kidney beans, drained

• 1 tin (400g) butter beans, drained • 5ml paprika • pinch of white pepper, cumin and salt • 500ml beef stock • avocado slices, fresh coriander and toasted tortilla chips (optional)

1 Press the meat out of the sausage skins and roll into small meatballs. Heat the oil in a pot and fry the meatballs until golden-brown and almost cooked through. Remove the meatballs but reserve the oil. 2 Sauté the onion and carrot in the same pot over medium heat until soft and glossy. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and fry for an extra 5 minutes. 3 Mash half the beans with a stick blender then add the mashed and whole beans, along with the seasoning and stock, to the fried vegetables. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fragrant. 4 Put the meatballs back in the soup and heat through. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup as is or garnish with a few slices of ripe avocado, a sprinkling of fresh coriander and toasted tortilla chips for dipping.

Chicken soup with soup mix Under R85 • Serves 6 Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 1 hour • • • • • •

250ml soup mix, rinsed 1.25L chicken stock 30ml olive oil knob of butter 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped • 3 potatoes, cubed • 3 chicken breast fillets • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped • lemon juice, to taste

1 Put the soup mix and stock in a deep saucepan and bring to the boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. 2 Heat the oil and butter in a pan and sauté the onion, carrots and celery until glossy. Add the fried vegetables, potatoes and chicken to the soup in the saucepan and simmer for a further 10 minutes. 3 Remove the chicken from the soup and shred the meat. Spoon back into the soup with the parsley, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste; simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve the soup piping hot. Tip If you don’t want to portion and shred the whole chicken breasts, simply cube the raw chicken and cook according to its size in the hot soup until done. July 2020

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food & drinks Treat yourself to some retail therapy – online! By Johané Neilson • Photographs supplied

SINGULAR SENSATION All Sorts of One-Dish Wonders by Chantal Lascaris (R240, penguinrandomhouse.co.za) proves that cooking in one pot or pan can be exciting and offers much more than the regular mid-week stews and casseroles. Chantal presents almost 80 dishes, including breakfast and dessert, that are simple to prepare and always delicious. We can’t wait to try the tuna nicoise (pictured)!

Sparkle!

BOOST YOUR VITAMIN C

Enjoy the taste of the Babylonstoren garden in their new sparkling non-alcoholic aperitif. Bitterlekker (R135 for a six-pack of 100ml bottles, babylonstoren.com) boasts less than 0.55% alcohol per bottle and combines the herbal notes of honeybush with the pleasantly bitter zesty citrus ﬂavours of blood oranges and grapefruit.

ClemenGold mandarins are juicy, easy to peel, and virtually seedless – the perfect in-between snack this winter. Visit clemengold.com.

Photograph g p Greg g Cox

Red, red wine

Spookfontein, a boutique wine estate in the Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley, offers aficionados a variety of carefully crafted, robust wines. We love the Spookfontein Phantom 2017 (R145, cellar door), a Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Merlot and full of rich berry flavours, and the Spookfontein Pinot Noir 2017 (R195, cellar door), a lighter red for which the area is well known. Enjoy them by the fireside! Order at spookfontein.co.za. Psst! While you’re online, why not book an overnight stay in one of their luxury cottages for when lockdown is over?

ALL THE PRETTY FLOWERS Add a little colour to your table with these disposable dinner plate-sized (330mm D) paper placemats printed on 120gsm paper with vegetable oil-based inks. The SA Flowers design by FearikaDesign (R220 for 24, kamers.co.za) is gorgeous!

HOLD IT! Get a handle on hot stuff with a beautiful Clarice double oven glove (R99.99, mrphome.com).

Keep it clean

Make doing the dishes easier with the Joseph Joseph sink caddy (R549, yuppiechef.com).

PROMOTION

WE LOVE

CHICKEN!

Taste the quality and freshness of Grain Field Chickens straight from the farm – and try this delicious recipe... HONEY-MUSTARD DRUMSTICKS These saucy chicken portions are so simple and quick to prepare; the oven does all the work and dinner is served in no time! Serves 6 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Oven temperature: 180°C • 12 Grain Field Chickens chicken drumsticks SAUCE • 15ml runny honey • 15ml Dijon mustard • 15ml wholegrain mustard • 15ml tomato sauce • a large pinch each turmeric and chilli powder • 10ml olive oil • salt and pepper to taste 1 Preheat the oven. Combine the honey, mustard, tomato sauce, turmeric, chilli powder and oil and mix well. 2 Using a sharp knife, make two deep incisions in each drumstick; this will help the ﬂavour to penetrate and decrease the overall cooking time. 3 Mix the chicken and sauce together, rubbing the sauce into the incisions. Then arrange in an oven tray and season with salt and pepper. If you like, add a couple of lemon slices to the tray and bake for 40 minutes until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through. Serve with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, cauli-rice and your favourite veggies.

Follow Grain Field Chickens on Facebook and Instagram or visit grainﬁeldchickens.co.za.

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Freestanding wardrobes are the future. They are the best solution for household storage because they can be moved from room to room, or even house to house. Flexibility and freedom is so important. – Sabrina Miles, Milestone Kitchens French Flair Wardrobe exterior

French Flair Wardrobe interior

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R60.00 (vat incl.) Namibia N$60.00

July 2020

DIY

A versatile work station An origami lampshade

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Create impact in your garden with grey plants

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The virus and a

virtuous kitchen Imagine there was such a thing as the kitchen police? The thought suddenly struck me late one evening while turning off the lights in a very deurmekaar kitchen. We were at the end of the second month of lockdown and I had just watched the evening news, witnessing that ridiculous cabinet minister with the little goatee threatening us with jail time if we dared to buy summer plakkies. The idea of a kitchen police was by no means far-fetched. Mine looked as if all four horsemen of the apocalypse had just trudged through it. It was germ heaven. So, what sort of crime would land you in jail, I wondered. What would be worse, a grubby kitchen floor or dirty dishes? To my mind, dirty dishes won hands down. A dirty floor was surely less dangerous. Unless your mask fell to the floor, of course. That would be deadly. But then again, you could easily argue the five-second rule: if a fallen item is scooped up in five seconds, it’s considered still clean. Check it out, people worldwide know this. So I was fine in the floor department – unless spots counted. But would all spots be equal? If a coffee spot got you a fine, what about soup spots then? Undoubtedly a much heavier transgression, methinks. Maybe up there with drunken driving. You’d have a criminal record, right there. But the question of dirty dishes kept worrying me. Dirty plates should be passable after a quick wipe with some kitchen towel, provided they haven’t gone dry and crusty. Dirty pots, on the other hand, now there’s a different kettle of fish. One dirty pot might merit a light sentence; some community service, like sweeping streets. But for the whole caboodle of pots and pans... We’re talking a life sentence, man. Lucky for me, I live alone. So I don’t cook at all (thanks to Woolies’ zap-it-in-the-microwave range). But I do have my standards – my teacups must be reasonably clean. And I appreciate nature by saving water, so I only wash up once everything is dirty. OK, so I was relatively safe in that department. But then my eye caught the sad, tattered rags I call dishcloths. Hell’s bells!

114 home July 2020

Those tired old things would definitely send the virus police into hysterical Hitler-fits. However, every now and then I do give them a hearty shake, and then hang them out on the sunny side of the kitchen. Germs hate dry environments. To them, it’s like a party without booze. They hit the road for... wherever. The floor, perhaps. I shrugged and turned off the lights. But then I switched them on again, suddenly mortified. This wasn’t me! Normally I’m a Nazi in the kitchen. The Tupperware cupboard is just so. The canned section is organised with military precision, the cups regimentally arranged, all facing north. Shiny taps were once my pride and joy. Now you’d need a GPS to locate them in this hellhole of filth. What had this damned virus done to me? It had robbed me of something vital. Decency? My mom used to say that a decent person never goes to bed with a dirty kitchen. She always ended her day with rinsing the cups from our late-night tea session. She’d be humming softly, soapsuds on her wrists and the comforting sound of her voice lulling me towards bed. I thought of the life I shared with my late husband: us in the kitchen before bedtime, me giving the stovetop one last wipe and he folding his newspaper away. A kitchen, it dawned on me, isn’t just some space in the house. This is where you celebrate the attachments in your life – a family circle, your girlfriends exchanging jokes, preparing a meal for your loved ones. A kitchen is even more. It’s a condition – of belonging. And nurture. And caring – not only for others, but also yourself. On this very fragile point, I realised, the virus had pinned me down. It had condemned me to solitary confinement, not only of body but also of mind! No ways, Mister Corona, I decided then and there, switching on my stereo and cranking up “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog”. Defiantly, I started on the dishes, bellowing heartily along to “Joy to the world! Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me.” My mind was free, I decided. And it was set on hope. Hope for a new world. And also for me.

Illustrations Paula Dubois • Translation Hettie Scholtz

Late at night, in a horribly messy kitchen, Karin Brynard came to understand life just a little bit better.

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