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SMART HOMES APRIL 2013
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INSPIRATION & INNOVATION
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From The Editor
Credits PUBLISHER: Vivian-Anne Gittens EDITOR: Aprille Thomas ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paulette Jones WRITERS: Lyle Jones, Sheree-Ann McDonald PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Toy through West Coast Villa’s Sotheby’s International Realty, Rawle Culbard ILLUSTRATION: Philip Garnes DESIGN/LAYOUT: Randy Phillips – Imageworx ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Adrian Bowen – Tel: (246) 430-5519 Email: adrianbowen@nationnews.com Kelly Johnally – Tel: (246) 430-5515 Email: kellyjohnally@nationnews.com PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd. (246) 434-6719
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love viewing houses in magazines, on television, and, of course, in person. While I am often enamoured with new and unique concepts, what intrigues me most is how some property owners manage to incorporate their personal style. For me, this is what transforms their houses into homes. You spend a lot of time at home, eating, sleeping and engaging in recreational activities. So it seems only fitting that you dedicate as much effort and as many resources as possible to ensure that you create a secure and comfortable environment for you and your family to enjoy Our magazine is packed with ideas to get you started; however, our stories should only serve as guidelines. Ultimately, in order for it to truly be your home, it needs to be a personal reflection of you and your unique style. We will show you how to fashion a healthy and relaxing environment with good energy and balance, by incorporating elements of feng shui and low maintenance house plants. Of course, we want this idea to be reflected inside and out, so we have included tips on how to create the perfect outdoor space: your very own secret garden! I know that some of you with smaller homes find it difficult to conceptualize plans for your spaces. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have expert advice on how to go about making the most of small spaces. You will find that a lot of our ideas on “home” building extend to you as well, including concepts for developing a colour palette that is true to you. Our design personality quiz is sure to have answers for everyone about where to start on reflecting their personal style in their homes. In attempts to reach out to our readers who see everything in terms of dollars and cents, we consulted a financial expert about how going green is better for your home and your pocket. Lastly, for those of you still requiring inspiration, we have a feature home that is so hip, so fresh and so right now. It boasts an open floor plan, modern finishes — the works! It is my pleasure to bring you this issue chock–full of ideas on how you can use your personal style to turn your house into a home. I hope that it sparks some ideas of your own and if so, please feel free to share them with me. I love hearing from our readers.
Aprille Thomas EDITOR
ON THE COVER: Atelier PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Toy
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Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnews.com. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2013 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED
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Contents APRIL 2013
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Green Home Financing
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Welcome Good Energy
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Homes & House Plants
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Life & Design: Rugs
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Feature Home – Atelier
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10 Tips For Small Spaces
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Design By Colour
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Colour Scheming
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Design Personality Quiz
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Gardening 101
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The Secret Garden
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DIY: Herringbone Art
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GREEN ESTATE
For property owners, going green can include a range of modifications and considerations – from the use of energy efficient light bulbs all the way up to photovoltaic array systems.
Green Home
FINANCING
SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND SAVE MONEY BY GOING GREEN Compliments First Citizens Bank
Save money Besides saving the environment, did you know that greening your home can save your pockets as well? That’s right. It can help property owners reduce long-term energy costs through the decrease in actual power consumption and also through direct tax benefits. In Barbados, property owners that factor in certain green features into their properties are already benefiting from tax incentives designed to encourage green construction practices. Individuals can claim a maximum of $10 000 per year for up to five years, while registered businesses can claim up to $25 000 per year for five years. Saving the environment while saving money is a pretty smart move.
How do I go green? For property owners, going green can include a range of modifications and considerations – from the use of energy efficient light bulbs all the way up to photovoltaic array systems. These systems, which use solar panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity, provide significant benefits. There are opportunities for energy efficiency all around us in our homes but there are even more opportunities for savings if consideration is given at the design and building stage. Simple, cost effective solutions such as using heat reducing material on roofs and walls, installing ceiling fans and solar water heaters and using natural gas and natural gas ovens make a big difference over time.
Small investment, big returns
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id you know that our homes can be a greater source of pollution than our cars? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in developed countries alone, 16 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the production of the energy used in houses. This primarily comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate — that’s definitely a good thing for all of us.
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While photovoltaic array systems can initially be costly, they are generally considered to be sound investments, as properties with these systems generally retain higher market values than those without. For individuals and families seeking to utilize their property as equity, the trade-off between the initial investment for the system and the increase in property value can be worthwhile. Studies show that the cost of installation of a photovoltaic array system is usually recouped within ten years of initial investment but with the technology rapidly improving, this time frame is consistently decreasing. Even prior to recouping the investment, property owners still benefit from a range of incentives. For instance, while the primary benefit of the system is the buffer it provides against fluctuations in global oil and other energy costs, if your home produces excess electricity there is the option to sell the excess energy for use in the national grid. Imagine that! Instead of paying an energy bill every month, you’ll actually be receiving money as a producer of energy. If you’re building a new home, talk to your architect about having your structure designed to accommodate a photovoltaic array system. Also talk to your banker about how best you can structure your mortgage to include the installation and design costs. So if you’ve never considered Green Financing, or if you’ve thought about it but need more information, contact a financial institution that offers a mortgage package with a green component. After all, every smart home deserves a smart mortgage that puts you and the environment first.
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DESIGN
WELCOME
Good Energy
Story by Aprille Thomas
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f you are keeping up with popular home and garden television shows, magazines and websites, you have probably heard some mention of feng shui. As uncommon cultures become more popular due to the increased sharing of media, we are catching glimpses of customs from all over the world. The idea of feng shui comes from ancient Chinese culture and is built on the belief that you can arrange your environment so that good energy (or chi) flows through your home. This principle can be applied to just about any room in any building. Here, we will focus on a very popular room in the home – the living room. We will show you what you can do to achieve a good flow of energy throughout your space, no matter its size. Feng shui is a broad topic with several considerations. In this article we are going to tackle the main issue of arranging and organizing your space.
The space Before you embark on any arrangement, you need to start with a blank canvas. No, I don’t mean painting your living room white from floor to ceiling. I mean removing all clutter from the room. In order for energy to flow through the room, it needs to have somewhere to go. So take an inventory of what is in your room and throw away the junk.
Doors and windows Having lots of light and fresh air is very important. You want to get rid of any dark curtains you have that may be blocking the light and get into the habit of opening your windows to allow fresh air to flow through. However, balance is an important aspect of feng shui and so you should not have more than two doors in your living room and the window to door ratio should not exceed 3:1. If you have too many doors, you should consider keeping them closed and dark curtains can be used if there are too many windows.
Furniture When your family or guests spend time in your living room, they should feel welcome and comfortable. The arrangement and choice of furniture can aid in this. Furniture with soft textiles and arm rests provide comfort and security. When arranging furniture, be sure to place the backs of any seats against the walls around the edges of the room, rather than backing doors or windows. This removes all vulnerability. When you face the door instead of backing it, you are in a position of control as you can see who is entering the room at all times.
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The centre of the room should be kept clear and open, except maybe for a low coffee table positioned off-centre. Remember that the flow of energy is important so avoid crowding the room with too much furniture.
Entertainment Entertainment sets are great because music can brighten and liven up a room. However, when placing your television, be sure that it is not the focal point of the room. This discourages the flow of communication between family members. TVs are best placed in a corner, at an angle. Smaller TVs are also better because they don’t dominate the room.
Lights and plants These two accessories are great for rooms. First, they work best in corners, helping to soften the harsh angles that can make you feel uncomfortable. Second, plants are excellent for improving the air quality of rooms, which is an important aspect of feng shui as it contributes to good health and overall well-being. Lights are important for brightening your living room but you should try to use lamps or wall lights and avoid big, overhead chandeliers. Big lights overhead can be harsh and make guests feel vulnerable.
Some examples of bad living room arrangements: L-shaped These arrangements tend to evoke a feeling of incompleteness.
Floating arrangement When furniture is placed randomly, especially without backing the walls, it evokes instability.
Overcrowding Too many objects and furniture in the room block the ow of energy.
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LANDSCAPE
Happy Home WITH HOUSE PLANTS Story by Aprille Thomas
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hether you’re working with a small bungalow or an enormous mansion, house plants have benefits for everyone. In addition to purifying your indoor air quality, plants also do wonders for the decor of your room. The benefits of house plants can be likened to those of air filtration systems and most of them don’t cost
as much! Here are some ideas for plants that make great indoor friends and require little maintenance. These are especially great for busy homeowners and apartment dwellers, and those who were born without the green thumb.
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Homes & Houseplants by Aprille Thomas
Snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata) This can be considered the beginner’s indoor plant. One of the hardest to kill, this resilient plant needs very little to grow. Sometimes referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plants are said to prefer moderate to bright sunlight, but they will ultimately thrive in most places, so don’t worry if you don’t have room directly next to a window. With respect to watering, once a week is typically enough for the snake plant, but make sure that the soil is dry before each watering because too much water will cause the plant’s leaves to droop. Wrinkled or bent leaves will let you know that your plant is not getting enough water. One major consideration for this plant is its toxicity when ingested. It is advised that you keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets.
Aloe vera plant Aloe Vera plants are mostly water and great plants to have at hand as the gel in their leaves is known for its uses such as to remedy cuts and bruises. Even though it is not common for these plants to be housed indoors in Barbados, they can do wonders for improving your air quality. Care for the aloe plant is similar to that of cactus. The plant should be kept in full sunlight and only requires water about every two weeks or so. If there is a problem with the amount of sunlight or water that you are administering, the plant will tell you. If the leaves are lying
flat it means that your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. Alternatively, a browning of the leaves indicates too much direct sunlight. Also, a thirsty aloe plant will have thin and curled leaves. The only issue you may run into with this plant is it outgrowing the pot, as they grow very quickly. In this case you will simply need to transplant it in sections into another pot. Some varieties of this plant can also be dangerous if ingested so talk to the nursery assistant before purchasing.
Ti plant (cordyline fruticosa) Often mistaken for dracaena fragrans (another plant of the same family), the easiest way to differentiate between the two is by examining the roots. Cordyline fruticosa has white roots as opposed to the yellow or orange roots of the dracaena. Ti plants prefer bright light, but not direct sunlight. They also thrive in moist soil, so be sure to pay attention to how often you are watering them. Warm temperatures are ideal for these plants so they do well in our environment. In some countries this is also known as the good luck plant, so keeping one in your home may not be such a bad idea.
Chinese evergreen plant (aglaonema) For generations plant owners have been experiencing the joy of having a Chinese evergreen plant in their homes or offices. Slow growing, long lasting and requiring moderate care, they make excellent house
plants. There are several varieties of this plant available, so shop around before you make a decision. Chinese evergreen plants favour low light levels, so they do not thrive in direct sunlight. Also, they prefer warmer temperatures, which is perfect for us in Barbados. Watering should be done ever so often, paying close attention to the soil. The soil shouldn’t be soggy nor should it be allowed to totally dry out in-between watering sessions. A plant that isn’t getting enough water will have yellow leaves and leaves that fall off. If you follow these steps, you will have a healthy Chinese evergreen that will keep you company for years to come.
Philodendron You have probably come across philodendron if you have ever visited the Andromeda Botanical Gardens. With a few varieties to choose from, these are popular indoor plants due to their low maintenance and their unique heart-shaped leaves. They adapt to low-light situations, so they are an option if your house doesn’t allow for lots of sunlight. Philodendron can grow up to eight feet if you let them and add a bright pop of green colour to your living room. Watering should be moderate as you allow the soil surface to dry between them. Some parts of the plant may be dangerous if ingested by children or pets so bear this in mind.
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DÉCOR
Life & Design: Rugs Story by Sheree-Ann Mcdonald
The original rug makers spent many hours together creating these pieces to be works of art as well as expressions of their religious and cultural beliefs.
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hether it is simply a lovely piece of material or an exquisite Persian, a rug definitely adds an undeniable presence to any room. The original rug makers spent many hours together creating these pieces to be works of art as well as expressions of their religious and cultural beliefs. Chances are, in your home especially this rug will serve as a gathering area and be in a place where you spend hours together. With these helpful hints below, we hope you can find the one that most defines you and your area.
Terms to know In the world of rugs and carpets there are a few words you may find useful: Pile: The pile is simply the visible surface formed by the cut ends of the knots created in the backing of the rug – in other words, the fluffy part of your rug that you can see. Loop: Rugs and carpets may be made of lots of tiny loops. The loops can be of one height, cut to produce another effect or intentionally uneven – think about the rugs that you see with raised and lowered patterns. Berber: A flat-woven style of rug or carpet-making sometimes found in one colour. Due to their low cost and high durability, these types of rugs are normally found in high traffic areas such as offices. There are, however, traditional hand-woven runs made in North Africa as well which are brightly coloured. Oriental: An authentic rug made by people of Asian countries and may be made with or without a pile. It is pricier than its commercial counterparts and still a highly desired export item. 14
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Before you buy Rugs are made from a range of materials, including polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, silk, wool and nylon. Since a rug may be an expensive item in your décor budget, here are some things to consider before making that purchase: Is this a high traffic area? If so, a rug with a low pile would prove to be more durable. Will there likely be spills? If you have a lot of children around and are likely to encounter stains, it is probably best to avoid a lily white number and go for something which offers variety and a design that would be better at camouflaging stains. Also look for a rug that is labelled or identified as stain resistant. These rugs are coated with a chemical finish that repels dirt or liquids, which prevents them from settling in. Check the label to see what the manufacturer offers you. Note, however, that rugs made of nylon are almost always stain resistant. Are you concerned about allergies? If allergies are a major consideration you may want to look at a rug with a lower pile. This will make the rug easier to clean and attract less dirt and dust. You should also get a size that would allow you to do a thorough clean on both sides on a regular basis. Does it fit with the overall mood of the room? An ornate design would go better in a room full of mahogany and other traditional-styled furniture. The rug should harmonize with the overall mood of the space.
Email: info@ghconstructionltd.com
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FEATURE - ATELIER
Atelier
CONTEMPORARY, TROPICAL, MODERN Story by Aprille Thomas | Photography by Mike Toy
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FEATURE - ATELIER
“A touch of relaxed contemporary chic that offers an alternative to the colonial style of many other houses” Perched on a cliff with ample views of the Caribbean Sea, Atelier House stands like a beacon in the neighbourhood. The modernity can be seen from a mile away, with the house’s clean lines, flat roof and all white walls.
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riving along the West Coast main road, you would never imagine that hiding in one of the turn-offs around the Carlton area lies such a unique and engaging property. Perched on a cliff with ample views of the Caribbean Sea, Atelier House stands like a beacon in the neighbourhood. The modernity can be seen from a mile away, with the house’s clean lines, flat roof and all white walls. According to the owner, it is “a touch of relaxed contemporary chic that offers an alternative to the colonial style of many other houses.” Totalling 5,371 square feet, the four bedroom Atelier sports a plethora of tall glass windows on the western side, ensuring that no matter where you are inside, you will always have a breathtaking view of the large infinity pool and the ocean in the background. This is not a coincidence. The owner of Atelier says that the house design was conceptualized around the plot of land. “The design flowed from the topography of the land and our
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admiration for South American contemporary architects such as Marcio Kogan. The layout is designed to maximize the views from the plot so the shape of the building follows the lines of the boundary.” The house was designed by architect Alistair Downie and the owner and his wife worked closely with him to ensure that their vision was realized. As you enter, you will be greeted by white walls lined with artwork. Off the foyer, Atelier features an open floor plan with the main kitchen, living and dining spaces flowing into each other. The glass doors guarantee that when you are in each of these spaces, you still have the feeling of being outdoors. There is also the option to utilize the poolside living and dining areas as the weather permits. On a perfect sunny and breezy day, sunlight amply flows throughout the house and the breeze reaches every nook and cranny. The neutral colour palette used for the limestone walls, tiles and furniture helps create the feeling of a large, open space that allows for free movement
Atelier sports a plethora of tall glass windows on the western side, ensuring that no matter where you are inside, you will always have a breathtaking view of the large infinity pool and the ocean in the background.
Open floor plans are perfect for those who enjoy entertaining. With an open layout homeowners can prepare meals without having to be separated from their guests.
around the house. Purposely separated from these living spaces are the spacious sleeping quarters. All of the bedrooms are large enough to comfortably fit a queen-sized bed and feature tall glass windows that give you a full view of the pool and/or the sea when you open the curtains. The bedrooms all have generous closet space and direct access to a bathroom. Upstairs is a rooftop terrace linking the mezzanine, master bedroom suite and covered terrace, which you can reach by one of two staircases. The overall décor of this astute property is minimalist with very modern fixtures and fittings. It gives a feeling of modern and understated elegance and its beauty lies in the way the designer managed to create a holistic, unbroken flow throughout that seems to centre around the pool. You cannot leave Atelier House without feeling the love and careful attention that was put into the house. “Seeing people really positively affected by the building — by something that we’ve created — is a very special feeling.”
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DESIGN
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This narrow console table unfolds to serve as a dining table or desk.
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Multi-purpose furniture Get the most bang for your buck by selecting furniture with extra storage or extensions that can serve several purposes. A sofa table or entry console can also be used as a desk or dining table. Need room for extra guests? A daybed with decorative back pillows can be a comfortable couch by day and become a guest bed by night.
Pair these teal and green pillows, rug and print to create a colour scheme that will unify the look in your small space.
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Unify the colour palette Using a monotone colour palette takes the eye right through the space and makes it appear larger. Don’t mistake monotone for boring though. Pops of bold colours can be used to add interest as long as they are in the same colour range. For example, use one main colour for a rug, decorative pillows and artwork to create continuity throughout the space and draw the eye up from floor to ceiling.
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Lighter accents Use lighter pieces of accent furniture that can easily be moved from room to room when entertaining. Garden stools can be used as nightstands in a bedroom and can easily be moved into the living room to serve as an impromptu coffee table when entertaining and so on.
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TIPS FOR SMALL
SPACES
By Gael Alluard
The housing recession, rising energy costs and growing concern for the impact on the environment have sparked a new demand for smaller homes worldwide. But rather than downsizing, the trend is viewed by many adopters as “right-sizing”. While smaller homes have become more desirable, they can also be more challenging to furnish and decorate. Here, we share some of our top tips and tricks for designing the interior of your very own small space.
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Play with mirrors
Using mirrors in a small space is a design trick that works wonders. Cover an entire wall with a huge mirror or alternatively create a collage of assorted mirrors for a more collected or vintage look. Hanging the mirrors across from a window reflects the light and creates the illusion of added depth.
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Open up the space If you’re remodelling and the budget allows, knock down some walls to open up your space. If you’re not quite ready for the sledgehammer yet, remove some doors or replace them with glass doors to allow the space and light to flow more freely from one room to the next.
Eurostyle upholstered dining chairs are perfect for dining and are comfortable enough to double as extra seating in the living room when entertaining.
6 Create destinations
Glass top pieces are perfect for small spaces. Store unsightly items in the drawers and showcase beautiful objects or books underneath the glass top.
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Creative Storage
Bigger is better
In a small space, it becomes absolutely essential to keep things clean and organized at all times. Run out of places to hide extra items? All you need is a little imagination to find new storage spaces. Hide smaller items in plain sight by using decorative storage boxes, bins and baskets in an open shelving unit. Another trick is to place furniture at an angle in the corner of a room and store extra containers of items behind them. Make sure the containers are attractive and not oversized for the corner space.
9 Hang this interesting mirror across from a window to reflect the light and create depth in a room.
Even within a small open space, it is important to create distinct destinations. For example, if your living and dining room share one area, you may decide to float your sofa to separate the living from the dining space. Use an accent paint colour or a larger piece of artwork on the back dining or living room wall to draw the eye to that space and tie it all together with a couple of complementary decorative accents to finish off that space.
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Contrary to popular belief, a small space doesn’t necessarily mean small furniture. Make a statement in a small room with one larger piece of furniture to give the impression that the space is larger. For example, using a four-poster bed in a smaller room will create a focal point. Flank it with some floating shelves and wall sconces to finish the look.
Leave no space unused Transparency – a trend that works! See-through pieces of furniture are hot right now and work great in a smaller space as they offer an unobstructed view of the room. Try a glass coffee or dining table or be more daring with an accent Lucite chair or trunk.
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The less space you have the more valuable it becomes, so make sure to use every nook of available space to your advantage. An odd space underneath steps can be converted into a home office, media centre or just simple storage space. Make the most of a window nook by building a storage banquette, which can be used for extra storage and seating.
Now that you have all the tricks of the trade in the palm of your hand, it’s time to tackle the makeover of your small space. Visit your local home stores, sales and markets to find all the items you’ll need to complete your project. Gael Alluard is co-owner of Dwellings Inc. INSPIRATION & INNOVATION
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DÉCOR
colour
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COLOUR WHEEL Story by Aprille Thomas
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hen embarking on decorating a room, designers tend to look for inspiration. While inspiration can come from many places, a popular choice is to design based on a colour. As a homeowner, you can design an entire room based on your favourite colour. If you are choosing to do this, the colour wheel will be your best friend. The colour wheel allows you to choose a palette based on any colour. Consulting the wheel will show you colours in relation to colour families, so that you always choose colours that are suited for one another. If you are going a step further in your design and want to create a mood in the room, the colour wheel will also show you what colours best achieve what moods.
Some like it hot Any colour wheel can be divided into warm and cool colours. Typically, the colours on the left are warm while the colours on the right are cool. This is helpful if you are trying to create
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a mood in the room as the warm colours tend to evoke a cosier feel while the cool colours make rooms seem lighter and more open.
Accents Accents are used sparingly to add a pop of colour to a space. These are usually bold colours that designers don’t want to use in large amounts. This is another way that the wheel is helpful. Your accent colour should be in a complementary colour to your main colour scheme. According to the 60-30-10 rule, you should utilise 60 per cent of a dominant colour, 30 per cent of a secondary colour and 10 per cent of an accent colour.
Neither here nor there For those who prefer the more modern and sophisticated elegance of a simpler palette, you will find that the colour wheel is not for you. You want neutral colours such as blacks, greys, whites, and sometimes browns and beiges. These are not found on the wheel.
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DÉCOR
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ow that you have been introduced to the colour wheel and know what is there and what isn’t, now comes the fun part: choosing colours. Designers often refer to colour schemes and there are many different ways of pairing colours from the wheel to create a scheme. Having a well planned scheme helps you avoid disasters of colour clashing further down the road. There are numerous pre-existing schemes that you can find online, in magazines, or even at paint shops but we will be showing you some of the basic ways that you can use the wheel to create your own scheme, just like the professionals.
COLOUR Scheming Story by Aprille Thomas
3. Complementary scheme
1. Tonal scheme This is perhaps one of the most basic schemes. It involves using varying tones of the same colour. On the colour wheel, choose a colour. You will see that the paler tones of that colour are found on the outside, graduating to middling and finally the deepest tones in the centre Also known as the monochromatic scheme, some may find this boring and would opt for mixing textures and patterns to add some variety to their look.
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Complementary colours are found opposite each other on the colour wheel. Bolder than the harmonious colour scheme, complementary colours are made to go together. That being said, complementary colour schemes can be tricky to control. First you need to decide which of the colours you want to feature because in using equal amounts, they will fight for attention. Play with the intensity of the colours by using different tone combinations. You can also try balancing the look with neutral colours. A more conservative way to use complementary colours is with your throw pillows or throw rugs.
2. Harmonious scheme
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This scheme incorporates colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. Harmonious schemes exist naturally in the environment so they are very pleasing to the eye. When choosing, it’s best to use colours which stem from the same primary colour, but also offer enough contrast. As a tip, try choosing colours of the same intensity so that one doesn’t overpower the other.
Complementary colours are found opposite each other on the colour wheel. Bolder than the harmonious colour scheme, complementary colours are made to go together.
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INSPIRATION & INNOVATION
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DÉCOR
DESIGN PERSONALITY
QUIZ H
ave you ever considered using colour to tell your story? Your rooms and the colours you choose should immediately tell guests who you are and what you’re about. Likewise, when you enter your house, you should feel at home. Choosing the right colours go a long way in achieving this. Take our fun quiz to find out your design personality, which would hopefully give you some ideas on where to start.
It’s Friday night, where are you? (A) (B) (C)
At the club . . . duh! At home watching my favourite movie At the theatre watching a Shakespeare play?
What would your ideal date be? (A) (B) (C)
Going bowling or some kind of physical activity A nice picnic at the beach Going to watch polo
It’s Monday and you’re in the lunch room at work. You are: (A) (B) (C)
Filling everyone in on your exciting weekend Eating quietly in the corner and reading a book Sitting wherever there’s room; listening but not talking
Your ideal living room would be: (A) (B) (C)
Huge with lots of room for entertaining Small and full of vintage pieces Very simple, with sleek leather chairs and no clutter
Which pair best represents your favourite type of music? (A) (B) (C)
Pop/Alternative R&B/Reggae Classical/Jazz
If you were a shoe, which would you be? (A) (B) (C)
A five-inch stiletto heel Something flat and comfortable, yet stylish A classic pump
What’s for dinner? (A) (B) (C) 26
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Hot and spicy Mexican food Baked chicken and rice and peas Italian; definitely Italian
ANSWERS Mostly As: You love to be the centre of attention. Some may call you wild or crazy, but the bottom line is that you’re fun to be around! Your home should reflect your big personality and choosing the right colours can help. Decorate your living space with a complementary colour scheme which is bold. Also, focus more on the tones towards the centre of the wheel, which are the most intense. If you want to tone it down, you can balance the look with some neutrals.
Mostly Bs: You are more laid back, often appearing shy and reserved. However, you are passionate about the things you enjoy. Look to the right side of the colour wheel for inspiration. These colours are considered warm and would give your space that cosy and relaxing feel. Try using a tonal (monochromatic) colour scheme. This is the simplest of the schemes and you can use your personal flair to jazz it up with unique pieces.
Mostly Cs: You are elegant and classy, and your style is timeless. You prefer a space that looks effortless yet chic. Forget the colour wheel and focus on creating a design with neutrals. Blacks, whites, browns and beiges will never go out of style, and will give your room a rather understated beauty. If you want to add a little zest to your space, choose an accent colour and use it sparingly.
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ou’ve moved into your new home and everything’s in place on the inside. Having taken the time to ensure that your colours, furniture and other furnishings complement each other, you’re satisfied that all is well and it is good. As you gaze out of the window however, scanning what is and dreaming of what could be, the picture is far from rosy. The wild growth on the outside presents a challenge that will take some effort to become the garden that will complete your picture perfect home. Being a smart person you opt to have a professional landscaper do the necessary and presto, you have your garden. However, being a novice and relishing a challenge, you decide from here on you’ll be doing your own thing. It’s a bold step, but to help you along consider equipping yourself with these must have tools for your garden shed.
For soil work Spade: This is a handy implement for digging in the garden. It has a rounded digging edge and a wide, rounded shoulder for firm foot placement.
GARDENING 101: MUST HAVE TOOLS OF THE TRADE Story by Lyle Jones
For lawn management Lawnmower: An invaluable tool for keeping that green carpet in front, at back, or surrounding your house in check; the lawnmower is a must for every garden shed. They come in various sizes, allowing you to choose based on the size of your property. Weed whacker/String trimmer: Whatever you call it, the weed whacker or string trimmer allows you to put that finishing touch on your lawn manicure job. Able to reach places your mower can’t; gas and electrically powered models are available.
For clean-up jobs and more Fork: Where the spade falls short, the fork fills in. Especially useful for loosening compacted soil, it comes in handy when weeding, digging holes when planting or transplanting. Trowel: Somewhat of a miniature spade, the trowel is used for smaller jobs such as planting seedlings or weeding. The three-pronged variety is especially useful for loosening up the soil or removing stubborn weeds.
Rake: There are differing varieties for varying applications but once you have a garden you’ll need a rake. While most will use the springy toothed variety for clearing fallen leaves, the steel-toothed model is used for working on the soil’s surface. Wheelbarrow: Transportation jobs are much easier with the wheelbarrow. From bags of fertilizer, to soil, leaves or heaps of cut grass, the wheelbarrow will take it where you want with ease.
Pruner: This tool is designed for those precise cutting jobs, allowing you to cleanly cut any small size branch or stem without destroying it. Pruning allows you to remove diseased, damaged or dead plant parts and helps a tree seal its wounds quicker.
Gardening gloves: Keep your hands clean and protect yourself against scratches and illnesses contractable from coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by animal urine or faeces with a pair of gloves. If you are working with chemicals, buy a pair designed for handling chemical sprays as well.
Shears: When it comes to shaping your bushes and hedges the shears is the best tool to use. If budget is not an issue you may opt for a mechanized hedger/trimmer for the same job – technical competence is necessary though.
Garden hose: No garden tool kit is complete without a hose. Water is a major part of the gardening process and the hose is the tool that will get the water where you want it every time. Of course, a watering can is handy for those jobs where it’s more practical.
For plant and hedge maintenance
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People are more concerned with aesthetics than anything else and while this is of great importance, there are many other factors to consider before taking the plunge.
ESCAPE TO THE SECRET
GARDEN Story by Aprille Thomas
Seclusion This is perhaps the most important aspect of creating a secret garden. The ideal garden would be tucked away in some remote area. It would be far from traffic, people and any other noisy interruptions. However, most people probably won’t have access to a 20 acre, luscious garden in the middle of some English countryside. That being said, where possible you can try your best to position your garden away from busy areas.
Privacy For most people, privacy will be a more realistic goal than seclusion. You don’t want to have your neighbours staring at you from their patios or bedrooms when you’re relaxing in your garden. Especially in neighbourhoods where houses are close together, on a slope or have multiple storeys. There are many fixes for this problem and they can range from the simple to the more elaborate. Layered and property line plants can provide cover in ways that can also be decorative depending on what foliage you choose. If you have the space, money and time you can also seek to build a wall. A less extreme and more creative option would be to construct a lattice, which you can decorate with climbing roses in whatever colour your heart desires.
Shade
D
o you remember the book The Secret Garden? Perhaps you never read the novel but saw the film adaptation instead. What if you had somewhere to escape; your own secret garden where you could run away from the busy world and just relax. You don’t have to have a huge backyard with acres of free space and a top dollar landscape architect in order to create your garden sanctuary. We have compiled seven elements necessary to create your space. The particulars are up to you and your budget, but as long as you incorporate as many of these as possible, you’ll have your sanctuary in no time.
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Chances are that most of your time outdoors will be spent during the day. This also means sun — lots of it. While sun is great, sitting in its direct path for hours can be uncomfortable, not to mention unhealthy. Therefore you need to make sure that your garden has enough shade that you can relax without having to worry or sweat. Much like with privacy, there are several options for creating shade. Plants that are big enough can provide ample shade but will take time to grow. If you don’t already have mature trees and don’t want to wait for one to grow, you should consider an awning, tent or gazebo. Some of these options can even be constructed as weekend DIY projects.
Plants What’s a garden without plants? Plants provide shade, create privacy, add colour and texture, and are excellent for the environment. But before going out and buying random plants, you should construct a plan for your space. What goes where? You can arrange them by colour, height, or whatever you choose.
Your outdoor spaces are just as important as the rooms in your house. The expectations of comfort and security that you have for your home should extend to your garden.
You also want to make sure that you find out about the amount of care necessary for each of them. Will you have the time to maintain your garden or will you pay someone to do it? Get low maintenance plants if you know that you have a busy lifestyle. A dead garden will only frustrate you.
Furniture Furniture not only provides the obvious benefit of seating, but can also add character to your garden. Choosing from stone, wood, rattan, wrought iron, plastic or textile can help set the mood of your garden. Be sure to think about what furniture best suits your space. You don’t want furniture that’s too big or too small. Take measurements of your space before shopping for furniture. Also think about the uses of your garden. Will you be entertaining? Then you will need a table. If you’re going to be relaxing, then a hammock may be best. Lastly, think about your furniture care. If you don’t have shade then you need furniture that can easily be cleaned if it rains.
On the other hand, the colours in the textile may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. You should think about these things.
Lighting If you do your best escaping early in the morning or late at night, then you need to consider lighting. The lighting you choose can also add character to your garden and can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. For a more elegant atmosphere you can consider string lights. Tiki lamps add style while illuminating your garden and lawn lights can be rather powerful for their small size.
Sensual delights Lastly, your personal style is necessary for completing this space. Sensual delights will be subject to your tastes. For those very in touch with nature, incorporating water somewhere in your garden is an option. This can be in the form of a small water fountain or even a pond. INSPIRATION & INNOVATION
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DIY
O
ne way to make the most of a small space is to liven it up with art! And before you ask where you are going to find space for art, stop thinking about your cluttered living room and look around at your bare walls We have a do-it-yourself art project that is all the rage among ‘DIYers’ on social networking sites such as Pinterest. This project is affordable (you may have some of the materials at home already) and when finished it will be a real conversation starter. If you have children, they are most welcome to join in. So set aside your Saturday morning – and ample space – for some herringbone canvas art!
DIY: Herringbone Art
What you’ll need: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Story by Aprille Thomas
Canvas (whatever size your heart desires and your wall can accommodate) Acrylic paint in your favourite colours (one of them should be white) Brushes for the paint Foam roller Painter’s tape Scissors Metallic spray paint (optional)
The process: 1)
2)
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Start by painting a random design on the canvas with your acrylic paints (excluding the white one). Go as crazy as you want; the more colourful, the better. If you prefer flashy artwork, you have the option here of using metallic spray paint on your design when you’re finished with the acrylic paints. Let it dry. Cut rectangular pieces of the painter’s tape and arrange on top of your design in a herringbone pattern. How thick or long you want these pieces is completely up to you. Just make sure that the tape lies flat without any creases or bubbles. This step requires a lot of patience, especially if you choose to use a big canvas.
SMART HOMES APRIL 2013
3)
4) 5) 6)
When your canvas is completely covered, remove a few random pieces of tape from the design to achieve the desired look. Using the foam roller, cover the entire canvas with the white acrylic paint. Next, slowly and carefully remove all of the pieces of tape. Give it time to dry and voila! You’re done and your painting is ready to hang. If you want to get fancy, you can choose to frame your art but it looks great without a frame as well. Imagine what a fun story you will have to tell your guests at your next house party.
What every home needs
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