Sddedds by Primaveradeatres

No.1

home an dg magazinarden e

9 771814 165001

SA’s

03190

Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

R70.00

(vat incl.) Namibia N$70.00

February | March 2021

Décor trend

SUMMER FARE

Cool salads

Adorn your walls

with wallpaper

for hot days

Quick meals with st 5 ingredients + Kimchi, step by step

SMALL GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

› Add texture & layers › Colour in with ﬂowers › Create the illusion of space

DIY

3 modular side tables

for

smallspaces PARKHURST & THREE ANCHOR BAY

Glass roof and atrium add light and space

X IT FLAIR

From ruin to refuge CAPE TOWN CBD NIEU-BETHESDA Living large Earthy and cosy, And ‘off in just 42m² but so spacious! the grid’

Reader home

Salads

Cover photograph Francois Oberholster • Production Marian van Wyk

110

Small garden

See all the action at our first Décor School in partnership with Mr Price Home! Page 69

décor 12 16 24 34 44 52

Fresh ideas for kids’ bedrooms A pint-sized apartment with a big heart in Cape Town’s city centre Simple beauty in a compact Karoo home in Nieu-Bethesda A modern update that stays true to the character of a Jo’burg abode Stunning facelift for a Victorian grand dame in Cape Town Wallpaper Trends, designs and tips

do it yourself 62

Make three versatile side tables

in the kitchen 110 120 124 126

Summer salads for mains or sides Quick food We’ve got supper sorted!

Clean lines and plant repetition help to make a small space seem bigger

102

Stones, colours and textures add interest to a waterwise haven

Kimchi, step by step Food & drinks to feed your senses

competitions 6 82 92

Write in to Your Space and WIN Send us your pet pics and WIN

regulars 8 64

Complete Crossword #149 and WIN a book worth R240

in the garden 94

A cottage garden in Stellenbosch

130

What’s new on the décor scene Advice Ask the experts 68 Trash or treasure? Let’s ﬁnd out 74 Renovation From ruin to refuge 82 Pets and their peculiarities 84 Gardening notebook Last words from Karin Brynard

where the plants have free rein February | March 2021

home

Hello I believe in synchronicity – that wonderful, unexpected conflue of circumstances when the puzzle pieces fall into place and life a pleasant surprise. It’s something I’ve experienced many times in my life. And every time it happens, I hear my mom in the background saying: “Things happen for a reason, my child” or “Time will tell”. One thing’s for sure, especially now: we actually have no control over anything. Not long ago, the consensus was that yo can at least have a five-year plan for your life, but not anymore – technology and the world’s rhythm are changing so quickly that there’s no way of knowing what the future holds. These days, maybe it’s one year at a time? Or are we already at that day-by-day stage? ‘Keep the momentum going’ is my philosophy. Because momentum carries you a long way, even when you have no fight left in you. In this issue, there were two surprises: I received the story about the Russells’ beautiful contemporary Parkhurst home first (page 34) – stylishly and innovatively renovated by a project team of which Stacey Russell is a member. It’s the home in which she and hubby Aaron live. A while later, the story about the stunning Three Anchor Bay home landed on my desk (page 44) with the same smart glass elements that so impressed me in the first house – and Stacey and her team were also responsible for that project. Featuring both of these projects in one issue wasn’t our plan at all, it was just a coincidence – but how lovely they both are! I came across the other surprise when we were on deadline and working on the cover: the spine of Tuis says it’s our 200th issue (Home is at 190, as it was launched a while later). “We have to celebrate!” exclaimed Johletta Brits, our Afrikaans copy editor. I agree wholeheartedly. If you’re still standing in these tough times, even if it’s a challenge, you really should celebrate. This issue is packed with uplifting reading material, and I can assure you: there’s no shortage of momentum on our part. As you know, we currently have a number of special issues on-shelf (see below), and that’s just the beginning. Although we now Crosswords only print eight issues of the main magazine every year, we’re Word games more than making up for it with all our other projects. The Mr Price Home Décor School held last year was one Sudoku such project (see page 69). The minute we know it’s safe to do so, we’ll be hosting another. In the meantime, see what it 100 pages of summer fun! entails so you can book your spot as soon as we announce the date. And if (like me) you’ve spent so much time at home over the past year that you couldn’t resist getting stuck into a bunch of renovation projects, remember that entries for our annual Fix it with Flair competition open soon. Best wishes from me and the team. Here we go with 2021 – hold on tight! Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

EDITOR Cape Town postal address Office Manager EDITORIAL Features Editor Creative Editor Food Editor Art Director Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Multimedia Journalist Photographer Retoucher Production Manager

Wicus Pretorius • editor@homemag.co.za PO Box 1802, Cape Town, 8000 Amina Essop 021 406 2401

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

CONTRIBUTORS Nelia Andrag, Karin Brynard, Elza Cooper, Greg Cox, Deon de Goede, Paula Dubois, Gerda Engelbrecht, Marié Esterhuyse, Gillian Eva, Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Marie Opperman, Marzanne Schoeman, Hettie Scholtz, Jeandri Streicher, Ludwig Taschner, Stephané van Eck, JJ van Rensburg, Amanda van Wyngaardt, Dina Venter, Henrique Wilding ADVERTISNG HEAD: Advertising Sales (Cape Town and KZN) Key Account Managers (CT) Sales Manager (JHB) Classified Sales

Charlene Meyer 082 928 5970 Daniela De Giovanni 083 709 7040 Susan Pienaar 083 281 7300 Evonne Mehl 021 461 2396

MEDIA24 LIVE Head of Events Head of Sponsorship Marketing Manager

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

LIFESTYLE CREATE STUDIO Creative Director Commercial Manager: Monthlies Commercial Editor

Issue #1

Sarah Curtis-Bowles 021 461 2396

Michael de Beer Lise Coetsee Gerda Engelbrecht

2021

CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Product Manager

Armand Kasselman Janine Snyman 011 713 9918

21001

8 3 5 4 2 5 7

6 009880 525898

6 8 7 5 2 5 6 8 1 2 8 4 3 2 8 8 4 7 9

R70

MALMESBURY

CAPE FOODIE’S VIBRANT REVAMP

Karen soulful kitchen!

PRETORIA

Tiny bathroom packs a punch

CAPE TOWN

EVERY CENTIMETRE COUNTS

Fixer-upper gets a budget-savvy facelift

HOPEFIELD

Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

PRINCE ALBERT

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR RENOVATORS

• Our special issue for all you crossword puzzle, word search and sudoku fans is still on-shelf – spoil yourself and keep busy while limiting visits to friends and family. And don’t forget about our Renovations issue with projects from our annual Fix it with Flair competition – and, of course, the 2021 Diary ﬁlled with gorgeous garden photos, tips, a calendar and more than enough space to make notes.

4 home February | March 2021

diary

21013

R80

Toolbox essentials

9 772073 882005

editor@homemag.co.za

EXPERT ADVICE FOR EVERY SPACE IN YOUR HOME

WOODSTOCK

IMPROVE!

STELLENBOSCH

Don’t move,

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

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

Get ahead in

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.

LET US DESIGN* YOUR

DREAM KITCHEN

WIN

R1 MILLION CASH VISIT

easylifekitchens.co.za *Ts & Cs apply

A PASSION FOR PERFECTION. Transform your kitchen space into the heart and soul of your home. Our team of designers create perfect living areas, from kitchens to built-in features that ﬁt your lifestyle.

29 years of quality service. Proud member of KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association). 30 showrooms countrywide. 2 year kitchen guarantee. 0861 327 9543 www.easylifekitchens.co.za

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.

My wife Ruth and I are avid fans of your magazine, and every month it’s a tussle to see who gets to read it first. When lockdown started last year, we embarked on a fire pit project in our back garden. We started off by using some leftover building blocks and a broken-down garden wall, a huge cost saving as we only had to buy cement, sand and stone. But then we ran out of supplies because hardware stores weren’t open – and our seating was only built halfway. By the time we were able to buy more supplies, the Cape winter had arrived, and we returned to work. We tried to continue with our fire pit over weekends, but it rained continuously! We eventually completed everything at the end of September, but we value the time and effort we spent on our project because we did it by ourselves. Thank you for inspiring your readers every month!

Wall of motivation

Jade Cupido of Cape Town writes My aunt, who has been in hospital for more than a month, was ﬁrst stricken with Covid-19, and then got pneumonia, which damaged her lungs and now she can’t breathe without oxygen. Before she fell ill, she told me that she wanted me to paint Shelly’s DIY hexagon pattern (Home Paint it 2019) on her bedroom wall. My friend Kirsten Muller and I decided to paint the wall and send her pictures to motivate my aunt to get better. It has not been easy; there were times when the doctors thought she wasn’t going to make it. The wall is our way of trying to cheer her up, and I’m happy to say she seems to be improving. She really loves her wall...

The cherry on the cake

Dinki Dilks of Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal writes Having Home delivered right to our door at Widenham Retirement Village is a bonus all on its own but having been able to extend our subscription at a phenomenal rate last year was the cherry on the cake. My husband Michael and I devour Home, page by page, and many pipe dreams become a reality. Making subtle changes to a room and revamping old items has become our hobby, whether it’s furniture, simple upholstering or changing cushion covers. Your garden ideas are also simply the best and giving up two acres for our current pocket-sized garden has required many ‘rethinks’ and, as we’re an indigenous village, a complete change of plants. Since lockdown, Michael has become interested in cooking and has been trying out all kinds of recipes – the roast chicken with soy and miran in your October issue was a hit! We often refer back to articles and although I still pass Home onto our daughter – who is an amazing creator – I make sure it has a ‘come back’ sticker on it. Thanks once again and best wishes to all of you for a happy, safe and blessed 2021.

6 home February | March 2021

Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

Issue #1

2021

Thank you so much for your puzzle booklet! Crosswords We have all had such a Word games tough time with this awful virus and especially Sudoku during the hard lockdown it was diﬃcult not only to keep occupied but also to 100 pages of summer fun! ﬁnd activities that were challenging as well as fun. Your booklet certainly helped! – Christine Kuch, Johannesburg 4

6 8 7 5 2 5 6 8 8 1 2 3 8 4 5 3 4 2 8 2 5 8 4 7 7 9

A whole new year, and a new mindset. For those of us fortunate enough to be safe and healthy, I say: we can do this! Let’s keep calm and carry on. We can reach out and live 2021 to the fullest. We should be mindful of those less fortunate than us. We can do with less stuﬀ and more gratitude, and know we still have a purpose to fulﬁl in this amazing country of ours. Thank you Home for your contribution by inspiring us and sharing ideas and publishing all the beautiful places and creations you discover! Thanks for keeping us experimenting in our kitchens and daring to serve dishes we’ve never tried before. – Rina Mathews, Shelly Beach, KZN

WIN!

21001

Alistair Michaels of Cape Town writes

IN SHORT

R70

6 009880 525898

WINNING LETTER

(vat incl ) Namibia N$70

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

Our treasured lockdown project

The writer of the winning letter gets a Glad hamper worth R1 000! Glad has plenty of good ideas to make your life easier. Whether you’re taking steps to reduce waste or to better protect your food to keep it fresh, Glad is ready to help. The next time you have supper leftovers or a delicious cake that needs to keep a little longer, use Glad Sandwich Bags to seal in the freshness so you can enjoy it later. Simple and convenient! Visit glad.co.za for more information and follow GLAD South Africa on Facebook.

AS SIMPLE AS

A SAMPLE DARLING WHITE 11 |

DESERT ROSE 59 |

GBR/25057/H

MIDNIGHT BEAUTY 90 |

HABITAT Colour Co llect ion 9 0 i n s p i r ed p a i n t c o l o u r s

Introducing Duram’s new Habitat Colour Collection, a curated palette for the contemporary home. Featuring 90 inspired paint colours from subtle earthbound neutrals to dark inky hues, choosing the perfect colour for your living space couldn’t be simpler. Each colour is available for purchase in convenient and affordable 90ml Colour Samples at select stores. Ask for Duram at your local hardware store. The paint that’s made smart to look smart. Dry paint colour and sheen may vary from colours shown.

Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.

what’s new

Compiled by Shané Barnard

CREATE, INNOVATE!

WHO Chrismarié Barnardt WHERE Cape Town BUSINESS Kindbrush HER WORK As a dental hygienist and nature lover living in Sea Point, Chrismarié is deeply concerned about the impact of traditional oral care products on the ever-growing plastic pollution crisis. Her solution was to create a competitive, ecofriendly alternative to plastic oral care. “The philosophy behind Kindbrush is ‘kindfulness’ – being kind and mindful about one’s own wellbeing, that of others and of the planet,” she says. Chrismarié’s products are made from biodegradable, recyclable elements such as bamboo and glass and include toothbrushes, ﬂoss and lip balm. See more at thekindbrush.com.

Sea & Shore’s goodies are handcrafted in Kommetjie, using locally sourced botanical and ocean treasures set in high-quality resin. Their new range includes cubes made with up to eight layers of resin in each; these can take up to two weeks to make. Use them as paperweights or display them as ornaments. Check out Instagram.com/sea_sh0re for details.

New Cemcrete colours! RenoCrete, Cemcrete’s spray-on or trowel-on cement-based decorative plaster, is now available in nine new colours: Calm, Deep Ocean, Otter, Seal Grey, Kelp, Mollusc, Coastal Fog, Cuttleﬁsh and Coral. The colours are UV-stable and suitable for both interior and exterior use. Go to cemcrete.co.za.

Made to last The new Bijou hand towels (R150 each) and bath towels (R500 each) from Mungo are elegant, versatile and affordable. Made from 100% cotton, they’re quick-drying and lightweight and the towel’s longevity prevents it from ending up in a landﬁll. Go to mungo.co.za.

Pop into the new Tjhoko Paint and Paint Master concept store on the corner of Houtkop and Van Riet Lowe Street in Vereeniging for creative ideas and colour inspiration. Stock up on paint and décor items while you get expert advice from the team and enjoy a cup of coffee! Visit tjhokopaint.co.za.

8 home February | March 2021

what’s new

LET’S BE POSITIVE According to colour psychology, yellow evokes a sense of optimism and happiness – just what we need in 2021! One of Pantone’s two Colours of the Year for 2021 is Illuminating – a warm hue that encapsulates positivity. Go to pantone.com.

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating

Plascon has unveiled Golden Syrup, another warm yellow, as its Favourite Hue for 2021. This sunny shade radiates conﬁdence and joy – it’s like a hug in a paint tin! For details, visit plascon.com.

Coal Interiors prides itself on ﬁnding the best, most ecofriendly techniques and materials to work with, while supporting other local manufacturers and suppliers. We love their multipurpose furniture, such as this Lightfoot Stool (425mm W x 390mm D x 520mm H; R1 750) made from birch plywood. Browse their selection at coalinteriors.co.za.

Fine fabrics Sugar Textiles’ range of botanical designs printed on 100% panama cotton (R195/m) is sure to brighten up your décor! Go to sugartextiles.com. 1 Lemons in White 2 Pincushions in Black 3 Pomegranates in Linen

Locally crafted from natural teak from Zimbabwe, the Cabo range of outdoor furniture from @home is strong, durable and highly resistant to warping, rotting and insects (don’t leave outside in harsh weather conditions). We love the Cabo two-seater (R9 999) with ﬁtted cushions (R5 499) made from top quality Sunbrella fabric. View the range at home.co.za.

Feather-ﬁlled tropical foliage scatter cushion (60 x 60cm) R399.99, mrphome.com

Room to grow

fresh ideas

Yellow plant pots from Sheet Street; lampshade from Builders; blinds, upholstery, wall art and woodwork by Art de Olivia

Create a space for your kids that can evolve as they get older. By Johané Neilson and Marian van Wyk Photographs Greg Cox

February | March 2021

home

fresh ideas

Double the fun Artist Olivia Botha of Swellendam and her husband Karel aren’t afraid of change, or colour. These two creative DIYers regularly swap rooms and move furniture around to keep their décor fresh. Their sons, Le Mar (4) and Tre Monne (2), are best of friends. When Olivia moved the boys’ beds with their unique headboards (Karel’s handiwork) to the kids’ TV room and positioned them in such a way that the pair could scamper back and forth between them, it was a done deal: this is now their favourite space. Almost every item in the space is handmade and tells a story, such as the photo blocks on the wall that capture precious memories. “We probably have 20 000 photos of the kids, which made it difﬁcult to choose just a few!” says Olivia with a smile.

[ FILL IN THE DETAILS ] The children’s bedside cabinets (above and previous page) each have only four drawers, but were decorated with eight Supawood panels painted in different colours before the handles were fitted. Each boy also has his own armchair, upholstered in mom’s bespoke Art de Olivia fabric. Second-hand steel lockers currently offer storage space for everything from toys and books to shoes; these versatile units were previously used in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen, says Olivia. “We simply gave them a fresh coat of Rustoleum spray paint.” Olivia says the sliding wooden blinds on rails work better than curtains. “They keep the room nice and dark at night but let in plenty of light during the day. The boys also love the farm-style look the blinds add to their room.” STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Art de Olivia 076 607 7315, artdeolivia.com Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Sheet Street 0800 212 535, sheetstreet.com

14 home February | March 2021

Smoke Crystal Rectangular Chandelier Code: KLCH-5515/BL

DESIGN • SER VICE • QUALIT Y Viewing Showrooms Only, K. Light Import supplies only to Retailers and not to the public directly. Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton, 021 552 4370 Johannesburg: Units 8 & 9, The Arena, Capital Hill Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, 011 312 1247 info@klight.co.za I www.klight.co.za I Facebook.com/klightimport

reader home

A pint-sized paradise

A tiny studio has been converted into a lush haven for a portrait painter.

By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Photographs Stephané van Eck Production Marian van Wyk

WHO LIVES HERE? Vicky Zigras WHERE Cape Town SIZE 42m² Red and orange ﬂowers are strategically positioned on the narrow balcony to attract sunbirds; it’s 80cm deep and open in the front. A bentwood rattan bench provides seating for two people. Bench from Anouk Furniture; planter from H&M

February | March 2021

home

reader home

fter living in London’s “permagrey” environment for 17 years, Vicky Zigras was more than ready for blue skies and sunshine when she returned home to South Africa in 2019. She found the perfect little studio in an apartment block in Cape Town’s city centre, complete with leafy gardens, abundant birdlife, a spring-fed swimming pool and beautiful views. “I took up residence in December 2019 and I’ve really enjoyed living here – even during lockdown!” says Vicky with a smile. “Built in the 1960s by Bauhaus-trained German architect Pius Pahl, the building might look a bit austere from the outside but I love the thoughtful design with its lush central courtyard, pool and plenty of light and privacy.” While Vicky’s one-bedroom apartment is a tiny 42m², it basks in direct sunlight in the winter months, thanks to its north-east orientation, and it’s sheltered from the afternoon sun in summer. However, the interior left much to be desired. “It looked as if it hadn’t been updated in decades and there was a real mishmash of styles,” she says. “It was dark and felt like a cave.”

Cupboards

Bathroom

Kitchen

Lounge

Entrance/mud room

Balcony

Bedroom

Additional lockable storage was added on top of the existing cupboards. A foldup desk between the bedroom and living area is a great space-saver. Desk from MySpace.CT Furniture

Blue, green and splashes of yellow in the sitting area (left) echo the greenery in the apartment and the trees outside beyond the balcony. The print above the couch is by Vicky’s friend, designer/ illustrator Anton Fernandes of Kornershop. Sofa from @home; cane coffee table from MRP Home

Light and airy To create more of an open-plan look and feel in the small space, a wooden counter between the kitchen and living room was removed. The old cupboards were gutted and careful consideration was given to the new layout to make the most of the natural light. “We placed the stove next to the window for ventilation and so I could enjoy the view while cooking,” explains Vicky. “We also managed to squeeze in a table and two chairs so I could keep the floor space in the living area open and have an uninterrupted view of the garden from the bedroom.” While the original 1960s rosewood parquet floor in the living room was still in good condition, it made the space feel dark and small and it created a stark division in the room because of the difference in colour between the kitchen tiles and wooden floor. “Originally, I had the floors sanded and painted white, but a lot of marks started appearing on the varnish,” says Vicky. “In the end, I installed laminate on top to match the new kitchen floor tiles as closely as possible and I really love the outcome – it reflects the natural light very well and is so easy to clean.” >>

An oasis Vicky has always been fascinated by Hawaiian aesthetics, especially the Plantation style which boasts a combination of vintage pieces, touches of cane or wood and tropical foliage. “I wanted to recreate the feeling of being in a light-ﬁlled, exotic and tropical oasis,” says Vicky. She called in the help of her interior designer sister Nikki Zigras of Studio Do Cabo to design plans and technical drawings for an update, after which Vicky project-managed the renovations. “My builder Simba Kasu and carpenter Wilson Chirikumarara also made suggestions and had inﬁnite patience when explaining things to me and answering my many questions!” says Vicky.

The mid-century Ercol easy chair is painted in Creative Talents No.46 Olive. Chair from Myrtle’s Vintage Bazaar; cushion from Ark Paper Studio; throw from H&M

[ CLEVER TRICK IN A TIGHT SPACE ]

Even though Vicky’s apartment is tiny, she created a small “mud room” at the front door. The passage between the door and the open-plan living room was enclosed with a second, glazed door. “It dramatically reduces the noise from the communal passage and provides a space where I can hang my scarves, bags, hats and shoes – which makes the living and sleeping areas free of that sort of clutter,” she explains. “I love arriving at home, taking my shoes oﬀ at the door, hanging my keys and bag up, putting on my slippers and then shutting out the world when I enter the living area.” February | March 2021

home

reader home

I wouldn’t say that being a portrait painter influences my décor – it’s actually the other way around! I have always loved living with colour. – Vicky

The tropical aesthetic is extended to the bedroom with a collection of leaf-print scatters and a rug. Folding screen from Myrtle’s Vintage Bazaar; headboard from Tafelberg Furnishers; antique oak bench from CollectMeaStory; round rug from Airloom; tropical throw from Woolworths

Bedroom and bathroom Vicky planned to install sliding doors between the bedroom and living room but later decided against it as she felt they weren’t necessary. Instead, she uses a vintage screen to conceal part of the bedroom at night and to avoid the bright morning sunlight. “To accommodate a queen-sized bed with enough space to walk around it, I knocked down the corner of the bathroom wall and moved the door,” explains Vicky. “It was well worth sacrificing some space from the bathroom as the bedroom now feels so much more spacious.” The original bathroom was gutted and the large 150L geyser was replaced with a smaller 75L geyser hidden by a small door. To save space and create flow, the basin’s concrete counter connects with the shower. “It reminds me of simple, organic Greek island architecture,” says Vicky. “The counter is covered in medium-sized mosaic tiles and there is sufficient space underneath for a laundry basket. The bathroom is too small for glass doors or partitions; instead, a bendable shower curtain rail follows the curve of the shower floor.”

[

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KALEIDOSCOPIC TROPIC Vicky describes her décor style as “kaleidoscopic tropic” and her apartment boasts a lovely collection of indoor plants. “My passion for plants took root in London. I lived a short walk away from the famous Columbia Road Flower Market and I’d get fresh ﬂowers and plants every Sunday,” she says. “I love to create an outdoor feel inside my home. I like a combination of indigenous plants (for the sunny spots by the window) and sub-tropical plants (for those areas that don’t get direct sun). “I’m a big fan of ‘easy-care’ plants – those that are more ‘forgiving’ if you forget to water them once in a while,” says Vicky. “A Delicious Monster is, in my opinion, idiot-proof and it will provide wonderful foliage for many, many years!” When it comes to furniture, Vicky loves to upcycle old pieces. “I love furniture with curves – for both aesthetic and practical reasons,” she explains. “The Viennese artist Hundertwasser famously said that there is no such thing as a straight line in nature. Curvy shapes have a feminine energy that helps to soften what could otherwise be a rigid box. Perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to mid-century furniture with its elegant legs and contours. “Also, on a more practical level, in a small space you run the risk of bumping into things, so rounded corners and edges are less harmful than sharp ones. This was taken into consideration when it came to the kitchen table, coﬀee tables and chairs.”

Vicky planned to use metro tiles on the bathroom walls but fell in love with these Delicious Monster tiles as they tie in perfectly with her tropical look. Eucalyptus leaves and other cuttings add to a forest feel, while making it smell like one too. Tiles from Tiletoria

Before

reader home

As a former librarian, Vicky loves her view of the impressive dome atop the Edwardian-style Centre for the Book (far right), which is part of the National Library of South Africa.

Photograph Ernst Linde

A nifty expandable clothes drying rack is ﬁtted on the balcony below the kitchen window. It has ﬁve tiers and it’s a great space-saver.

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS @home 0860 834 834, home.co.za Airloom 021 932 6318, airloom.co.za Anouk Furniture 079 489 4206, anoukfurniture.co.za Anton Fernandes 073 424 2868, kornershop.co.za Ark Paper Studio facebook.com/arkpapers/ CollectMeaStory 076 639 0652, collectmeastory.co.za Creative Talents 016 427 1030, creativetalents.co.za Decofurn 087 740 1800, decofurnsa.co.za H&M hm.com/za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Myrtle’s Vintage Bazaar 072 848 4457 MySpace.CT Furniture 079 749 9752, facebook.com/myspacesaver.ct Simba Kasu 074 526 7109, kasusimba@gmail.com Studio Do Cabo 063 161 8578, studiodocabo.com Tafelberg Furnishers 021 944 3330, tafelberg.co.za Tiletoria 021 511 3125, tiletoria.co.za Wilson Chirikumarara 078 314 9546, wchirikumarara@gmail.com Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za

Before

Open shelving (below) with easy access to essential items and room to display plants works well in a small space. Groceries, crockery and plastics are stored behind doors. Metro tiles from Tiletoria

Plascon Fortune’s Prize on the kitchen cabinets is a nod to the mid-century origins of the building; it freshens up the space and enhances the plant theme. Kitchen table and mirror from Decofurn

[ VICKY’S DÉCOR TIPS ]

• Keep the floor and work spaces as open as possible by utilising walls: hooks on the walls, a wall-mounted desk and shoe rack, as well as floor-to-ceiling cupboards work really well. • Buy multifunctional furniture. Here, side tables double up as stools that can be used as additional seating around the kitchen table. A desk chair is also used at the kitchen table if required. • Let the light in! Small spaces can get dark quite quickly if shadows are cast from bulky items of furniture. Chairs and tables with slim legs will let more light through and look more elegant in a small space. • Make the most of the natural light in your space with reflective surfaces such as glass-topped tables, framed prints and paintings, glossy tiles and mirrors. • Make sure you have plenty of drawers and cupboards in which to hide day-to-day items, groceries, cleaning supplies and equipment, and use shelves and horizontal surfaces to display ornaments that complement your décor style.

February | March 2021

home

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Simple beauty in the Karoo

An artist has created a compact getaway in Nieu-Bethesda that remains true to its tranquil surroundings.

By Marian van Wyk • Photographs Greg Cox

WHO LIVES HERE? Gregg Price, his wife Nicola de Chaud and their dogs – Wolﬁe, a pavement special, and Alfa Giulietta, an Italian Greyhound. WHERE Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape Karoo SIZE 74m2 (veranda and gallery excluded)

rtist Gregg Price’s love affair with Nieu-Bethesda began almost three decades ago, long before he bought the two adjacent plots where his weekend home and gallery stand today. Inspired by Helen Martins’ Owl House and playwright Athol Fugard, who did much of his writing here, Gregg made Nieu-Bethesda his regular stopover on road trips between Jo’burg and the coast. It was on one of these overnight stays, while walking down Martin Street and gazing at the stars, that he realised his attraction to the tiny village with its dusty dirt roads had grown into something bigger: “Nature has a mystical effect here that speaks to my soul. I felt a connection; this felt like home, this was my environment.” One can only imagine Gregg’s delight when a corner plot on Martin Street came up for sale in 2014, and his offer was accepted. There was just one problem: “The ‘For Sale’ sign was on erf 222, a corner plot, but when the title deed arrived, it turned out that I had bought the adjacent erf 221. I was shocked; I wanted the corner plot so my gallery would have a separate entrance.” Gregg’s architect Dr Theresa Hardman did a bit of sleuthing and established that the corner plot he originally had his eye on was part of a deceased estate and was also for sale. Rather than engaging in legal battles, Gregg decided it was worth waiting for the estate to be ﬁnalised, which delayed his plans to build a holiday home by about two years. By the time transfer went through in October 2016, he had met Nicola De Chaud, a television producer, and the couple got married in October 2017. >>

Architect Dr Theresa Hardman paid respect to the simple Karoo landscape when she designed this home. The garden is waterwise and the lawn is irrigated with borehole water from the pool; the design of the pool was inspired by a farm dam. The entrance to Gregg’s art gallery is on the right.

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Open storage in the kitchen complements the barn-style architecture. The cement counters were cast on site by Cuer Projects and rest on plastered brick walls. A vintage workbench doubles up as a table and island unit. The leaded glass window was bought second-hand and an alcove was built for Gregg’s sculpture titled Let Us Not Forget Who We Are. >> Chairs from Merge Designs

Paint colour

Earthcote Jagter

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The loft is where Gregg goes for quiet time. The Parker Knoll armchair with mustard upholstery was a second-hand ﬁnd.

Gregg’s gallery has a private entrance on the street side, away from the house.

The building process Adamant he wanted a home that would blend in with the Karoo landscape, rather than distract from it, Gregg briefed Theresa to design a simple barn-like structure with a soft earthy palette and a high ceiling. Construction began in February 2018. Gregg, who spent his early working years in the construction industry, appointed local builder and Home’s 2017 Fix it with Flair winner Justin Duckitt of Cuer Projects, and found that their shared love of technical details made for a good rapport. Upon Gregg’s return to Jo’burg, they slipped into a comfortable routine of regular WhatsApp chats, never failing to see the humour when things didn’t work out as planned. “After the long delay with the title deed, I was itching to get going with construction,” Gregg recalls. “I started scouring Queen Street in Johannesburg for reclaimed building materials.” Gregg also couldn’t wait to have the gallery’s two triangular gable windows custom made. “I can do technical drawings, so I decided I would just scale it off the architect’s plans.”

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In winter, the cast-iron wood stove is always on the go and Nicola and Gregg spend much of their time in this cosy lounge. The armchair is upholstered in limitededition fabric printed with Gregg’s drawings, which are also featured on the cushions. Jøtul wood stove from Fireplace Warehouse; occasional tables from Merge Designs; ﬂowers by Jacques Müller Design

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Poster of Black Girl’s Window (1969) by Betye Irene Saar; the cushion prints are Gregg’s handiwork.

A white cement ﬂoor complements the simple Karoo vernacular architecture and the sofa is positioned to make the most of the garden view. Ceiling ﬁnished with Gyproc RhinoBoard Paint colour

Dulux Gooseberry Fool 3

This enthusiasm resulted in the house getting a higher roof than planned. When Justin started building it, the angle of the fabricated gable windows led to a much steeper pitch. “This cost more but beneﬁtted the house,” Gregg says. “We can walk easily on the mezzanine ﬂoor, which got more headroom than on the original drawings.” Towards the end, another interruption came from an unexpected source. Home wanted the 2017 Fix it with Flair winners, Justin and his partner Jacques Müller, on location in Cape Town for the 1,2,3 Fix It! TV series. Justin appointed two site managers and juggled phone meetings with a gruelling TV production schedule. The house was ready in time for Gregg’s gallery opening in December 2018. >> February | March 2021

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reader home The clerestory window with its leaded glass detail was bought second-hand. Justin cast the cement vanity on site.

Pendant lamp from Hadeda

Gregg avoided elaborate ﬁnishes, so the bathroom walls were ﬁnished with environmentally-friendly Earthcote Worn Leather in the colour Olifants Vel and sealed with Earthcote Wall Wax. From the bath, you can see across the garden all the way to the Compassberg. The star-shaped pendant lamp is a nod to the beautiful Karoo night skies.

The bedroom is north-facing and overlooks the garden. The artwork above the bed is by Walter Battiss. Bedside table from Karoo Living; oversized cushions from Elsona; Flowers by Jacques Müller Design

A sculpture by Gregg titled There Is No Sun Without Shadow (2017) is one of a few that have found a permanent home around the labyrinth Gregg had commissioned (see page 33).

With the climate in mind Despite Nieu-Bethesda’s chilly winters and sizzling summers, Gregg and Nicola find their home comfortable year-round; in part, this is thanks to good roof insulation consisting of Aerolite Think Pink 50mm fibre insulation as well as a layer of Sisalation. And the house ticks all the boxes when it comes to good architecture: it features cross ventilation; a veranda along the northern façade that provides shade in summer; another veranda on the western façade that blocks the afternoon sun; a double-volume ceiling; and windows in the loft where hot air can escape. Says architect Theresa: “In the Karoo, you must be able to close off the building so the interior remains cool during the hot summers and warm during the icy winters. Larger Karoo houses can be compartmentalised internally for this very reason. And, of course, an indoor fireplace is essential. “Verandas are basically outdoor rooms; they’re perfect for catching the breeze in summer, while being protected from harsh sunlight, and for catching the sun’s rays on an icy winter’s morning. Here, the roof pitches and overhangs have been carefully calculated according to the angle of the sun to ensure sunlight during winter and deep shade in summer. “Karoo buildings cater for a lifestyle that’s particular to the Karoo. Nothing more, nothing less.” >>

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Lounge

Bedroom

Gallery

Kitchen

Bathroom

On hot summer days, Gregg and Nicola enjoy a “golden 10 minutes” when the sunset paints the mountains a burnt pink. The Heart Of Mine inset in the porthole window is Gregg’s handiwork.

[ RESPECT FOR CONTEXT ]

Simple, unpretentious structures are appropriate in the Karoo; there’s no need for complexity, says Dr Theresa Hardman, an accredited professional heritage practitioner and the architect who designed Gregg and Nicola’s home. She completed a two-year research master’s degree in architecture on the history and characteristics of Karoo vernacular buildings. “The landscape should dominate and buildings should be sensitively scaled in relation to the occupants,” she explains. “In the case of Gregg’s house, the Karoo typology is evident in its simple rectangular form, the pitched roof, lean-to verandas, relatively small windows in relation to wall space, and thick walls.” This also explains why Gregg’s house has a freestanding garage. “By positioning the two buildings at 90 degrees to each other, a private courtyard is formed. If we had just added the garage onto the house, the overall proportions of the building would have been clumsy and inappropriate in the context of the village,” says Theresa. “Respect for the overall scale and density of the buildings in the village is a necessity for sensitive design. Good architecture always takes context into account, no matter where.”

Cocktail table and chairs from Garden Bleu

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Cuer Projects farmerdux@gmail.com Elsona elsona.co.za Fireplace Warehouse ﬁreplacewarehouse.co.za Garden Bleu gardenbleu.co.za Gregg Price Art greggpriceart.com Hadeda hadeda-tiles.com Jacques Müller Design jox.dsgn@gmail.com, facebook/JacquesMullerDesign Karoo Living 049 892 3744, facebook/Karoo Living Merge Designs 011 782 2140, mergesa.com Theresa Hardman (architect) 082 443 3840, theresa.hardman@mweb.co.za

In loving memory Gregg and Nicola had barely settled into their new home when William, Gregg’s eldest son from his previous marriage, passed away. Struggling to come to terms with their loss, the couple travelled to France where they explored the Chartres Cathedral’s labyrinth through a course titled “Beyond the boundaries of loss and grief”. In 2019, they commissioned Justin to build a similar labyrinth from local stone in William’s honour. “We now offer the labyrinth experience to the community and travellers passing through Nieu-Bethesda.”

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The front of the house has a serving hatch from the kitchen to the outside, where a putting green has been laid out with artiﬁcial grass. Black stools from Chair Crazy

Paint colour

Triangle and front door: Plascon Velvaglo Black

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More space & light

The old pressed steel ceilings in their new home inspired two avid renovators to refurbish it in keeping with its heritage.

By Marie Opperman Photographs Elza Cooper Styling Amanda van Wyngaardt

WHO LIVES HERE? Aaron and Stacey Russell, Harley-Knox (4), baby Griffen-Grey and Bo the Beagle WHERE Parkhurst, Johannesburg SIZE 220m²

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The kitchen, lounge and dining room, as well as the outdoor area that connects all these spaces, are great for entertaining. – Stacey

Thanks to a separate scullery nook, the open-plan kitchen always looks tidy. Kitchen cabinets in the colour Sage Green from CEN Kitchens and Cabinetry; pendant lights from Leroy Merlin

Glass panels in the pitched roof allow light to stream in. Framed pictures from KNUS; throw on chair and pots on table from MRP Home

The new plaster ceiling rose looks just like the originals in the old part of the house.

Ceiling rose from Dudley Mouldings; pendant light from Leroy Merlin; cement table and black nesting tables from Weylandts; rocking chair and rug from @home

or Stacey and Aaron Russell, things could not have worked out better when they decided to relocate from Cape Town to Johannesburg. t, they were enchanted by the distinctive small-townhe-city vibe of Parkhurst, a suburb established back in he cosy street cafés, quiet tree-lined streets and ts strolling with their kids immediately made them feel says Stacey. Then they fell in love with a property in the neighbourhood. “It was a corner stand with lovely big old trees,” she says. “The beautiful 100-year-old house still had its original pressed steel ceilings and wooden ﬂoors – you could just feel its heritage and character.” The good news was that the house, which belonged to Stacey and Aaron’s friends, was on the market. Their pals were moving to Cape Town! “We simply exchanged ownership of the two houses in a private transaction,” Stacey explains. “Our friends now live in the duplex apartment in Harﬁeld Village where we used to reside, and we live here. And they are just as happy with their new home as we are with ours.” >>

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Serial renovators

Light ﬁtting from Leroy Merlin; dining room table from @home; rug from Superbalist; chairs from Chair Crazy; artworks by @ohheycindy from KNUS

The couple and their son Harley-Knox (4) have lived in Parkhurst since mid-2019; Griffen-Grey was born in November last year. Although they loved the look of the house right from the start, Stacey and Aaron were keen to give it an update. Now the original square structure boasts a funky pitched roof and a quirky black triangle painted on the front wall to match the black front door. Stacey, who studied design, is a director of their family business House2Homesa, which handled the design and alterations of their new home. “We do interior decorating, construction and project management and have offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg,” she explains. Aaron is the owner of The African Influence, a liquor company. Stacey says this is the fifth renovation project they have undertaken. “We can’t help ourselves. Renovating homes is in our blood! The first two were flats. After that, we tackled a house that was previously an old stable in Wynberg, Cape Town. It was so old that we discovered a sand floor under the carpets when we lifted them. We renovated the entire place. In Harfield Village, we gave a modern duplex a brand-new look.

Framed recipes for wafﬂes, chocolate cake and ﬂapjacks handwritten by Aaron’s late mom Linda adorn the kitchen wall.

Aaron, Stacey, Griffen-Grey, Harley-Knox and Bo

Black bowls from thehouse2homeshop.co.za

Tap from CTM

Grey Terrazzo ﬂoor tiles from I Space Cupboard handle in Brushed Gold from thehouse2homeshop.co.za

These old bicycles were already a feature on the garage wall when the Russells moved in.

Making their mark In this house, the couple wanted to create more space and light. “We also weren’t crazy about the kitchen which was a small separate room, as is often the case in old houses,” says Stacey. They gained 60m² by building onto the front of the house. Here, a pitched roof was installed to add height and complement the high ceilings of the original section; it also forms a striking skylight that lets more light into the previously dark house. “The pitched structure creates an interesting design element,” explains Stacey. “We broke open the existing guest room and kitchen, creating an open-plan living area that includes the dining room and lounge. In the original living space, which leads out onto a deck, we created a new main bedroom with an en-suite bathroom; adjacent to that we set up an ofﬁce space.” The Russells also built a guest loo and decorated it with eye-catching wallpaper. By painting most of the walls in shades they mixed themselves, this creative couple was able to put their own stamp on their new home. The family lived in the original part of the house while construction was underway. “It took longer than planned because we were working on other projects at the same time,” says Stacey. >>

Cups and saucers from @home

[ STACEY’S TIPS ] • Use neutral colours on floors, walls and ceiling as a backdrop for pops of colour. • Don’t use more than two or three different floor finishes in a small space. It must form a cohesive unit. • Don’t crowd your home with too many décor accessories. • Make one strong statement, as we did with the striking wallpaper in our guest loo.

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reader home Pink chair in hallway from MRP Home; mirror with ornate frame from @home (painted by homeowners)

Paint colour

Dulux Pancakes Wallpaper makes a striking statement in the guest loo. Wallpaper from Cara Saven Wall Design; ﬂoor and wall tiles from I Space

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Pitched structure with glass

Concrete roof

Kitchen Scullery Loo En suite

Passage

Main bedroom

Roof plan

Lounge

Dining

The old-world character of the house that so enchanted Stacey and Aaron has largely been preserved, despite the modernisation. “In the built-on section, we installed cornices on the ceilings that match those in the old part of the house. We also had a new plaster ceiling rose installed that looks just like the others that were here.” The original wooden floors were treated and sealed. Unfortunately, some sections were too dilapidated to retain, Stacey says. “We had to break out the wooden floor in the passage and spare room and replace it with stone-look terrazzo tiles. Floorboards that were still in a reasonable condition were used elsewhere where the floors needed a bit of fixing up.” Stacey says her favourite rooms in the house are the guest loo, which she calls the “powder room”, and the main bedroom. “They are both gorgeous, with a tranquil atmosphere. An arrangement I made using dry branches and flowers is suspended above our bed. I love the fact that one of the flowers, Lunaria annua, is known as the honesty plant.” The three-bedroom home is now the perfect fit for their family, says Stacey. “The size of the house makes it feel homely and it’s easy to keep clean. But there’s more than enough space on the property if we want to build on again one day.”

Changeroom

Authentic charm

Baby’s bedroom En suite Boy’s bedroom

Deck

New floor plan

The main bedroom with its built-in dressing table (left) and work nook (this pic) is one of Stacey’s favourite spaces in the house.

Desk from @home; green chair from Chair Crazy

Dressing table designed by House2Homesa and built in by CEN Kitchens and Cabinetry

Clothing rack from thehouse2homeshop.co.za

Dry ﬂower arrangement by House2Homesa

Lamp from Superbalist; tiger ornament from H&M Home

Safari-themed wallpaper adorns Harley-Knox’s bedroom. Wallpaper from Leroy Merlin; gold cushion and throw from H&M Home

The main bedroom’s en suite is light and airy. Mirror from MRP Home STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS @home 0860 834 834, home.co.za Biggie Best 021 534 8662, biggiebestwebshop.co.za Cara Saven Wall Design 082 953 6246, carasaven.com CEN Kitchens and Cabinetry 071 811 5721, ceninteriors.co.za Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za CTM 0800 010 810, ctm.co.za Dudley Mouldings 011 444 1284/5/6, dudleymouldings.co.za H&M Home 0860 690 707, hm.com/za House2Homesa 082 765 0487, house2homesa.co.za I Space 079 895 6898 KNUS knus.co Leroy Merlin leroymerlin.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Superbalist superbalist.com Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za

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Mirror from Biggie Best; towels from H&M Home

The couple spray-painted GriffenGrey’s cot themselves. Cot from MRP Home; leaf-shaped rug from Superbalist

This loo next to the ofﬁce, which adjoins the garage, has a bold monochromatic look. Tiles from I Space

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Fresh facelift for a

grand dame This classic Victorian home has been lovingly restored with a modern open-plan design and trendy touches.

By Elna van der Merwe • Photographs Greg Cox • Production Marian van Wyk

THE HOMEOWNERS Leán and Michael Muller and their daughters Ella (2) and Jamie (1) WHERE Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town SIZE About 160m²

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In the open-plan living space, vinyl tiles in a classic herringbone pattern and hunter-green cupboard doors blend with contemporary black taps. The kitchen table is made from recycled Oregon pine. The sideboard is an heirloom from Michael’s parents, Ted and Hillary; the beech bentwood chairs are also heirlooms.

Bar stool from @home; vinyl ﬂooring from Floor Vision; tiles from Lime Green Sourcing Solutions; lighting from Elevenpast; taps from Victorian Side Bathrooms; all the paint colours were mixed by House2homesa

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t. Bedes Cots No. 1, 1895. This is the inscription on the marble stone at the front gate of this house in Three Anchor Bay, Cape Town. If the original owners of the house were to stand at the gate today, they would recognise the façade – but that would be all, because on the other side of the front door a whole new look awaits... Gone is the dark hallway with all the doors leading to equally dark rooms. Now, from the threshold, you can see right through a light-ﬁlled space to the back where the house ends in a glass-covered atrium and an outdoor courtyard. This is one of the features that Leán and Michael Muller, who are currently renting out the house, love the most.

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In the living room, picture shelves enhance the trendy look. Leán bought the prints at Ikea in the Netherlands some years ago and the old mirror is an heirloom from her grandmother. The copper lamp is also an heirloom, but it’s ﬁtted with a modern light bulb. Sofa and rug from Weylandts; coffee table and green ottoman from @home; side tables made by House2Homesa; cushions from Hertex’s Jan range

Artiﬁcial grass in the courtyard (left) always looks good and is thick and soft so the kids can happily play on it. Ella (below) plays on the stoep, which gets lovely morning sun. In summer, the Mullers loved to relax under the two giant Ficus trees; they also enjoyed the smell of the ocean from here.

Glass does the trick “The atrium brings fantastic light into the house,” says Leán. “It’s an old Victorian house and there was very little light, but the atrium and glass doors have made an incredible difference. There is an effortless flow from the interior to the outdoors – the kids used to play outside all the time.” The Mullers tackled the renovation in two parts. Ella was seven months old when they moved in here in January 2019 and the first part of the project was completed by the end of that year. Shortly after Jamie’s birth in February 2020, it was time for the second instalment. “It was quite a story!” says Leán. “Everything happened bit by bit around us during the Covid-19 lockdown.” But when the restoration was finally completed, the Mullers were only able to enjoy their beautiful home for four months because Michael was offered a job opportunity in Amsterdam. The family moved overseas and left St. Bedes in the hands of tenants. >>

The original Oregon pine ﬂoor is separated from the new vinyl tiles by a step (above centre). The bookshelves were hand-medowns that the Mullers painted black to match the interior. The courtyard is visible in the background; it provides a refuge from the noise of the trafﬁc in the neighbourhood.

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[ LEÁN’S TIPS FOR RENOVATORS ]

• Live in the house ﬁrst before renovating or restoring it, because what you think will work or look good initially is not necessarily true after you’ve lived in it for a few months (or even through all the seasons). • Get good advice from experts – from neighbours who have done restorations to architects, builders and agents. You want to add value but not spend more than you’ll get back when you sell later. • Make sure you and the contractor understand each other 100%. We made sure about everything before construction started, and were involved throughout. Unplanned issues always pop up, so it’s vital to be able to communicate eﬀectively with your contractor. You also need to trust that you are getting the best advice. • Decide where you can spend more money. For example, we installed quality tiles, sanitary ware, windows and doors, as well as quartz in the kitchen.

Leán’s mom bought the Pierneef print next to the bed at a second-hand shop some years ago.

The built-in cupboards in the main bedroom (as in the other bedrooms) were made of Supawood and spray painted. The handles were custom made for a delicate touch. The white quilt was purchased from Woolworths some time ago and the throw from MRP Home. Rug from H&M Home

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An open plan

Tiles in a herringbone pattern decorate the main bathroom. Laundry basket from Weylandts

Kitchen

Courtyard Bathroom

Storeroom

Toilet

Dining area

E suite

Bedroom

Front stoep

Bedroom

Living area

When the Mullers were house-hunting, it was this home’s wooden floors, front stoep, high ceilings, wooden finishes and timber doors that stole their hearts. “We wanted to retain its old Victorian character but also bring light into the typically dark semi-detached house,” says Leán. “The biggest challenge was the layout, which was almost U-shaped, with virtually no light entering from the sides. We wanted an open-plan living space that opened onto the courtyard, and added a second bathroom. “Paint colours were important in bringing out our home’s classic character while also creating a fresh and modern look.” Although Leán and Michael were clear on what their home needed, they turned to Kyle Coetzee and Stacey Russell of House2Homesa for professional help. (See Stacey and her husband Aaron’s home on page 34). Their brief to Kyle and Stacey, who specialise in interior design and project management, was to lift the darkness and create a more open-plan space. Which is precisely what they got. “The house was also enlarged with the addition of the atrium and new doors,” explains Leán. “The new kitchen and bathrooms, and the cupboards, were also excellent additions.” And the best part of the restoration? “Definitely the way the atrium was designed and the addition of an extra bathroom – these were not easy solutions. And the excellent use of our available space!” Although they now live in romantic Amsterdam, Leán remembers well “how close their home is to Rocklands Beach and Green Point’s beautiful park, and the fresh smell of the ocean”. >>

Plant from @home; candle from Woolworths

reader home All of the ceilings and Oregon pine ﬂoors in the front part of the home were retained as a nod to the history of St. Bedes. The half-moon stained-glass window in the hallway and marble ﬁreplace in the living room are also original elements of the house.

Picture and rug from MRP Home

E X PERT A DVIC E Kyle Coetzee of House2Homesa oﬀers advice on how to make the most of cramped spaces: “We increased the under-roof space only by about 5m². However, by removing interior walls, we expanded the usable space as much as possible to accommodate a modern family’s lifestyle,” he explains. In the back section, two giant steel beams were installed, which made it possible to remove quite a few walls. “This not only doubled the space but also eliminated the need for a pillar in the middle of the open-plan area,” says Kyle. The small rooms were thus replaced by one open area for relaxing, dining and cooking. “Thanks to the sturdy beams, we were able to bring in much more glass – and, therefore, light and warmth. Lots of glass also makes the house look and feel bigger than it is.” A clean palette of white and neutral colours helps to reinforce this illusion. As far as décor is concerned, Kyle has the following tips: “In order to live comfortably in a small house, you must remember that less is more. Keep things simple and keep your space as open as possible. Clutter makes a place look smaller. “Renovate according to your budget. Choose one room at a time and do it properly by buying the best quality essential items. Avoid making the mistake of bringing in too many design elements and décor items, even if you have a big budget.” CONTACT 084 580 5158, house2homesa.co.za

Leán and Michael with Ella and Jamie. The front door was painted pink in honour of the two little girls.

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Elevenpast 021 201 1211, elevenpast.co.za Floor Vision 062 107 2727, ﬂoorvision.co.za Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za H&M Home 0860 690 707, hm.com/za Lime Green Sourcing Solutions 021 447 2254, limegreenss.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Victorian Side Bathrooms 076 486 4648, victoriansidebathrooms.co.za Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za

O LD C A S T LE P1126/7

M IN A RET

T512 BZ

LEO W331

TIKI O609

Cape Town (Head Office) : 9 Racecourse Road, Milnerton, 7441 | Tel: +27 (0) 21 528 8400 | Email: info@eurolux.co.za Johannesburg: 72 5th Street, Wynberg, Sandton, 2090. | Tel: +27 (0) 11 608 2970 | Email: jhb@eurolux.co.za Durban: Talksure House 62 Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard, Umhlanga, Durban. | Tel: +27 (0) 31 263 0088

wallpaper

Linen cushion from Makietie, dark blue cushion from MRP Home, mohair throw from Hinterveld

The perfect backdrop By Shané Barnard • Photographs Francois Oberholster, Greg Cox, Henrique Wilding, Elza Cooper and Stephané van Eck Styling Marian van Wyk, Amanda van Wyngaardt and Nelia Andrag

Wallpaper is back in the spotlight, with a wider variety than ever. Whether you want to create a focal wall or decorate an entire room, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

In the tropics This tropical wallpaper (opposite) from Groen Bespoke Wallpaper immediately caught the attention of Carla van der Merwe of Boschenmeer Estate in Paarl when she was looking for something to freshen up her bedroom. “I love the outdoors, so I wanted something that creates a sense of being in nature,” she explains. “Although the design is quite dramatic, it isn’t ‘heavy’ and it brightens up the space. It creates a lovely tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom.”

[ BOTANICALS REMAIN POPULAR ]

“Botanical and ﬂoral designs are like the ‘little black dress’ of wallpaper,” says Alana Groenewald, the designer behind Groen Bespoke Wallpaper’s creations. “They will always be relevant, even if the composition, colour and illustration medium (the manner in which it’s created) change from time to time.” Alana says these styles are currently in vogue: Tropical designs; not necessarily the highly colourful and exotic versions but rather the more colonial interpretations of tropical landscapes. Earthy inspiration is currently emerging strongly, with patterns in natural and woven materials such as rattan, basket weaves, grass, linen and cork. Geometric designs, Art Deco patterns and strong motifs are still on point. Historical inspiration from tapestries, chinoiserie and toile de Jouy is making a comeback. CONTACT groenjan.co.za

Timeless design

“My study is my sanctuary; this is where I spend most of my time. All my creativity happens here,” says Cillié van Rooyen of Johannesburg. “The wallpaper is, therefore, most appropriate as an ‘entry point’ – the pattern inspires me and the colour also stimulates creative thinking.” The Orla Kiely wallpaper comes from a box of remnants that a former business partner discovered at CP Decor in Parkwood. Matching the different strips was like building a puzzle, recalls Cillié. “I first saw this specific design, in the original bold pattern, on a scarf around a woman’s neck as she drove past me. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, and never forgot it! I love the classic clean lines and simplicity of the design. I have an Orla Kiely teapot that flew home with me on my lap all the way from London!” >> February | March 2021

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A sentimental touch

Most of the crockery that artist Mona Haumann has been collecting since she was young has sentimental value. Which is why she wanted to give it pride of place in her kitchen in Stellenbosch. “I inherited some of the cups and saucers – as well as the bread bin – from my grandmother. I wanted the items to create a focal point but at the same time be within reach for everyday use,” she explains. The solution was a custom-made cabinet against a wall covered in blue-and-yellow wallpaper. The latter has a delicate ﬂoral pattern that adds impact to the collection of mostly yellow crockery. “Yellow is the colour of happiness and joy. It reminds me of my childhood days when I picked oranges in my granny’s orchard and squeezed fresh juice in her kitchen. The touches of yellow in the wallpaper pull this collection and the rest of my kitchen together.” Morris & Co. wallpaper from St Leger & Viney; kitchen cabinets custom made by Timeless Timbers

Gold standard

Jewellery designer Anna Raimondo inherited some antique Chinese lacquer drums from her grandmother and she wanted a wallpaper design that would tie in with the design of the cranes on the drums. “What I really wanted was gold leaf, but after hunting for a long time it seemed that short of importing it at great expense, I wasn’t going to ﬁnd it in South Africa. I was put in touch with Cara Saven of Cara Saven Wall Design through designer Lei Lester, and Cara’s team and I worked very closely to create the faux gold leaf look with the ﬂying cranes. I really wanted it to look like a traditional scroll.” Anna then worked with Jenny Collins of Red Cat Design to put the rest of the main bedroom together. “I love the Art Nouveau nod that the bed lends the room, especially in combination with the black lights.” Bed from Design Store; light from Bofred

February | March 2021

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wallpaper

Artfully done

For the living room in her Swellendam home, artist Olivia Botha, who runs the company Art de Olivia, designed wallpaper with elements from her own artworks. “All the elements, such as the woman’s face, birds and fish, were digitally processed and combined into a new design. Each element is symbolic: the fish represent caring for other people, while the birds symbolise giving people freedom so that they can fly,” she says. Olivia had the untextured wallpaper printed at IPrint in Bloemfontein and installed the panels herself with Pattex wallpaper glue. “This design is definitely here to stay!” she says with a smile.

Will my Instagram photos work? The short answer is no. When it comes to converting digital photos to printed products like wallpaper, you have to consider the ﬁle size and compression, explains Leanne Killian, head of décor printing at Orms. “Generally speaking, photographs taken with your cell phone won’t be large enough to use as a single image on wallpaper, but you could create a collage of an assortment of photographs. Unfortunately, Instagram pics are too heavily compressed for most printing purposes. The best option is to send your wallpaper printing service provider the highest resolution version of the image, and they will assess it to advise on its suitability.”

[ PRINT YOUR OWN DESIGN ]

Having bespoke wallpaper printed has never been easier, says Leanne Killian, head of décor printing at Orms. “It can be as simple as giving us your wall measurements and a photo of the wall, if possible,” says Leanne. “Then we work closely with you to select an image or design for printing. The options are limitless! No wall is too big or too small. In each case, we follow the same process:” Select your design You can supply us with one of your own photos (we have specialised software that allows us to upscale the photos for printing to wallpaper size), or you can bring in one of your artworks and we will scan it in for you in high resolution. Alternatively, you can work with one of our in-house designers to custom create a completely personal design suited to your style. If you have a specific image in mind, we can assist you with image sourcing. Digital mock-up and printing We will then create a digital mock-up of the design on your photo of the wall. We scale and size the print to fit your wall and divide the panels equally across it. We then do a test print on the wallpaper of your choice; once you have approved it, we proceed with the final full wallpaper print. The printing process takes between three to five working days. Installation The final step is installing your wallpaper. We recommend that you use professional installation services, as they can do a pre-installation site inspection to double-check the size and condition of your wall. Walls should be completely smooth and flat for successful installation. If there are any imperfections in the wall, they will advise you on how best to fix them before installation. Cost Printing your own wallpaper starts at R395/m2. CONTACT ormsprintroom.co.za

[ AN EXPERT’S TIPS ]

“Bear in mind that custom-printed wallpaper takes roughly four to five days to dry completely,” says Adam Houghten of Inyanga Signage Specialists. If you are having your wallpaper custom printed, Adam suggests the following: • Ask your service provider to print on a single roll of wallpaper in one session. The large printers used for printing wallpaper run on different temperatures and printing in the morning and afternoon on the same day can lead to slight variations in colour. • Custom-printed wallpaper that is printed in panels should have an overlap of roughly 100mm on each of the panels. • When you receive the wallpaper, lay the different sections out on the floor and check that everything matches before you start installation. CONTACT inyangasignage.co.za

Natural selection

When Lizanne Viljoen of Durbanville wanted to brighten up her dining room, she enlisted the help of Jani Augustyn-Goussard of SophiaHelen Design Studio. “This wallpaper showcases the ‘From Mariana With Love’ design, which features wild olive branches, plumbagos and the small indigenous birds that inhabit them,” she says. Jani, who is also trained as an international colour language expert, was able to precisely match the background of the wallpaper with the existing paint on the other walls in the room so that the design could seamlessly blend with them. The tablecloth and seat cushions were also custom made with SophiaHelen designs that complement the wallpaper. Tip

If you’re not keen to cover an entire wall with wallpaper (or your budget doesn’t allow), you can also make a big impression with a single panel of wallpaper, says Jani. “Ready-to-glue strips are deﬁnitely a budget-friendly alternative. The 2.7 x 1.3m strips can be placed horizontally or vertically, and our designs give you the opportunity to customise each print in your choice of colours.” >> CONTACT sophiahelen.com February | March 2021

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wallpaper

The back wall is also covered in wallpaper in a complementary dark green, which adds extra texture to the space.

First impression When they moved into their new home in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, Morgane and Lionel Andrews only changed a few things. “The guest loo’s walls were painted cream, but I wanted people to feel like they were stepping into another world once they closed the door behind them. Wallpaper was the way to go,” says Morgane. “Initially, I wanted a design with lemons, like the one I’d seen at my favourite restaurant. But then I thought: ‘This is a house; I can be more creative’. Now the giant ﬂowers add colour and ﬂair to every loo visit.”

[ GLUE OR SELF-ADHESIVE? ]

• Modern printing methods and ﬁnishes means there is a much wider choice of wallpapers available. The traditional method of applying wallpaper with a special glue mixture remains popular for all the diﬀerent textures of paper – from suede and linen to more breathable woven paper. • Self-adhesive wallpaper allows you to install your own wallpaper relatively easily. This type usually comes in panels and the latest technology makes it easy to reposition them during installation.

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Wallpaper from Home Fabrics; bed and built-in bedside cabinets made by Ryan Christie Furniture; bedside lamps from @home; scatters and round rugs from MRP Home

The Nina Campbell Perroquet wallpaper, which was in the main bedroom when Morgane and Lionel bought the house, creates a dreamy atmosphere. They had a four-poster bed custom made just like the one the previous owners had in this space.

[ WALLPAPER IN ANY SPACE ]

It is possible to use wallpaper in rooms with high humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen, says Jan-Hendrik Groenewald of Groen Bespoke Wallpaper. “The installation is the same,” he explains. “As long as the surface doesn’t constantly get wet, such as inside a shower, it will work well. Good ventilation in the room is the only requirement.” However, Jan-Hendrik says that it’s a good idea to cover wallpaper in the kitchen with a glass splashback to protect it from grease splashes. “But most wallpaper available today can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge and a little bit of soapy water. “If you want to install shelves or brackets on top of new wallpaper, you must wait for at least 48 hours before drilling holes in the wall. In Cape winters, give it up to 72 hours.” >> CONTACT groenjan.co.za

wallpaper

Floral paradise The house in which Arnold and Katrien Botha previously lived was relatively modern. “We tried a minimalist style with neutral colours, but it actually drove us both crazy,” says Katrien. After the birth of their second daughter last year, they moved to this historic home in Strand and decided to incorporate their passion for ﬂowers and gardening into their décor. “We want to live surrounded by colour!” This botanical design from Groen Bespoke Wallpaper was the perfect option for the entrance hall. The Bothas decided to apply the wallpaper just up to the picture rail to accentuate the high ceilings in the house.

In three-year-old Klara’s bedroom, another Groen design provides a timeless aesthetic. Here, the Bothas also pasted the wallpaper to just below the picture rail and painted the strip above it in a complementary dusty-pink.

Tip

Don’t be afraid to be bold with your wallpaper, says Alana Groenewald of Groen Bespoke Wallpaper. “An accent wall can completely change any space and make it look new again. Choose a design that resonates with your style and personality.”

CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS @home 0860 834 834, home.co.za Art de Olivia 076 607 7315, artdeolivia.com Bofred 082 563 5640, bofred.co.za Cara Saven Wall Design 082 953 6246, carasaven.com CP Decor 083 602 0367, cpdecor.co.za Design Store 082 940 9200, designstore.co.za Groen Bespoke Wallpaper 082 749 6393, groenjan.co.za Hinterveld hinterveld.com Home Fabrics 021 425 8287, homefabrics.co.za IPrint 082 480 5616 Lei Lester 083 567 8554, leilester.co.za Makietie 084 206 9898, makietie-linne.shopstar.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Red Cat Design 082 862 5510, redcatdesign.co.za Ryan Christie Furniture 078 457 2524, ryanchristiefurniture.co.za SophiaHelen Design Studio 021 976 0114, sophiahelen.com St Leger & Viney 011 444 6722, stleger.co.za Timeless Timbers 021 882 9240, timelesstimbers.co.za

60 home February | March 2021

Deon de Goede

By Deon de Goede Photographs Francois Oberholster Production Marian van Wyk

Three’s company These versatile side tables can be placed next to each other, or with the necessary ‘social distance’.

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 7/10 Time needed 1 to 2 hours Do it yourself for ± R660: wood R550, screws R50, glue R40, sandpaper R20

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do it yourself

You will need SHOPPING LIST • 21mm plywood, cut to: nine 400 x 210mm pieces (legs) sixty-three 210 x 60mm pieces (tops) • two packets 6mm x 50mm chipboard screws • one packet 8mm x 30mm chipboard screws • Alcolin Fast Set Glue • 150-grit sandpaper • wood ﬁller

TOOLS • cordless drill and 3mm drill bit • pencil • tape measure • circular or hand saw • plane

PROJECT NOTES • Ask your timber merchant to cut the vertical edges of the rectangular planks at an angle of 30°. Note that the inside and outer edge of the legs slope downwards. • The tops consist of rectangular planks screwed together, one by one, between the three legs (seven planks in each segment). • Sand the planks beforehand.

210 mm

Here’s how...

1 400 mm

Sketch 1

150 mm

1 Mark and cut the nine 400 x 210mm leg pieces as shown in sketch 1. Mark the position for two pilot holes 30mm in from the inner sides where the panels will be screwed together. Hold three of the planks together and screw them together with the 6mm x 50mm screws.

250 mm

60 mm

30 mm 30 mm

Sketch 2 210 x 60mm top planks cut at a 30° angle

Tip Use one of the top planks to determine the angle for the pilot holes.

2 Glue and screw the 210 x 60mm planks between the legs, one by one (seven in each segment). Remember to also apply glue to the short side that ﬁts against the leg plank (on the right in the photos), and position the screws alternately so that they don’t end up on top of the previous ones. Repeat the process to make two more tables to complete your set.

Did you know? Deon runs his own business and can make anything under the sun – from tables like this to kitchen cabinets and wardrobes. Send an email to deon@diydeon.co.za or call 084 589 5026.

3 Even off the edges of the planks for the top by cutting them straight. Using the plane, smooth the legs ﬂush with the top. Fill all screw holes with wood ﬁller, allow to dry and sand the edges.

Timber supplied by Timbercity (timbercity.co.za)

advice

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za

Ask the experts

Compiled by Shané Barnard

Need help creating a restful bedroom or wondering how to ﬁx uneven grouting? You ask – we ﬁnd the answers. Successful sleep

Jana van der Merwe of Bellville writes With the ‘new normal’ of working from home, I need to reclaim my bedroom as a no-work zone ‘after hours’. What can I do to make this space more relaxing and beneficial for good sleep? Greg Smart, CEO of Vencasa, replies If you also use your bedroom to work from, start turning it back into your sleep sanctuary at sunset. Try these tips: Reduce bright light Complete darkness throughout the night is recommended. Dim the lights and keep your room gadget-free at night. Reduce the time you spend in front of screens, or install an app that ‘filters’ the harmful blue light on your cell phone, tablet or laptop. Apps such as Night Shift, Twilight, Darker, Night Owl or Blue Light Filter will reduce the brightness of your screen; some devices already have an app like this pre-installed. Temperature regulation Try splashing your face with water as this tells the body to release melatonin. The water helps dissipate heat from the surface of the skin as it evaporates, thereby cooling the inner body core. The recommended room temperature is about 18°C. Alternatively, take a hot bath before bed. This will help you to relax and the drop in body temperature after getting out of the bath may help you feel sleepy. Design your best night’s sleep ecosystem This entails the correct selection of the following elements: a mattress, pillow, bed base and bed frame, linen, lighting, and temperature. Vencasa recommends using an adjustable base as the benefits of elevating one’s shoulders and feet while resting are well established. The ability to adjust your bed with the touch of a button allows you to find the perfect sleep position; this relieves any strain on your body, including pressure on your heart, and improves circulation. CONTACT vencasa.co.za

64 home February | March 2021

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.

Water woes

Darelle McArthur of Newlands in Cape Town writes I’m retiling my shower and plan to use the existing shower base for the new tiles. How do I ensure that my shower never leaks again? Celeste Margo le Roux of React24 replies Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the shower will never leak, but prevention is better than cure. Minimise potential water ingress and leaks in your shower by ensuring the following: 1 Shower walls should be waterproofed prior to tiling; use a waterproofing catalyst agent mixed into the cement when plastering the shower walls. Once the waterproofed plastered cement walls have dried, another layer of liquid waterproofing can be applied. There are a number of products available; try Coprox or Sika. 2 Tiling When installing the wall and floor tiles, ensure that a waterproofing agent is used in the tile glue and ensure that the tiles set properly. When grouting the tile lines, you should also add a waterproofing agent such as a bonding liquid (try Alcolin Permabond) into the grout mix. 3 Shower base or floor The shower floor must be prepared correctly: lay down DPC (Damp Proof Course) or an equivalent industry insulation membrane on the raw substrate of the shower floor. When laying the shower floor topping with concrete, the entire area must be waterproofed. The floor should also have a decent drainage gradient of at least 300mm to the drainage point. Once the shower floor has dried, another application of bonding liquid is advised. Where possible, avoid PVC shower floors as they tend to be temperamental if not installed correctly. CONTACT react24.co.za

Flawed ﬂoor tiles

Sina Mhinga of Giyani, Limpopo writes How do I even out grout joins so they become smooth and level with my porcelain floor tiles? The installation of the tiles was poorly executed and I don’t have the budget to replace them. I’d like to have a seamless finish since the entire floor is affected. Nicole Russel of Italtile replies Re-grouting the floor won’t necessarily level the tiles. It may improve the overall look, but you’ll still have protruded edges if the tiles haven’t been installed correctly. Should you choose to re-grout, follow these steps: 1 Remove the top 3–4mm of grout with a grout-removing tool, not a grinder. 2 Once this top layer has been removed, clean the joins properly. 3 Apply new grout and ensure that it’s mixed to a smooth consistency. The tiler must follow the instructions on the bag of grout, or find tips on our website. Unfortunately, the best way to achieve a seamless finish is to remove all the tiles and employ a qualified expert to retile the entire floor. CONTACT italtile.co.za

Quick questions Q: Where can I ﬁnd dining chairs like the ones on page 17 of your April 2020 edition? – Johanna Masango, Pretoria A: These Eames-inspired chairs with armrests are a popular design; similar styles are available from homeware retailers with various options for the legs in either wood or metal. Try Esque (esque.co.za), @home (home.co.za), Elevenpast (elevenpast.co.za), Chair Crazy (chaircrazy.co.za) or Mad Chair Company (madchaircompany.co.za).

Q: I’ve been looking for a small wood-burning oven for a tight corner in our home for ages; where did the homeowners ﬁnd the stove featured on page 63 of your September 2020 issue? – Erica le Roux, Polokwane A: The cast-iron combustion oven is the Witsand model from The Fireplace Company (theﬁreplacecompany.co.za).

Q: The two cane hanging chairs on page 30 of your November/December 2020 issue are beautiful; where did the owners get them? – Nicolette Tavares, Johannesburg A: The chairs are from Eight Degrees South (eightdegreessouth.com); you can ﬁnd similar designs at Knus (knus.co) and Esque (esque.co.za).

Q: What paint colours were used on the boundary wall and structures in the garden on page 94 of your February 2020 edition? – Liesl Cousins, Cape Town A: The colour on the walls was a custom mix from Paint Master (paint-master.co.za) called Mystic. The structures were painted with Tjhoko Paint (tjhokopaint.co.za) in the colour Asgat.

Stash it or trash it? Copycat

Lyn Nance of Port Elizabeth writes I’d like to know more about this Copie d’ancien Sevres bowl; the dimensions are 8cm (H) x 30cm (L; including metal ornamentation) x 18cm (W). It clearly announces itself as a copy, but I’d still like to find out what it’s worth. Can you help? Ainsley Taylor of Stephan Welz & Co. replies In 18 century Europe, Chinese porcelain was one of the most highly prized commodities in the Western world, and vast quantities were shipped at great expense to Europe to meet the demands of the wealthy aristocracy. Aware of the potential fortune to be made if this ‘white gold’ could be produced locally, Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, financed several scientists and alchemists with the sole purpose of discovering the recipe for making porcelain. Success took several years, but in 1710 the first European porcelain production started at the royal factory at Meissen in Germany. The French were quick to follow suit, with King Louis XV financing the establishment of a factory at Vincennes. This soon expanded to a new site at Sevres, forever linking this name with fine porcelain. Under the directorship and stylistic influence of Madam de Pompadour, the King’s mistress, the Sevres factory flourished. The cerise metal-mounted porcelain dish in question here is, as the mark indicates, a 20th century reproduction of a 19th century piece. CIRCA 20th century VALUE Decorative value only CONTACT swelco.co.za th

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DÉCOR SCHOOL

3 DAYS OF

DECOR INSPIRATION The ﬁrst Tuis | Home Décor School in partnership with Mr Price Home was a roaring success!

Behind-the-scenes and portraits photographer Marzanne Schoeman

hat to do when you shop till you drop only to find that all your beautiful buys won’t fit into the bus that got you to the mall? You hire an extra-large van, of course! And that’s exactly what happened when the 13 attendees at the very first Tuis | Home Décor School left the Mr Price Home Canal Walk flagship store with no less than 13 shopping trolleys, dragging the odd side table, ottoman, room divider and rug along with them. But let’s start at the beginning. When news broke early in 2020 that Tuis | Home would host its first three-day Décor School, the response was overwhelming. In true Tuis | Home style, creative editor Marian van Wyk recommended a beautiful manor house in Cape Town as the perfect venue for the event – with two beautiful light-filled bedrooms ideal for cover shoots. Day 1 was informative with Kerry Strauss, marketing director of Mr Price Home, sharing décor trends and her take on the fascinating world of homeware retail with the group of keen students. Tuis | Home editor Wicus Pretorius and Marian coached the students on how to prepare for their cover shoots, along with photographers Henrique Wilding and Greg Cox. Then they were whisked off to Mr Price Home in Canal Walk, where they could each select 10 décor pieces to add oomph to the space they would style and shoot the next day. Monochrome or colourful, quirky or classic, contemporary or industrial – there’s something to suit every style at Mr Price Home! >>

Décor school IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

From left: Mr Price Home’s Sarnelia Mandapalli, PR and special projects coordinator; Kerry Strauss, marketing director; Fadeela Dada Mia, social media coordinator.

Thanks to food editor Johané Neilson, no one had to ‘work’ on an empty stomach.

Due to Covid-19, student numbers had to be limited to ensure that everyone adhered to strict health and safety protocols.

February | March 2021

home

DÉCOR SCHOOL Day 2 of Décor School involved a lot of hard work to complete 13 cover shoots in a single day – but the students did not disappoint. Here are the brilliant results of a single shopping trip to Mr Price Home... ANNA-MARIÉ BOUWER (CLERK), BRACKENFELL “I wanted to create a light and airy neutral space that would be both playful and cosy. I was very surprised to hear that the photographers would be shooting only one angle for the cover. I had all sorts of plans for other nooks and crannies in the room, so I panicked. But photographer Henrique was fantastic; she helped me make the best of everything. Over the three days, we interacted a lot with the Tuis | Home team and it’s clear that they value their readers’ input when they compile the magazine.” DEBBIE TARRANT (HOMEMAKER), NOORDHOEK “I selected my décor pieces with the Commodores song Easy Like Sunday Morning in mind. I imagined a cosy, romantic, relaxed lie-in; what better way to spend a lockdown Sunday morning? Initially, I stressed about ﬁnding the décor pieces that I had in mind, but when I saw the incredible choice available at Mr Price Home, I could relax and ﬁnd my thread.” Cover photographs Henrique Wilding (white bedroom) and Greg Cox (blue bedroom) • Production Marian van Wyk

JANNIQUE GILDENHUYS (INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENT), KUILS RIVER “A bedroom is a place of rest, so I wanted to add just the right amount of texture to create a soft, light and relaxed feel. I ﬁnished the look with a neutral palette of soft pink, brown, cream, brass and white, and then added a pop of blue for oomph. A plant is a must-have to bring life into a room and help you relax. At Décor School I learned that a stylist must always have a Plan B. I was surprised by how quickly everything happens. You must have everything handy – from scissors to new ideas.”

JUWAN BEYERS (STUDENT CHEF), STELLENBOSCH “For my cover, I simply styled the space with pieces I love. During our Mr Price Home store visit, I sourced accessories with contrasting textures and in different styles but with a coherent palette. I knew the cushions would not only create a warm, cosy and inviting ambience, but also add the wow factor. For me, as a student chef specialising in food media, it was wonderful to see how one can express creativity with such passion and share it with Home readers who appreciate it.”

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MARGARÉ DU TOIT (CLINICAL RESEARCH DOCTOR), PRETORIA “Although a bedroom is a quiet haven, it also needs elements of spontaneity. I achieved this by adding pops of colour with items such as the ﬂoral comforter. To create the effect of a headboard, I stuck two doormats on the wall with Perma Picture Hanging Strips from the styling kit we received upon arrival at Décor School. My biggest challenge was to stick to sourcing only 10 items from the variety at Mr Price Home in such a short time. And not to ‘over-style’.”

LINDRI VISSER (BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIER), BELLVILLE “I played around with contrast, texture and focal points to create a cool, fresh ambience. My biggest styling challenge was to ‘shrink’ the entire room into a single picture. At Décor School I learned that less really is more. It was very interesting to experience what goes into a cover production – from the initial shoot to cover lines that complement the image.”

RENETTE OPPERMAN (GRAPHIC DESIGNER), NAPIER “Cosy, comfortable and elegant were keywords when I selected my 10 items; I was also after a piece that would create a focal point. As soon as I had the pretty ﬂoral rug in my trolley, I selected accessories to complement it. My second ﬁnd was the ochre ottoman. From there, I focused on adding textural variety, as explained by Marian.”

MARLENE ORFFER (PHOTOGRAPHER), WINDHOEK “The moment I saw an abundance of sunshine, I knew a neutral palette with subtle hints of mustard and soft blue would complement this room. For cosy touches, I added a plant as well as a textured stool and cushions. I found it so inspirational to see how other creatives’ heads work.”

MARYKE ROBERTS (JOURNALIST), STRAND “Because lockdown clipped our travel wings, a pretty Asian sketch (seen on the nightstand) grabbed my attention. I wanted to create a room that could be in a far-ﬂung place. The Persian rug reminded me of a hotel room in Istanbul that I stayed in some years ago. In my head, I wanted to be in that space again. The patterned cushions and throws from Mr Price Home add to the exotic Middle Eastern feel.” >>

The Décor School was such a privilege and inspiration! As a brand that eats, sleeps and breathes interior design and décor in the homes of real people who love to invest in making their spaces a reﬂection of who they are, it was so special to meet and spend time with Tuis | Home readers – their passion certainly exceeded our own! A highlight was witnessing how much creativity ﬁlled the room – even though all the students were tasked with a similar bedroom project, everyone’s approach, use of colour, choice of featured items, vision boards and expression of ideas was unique! We can’t wait to partner with Tuis | Home again for another exciting Décor School experience! – Kerry Strauss, Marketing Director at Mr Price Home

MARIANNA BURGER SMITH (VILLA OWNER), PRETORIA “I styled my cover for those readers with a contemporary, eclectic décor style. Life is too short to be dull, so I steered clear of so-called ‘safe choices’ and combined a Moroccan-style mirror with glamorous elements like a furry stool, yellow metallics and a plush mustard comforter; the Tretchikoff cushion, a lucky find in the house, pulls the eclectic look together.” RENÉE DANEEL (RESTAURATEUR), NAPIER “The blue footstool was the very first item I spotted at Mr Price Home and it became the starting point for my styling process. I love how the blue wall brightens up and lends elegance to the otherwise stark white room. With the windows flung wide open, flooding the room with natural light, the trees outside became part of the interior, and I repeated that element of nature by adding plants and flowers.”

SHIRMA GERBER (FINANCIAL ASSISTANT), CRADOCK “I love using items for a purpose different to what they were intended for and I was over the moon when I found the white room divider in Mr Price Home. It made the perfect headboard. From there, I chose accessories based on my own décor philosophy: beautiful yet practical; cosy, relaxed and uncluttered with a quirky surprise element, like the leopard cushion I added. For extra texture and pattern, I selected a rug and ottoman to complete the vintage look I love.” WENETTE JORDAAN (MASTERS STUDENT: CONSUMER SCIENCE), PRETORIA “I knew I wanted to accessorise with steel and woven baskets to create a contemporary feel in the room with its wooden ﬂoor. At Mr Price Home, I lost my heart to this bohemian patterned rug; I just knew it was going to create a cosy atmosphere. When I spotted a pretty mustard tablecloth, I decided to use it as a quilt. To make the room more inviting, I added plants. I was so inspired by my Décor School experience that I’ve launched my own online décor shop called Yellow Door.”

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February | March 2021

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From ruin to refuge Family history and big dreams inspired Albert van Niekerk to turn a dilapidated 1800s structure into a charming cottage.

By Dina Venter • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Production Marian van Wyk

Albert and his girlfriend Anmar with Benji on the front stoep of the cottage he restored (above). The exterior was given a fresh coat of white paint and the wooden window frames and doors, which were previously bottlegreen, were updated with a charcoal-coloured paint from Prominent Paints.

Before

74 home February | March 2021

Email your renovation to experts@homemag.co.za

n Niekerk, a winemaker, grew up in the erg and his family has been farming in this n for six generations. About 60 years ago, his ndfather bought a neighbouring farm which had two houses and a barn on the property. se dates back to the 1880s; the other one was built higher up the hill in the 1920s. Both were rented out for a short time before falling into disuse. Yet the property has always held sentimental value for the Van Niekerks. “From an early age, all our uncles, aunts and

WHO LIVES HERE? Albert van Niekerk and his dog, Benji WHERE The farm Varsfontein between Caledon and Greyton in the Western Cape SIZE 95m²

advice

cousins would have picnics with my grandparents here under the oak trees,” Albert explains. Later, he and his university friends would have braais at the older house, which they jokingly dubbed “the haunted house”. It had always been Albert’s dream to ﬁx up this older house, but it made no ﬁnancial sense. When he got a job in the area in 2018, he started looking for rental homes. “The only options were in Hermanus or Onrus – at a fairly steep price,” he says. “But then I realised that the perfect opportunity to restore the ‘haunted house’ had presented itself.” >>

WITH FLAIR 2020

Innovation winner! Albert, who has a passion for old furniture, kept the lounge suite for years before giving it pride of place in the cottage. The kelim was bought on a trip to Turkey and the crocheted scatters are his mom’s handiwork.

Pink and geometric scatters from Skinny laMinx; vase on coffee table from MRP Home February | March 2021

home

A budget-savvy solution Albert entrusted the renovation project to JM Crous Bouers, a local company that has taken care of any construction work needed on the Van Niekerks’ farm for many years. Despite the house’s dilapidated appearance, its corrugated iron roof structure, interior doors and walls were all solid and in good condition. It could be restored with minimal changes, a bit of refurbishment and a lick of paint. Albert also decided to break out the interior wall between the living room and kitchen, thus creating a larger open-plan living area. The alcove in the kitchen, which previously housed an old coal stove, was enlarged and converted into an indoor braai; the narrow chimney was demolished and rebuilt. “It creates the perfect ambience for get-togethers around the table and also heats up the entire house very nicely in winter.”

Before

Unfortunately, 60 years of wear and tear made the original wooden ﬂoors unsalvageable. “Simple cement ﬂoors were an affordable solution, and they cool down the house during our hot Overberg summers,” he says. All that’s been added is a sun porch outside the kitchen door. Today, the end result is very close to what the house would have looked like originally. “My budget was limited, so my main focus was to make the house liveable. I think that’s what forced me to keep it as authentic as possible. Major changes would have cost too much.”

The glass in the interior doors was replaced and Albert created a stainedglass effect with a special tint he bought from PNA. The display cabinet is an heirloom piece.

Workbenches from Buco serve as kitchen counters; a hole was cut in one to accommodate the double sink.

Furniture and décor

One of the few changes to the original ﬂoor plan was the addition of a sun porch outside the kitchen door.

In keeping with the style of the house, Albert filled it with a combination of retro and antique furniture pieces that he purchased or inherited over time. “I’ve always been drawn to old furniture. I have collected many pieces over the years and almost every one has a story,” he says. One such piece is the display cabinet that was previously used to store medical equipment in his grandfather’s consulting room. When he retired, no one wanted it. Albert kept it until he could find a place for it. Albert also had his eye on the mid-century mustard-yellow lounge suite that no one in the family wanted. “It lay in a barn for years, covered in a thick layer of dust, but I was able to refurbish it by cleaning the upholstery and oiling the wood a little.” Decorating the house, however, was something Albert did not have to do alone. His girlfriend Anmar Sprong, a fellow winemaker in the area, provided invaluable input during all the phases of the restoration. Between Anmar and Albert’s mom Elsabé, all the finer details were worked out. “I must admit, a lot of the stuff they brought in I sneaked out again when it got a little too cluttered for my liking,” he says with a smile. Albert does not regret for one moment the time, effort and money he invested in the project. “The house and yard form a major part of my family’s history. It would have been an injustice to let it fall into total disrepair. Being able to revive it, rather than demolish it, was not only very important to me, but also to the rest of the family who attach as much sentimental value to it as I do.” >>

Tea towel from Skinny laMinx

February | March 2021

home

Making it work The house has never had electricity in the 140 years of its existence. Somewhat isolated, it could not be connected to any existing water or electricity network. Albert, therefore, relies on a more natural way of doing things. A windmill pumps water for the bathroom from one of the springs on the property. But since the spring water is brackish, rainwater is collected in a tank for drinking and use in the kitchen. “The house is at the foot of a steep hill and thanks to gravity we don’t need pumps,” he explains. For electricity, the cottage is equipped with 10 solar panels that can generate 5kW of electricity, run a converter and charge a lithium battery, all set up and installed by Cedar Solar. “It was a huge moment for all of us when we were able to switch on lights for the ﬁrst time!” says Albert with a chuckle. Although small, the system generates more than enough electricity for the house. For the rest, Albert relies on gas for cooking and heating water. “You have to learn to make adjustments to your daily life, such as switching off lights or rather boiling water on the stove than in an electric kettle,” he explains. >>

78 home February | March 2021

The wardrobe in the main bedroom is a second-hand ﬁnd from Facebook Marketplace. Old suitcases from a second-hand shop add character. Scatters from Skinny laMinx

PROMOTION

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Did you know? 1

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IsoBoard is easy to install; watch the video at homemag.co.za.

advice Shower

Loo Front stoep

A René Magritte print provides contrast to the antique furniture in the guest room.

Main bedroom Braai stoep

Yellow cushion from Skinny laMinx; botanical cushions from MRP Home; towel from Mungo Design

Kitchen

Guest bedroom

Lounge/living area

Indoor braai Veggie garden

Sun porch

Total: R214 620 Gravel, bricks, cement

12 108

Lintels, plastic sealant

3 225

Carpentry

2 716

Paints and materials

5 802

Tiles

8 352

Geyser

3 300

Doors and windows

6 117

Electrical wiring Solar system The bathroom was updated with a black and white tile combination from CTM.

The house is situated at the foot of a hill. Water from storage tanks at the top house is gravity-fed downwards, so no pumps are needed.

800 90 000

Electrician

6 403

Plumbing

8 197

Lighting

3 300

Extras

12 000

Building contractor

52 300

ALBERT’S TIPS FOR USING SOLAR POWER AND RAINWATER • Activities that require a lot of power (washing laundry, for example) must be carried out before noon so the batteries can recharge fully in the afternoon. • Keep boiled water warm in a thermos so that you don’t have to use the kettle unnecessarily. • Invest in individual solarpowered outdoor lights to reduce the load on the system. • Utilise all possible roof surfaces to collect rainwater.

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Buco 021 927 5000, buco.co.za Cedar Solar 011 794 4664, cedarsolar.com CTM 010 003 9987, ctm.co.za JM Crous Bouers 083 310 2339 MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Mungo Design 021 201 2374, 044 533 1395, mungo.co.za PNA 011 672 4391, pna.co.za Prominent Paints 0861 77 66 46, prominentpaints co. a Skinny laMinx 021 424 6290, shop.skinnylaminx.com

80 home February | March 2021

advice

Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za

Animal antics

Compiled by Shané Barnard

Besties for life!

Double vision Sisters Coco and Sia do everything together. – Charmoné Oosthuizen, Riversdale

All in a day’s work Thuli helps with Waaldo’s schoolwork. – Mercia Nieuwenhuyse, Kidd’s Beach, Eastern Cape

Dog-tired! Coco joins Carlené for a nap after a birthday party. – Carmi van der Merwe, Klipheuwel

Hot product

Close for comfort Rescue cats Sprinkels and Nr. 7 are inseparable. – Janneke Bester, Excelsior, Free State

82 home February | March 2021

Store your pet’s food and treats in a stylish Oreo foodholder from Petsville (from R599, petsville.co.za). Made from birch plywood that’s been treated to prevent moisture from penetrating the laminated edges, the foodholders will keep your pet’s food fresh. Rubber feet make the box sturdy, while the Perspex panel built into the front provides a view of the food level. They’re available in three sizes: a 2kg treat box, and 10kg and 20kg food storage boxes.

Q&A Hair today, gone tomorrow

Home’s creative editor, Marian van Wyk of Sea Point, writes My rescue cat Nebukatneser had the most beautiful belly fur – a blend of white, grey, brown and ginger. In March last year, she had to undergo a battery of tests for a bladder infection that kept reoccurring and the hair on her tummy was shaved off. To our (and I think her) dismay, it still hasn’t grown back. Any advice?

Brotherly love Liam-Visser and his cat Grey. – Ilana van Rensburg, Brackenfell

Sharing is caring Chaos and Tao share everything – even their snacks! – Roshane Tedder, Hilton, KZN

WIN!

Each owner whose pet is featured here wins a large Designer Futon for dogs or a Nap Sack for cats from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za). Available from leading vet and pet shops, the Designer Futon is as comfortable as it is beautiful. The trendy soft canvas fabric is waterresistant and durable, while the recycled polycotton fibre filling ensures great support and insulation against the cold. The Nap Sack will be your cat’s favourite hiding spot with its luxurious coral fleece on the inside and soft stylish canvas on the outside. You can even roll the sides over to suit your pet’s height preference. Send your pics (at least 2MB each) and details to pets@homemag.co.za – you could be a winner too! See competition rules on page 129.

...and now

Back then...

Veterinary surgeon Analize Theron of Fourways Veterinary Hospital replies Hair follicles undergo a growth cycle consisting of several phases: a growth phase, a regression phase, a dormant phase and then a shedding phase. What happened to Nebukatneser is what we call hair follicle stasis. We suspect it happens when the hair is shaved off in the regression or dormant phase but the speciﬁc reason is unknown. Fortunately, hair follicle stasis is extremely rare and occurs mostly in dogs with thick fur such as Huskies, Corgis or Labradors and sometimes in cats. Unfortunately, there is no treatment. Nebukatneser (and her human family) will have to wait until the hair follicles recover on their own; this can take anything from six months to two years. Although hair follicle stasis may occur in healthy animals, it is a good idea to take any pet suffering from this condition to a vet for a general examination. Underlying health conditions such as an underactive thyroid gland, among others, could contribute to hair follicle stasis. CONTACT 011 705 3411, fourwaysvet.co.za February | March 2021

home

advice

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

Gardening notebook

Compiled by Gillian Eva • Photographs Francois Oberholster and supplied

No matter the size of your home or garden, greenery is always an option!

Little wonders

Tiny plants are the sweetest little solutions for gardeners with limited space. The advantage of going small, other than tiny plants being simply adorable, is that they are fast-growing and will still look lovely as they get bigger. Save space by going vertical or start a mini veggie garden and experiment with microgreens – they’re delicious! Microgreens are also a great choice for beginner gardeners who are still ﬁnding their green ﬁngers.

SUNNY SIDE UP!

Gillian Eva

SunPatiens are impatiens that can be grown in full sun. The thicker petals and tough foliage of these impatiens mean they are less prone to disease, and their strong sturdy stems tolerate high heat and humidity. Plant them in well-drained soil in a spot that gets morning sun and they’ll reward you with non-stop blooms from spring to autumn.

Micro gardens Raised beds and edible pots are great space-savers and good for growing beginner veggie gardens. Sow pot peppers, mini tomatoes, and compactly-sown microgreens for a tasty patch of nutrition. To give your microgreens the best head start, use special vegetable compost, available at your garden centre.

Did you know? Microgreens are the seedlings of any edible plant. They contain a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals compared to their fully mature counterparts. Ask an expert at your local garden centre to help you choose the best edibles for microgreen sowing.

84 home February | March 2021

Mini tomatoes

Copy supplied by Life is a Garden; go to lifeisagarden.co.za for more, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: lifeisagardensa.

Fittonia

Heartleaf philodendron

Go up!

Polka dot plant

If your stoep or balcony space is limited, utilise the walls for vertical gardening and the roof for suspended adornments. Bring in fascination by hanging soil-less air plants to cover up walls, or use trendy macramé hangers to hold hanging pots for a splash of texture in bare corners. String-of-pearls and heartleaf philodendron are ideal for hanging pots and baskets.

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’

Small contenders for indoors • Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ has unique yellow-hued leaves, which change colour over time. Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides. • Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ and Philodendron ‘Hope’ are compact versions of the larger varieties that bring in tropical ambience with their lush evergreen leaves. • The polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is perfect for pots with its brightly spotted leaves in shades of pink, purple, white and red. • Calandiva, known also as ﬂowering kalanchoe, is a drought-tolerant plant boasting profuse long-ﬂowering blooms available in a variety of colours. • Fittonia is ideal for indoor décor with striking contrasting veins running through its foliage, available in a variety of colours.

String-of-pearls

February | March 2021

home

Grow your own! Lack of space is no longer an issue when it comes to growing your own veggies. The expanding range of Simply Delicious veggies – perfect for small spaces – makes it possible to grow compact varieties of tomatoes, brinjals, sweet peppers, chillies, cucumbers and even mini butternuts in pots. Don’t forget about herbs, leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, Asian greens), baby carrots, radishes and beetroot that take up very little space and thrive in containers.

Mini marvels These veggies are ideal for growing in compact areas: • ‘Little Sicily’ tomatoes are tidy growers that stay at a manageable height of 60cm and produce lots of medium-sized tomatoes at the peak of summer. Plant in a mediumsized container. • The two brinjal varieties, ‘Hansel’ and ‘Gretel’, produce clusters of glossy black and white fingerling fruits (respectively) on 91cm-tall plants that generally don’t need supporting. • Mini-bell sweet peppers include varieties like the orange, red or yellow ‘Sweet Snack’, and ‘Snackabelle’ which has red, sweetly flavoured fruit with easy-to-remove stems and seeds. These dwarf peppers produce up to 30 fruits in two flushes. • ‘La Bomba’ is a dwarf jalapeño chilli that grows 46cm tall and wide, and delivers continuous yields of large, medium hot dark green peppers.

Find Simply Delicious patio veggies and herbs at garden centres, selected supermarkets and hardware stores or buy seed online at gropak.co.za.

Sweet pepper ‘Snackabelle’

Tips for success Vegetables grown in pots have some easy-to-meet basic needs: • Use good quality potting soil, incorporate additional palm peat for water retention and drainage, and organic slow-release 2:3:2 or 3:1:5 fertiliser. • Choose well-sized pots; the smaller the pot, the faster it dries out. • Morning sun and afternoon shade is best. Don’t place pots against a hot, west-facing wall. • Deal with pests immediately, using an organic insecticide. • Water daily in hot weather and feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser.

86 home February | March 2021

Brinjal ‘Hansel’

Kitchen garden tasks • Water regularly during hot, dry weather. • Shelter tender leafy crops from midday sun with shade cloth. • Fertilise fruiting crops with an organic 5:1:5 fertiliser or Ludwig’s Vigorosa. • Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and more fruit. • At the end of the month, start sowing autumn and winter veggies in seed trays. • Remove the ﬂowers on butternuts and other squashes so that plants put their energy into ripening existing fruit.

Chilli ‘La Bomba’

[ WHAT TO SOW NOW ] Summer rainfall areas All brassicas, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, Swiss chard, leeks and onions. Winter rainfall areas All brassicas, beetroot, carrots, celery and lettuce. Subtropical areas Beans, beetroot, brinjal, capsicum, carrots, celery, onion, radish, Swiss chard and tomatoes. >>

Sleek. Simple. Stylish.

Ari dining set includes 1.8m dining table + 2 benches

9 999

www.coricraft.co.za

Ask Ludwig

Space saver Bambino ﬁcus

Love indoor plants but running out of space? Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’ is a mini version of the popular and unusual fiddle leaf fig. While the larger variety grows into a substantial indoor specimen, this remains compact, only growing 1m tall, but offering the same interesting leaf shape. Besides being a feature, the leathery, deep-green leaves also help to purify the air. Place in a position that receives bright indirect ‘Bambino’ ficus light. It can tolerate limited morning sun. Water when the surface of the soil becomes slightly dry. Overwatering or insufficient light may cause brown spots on the leaves or leaf drop. The plant will appreciate a misting of the leaves in very hot and dry weather. Feed with liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month during its growing season. CONTACT lvgplants.co.za

We love succulents!

Echeveria setosa ‘Oliver’

This is one of the more unusual rosette-type succulents and unlike most echeverias, produces showy inflorescences of large orange flowers tipped with yellow in summer. Another distinctive characteristic is that the lime-green rosettes and leaves are covered with fine hairs, giving it a soft, furry appearance. The leaves often develop a pink edging, making it a most attractive garden shrublet. How to grow Plant in full sun or semi-shade, preferably with afternoon shade in summer. Like other succulents, it needs well-drained soil and should not be overwatered or sit in water; only water when the topsoil is dry. Fertilising is not necessary, although it will appreciate some fertiliser once in a while. It tolerates cold but in very cold areas rather bring plants indoors. As indoor plants, they need bright light and can take some morning sun. Garden uses This branching echeveria is a low-growing shrublet (up to 30cm tall) that works well as a front-of-border plant in a mixed succulent bed. The inflorescence may be up to 40cm long, adding to its showiness. Plants will also show off well in containers. Did you know? This plant is thought to be a hybrid of E. setosa and E. harmsii and is sometimes sold under the names of Echeveria setosa x harmsii or Echeveria ‘Set-Oliver’. Common problems Overwatering can cause the plant to rot – a sure sign of this is leaves and stems turning black. Take the plant out of the ground or the pot, cut away the blackened parts and keep the healthy parts. Let them dry out for 3–7 days, then repot or replant in soil that drains well. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

88 home February | March 2021

Beat the heat

Geraldine van Wyk of Bloemfontein writes

My ‘Thuli Madonsela’ roses are suffering in the heat, in spite of regular watering. How can I keep them looking fresh? Ludwig replies Roses, like people, appreciate a cooling shower when it is very hot. Put on the sprinkler for about 10 minutes during the hottest part of the day or spray lightly with a hand-held hose. This cools down the plants and the immediate environment. Roses don’t mind their leaves getting wet and in hot weather they dry off ‘Thuli Madonsela’ so quickly there’s no danger of fungal disease. Roses need 15–20L of water a week (including grey water) during the hot months if there is no rainfall. Also make sure that the water is getting to the roots of the rose. If the soil is compact, push the fork into the ground around the rose and wiggle it, loosening to a depth of 30cm. Lightly tilling compost into the topsoil will help too; water well afterwards. CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za

Ask JJ Avo damage Ann Redloff of Vredendal writes

We were hit hard with very little seasonal rain for about 2–3 years. We only watered when allowed, concentrating on the citrus and avocado trees in our garden. The avo tree bears huge fruits which, when cut open, are edible but this year they had lots of dark marks on the outside. What could be causing this? JJ replies The most common problem in avocados is anthracnose, a black blotch fungal disease. Unfortunately, this can affect the fruit as well as the leaves. The dark spots on the flesh of your avos looks like anthracnose, but the outside looks like fruit fly damage. The only way to treat anthracnose is to use either Mycogard or Odeon. A good fruit fly insecticide is Spray-Kill 5. >> Listen to JJ’s gardening tips and tricks on Derrich Gardner’s show Brekfis met Derrich at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG.

advice

Garden goodies Compiled by Beatrice Moore Nöthnag l

Marltons garden bird seed mix (2kg) R54.99, Game

Faithful to Nature

New in nurseries! Pretty in pink

Cement butterﬂy birdbath (26cm) R229.99, MRP Home

Garden Master hand rake R32, Builders

Garden Master pink hosepipe (2m) R230, Builders

‘Pink Shimmer’ is a petite mounded Cuphea variety with small pink and white fan-shaped ﬂowers that cover the plant from early spring onwards. It grows in full sun or partial sun, is heat tolerant and doesn’t need deadheading, even under hot conditions. Use it as a low-growing (25cm high) neat border or edging plant, as well as in mixed containers. Space plants 20–30cm apart to allow them to grow into a well-branched, naturally compact plant, 30–45cm wide. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

Cradle resin accent chair R1 390, Patio Warehouse

Large woven basket R299.99, MRP Home

R.a.w birch plywood foldable picnic table with wine bucket and wine glass cut-outs (50 x 42 x 22.5cm) R899, yuppiechef.com

Garden Master walk-in grow tent (1 430 x 1 430 x 1 950mm) R1 700, Builders

STOCKISTS @home 0861 111 761, home.co.za Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Faithful to Nature 021 785 3268, faithful-to-nature.co.za Game 0861 426 333, game.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Patio Warehouse 087 825 1120, patiowarehouse.co.za

90 home February | March 2021

The Home Garden heirloom seeds R29 each, @home

crossword #149

Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht

of eight NB Publishers books worth R240 could be yours. WIN! One Everyone has an idea that they believe could be a business. As you read this blurb that idea is in your head, isn’t it? But so is the fear of failure, the apprehension to take that first step and the concern that you don’t have what it takes. Very few people take the leap but with the economy turned upside down by Covid-19, there’s no better time to get started on your side hustle – to experiment and generate extra income. Entrepreneur Nic Haralambous has spent 20 years building businesses, learning the hard lessons and figuring out what it takes to launch a side hustle – this book gives you the tools to take that leap. The first eight readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a copy of How to Start a Side Hustle worth R240. Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #149, PO Box 1802, Cape Town, or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 25 March 2021. See our competition rules on page 129.

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

92 home February | March 2021

Note: The solution to Crossword #147 is available online at homemag.co.za.

Self-seeders and perennials provide an abundance of colour in neatly framed beds. Roses, which are more permanent, add structure while annuals ensure there’s plenty of variety. WHO LIVES HERE? Petra Derksen and Trix the Schnauzer WHERE Stellenbosch SIZE OF FRONT GARDEN 252m² TYPE OF SOIL Loam

Petra Derksen and Trix

Bellﬂowers, foxgloves and a pink rose create a pretty picture.

Foxgloves, salvias and lamb’s tail add height to this bed, with white lace ﬂower in front.

Hollyhocks bear blooms as big as saucers.

94 home February | March 2021

cottage garden

A riot of colour In this cottage garden, the plants decide where they’d like to grow! By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Jeandri Streicher

he flowers in Petra Derksen’s colourful front garden have free rein to come up wherever they want. “Only my roses, Japanese flowering crab apple and a few perennials grow in the same spot year after year. All the other plants are left to set seed and to germinate wherever that seed may land in the beds,” Petra explains. “When the flowering season is over, I also collect handfuls of seed and scatter it all over, with the result that the garden looks different every year.” The five beds that form the core of Petra’s front garden are edged with narrow paving stones, with a brown gravel path running between them. The four smaller beds, with a birdbath in the middle, are framed by low hedges of Australian brush cherry (Syzygium paniculatum); Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) is planted around the larger bed. All the hedges are trimmed regularly to keep them neat, especially in summer. The beds are filled with a variety of annuals and perennials that bloom at different times of the year, with a profusion of colour in spring and summer especially. Annuals such as poppies, sweet peas, calendulas and hollyhocks provide seasonal colour while

roses, salvias, Marguerite daisies and garden heliotropes are more permanent and have a longer flowering season. The roses and perennials are pruned in winter, and then the garden is dormant. “I started my garden in 2015 after relocating to Stellenbosch from Pretoria. Architect Hein Visser, who designed the improvements to my house, did the hard landscaping elements, while Petro Jacobs of Petro Landscaping assisted with the garden,” she says. “My brief: a cottage garden framed with neatly trimmed hedges – and flowers that would have free rein within the beds!” Although Petra initially had help with the layout, she and her right-hand man, Philman Zananda, now maintain the garden. “We give it lots of compost and apply Atlantic Fertilisers’ Bio Ganic All Purpose Organic fertiliser. Philman keeps the hedges neat and we regularly deadhead the blooms so that the roses, annuals and perennials flower for longer. Some of the blooms are left to disperse their seed; then we only cut off those dead flower stalks in late summer. I’m in the fortunate position of being able to share a borehole with my neighbours, so I can water my garden often and enjoy flowers for an extended period.” >> February | March 2021

home

cottage garden

My favourite ﬂower? Anything blue! – Petra

‘Iceberg’ roses, Marguerite daisies and white lace ﬂowers are Petra’s favourite plants for adding swathes of white to a bed.

A myriad colours catch the eye!

Pink columbine and purple statice go well together.

[ PLANT LIST ]

House

Westringa fruticosa

Trees A Japanese flowering crab apple (Malus floribunda) that blooms in spring is planted in the large flowerbed. The street outside Petra’s house is lined with trees; in early summer, her pathways are covered in a blaze of purple blooms from the jacarandas on the pavement.

Large flowerbed

Perennials and shrubs • Roses, including white ‘Iceberg’ and ‘Burgundy Iceberg’, ‘Garden & Home’, ‘Una van der Spuy’, ‘Little Pink Hedge’, ‘Free & Loyal’, ‘Simplicity’ and ‘Rina Hugo’ • Garden heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) • Marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum hybrids) • Salvia • Bearded iris (Iris germanica) • Statice (Limonium perezii) • Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)* • Bellﬂower (Campanula)* • Rose campion (Lychnis coronaria)* • Lamb’s tail (Verbascum hybrid)* • Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)* * self-seeding

Syzygium paniculatum

Annuals that self-seed • Poppy (Papaver spp.) • California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) • Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) • White lace flower (Orlaya grandiflora) • Calendula officinalis • Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) • Indigenous wild foxglove (Ceratotheca triloba)

Four smaller beds with central birdbath

96 home February | March 2021

CONTACT Petro Landscaping petrolandscaping.co.za

small garden

design

WHERE Newlands, Cape Town SIZE OF GARDEN 120m2 TYPE OF SOIL Loam

Topiary balls of Australian brush cherry are underplanted with Crassula pellucida in round white pots that perfectly complement the modern, clean lines of the garden.

Keep it simple! Clean lines and the repetition of plants make a small garden seem bigger and greener, says the designer of this cosy oasis. By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Francois Oberholster

The garden is regarded as an extension of the house and can be enjoyed from the main house as well as the cottage. When the large sliding doors are opened, the house and garden form a cohesive unit. Plants from Cape Garden; decking and pergola by Leisure Living

Petro Jacobs

aving previously had a large tropical garden in KwaZulu-Natal, these homeowners wanted their much smaller garden on their new Cape Town property to still have as much greenery as possible. “My clients still wanted a lush green garden, despite its limited size,” says Petro Jacobs of Petro Landscaping, who designed the garden. “They also wanted to utilise as much of the space as possible for the garden and to create privacy using plants.

The trampoline had to be kept for their son and the pool loungers needed a dedicated spot.” The garden lies between the main house and a newly built cottage, with a pool in the middle. The biggest challenges facing Petro were the limited space and the excessive shade in that part of the property. The cottage’s façade needed to be softened, and with a ﬂoor level higher than that of the pool, she had to come up with a plan to improve the ﬂow between the house, pool and cottage. >> February | March 2021

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small garden

design

What Petro did:

The space was utilised to the fullest by keeping the design as simple as possible with clean lines and repetitive plantings. “A basic principle when working with small spaces is to keep plantings and garden furniture uncomplicated,” she explains. “I always work with repetitive plant combinations and also keep colour contrasts subtle to create a tranquil space.”

A pergola was erected in front of the cottage, with star jasmine that will eventually soften the façade – with the added bonus of the heady fragrance of its small star-shaped blooms in spring. Hanging baskets with indigenous Asparagus densiﬂorus ‘Sprengeri’ ferns and petunias adorn the pergola for added greenery and colour. At the far end of the short alleyway, wooden screens with rotating panels hide the water tanks and pool pump in the back garden.

The existing water pear trees growing on either side against the boundary walls provide privacy. Their lower branches were pruned up to a certain height and their crowns trimmed to create the feel of a pleached hedge. Wooden screens enhance the privacy where needed. Viburnum sinensis shrubs were planted on the upper level on either side of the cottage to conceal the boundary walls.

With all the shade, a lawn was out of the question – grass would never grow properly with so little sun. Petro had artiﬁcial grass from Easigrass (30mm Kensington) laid on either side of the pool and on the slightly higher level on either side of the cottage. In addition to the artiﬁcial grass next to the cottage, large Kent pavers (1 200 x 600mm) were laid to bring in another textural element and to enhance the contemporary design.

The different levels in front of the cottage were overcome by installing a wooden deck to complement the pergola. This also created the opportunity to use multiple levels as a design element. Petro had a step built across the width of the garden on either side of the pool and ﬁnished it with Devon Wall capping (700 x 280 x 100mm), creating a stylish, contemporary look. The pergola and deck are both made of garapa.

Due to the limited space, the beds are quite narrow. Petro installed galvanised cables in a criss-cross pattern on the walls; star jasmine, which adds soft, green height without losing depth, is being trained to grow along these cables. This bed is planted up with Liriope with its ribbonshaped foliage, and common box as a hedge. The beds were framed with narrow charcoal-coloured Viking cobbles (225 x 60 x 50mm) that were laid end to end – these also enhance the contemporary aesthetic of the space.

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[ PLANT LIST ] • Water pear (Syzygium guineense) • Viburnum sinensis and V. tinus ‘Compactum’ • Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) • Common box (Buxus sempervirens) • Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’ • White ‘Iceberg’ roses • Swan River daisy (Brachycome) • Scaevola aemula • Asparagus fern (Asparagus densiﬂorus ‘Sprengeri’) • Petunia • Crassula pellucida • Lemon trees • A variety of herbs

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To create extra growing space, a 400mm-high planter was built and planted up with herbs and lemon trees. Viburnum tinus ‘Compactum’ is planted against the wall, with ‘Iceberg’ roses, Scaevola aemula and Swan River daisy – all white – for subtle contrast. The same tiles used for the steps were repeated on top of the low walls of the planter.

Pavers, capping and cobbles from Revelstone

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Cape Garden 021 988 4137, capegardencentre.co.za Easigrass easigrass.co.za Petro Landscaping petrolandscaping.co.za Revelstone revelstone.co.za Leisure Living 082 555 5512, leisureliving.co.za

waterwise garden

Different foliage shapes in varying shades of green add interest to the garden.

WHO LIVES HERE? Ian and Mariaan van Zyl and Elle the African Grey WHERE Paarl, Western Cape SIZE OF GARDEN 300m² TYPE OF SOIL A mixture of clay and loam

Stones don’t need water! Gravel, agate and paving complement roses and waterwise plants in this Boland garden. By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Jeandri Streicher

February | March 2021

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waterwise garden

The garden has a lovely view of the Boland mountains, which can be seen from all its corners.

n May 2017, Ian and Mariaan van Zyl moved to a corner property in a new housing development in Paarl, which had no garden. And the space to create a garden was limited: between the house and boundary line there was scarcely more than 5m, in some parts just 2m. But now, when the large doors on the stoep slide away into the walls, it feels as if you’re right in the garden, even though you’re sitting indoors. “Other than the trees on the pavement, there was nothing around the house,” says Mariaan. She and Ian love a beautiful garden and since the Western Cape was in the throes of a severe drought, they asked Helia Smit, a horticulturist from Cape Garden, to help them with the design of the garden and especially the plant choice. “Our wish list included waterwise plants such as spekboom, privacy from the street (but without sacriﬁcing our mountain views), and a small rose garden. Apart from the established patch of lawn on the pavement, we didn’t want any grass.” Helia says Ian and Mariaan largely gave her free rein with the design and plant choice, except for a few favourites like the sago palms they brought with them from their previous garden. Helia Smit

Elephant’s trunk (Pachypodium namaquanum)

Simple grey pots, repeated throughout the garden, enhance its modern aesthetic.

Ian and Mariaan van Zyl

Ian and Mariaan both adore roses. Since these shrubs need more water than the rest of the garden, all the roses have been planted in one bed so that they can be irrigated according to their needs; the agate stones alongside require no maintenance. The rose garden is framed by Australian rosemary.

Planned around water, heat and space Helia says she took the architecture of the house into consideration with the design as the entire garden can be seen from the house. “It’s important to draw a small garden like this to scale to make sure that you don’t try to ﬁt too many plants into the limited space. If you do that, it only increases your maintenance later as the plants eventually crowd each other out and have to be pruned back regularly to keep them in check,” she explains. “The plants must complement the size of the space, not overwhelm it. “Paarl gets extremely hot in summer and with the recent drought it made so much more sense to choose drought-hardy plants. I also made sure we predominantly used plants grown at Cape Garden’s production farm in Vredendal. These plants were already accustomed to high temperatures, which made the adaptation to Paarl so much easier and quicker.” The Van Zyls have access to the development’s borehole water; in addition, they also capture and store rainwater in two 1 000L tanks. For irrigation, a drip system has been installed that uses little water. The plants are irrigated according to their needs – more water for the roses, less for the cactuses and succulents.

Ian says they made a conscious decision to cover sections of the garden with stone, which added to its waterwise character. “We laid agate around the large pot near the front door which I was fortunate to get from my brother’s daughter-in-law Christine in Kakamas. The stones come from an old, worked-out mine in Namibia. “We also added pebbles between the pavers near the stoep. Initially, a groundcover was planted in-between, but keeping it irrigated and alive was a struggle in the heat and drought, and it used precious water.” The couple says they derive so much pleasure from their garden. “We love it, and even though it needs weekly maintenance, it is a wonderful hobby,” says Mariaan. “Ian is the avid gardener and loves planting new succulents and cactuses between his stones. He’s always bringing special stones home from his travels abroad, which he enjoys setting out in the garden. My speciality, on the other hand, is pulling out weeds and sitting on the stoep with Elle, enjoying the changing of the seasons.” >> February | March 2021

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Garden elements

No boundary walls are allowed in the housing development, but the Plumbago auriculata hedge (above left) serves the same purpose and is tall enough for privacy without obstructing the view of the mountains. In front of that there are lower hedges of Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) and lime-green Coleonema ‘Sunset Gold’. All three plants are waterwise. The different colours and textures of the plants add impact to the screen of plants (above right).

Ian initially had koi ﬁsh in the pond (above left and centre), but the birds ate them all. This structure has now been converted into a waterwise focal point with agate, blue sodalite gemstones and other rocks from his collection. Spekboom, interspersed with mother-in-law’s tongue (above right) is planted at the back; both have an upright growth habit and roots that don’t damage walls.

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Helia planted ‘Simplicity’ roses in plain grey pots as a focal point in this bed that can be seen from the living room. “I suggested a ﬂoribunda rose because it is a more compact grower than a hybrid tea and also thought the pretty pink blooms of ‘Simplicity’ would contrast beautifully with the blue ﬂowers of the plumbago and Australian rosemary behind,” Helia explains. “In addition, these roses bloom profusely for most of the year.”

Pavers from Hilstep Paving

The pathway of grey 40 x 40cm Raven pavers complements the tall grey pots and the existing paving. Silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae), an indigenous waterwise groundcover, is planted between the pavers. Once established, it forms a beautiful ﬂat carpet, but the lateral shoots need to be trimmed when it grows over the pavers. Its foliage complements the colour of the pavers and pots, creating a cohesive picture. Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is planted in the three tall pots that conceal the air conditioner (above).

The shape and look of the pots complements the architecture of the house – modern and elegant. – Helia

Ian feeds their roses regularly with Ludwig’s Vigorosa, while a thick layer of bark covers the soil to keep the roots cool and the soil moist for longer. ‘Buff Beauty’, ‘Free & Loyal’, ‘South Africa’, ‘Not Simply Pink’, ‘Just Joey’ and ‘Burgundy Iceberg’ roses grow happily together.

Tree aloes (Aloidendron barberae) were planted in pots submerged in the ground; this limits their growth and prevents them from becoming too big for the small garden.

Ian created a rock garden with the many succulents, cactuses, rocks, tree stumps and small garden ornaments he has collected over the years. All the plants were originally in pots that came with them when they moved from their previous home. He replaces plants as they become too large or die. During the recent wet winter, some of the plants started to rot due to the excessive rain.

Our garden is actually part of the house, no matter where you sit. It feels like we’re living in the garden. – Mariaan [ FAVOURITES ] Quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum)

• The rare quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum) is Ian’s favourite. “He’s always wanted one in his garden,” says Mariaan. (Note, you need a permit to grow them.) • The variety of roses in their many diﬀerent hues. • The sago palms (Cycas revoluta). “These come from our previous garden and made new cones within two years after being transplanted here.” • The tree aloes (Aloidendron barberae) add height and attract sunbirds. • Rock roses (Echeveria hybrids) with their perfect shapes make lovely groundcovers. “The guinea fowl like to eat their juicy leaves,” says Mariaan. “But, luckily, the low fences that Ian put up keep them out.” • The spekboom (Portulacaria afra) by the former pond and the variety of succulents and cactuses in the rock garden.

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)

CONTACT AND STOCKIST Helia Smit (Cape Garden) 021 988 4137, capegardencentre.co.za, info@capegardencentre.co.za Hilstep Paving 021 987 8254, facebook.com/hilstep-paving

food

salads

Summer salads

So much more than just a bowl of leaves, these fresh dishes will add a cool touch to a hot day! By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster

CHICKEN AND POPPY SEED SALAD Recipe on page 115.

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KALE AND BROWN RICE SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES Recipe on page 115.

Baby marrow tartlets with mint salad These tartlets make a lovely starter, or they can be served as a side dish with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Makes 8 tartlets Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

• 1–2 baby marrows, thinly sliced • zest of 1 lemon • 15ml olive oil • salt and pepper to taste • 1 roll (400g) puff pastry • 60ml cream cheese • a little beaten egg (optional)

SALAD • 125ml edamame beans, blanched • 125ml peas, blanched • 60ml fresh mint • 5ml olive oil • 5ml garlic ﬂowers (optional)

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Mix the baby marrow with the lemon zest, oil, salt and pepper. 2 Carefully ﬂatten the roll of dough and cut it into 8 equal squares. Make incisions around the edge of the squares 5mm in, leaving a 1cm gap in the middle of each side, as per the illustration. 3 Divide the cream cheese between the squares and spread it over the inner portion of each. Arrange a thin layer of baby marrows on top. Now fold the cut corners over towards the middle of the tartlets and pinch them together. If you have egg, lightly brush the dough – this ensures a nice golden-brown colour but it’s not essential. Place the tartlets on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 20 minutes until goldenbrown and crispy. 4 Make the salad Mix the beans, peas and mint with the olive oil, salt and pepper and spoon on top of the hot tartlets. Garnish with garlic ﬂowers and serve lukewarm. >>

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salads

ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH CHIPOTLE SAUCE

A well-made salad must have a certain uniformity; it should make perfect sense for those ingredients to share a bowl. – Yotam Ottolenghi, chef 114 home February | March 2021

I recently discovered Simple Truth Chipotle Sauce at Checkers. This smoky chilli and tomato sauce is my new shortcut ingredient if I want to add colour and ﬂavour to meat or vegetables before roasting them. Serves 6 as a side dish Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes • 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into thick slices • 30ml olive oil • 30ml Simple Truth Chipotle Sauce (or any peri-peri or prego sauce) • 200g bacon bits • 15ml butter • 1 thick slice sourdough bread, cut into small cubes (or 200ml ciabatta cubes) • about 150g crisp lettuce • 250ml roasted corn kernels • a small bunch of fresh coriander, coarsely chopped • 80ml pumpkin seeds, roasted 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the sweet potato on a baking tray, season with salt and sprinkle with olive oil. Roast for 25 minutes or until just tender. Now brush the slices with the chipotle sauce and place under the grill for about 5 minutes; turn the slices over, brush again with the remaining sauce and grill for another 5 minutes or until all the slices are caramelised and golden-brown. 2 Fry the bacon in the butter until crispy, scoop out and retain the fat. Now fry the bread cubes until golden-brown and crunchy. 3 Mix the lettuce with the bacon, croutons, corn kernels, coriander and pumpkin seeds. Spoon the sweet potato and any pan juices on top and serve at room temperature. Tip Feta is an optional extra.

Chicken and poppy seed salad This salad is a great way to use leftover roast chicken. Feel free to add your choice of fresh salad ingredients such as cucumber, radishes, thinly sliced apple... Serves 2 as a light meal Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes • 400g mini chicken fillets • 15ml olive oil • 100g mixed baby spinach, watercress and rocket • 1 celery stalk, chopped • ½ red onion, finely chopped DRESSING • 125ml French-style mayonnaise • 60ml milk • 5ml brown sugar • 45ml apple cider vinegar • 5ml Dijon mustard • 15ml poppy seeds 1 Beat all the ingredients for the dressing together and season to taste with salt and pepper. 2 Mix the chicken with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy-bottomed frying pan until hot and fry the chicken until golden-brown on the first side before turning the pieces over in the pan and browning all over. Once cooked through, allow to cool slightly. 3 Cut or shred the cooked chicken into smaller pieces and mix the salad dressing through; also add any pan juices. Now mix the salad leaves, celery and onion and finally add the creamy chicken. Mix lightly and serve immediately. Tip Toasted almond shavings are an optional extra.

Kale and brown rice salad with dried cranberries The finely shredded kale and Brussels sprouts add lovely texture to this salad. The kale can be replaced with spinach, if preferred. Serves 6 as a side dish Preparation time: 15 minutes • 1 bunch kale, thinly shredded • 200g Brussels sprouts, thinly shredded • 250ml cooked brown rice • 250ml pecans, coarsely chopped • 50g (about 200ml) pecorino shavings • 250ml dried cranberries DRESSING • 125ml lemon juice • 125ml water • 60ml Dijon mustard • 2 spring onions, finely chopped • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 15ml honey • salt and pepper to taste • 250ml olive oil 1 Shake all the salad dressing ingredients together in a flask with a screw cap until thick and creamy. 2 Place the kale in a mixing bowl and pour over half of the salad dressing. Now mix well with your hands for a minute or two. The lemon juice in the sauce softens the coarse texture of the kale slightly and improves the flavour. 3 Add the rest of the salad ingredients and leave to stand for another 15 minutes. Pour over the remaining salad dressing just before serving. >> February | March 2021

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Accessories Plan B Vintage (082 491 3677, facebook.com/PlanBDecor)

Roasted sweet potato salad with chipotle sauce

food

salads

CURRY PASTA SALAD

116 home February | March 2021

Curry pasta salad The curry pasta salad in Annette Human’s Winning Recipes 3 was a staple when I was growing up. It’s still a favourite (now made with brown rice); here’s my ode to the original. Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes • 4 smoked pork rashers, each cut into 3 squares • 1 sweet pepper, cut into 2cm pieces • 2 peaches, pitted and quartered • 8 Peppadews, stuffed with feta • 250ml pasta rice, cooked until al dente and cooled • 125ml mayonnaise • 15ml mild curry powder • I onion, finely chopped • 30ml flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 Thread the pork, sweet pepper, peaches and Peppadews onto kebab sticks and fry in a pan or cook under a preheated grill or over the coals. Brush lightly with olive oil for added flavour and colour. 2 Mix the cooked pasta, mayonnaise, curry, onion and parsley; season with salt and pepper and serve with the pork kebabs.

Francois’ salad Home photographer Francois Oberholster taught me how to make this salad; it’s perfect with a ﬁsh braai. Serves 4 as a side dish Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes • 30ml olive oil • 200g cherry tomatoes • 100ml balsamic vinegar • 1 medium pawpaw, peeled, pitted and diced • 2 handfuls baby spinach (I add a little rocket) • 30ml currants or sultanas 1 Heat the oil and fry the tomatoes for a minute or two over high heat. Add the vinegar and fry until syrupy. The tomatoes will burst open and absorb all the vinegar ﬂavour. Allow to cool slightly. 2 Mix the lukewarm tomatoes and any remaining pan juices with the rest of the ingredients and season generously with salt and pepper. Add an extra dash of olive oil and serve at room temperature. The salad is best made fresh. >>

Tropical fruit salad with coconut muesli This tropical salad and frozen yoghurt dish is more pudding than breakfast! Feel free to double the muesli recipe and store the excess in an airtight container. Serves 4 • Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes • 500ml rolled oats • 30ml butter • 30ml brown sugar • 30ml honey • 125ml coconut shavings • 250ml dried fruit and nut breakfast mix (mine also contains dried banana, nuts and cranberries) • 1 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced • 1 small pawpaw, peeled, pitted and diced • 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced • 500g frozen yoghurt

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1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the rolled oats, butter, sugar and honey and spread in a single layer on a baking tray (I line my tray with baking paper). Bake for 10 minutes. 2 Remove from the oven, stir in the coconut shavings and bake for another 5–10 minutes or until the rolled oats and coconut have caramelised. Stir in the breakfast mix and allow to cool. 3 To serve Spoon the mixture into pretty bowls, add the fruit and top with a scoop of frozen yoghurt. Tip If you can’t ﬁnd coconut shavings, you can also use desiccated coconut.

salads

Ice cream squares with berry salad Both old and young love this simple but delicious dessert. Makes 16 squares Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus cooling time overnight • 1 packet (200g) Eet-sum-mor shortbread biscuits • 80ml butter, melted • 1.2L Neapolitan ice cream • 12 strawberries, cut into quarters • 125ml frozen berries (I used blackberries) • 30ml castor sugar • 15ml fresh lemon juice • a sprinkling of fresh basil or mint (optional) 1 Crush the biscuits in a food processor and mix with the butter. Line a 22 x 22cm square pan (1.2L capacity) with baking paper (this helps with the turning out afterwards) and press half of the crumb mixture on the bottom to form a crust. 2 Allow the ice cream to soften slightly then scoop out long strips with a spoon. Arrange the ice cream on the crust then use the back of a spoon (or the palm of your hand) to press it down. Continue until the pan is full. Now spread the rest of the crust on top of the ice cream in an even layer and also ﬁrm down gently. Cover and place in the freezer until hard. 3 Mix the fresh and frozen berries in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice. Leave for about 30 minutes so that the berries can thaw and the sugar creates the most delicious syrup. 4 To serve Cut the ice cream ‘cake’ into squares and serve with the berry salad. Garnish with micro herbs. Tip For the little ones, insert an ice lolly stick into each square, with half a strawberry on the end so that they can eat on the go – the biscuit crust will hold the ice cream squares together just long enough for them to enjoy these treats.

food

quick food

We’ve got supper sorted!

Four meals with just ﬁve ingredients each. By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster

Risotto with chorizo and peas Under R110 • Serves 4–6 • Preparation time: 40 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes

Noodle stir-fry with crispy pork Under R140 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes • 4 pork schnitzels • 600g fresh mixed stir-fry vegetables • about 60ml hoisin or teriyaki sauce

• 200g chorizo, ﬁnely sliced • 500ml risotto rice • about 1.5L chicken stock, hot

• 400g stir-fry noodles (cooked according to the instructions on the packet) • 30ml sesame seeds

• 250ml frozen peas • about 125ml grated Parmesan

1 Fry the chorizo in a saucepan until golden-brown. Stir in the rice and stir-fry for a minute or two until the grains are coated with the aromatic oil rendered by the sausage. 1 Heat a little oil in a hot pan and fry the schnitzels until 2 Stir in the stock, one ladleful at a time, and cook over high golden-brown and crispy on both sides. Set aside. heat until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice 2 Stir-fry the vegetables in the same pan over high is al dente (about 35 minutes). Stir frequently and heat for 3–5 minutes or until cooked to your add the peas in the last 5 minutes. preference. Stir in the hoisin sauce and noodles 3 Remove from the heat, stir in the cheese and Get the best recipe ideas and fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. season to taste with salt and pepper. Leave to from the Home Recipe 3 Divide the stir-fry mixture between bowls or stand for 5 minutes before serving. Club on Facebook; these plates, cut the schnitzels into strips and spoon on Tip If you don’t want to stick to the 5 ingredients, four recipes were inspired top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot. you can add a dash of white wine to the rice and by our Take 5 campaign in Tip Feel free to add a sprinkling of fresh herbs or let it reduce before adding the stock and stirring 2020. Follow us on chopped spring onions if desired. in a knob of butter with the cheese. >> Facebook/Home

Join the club!

Magazine.

120 home February | March 2021

quick food

Bacon and sweet potato frittata Under R95 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: about 15–20 minutes

Chicken and bean curry Under R90 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes • 1 tin (400g) mixed beans • 1 small tin (165g) coconut milk • 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes with Indian spices

• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (fry up some chicken breasts or use a cooked rotisserie chicken) • a sprinkling of chopped fresh coriander

1 Place the beans, coconut milk and tomatoes in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for a few minutes until this forms a fragrant sauce. 2 Stir the chicken into the sauce and heat through. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle the coriander on top. Serve with steamed rice. Tip If you’re feeling decadent, stir roasted cashews or peanuts into the curry. Roasted butternut is delicious if you want to make the dish go further.

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• 200g bacon, diced • 1 large sweet potato with orange ﬂesh, cut into 1cm cubes • 6 eggs

• 250ml cream • 125ml ﬁnely grated cheese (Gouda, Cheddar or mozzarella)

1 Fry the bacon in a 25cm pan until crispy; let the bacon’s own fat grease the pan. 2 Add the sweet potato and wait until the cubes start to fry before adding 125ml boiling water. Put the lid on and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and the water has reduced (about 5–10 minutes). 3 Beat the eggs and cream together, season with salt and pepper, and pour into the pan. Reduce the heat and stir, but just until the egg starts to set. Then fry the frittata lightly for about 5 minutes until set. 4 Sprinkle the cheese on top and then grill in the oven until the top is golden-brown and the frittata is cooked through. Let it stand for a few minutes before cutting into slices to serve. It’s delicious with a fresh salad and wholewheat bread.

YOUR ON-THE-GO SNACK FOR ALL THOSE IN-BETWEEN MOMENTS In the hustle and bustle of life, you can’t control every moment, but you can enjoy them – All you need is M!

Photograph: Getty Images/Gallo Images

ooking for a midday pick-me-up? Brighten your day, the Super M way. Whether you’re gearing up for an all-important client meeting, running to your next class or trying to get through a trafﬁc jam, Super M is the perfect, anytime Gap Filla. It’s a game-changer for busy days. We know you can’t control all of life’s little moments, but you can make each moment count! Super M is the perfect snack to make those in-between moments better. Enjoy it between work and home, ofﬁce and client, lunch and dinner – or simply when you’re craving something mmmore. It’s your go-to, grab-and-go, on-the-go snack.

PROMOTION

food

step by step By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster

Easy kimchi

Once you are familiar with this pungent fermented Korean side dish, you’ll want to savour it with every meal! Makes about 500ml • Preparation time: 20 minutes in the kitchen • Fermentation time: about 4 days

1 1 Rinse the cabbage leaves and shred them ﬁnely. Peel the carrots and cut into julienne strips.

2 2 Place the cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl, mix the salt through and cover with water. Weigh down the vegetables using an inverted plate to keep them submerged in the brine; soak for 12–24 hours. The veggies are ready when the carrot strips can be easily bent without snapping in half.

• 1kg Chinese cabbage • 2 large carrots • 60ml fine salt • 1 small garlic clove (or to taste) • 2cm fresh ginger (or to taste) • 30ml fish sauce • 1 tablespoon gochujang or 15–30ml Korean chilli flakes (see tip) • 15ml sugar • 3 spring onions

3 3 Mix the garlic, ginger, ﬁsh sauce, gochujang and sugar and grind ﬁnely with a mortar and pestle. Chop the spring onions separately.

4 4 Drain the cabbage (reserve the brine), mix in the spring onions and now rub in the spice mixture with your hands. It’s a good idea to wear gloves!

5 Pack the spicy cabbage mixture in a sterilised glass jar; press down to compact it. Then pour a little of the reserved brine into the jar and make sure the contents are completely covered. Screw on the lid – but not too tightly, as pressure may build up during the fermentation process; place the jar on a plate in case it ‘bubbles over’ and leave to ferment in a cool place such as the bottom of a cupboard. (If you place it in the fridge right away, it will not ferment; this is known as fresh kimchi – which many people prefer.)

Taste a few varieties from a During the four-day fermentation process, taste deli before you get started. Kimchi is delicious with the kimchi every day to smoked ham in wraps, with check how things are avocado on toast and in progressing; it should fried rice. bubble and develop a pleasant, sour aroma. Use a wooden stick to allow the bubbles that form at the bottom of the jar to escape. Let the kimchi develop to your liking and then close the lid tightly; store in the refrigerator. It’s important to have a frame of reference for the taste of kimchi when making your own so that you can recognise the distinctive eﬀervescence and ﬂavour.

Recipe adapted from eatinwell.com

Meanwhile...

Tip I bought gochujang paste at Woolworths for the delicious, twice-fried, sweet, crispy chicken wing recipe in our DecemberJanuary issue. When I couldn’t find Korean chilli flakes for my kimchi locally, I used this aromatic paste as a substitute – and I loved the end result. Other than having a bit of a bite, Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru) have a slightly sweet, light smoky taste, so you can’t just replace this ingredient with regular chilli powder.

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food & drinks

BE FREE

Love Food (R155, Media24) is a collection of dairy-free, wheat-free, egg-free and vegan recipes created by Amy Hopkins, the former food editor of Women’s Health. After discovering her own food intolerances, Amy had to go back to the ‘culinary drawing board’ and create adaptations of the classics we love. Many of us have speciﬁc dietary requirements and it can be challenging to come up with new dishes but this cookbook has it all, from energising smoothies and salads to festive feasts and dreamy desserts.

Something for everyone! By Johané Neilson Photographs supplied

O is for olives Situated just minutes from the charming Karoo town of Prince Albert in the Western Cape and boasting a sweeping view of the Swartberg Mountains, Swartrivier Farm is home to beautiful olive orchards and a popular restaurant. This 668ha sheep farm has a proud tradition of growing olives and producing its own extra virgin olive oil sold under the O for Olive brand. Their boutique range of products is available at various retail outlets around the country or at the farm shop. Go to oforolive.co.za.

From the heart

m L) This dainty (5cm H x 13cm W x 10.5c porcelain heart-shaped bowl (R89.95, treats. woolworths.co.za) is perfect for sweet

Raise your glasses! The Duchess and Castle Free are bringing conscious consumers the perfect combo to kick-start a refreshing 2021. The Brew & Botanical Alcohol-Free Party Pack (available exclusively from Checkers stores, online at checkers.co.za and on their Sixty60 app) comprises four bottles of The Duchess Alcohol-Free Gin & Tonic and four bottles of Castle Free beer for only R94.99.

Love local

PASS THE (LACTOSE-FREE) MILK, PLEASE Thanks to new Clover Nolac, those who suffer from lactose intolerance can enjoy dairy once again – without the horrible side effects! Nolac milk is treated with the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk and makes it easier to digest. For details, visit clover.co.za.

126 home February | March 2021

Tavola 100% biodegradable handmade paper napkins (R109 for 25, yuppiechef.com) look and feel like cotton and come in a range of designs.

GOOD TO GO

Clover Cheddar and Gouda cheese packs contain 10 individually wrapped cheese portions (25g each) perfect for snacks and lunchboxes. Made with Clover milk, they’re full of nutrients including protein and calcium to build strong bones. Go to clover.co.za.

More fruit, less alcohol Bonnievale Cellar’s deliciously fruity Neat De-Alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (R65, bonnievalewines.co.za) has notes of passion fruit, guava and gooseberries on the nose and palate, typical of a tropical-style Sauvignon Blanc but with only 0.5% alcohol. It’s the perfect partner for seafood and sushi. Go to bonnievalewines.co.za.

PROMOTION

HEALTHY MADE EASY

Want to start eating healthier in 2021? With GLAD you can quickly and easily cook nutritious meals that taste great. CAESAR SALAD WITH A TWIST

Serves 6 The secret to a delicious Caesar salad is the poached eggs. If you’re wary of making poached eggs, don’t be! It’s much easier than you think (especially with a little help from GLAD).

4 slices white, rye or wholewheat bread of your choice, cut into cubes (optional) 20ml olive oil 50g parmesan cheese, grated plus extra for serving 6 eggs FOR THE SALAD DRESSING 30ml wholegrain mustard 45ml honey 25ml white wine vinegar 80ml olive oil

Recipe and styling Herman Lensing. Photos Michael le Garnge.

TO FINISH 3 cos lettuce heads, halved Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer on the tray and sprinkle with olive oil and parmesan (photo 1). Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Keep to one side while you poach the eggs. Line six cups with GLAD Cling Wrap and spray with non-stick spray. Break the eggs into the cups and close each with 10cm kitchen twine to create plastic bags. Tie the ends of the twine to a wooden spoon (photo 2). Remove the plastic bags from the cups and let it hang from the spoon in a pot of boiling water. Poach for 5 minutes for soft eggs, or longer for harder eggs. Mix all of the salad dressing ingredients together. Place the lettuce on a serving dish and sprinkle with the croutons. Remove the poached eggs from the plastic bags and arrange on top of the lettuce. Drizzle with the salad dressing and serve with extra parmesan. TIP: KEEP EXTRA LETTUCE FRESH IN GLAD ZIP SEAL BAGS.

2 For more GLAD inspiration, visit glad.co.za.

PROMOTION

Shopping guide Take care of the whole family by ﬁlling up your basket with these goodies! JEEVES Black is the new chrome! Incorporating a contemporary design language of sharp lines and angles, the new Zack Carvo matte black bathroom accessory range makes a serious style statement. Crafted from durable 18/10 stainless steel, each item is beautifully ﬁnished to bring that special touch to your home. For details, call 0861 533 837, email info@zack.co.za or visit www.zack.co.za.

FIRST CHOICE First Choice Velvet Dairy Desserts are available in your favourite flavours, including Chocolate, Vanilla, Butterscotch and Strawberry, and they come in convenient, environmentally friendly, easy-to-pour 1L cartons. For delicious, quick and easy recipes, go to www.firstchoice.co.za. Available at leading supermarkets (R38) or www.shopfirstchoice.co.za. First Choice – The Good Choice.

VAN LOVEREN Van Loveren is once again leading the pack with the launch of their trendsetting Absolute Zero range of sparkling wine. The range consists of a duo of premium dry-ish and sweet-ish sparkling wines released just in time for summer, dry January and festive February. And with 0.0% alcohol you can enjoy this range of bubbles to your heart’s content. For details, go to www.vanloveren.co.za.

LANCEWOOD Increasingly demandin lifestyles have created need for on-the-go healthy snacking. Lancewood’s awardwinning* Double Crea Yoghurt is now availab in convenient Plain an Fruit multipacks – per as a snack or a lunchbox treat. Available at leading supermarkets. Visit www.lancewood.co.za for delicious mealtime inspiration. *Source: SA Dairy Championships, 2020

MELLERWARE The future is here with the Mellerware Capri Induction Set. This induction cooker has a black crystal plate and inductive electromagnet that heats your cookware directly. The induction cooker has adjustable temperature and time functions. Included in the set is a 24cm non-stick casserole pot with tempered glass lid, a 24cm non-stick pan and a 14cm non-stick sauce pot, all with cool touch handles and knob. Recommended retail price: R1 995. Visit www.mellerware.co.za.

LUMEN8 Lumen8’s Element Range in aged brass sets is the perfect foundation for the aged brass toggle switches. Brass is a natural metal, which allows Lumen8 to alter its age by oxidising it. The look is then locked in with a clear natural wax. Visit www.lumen8.co.za for beautiful switchgear. Made in Cape Town, sold everywhere.

128 home February | March 2021

To advertise here, contact Evonne Mehl on 021 461 2396 or evonne.mehl@media24.com

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R70.00 (vat incl.) Namibia N$70.00

February | March 2021

Décor trend

SUMMER FARE

Adorn your walls

with wallpaper

Cool salads

SMALL GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

› Add texture & layers › Colour in with ﬂowers › Create the illusion of space

for hot days

uick meals with st 5 ingredients + Kimchi, step by step

DIY

3 modular side tables

Big plans for

smallspaces PARKHURST & THREE ANCHOR BAY

Glass roof and atrium add light and space

CAPE TOWN CBD

Living large in just 42m²

X IT FLAIR

From ruin to refuge Earthy and cosy, And ‘off but so spacious! the grid’

NIEU-BETHESDA

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The wings of angels

hy do angels have wings, I asked my mother one day. Why not roller skates or surfboards or magic carpets. And won’t their long robes lift up when they fly? I mean, people would see their broeks and stuff. Ma was crouching by my side, safety pins in her mouth, busy pinning the seam of a new dress for me. She sighed and wiped a fine spray of sweat from her high forehead with the back of her hand. “Angels,” she said and took one of the pins from her mouth, “always have to move super-fast. And for that they need wings.” “But roller skates are also fast.” Ma gave the seam a sharp pull and I shifted a leg to hold firm. She inserted the next pin and smoothed the fabric over my tummy. She worked briskly, aiming to finish in time for our small-town communion service on Sunday. “Skates need downward slopes,” she said and took another pin from the corner of her mouth. “And angels are needed in uphill places too.” “But surfboards are very fast,” I suggested and mimicked a wave with my arms. “Stay still,” Mom said, “I don’t want to prick you.” After a while she said, “Surfboards are clumsy things; the angels could waste precious time wrestling them through doors. And magic carpets need to be brushed and rolled up every night. Wings, on the other hand, free up an angel’s arms to snatch you away from an oncoming car, or crawl into a tiny tunnel or a very deep well to get to you, because he can flatten those wings.” “Are angels born?” Mom considered her handiwork for a while, turning my child’s body this way and that. Her mountain-green eyes fixed on me lovingly. “Early each morning,” she smiled, “you should watch the first little clouds. Those rosy-pink ones. And the violet-blues. They’re scarcely more than a feathery breath but watch long enough and you’ll see them start moving.” “Were they people before?”

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“Oh, yes, of all ages. Next time you see a crooked little ouma, take a close look at her knobbly old back. Those could be wings growing out. “And little girls with freckles,” she added, touching my nose, “they’re angels already.” I nodded solemnly and went out to play. But soon after, an angel did visit us – the angel of death. He sneaked inside early one winter’s morning and snatched our father away. Left my mom behind like a castaway. She tried to cope, taking care of us with hollow eyes during the day. At night she fled into the veld. Perhaps she was hoping that the angel would come for her too. But the only one who kept coming for her was me. Stumbling under a starlit sky, I would search for her among bushes and rocks in that ghostly light. Together we’d wait for the icy-blue dawn, devoid of rose-pink clouds from which angels could frolic. “I must go to school, Ma,” I would finally break the silent spell. We would get up, hips stiff from the cold, and saunter back home. At the end of last year, just before Christmas, the angel came at last. He sat on the back stoep outside, while inside mom lay moaning with pain. She had broken her hip at the age of 95 and her body wasn’t making it. When the pain became too severe, ma would sing to distract herself. “Abide with me Lord, fast falls the eventide,” she sang in a trembling voice as the angel patiently sat trimming his toenails outside. On a Saturday night just after 11pm, he suddenly reached in and caught her last breath. I held my hand over her chest. Felt her tender old heart flutter... and then slip away. My brother came, and for the rest of the night we sat with her, stroked her hair, kissed her lifeless hands and talked to her – and with each other. Until the courteous men from AVBOB came for her. As they gently lifted her into a grey body bag, I thought I noticed an unfamiliar knobbliness behind her shoulders. I secretly smiled. And as my brother and I walked outside, we saw rose-pink and lilac clouds on the eastern horizon. Goodbye, mom, I whispered into the crisp morning air. Or is it hello?

Translation Hettie Scholtz • Illustrations Paula Dubois

As a child, she wanted to know everything about angels, writes Karin Brynard. And now... perhaps she knows enough.

Sddedds

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heart in Cape Town’s city centre

the character of a Jo’burg abode

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