Italtile’s Laufen Bern Vanity 22 Apr 10:00 PM (20 hours ago)
Italtile has long promoted the concept of holistic bathroom culture, offering curated solutions that incorporate thoughtfully crafted luxury elements designed to harmonise and elevate nurturing experiences for both body and mind. The Bern Vanity Collection, crafted exclusively for Italtile, is introduced with pride to complement the LAUFEN Basal Basin Range. Italtile customers will have the option to purchase a LAUFEN Basal Basin with a Bern Vanity as a set or as a standalone cabinet.
The range
The bespoke Bern Vanity Collection includes the Bern 600 Vanity for more compact bathrooms, and the Bern 800 Vanity for more spacious ones. The colour palette favours a pale wood look, designed to layer harmoniously into a neutral scheme. Pale, creamy-coloured “blonde” timber is an extremely popular choice in contemporary bathroom spaces, thanks to its innate ability to create an uplifting sense of light and airy serenity. Pale wood tones – from “cold weather trees” native to the northern hemisphere – are a staple of Scandinavian-inspired design, an aesthetic known for its calming minimalism and clever storage solutions. Both the Bern 600 and 800 Vanities offer the appeal of straight-grained, richly textural natural wood in a modern melamine finish.
The making
The Bern 600 and the Bern 800, both featuring double drawers, have been tailored to be compatible with the LAUFEN Basal Basin Range – available exclusively at Italtile. Each model includes integrated handles on the two drawers, crafted from natural anodised aluminium. The drawers also feature soft-close functionality. Both the hinges and drawers are made from cold-rolled steel with protective galvanising and boast a tried-and-tested 80 000-cycle lifespan. The melamine cabinet is water-resistant.
The Bern 600 and Bern 800 have been made exclusively for Italtile and come with a one-year warranty.
Visit www.italtile.co.za
City living 21 Apr 10:00 PM (yesterday, 10:00 pm)
By Gina Hartoog, Project Consultant Noël Van Breda, Property Co-Ordinator Nosipho Kweyama, Photographer Nic Baleta
This modern Johannesburg residence features a dark exterior with accentuating glass facades. Indoors, the interior design is eye-catching. Colourful furniture and finishings are juxtaposed against the dark interior.
“I’ve always been drawn to a minimalist aesthetic with lots of natural light,” explains the home owner. “I wanted a space that felt open and airy, with a design that was both practical and beautiful. The designer really understood my vision and took the time to listen to what was important to me. The whole design feels like a reflection of who I am.”
To see more of this beautiful home, buy the May ’25 issue of SA Home Owner – on shelf now.
Revitalise your home with affordable decorative tips 20 Apr 10:00 PM (2 days ago)
Transforming a space doesn’t have to be costly, small changes can make a difference to the look and feel of your home. You can achieve a fresh look through affordable updates like painting, decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding stylish accessories.
If you are looking for a change, here are some helpful ideas:
Give your door a personality
A newly painted front door can dramatically change the look of your home. The best colour for a door depends on the style of different house designs and the colour of your exterior paint. As a guide, traditional homes generally suit high gloss finishes such as rich red or navy, while modern homes suit more contemporary shades such as warm greys, smoky lilac and teal.
Small changes make a difference
Newly painted shutters, window frames and trim can make a huge difference to how your exterior looks and feels. You can use leftover exterior paint colours from a previous project to give your window frames and trims a fresh look. You can also revive your old pot plants with a fresh coat of paint.
Choose simple colours
A colour palette of two or three hues will help you achieve a polished look without overdoing it. “A sleek monochrome colour scheme is a great way to add drama without blowing the budget – and makes it easy for you to add colourful decor accents through accessories’’, advises Palesa Ramaisa, Dulux Colour Expert
Cue the colourful accents
Add a bold pick-me-up with soft furnishings in vibrant paint colours and modern prints like stripes and florals. A pop of colour adds a distinctive touch to a space – that could be a vibrant rug in a neutral-toned room, a bold-coloured chair in a room with a muted colour scheme or artwork with a contrasting colour palette.
Give your outdoor furniture some love
A good interior/exterior varnish, like Dulux Woodgard Timber Varnish, fortifies wood against wind, sun, and rain. Refreshing your furniture with a new coat of paint every two to three years, will help strengthen the timber, reducing the likelihood of replacing it with new furniture. And, as a bonus, you’ll always have a colourful backdrop for outdoor festivities.
A small tweak here and there could uplift the look and feel of your home without spending a lot of money. Identify small things you can change in your home by just reviving and adding a bit of colour to transform it to a space you will enjoy spending time in.
Visit www.dulux.co.za/en
Inside the SA Home Owner May ’25 issue 16 Apr 7:00 PM (6 days ago)
We have three special features and a not-to-be-missed subscription offer in the May ’25 issue of SA Home Owner. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s inside the magazine.
Discover Paarden Eiland
For everything you need for your next home project, check out our Discover Paarden Eiland feature, where we explore this vibrant décor and design hub in the Western Cape. Situated near the Cape Town city center on the Table Bay coast, close to the harbour, Paarden Eiland has evolved into a bustling commercial and industrial precinct, now a prime destination for design and décor businesses.
Focus on Home Automation
Discover the latest in home technology in our Focus on Home Automation special section. Home automation has evolved and it’s smarter than ever. In this special feature, we look at the cutting-edge innovations redefining luxury and transforming the way we live.
Indulge in Luxe Living
In our Luxe Living special section we talk about the trends in luxury lifestyles and showcase companies that bring sheer sophistication right to your doorstep. Learn why personalisation is key for a sublime luxury lifestyle and discover the high-end products that cater to your every need, elevating your living experience to new heights.
ALSO!
Subscribe or renew your subscription for only R321.75. That’s a 50% saving on the standard rate of R643.50.
New from District Eight 15 Apr 10:00 PM (7 days ago)
Exclusively stocked in South Africa by La Grange Interiors, District Eight’s new 2025 collection is set to arrive imminently in their showrooms. Established in 2010 in Vietnam, District Eight is an inspiring fusion of traditional and contemporary influences – the studio’s growing repertoire of products inspired by Vietnamese heritage but designed for modern-day living.
Here are a few of the pieces arriving this season that combine versatility and beautiful craftsmanship.
Lodge Collection by Jean-Marie Massaud: Tradition meets modernity
An art de vivre, the Lodge Collection represents a fusion of the design languages of District Eight and celebrated French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. Known for his dynamic brand collaborations, which have included Poliform, Dedon, MDF Italia, and Axor, Massaud’s design ethos-focused on creating better living spaces – has inspired a line for District Eight that is imbued with ease, sophistication, and timelessness.
Inspired by storied voyages to Vietnam, the Lodge Collection comprises expertly crafted lounge and dining chairs, an ottoman, and a bag holder. Each design combines international sophistication with vernacular charm. A convergence of form and function, the pieces showcase Massaud’s expertise in joinery and his appreciation for high-quality materials.
Hida Seating Collection: Expanding seating to any occasion
An expanded range of styles gives the Hida Collection greater versatility. Each piece features Hida’s signature comfort and curves, with added utility courtesy of a sophisticated leather strap detail. With versatile options for upholstery and oak finishes, Hida can adapt to a diverse range of spaces.
Faifo Side Table: Small but mighty
New to the Faifo collection, the Faifo Side Table’s understated elegance is complemented by a contemporary edge. Its sizable top provides a pleasing canvas on which to arrange objects, and the hand-finished wood frame is the epitome of refinement. Made from solid oak or fir, the Faifo fully expresses the beauty of the wood’s natural grain.
Tonkin Console: Hand crafted with contemporary lines
Two new console sizes join the Tonkin collection, providing greater versatility. Referencing East Asian temple gates, the consoles’ joinery lends them a delicate quality, with a hand-crafted steel top appearing to gently rest on the sculpted oak base. Three steel finishes and nine oak colours offer limitless possibilities for creative styling.
Visit www.lagrangeinteriors.co.za
Featured image: Faifo Rectangular Table & Collette
Wine & Bubbly Festival ticket giveaway 14 Apr 10:00 PM (8 days ago)
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of South Africa’s finest wines at the inaugural Wine and Bubbly Festival, proudly presented in partnership with Rio Casino Klerksdorp. This premier event brings together wine lovers, connoisseurs, industry leaders, business professionals, and enthusiasts for a day of indulgence, discovery and delight.
Set to take place on 26 April 2025 at the Rio Casino Hotel and Convention Resort in Klerksdorp, the festival will feature a selection of over 80 handpicked local wines, shining a spotlight on the region’s thriving wine industry. From interactive tastings to expert-led masterclasses, there’s something to inspire both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike.
Guests will enjoy:
- Curated wine tastings and expert masterclasses
- Live music to set the perfect mood
- Gourmet food and tempting canapés
- Excellent networking opportunities with fellow wine lovers and professionals
This is more than just a wine event – it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re sipping your way through top vintages or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the Wine and Bubbly Festival promises a truly exceptional experience.
RSVP by 16 April 2025 to secure your place. Don’t miss out on a day of wine, wonder, and celebration!
Festival date: 26 April 2025
Festival time: 11:00 – 19:00
Venue: Rio Casino Hotel and Convention Resort
Contact details: 081 585 2089 / 084 237 3500
Purchase tickets: www.quicket.co.za/events/309246-wine-and-bubbly-festival
Stand a chance to win:
- 2 VIP tickets, valued at R600 each
- 3 General Admission tickets, valued at R200 each
How to enter:
Subscribe to our newsletter, complete the form below with your details, and answer this question: What is the name of the SA Home Owner editor.
Pick up your copy of SA Home Owner – on shelves now at Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar – and find the answer on the Ed’s Letter page.
Giveaway closes on 20 April 2025.
Featured image: Photo by Kelsey Knight on Unsplash
To new beginnings 13 Apr 10:00 PM (9 days ago)
By Trisha Harinath, Project Consultant Jenni McCallum, Photographer Colin Stephenson
These home owners made the brave decision to leave their family farm in the Free State and begin a new chapter in the coastal town of George. This bold move marked the beginning of an exciting new adventure for the owners together with the interior design firm that assisted them in creating their ideal coastal home.
“When we sat down with the clients to discuss their vision for their new home, it became clear that they desired a complete refresh. The goal was to create a space that balanced modern design with traditional and antique pieces holding sentimental value. Their preference was for a neutral warm palette with strategic pops of colour to add personality and vibrancy,” explains the interior designer.
To see more of this beautiful home, buy the April ’25 issue of SA Home Owner – on shelf now.
Set the mood: A guide to emotionally-led spaces 10 Apr 10:00 PM (12 days ago)
Carefully considered furniture and décor choices can transform the emotional landscape of any home or office environment ultimately enhancing the end-user’s appreciation and enjoyment of the space. Here, Soft&Co founder and interior designer Brenda Hart shares some insights into their approach and what to think about when selecting pieces for your space.
Serene
Placid environments require a thoughtfulness in their approach and a paring down to essentials. Furniture with clean lines and minimal visual interruption allows the mind to rest while subtle, nature-inspired textures should whisper rather than shout. Matte finishes, natural linens, and subtle organic weaves are ideal and gentle undertones such as creams and white and misty greys play into this unobtrusive design focus.
Energised
Strategic tension and contrast in textures and focal pieces are an effective way to create a sense of dynamism and energy. “We like to contrast smooth with rough, glossy and textured when we want to create a space that feels vital, leaning into polished metals against raw woods, glossy surfaces beside textured fabrics and a well-considered visually stimulating focal point, be it a furniture item designed with geometric precision like our Gio Shelving or a bold sculptural lamp.”
Relaxed
Casual comfort is the hallmark of relaxed interiors where approachability trumps formality. Furniture with generous proportions, soft edges, and sink-in comfort invites full relaxation while dimensional textures are crucial – think chunky knits, buttery leathers that patina beautifully, and natural fibres that soften with use. Colours draw from nature’s most comforting palettes: warm terra cottas, soothing sage greens, and gentle amber tones that evoke a play of light. Functionality emphasises ease above all-pieces that can be easily moved, reconfigured, or adapted to activities within the space are vital. Soft&Co’s Cozy collection of furniture and the likes of the Rue Sofa epitomises this approach to living spaces with a focus on considered though casual comfort.
Joyful
Joy-centric spaces often reflect vibrant energy through playfulness, be it in colour, fabric or furniture choices. Pieces that celebrate whimsy and invite engagement through their form are bound to be a talking point and there’s no denying what a contrasting pop of colour can bring to an environment.
Nostalgic
Spaces that evoke nostalgia often create emotional connection through thoughtful references to the past. Furniture with silhouettes that nod to specific eras, think mid-century curves, art deco symmetry, or craftsman details triggers meaningful associations and appreciation for the aesthetic of bygone eras. Brenda explains “as an architect the past influences my approach and you will find references to a variety of eras in our collections; our leather clad Axel Armchair is a case in point, as is our Ollie Coffee Table, both are fundamentally contemporary but with a distinct nod to the past.”
Focused
A task-oriented space like an office requires intentionality in design. Furniture with clear purpose and minimal distraction supports mental clarity – think streamlined desks, supportive seating with subtle adjustability, and storage that creates order. Textures remain understated with smooth, consistent finishes that don’t compete for attention while the colour approach favours monochromatic schemes with subtle variations in tone and saturation.
Enhanced emotional engagement is a hallmark of Soft&Co’s approach to interiors and is underpinned by their commitment to thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship “our focus is on creating lasting relationships for people and the spaces they occupy and that starts with us creating solutions for how they want to live and how they want to feel when they are there,” says Brenda.
Visit http://softandco.co.za
A modern sanctuary 9 Apr 10:00 PM (13 days ago)
By Trisha Harinath, Project Consultant Jenni McCallum, Photographer Stephen Rowley
Blending minimalist design, soft neutrals and natural textures has resulted in a coastal home that is an airy and tranquil retreat. The interior style of the property, which is currently on the market, shows off spaces that lean towards minimalism with influences from Scandinavian and Japandi design combining harmoniously. It blends serene, nature-inspired elements with clean lines and soft textures for a space that is stylish and inviting.
The modern coastal aesthetic is inspired by the tranquil, light feel of coastal living with a soft neutral palette of whites, greys and natural wood tones. The Scandinavian minimalism trend comes through with a less is more philosophy – there is a focus on simplicity, functionality and warmth throughout the residence. The Japandi influence can be seen in the natural materials, earthy tones and organic textures.
To see more of this beautiful home, buy the April ’25 issue of SA Home Owner – on shelf now.
