By Johané Neilson

Lately, I have been spotting striking black frames everywhere. They come in all shapes and sizes – thick, thin, ornate – you name it- and they frame everything from photographs to posters and even random objects. Usually I am a “more is more” kind of girl when it comes to colour and clutter, but the monochrome threesome kept popping up in my line of site until I couldn’t resist – I had to have my own exhibition.

This image from Therese Sennerholt’s Webshop was part of my inspiration.

Ta-da! I bought these simple black beauties for less that R50 each from Clicks. They come in white, black, silver and gold and I am tempted to go back for more! Hubby is particularly pleased that he did not have to drill any holes in the wall for this ensemble as they simply rest on top on the bookshelf.

There is one open wall left in the living room that provides a bit of breathing room in the décor, but maybe I should just go for gold and cover it up completely…

Don’t you just love this image by  Magnus Selander?

BY: Johané Neilsen

Thank you very much to the Pierneef à la Motte team. Hubby Allister and I had a beautiful Valentine’s Day  dinner.

Table for two: the love seat.

Our frothy little Amuse-bouche was a delicious calamari pina colada.
(An amuse Buche a single little hors d’œuvre or Chef’s gift that is served before a meal to whet the appetite)

Smoked & cured mousse of salmon trout terrine, avocado panna cotta,lemon and beetroot salad, black olive crostini. Scrumptious! My favourite course of the meal.

Free-range beef sirloin, Shiraz chips & summer salad, mushroom & hanepoot sauce. My tomato risotto, although tasty, was no match for this block buster of a dish.

The grand finale: Mille feuille of whipped brie & potato wafer, honey roasted figs, Cape Tawny & pomegranate syrup. I had a delicious Chocolate plate.

The desserts were a great end to a delicious evening.

BY: Simone Borcherding

My December holiday slapped me out of serious mode and really brought out the kid in me.  I spent afternoons eating soft serve with a flaky, running through the sprinkler, dancing and just being plain old silly. It was so much fun. I’ve managed to carry this childlike wonder with me into the new year even though deadlines are looming and my schedule fills up (high five to self) but I’ve had help, not only from my crazy friends, but also thanks to exhibitions such as Kartell’s flagship store opening filled with colourful plastic furniture and lighting, and Freeworld Coatings’ Kidults Exhibition where their usual little pods of inspiration surprised the (candy floss and popcorn eating) guests with colouring-in tables, brazenly bright high-top sneakers, and  giant toy-like sculptures, showing how design can bridge the gap between young and old.
                                   
Playtime at the Freeworld Coatings Kidults exhibition.
Photos: Kim Bougaardt

I may be too scared to let little kids near these designer mini Louis Ghost chairs available at Kartell, but there’s no denying their fun factor.

Mr Price Home has a great children’s section. Look out for items that don’t have to be strictly reserved for the kids’ room, such as this retro car scatter (the pic was taken a while back so it may not be in stock now).

Vogue Living featured an article titled ‘Fun House’, showcasing a home that outright displays toys set against bright backdrops’, instead of hiding them away in boxes.

This book by Sam Scarborough [http://www.kidsdecor.co.za/decor-books] still inspires me. As the intro says: Creative indoor and outdoor spaces for children of all ages. (Emphasis on the ‘of all ages’).

I couldn’t resist taking a photo of someone’s quirky collection of little pigs at a church sale a while back, they sure are fun.

Toy-like sculptures come together perfectly with more mature items such as the old mantle clock, as seen at The Woodlands Eatery 

I am fascinated with this video of Cape Town using smallgantics / tilt shift phototgraphy to simulate a miniature scene that reminds me of kids toy world.

In my late teens my best friend introduced me to SARK’s books – filled with frivolity they still get me smiling. CREDIT: Susiesheartpathblog

Me on the swing at Greenpoint Park.

Go play!

BY: Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel

I love a bargain. I bought this extremely heavy SupaWood book case for a mere R250 after an office relocated and chucked all their old furniture. Currently I’m in the “paint everything white” phase and popped in at Paint & Décor in Durbanville for some friendly advice.

BEFORE

Because the existing paint had a matt texture it wasn’t necessary to sand it down or apply an undercoat – I could simply paint over it (thank heavens!) I used Duram’s “NuGlo Polyurethane Acrylic Enamel”. Being water-based it is not messy to work with. It has a lovely medium sheen giving a light gloss effect and it almost feels like your normal enamel so you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth if it gets dirty. Use a small sponge roller instead of wool as it gives a smoother finish. But be warned: to paint white over bright red you need at least four coats. Five coats would have been better, but I just didn’t have the energy – especially with a keen 2-year old insisting on helping every time she sees a paint brush! The clever guys at Paint & Décor advised that I apply the first two coats thickly with a brush and the final two coats with the roller, but I didn’t listen because I wanted a super smooth finish (in hindsight they had a point off course). In between the coats I sanded some areas with 100 grit sandpaper to get rid of thick blotches.

The book case feels like weighing a ton, therefore the wheels I suppose as it’s almost impossible to move. This means that it’s a huge danger to a toddler as it could easily fall on her killing her if she was to climb on it. Two brackets fixing it to the wall make the book case immovable. So much so that I can place glassware on top as it doesn’t even sway an inch. The two green figurines are sentimental because my mom gave it to me when we moved into the house six years ago. The brackets are not visible at eye level hence it doesn’t look ugly.

After 8 years of married live I still get flowers for Valentine’s Day – and Proteas are some of my favourites. By the way, I got this lovely turquois jug for a mere R120 at Boardmans.

It wasn’t long before Emma noticed the bird cage – luckily I don’t have to worry about the book case falling on her. Her own books also found a place in the two baskets which she can easily reach.

AFTER

Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel (Features editor)

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BY: Johané Neilsen

February is unashamedly the month of love. Shades of red and pink saturate shopping malls, love songs abound on the radio and romantic gestures and private dinners are encouraged. Usually I find the pressure unbearable and flop Valentine’s Day with flair. This year I am turning over a new leaf and vow to make my first V-day as a married woman romantic as opposed to awkward and forced. Here goes nothing!

Judging from my tone you might deduce that I am against all this romance stuff – let me assure you, this is not wholly true. I just don’t like being forced into a show of my affection. One year I cooked my hubby beautiful butterfish with fennel and fondant potatoes only to find out afterwards that he does not like rich fish and prefers hake. Another year we independently took control of the arrangements without actually discussing it and when we found out about each other’s efforts instead of laughing about it we had such a glorious argument it is a wonder that we made it to the alter at all! So far we have yet to have a truly romantic Valentine’s Day and this year I have decided to change our dreadful track record with a romantic dinner for two at Pierneef á La Motte in Franschhoek.  Watch this space, I will post some pics of the delicious food on Wednesday! Can’t wait for the Biltong and crayfish salad, tomato & feta sambal, garlic vinaigrette served with 2011 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc. Yum! And that’s only the starter…

If you want to book your seat hurry, limited space available.

Pierneef á La Motte

021 876 8800

www.la-motte.com

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek

Mornay de Villiers was a mere 26 when he bought an old house in the Strand’s Da Gama Road – but he was nevertheless up to the challenge of transforming the place.

Internal walls were demolished, the entrance was moved from the side street to the front of the corner property to achieve a better flow and, for the first time in his life, Mornay started gardening. Fortunately, his is a close-knit family, and his parents and two sisters helped where they could. Mornay and his dad Alwyn own a scrap metal company in the Strand while his mother Sandra and sisters Natasha and Melissa run Pajamas & Jam – a popular antiques store and coffee shop on the same property. This was the source of most of the interesting finds that now add impact to his home: a ceiling-mounted industrial hook supports a hanging chair; an old bright red Coke fridge perks up the kitchen, and truck doors bearing the image of a box of Lion matches lead into the bathroom. ‘At first I thought the things in the shop were ugly,’ Mornay admits, ‘But now I’ve seen the light!’

White, whiter…

Mornay’s home wasn’t always white; it’s been systematically changed over the past two to three years. ‘The floors were that typically yellowish Oregon pine, the mirrors had gilt frames and the curtains were blood-red velvet – all very dramatic!’ explains Mornay. But the look simply didn’t work for him as he likes to keep things light and enjoys both indoor and outdoor living. So the curtains on the huge windows were replaced by simple muslin drops made by his mother. They pool on the floor and are never drawn.

‘Many people ask me why I built such high walls around my property; it’s because I never have to close my curtains – I want to be able to look at my garden day and night. Everything’s open here. When you walk in through the front door, my bedroom door is open and you can see right through. That’s why everything has to be beautiful, in a consistent style.’

Soon after the new curtains were hung, the furniture was painted white. Most of Mornay’s ball-and-claw pieces were spray-painted with Duco for a satin- smooth finish, resulting in a crisp, contemporary look. For contrast, some pieces were hand-painted. The walls were coated with Cretestone and left unsealed for a natural look. The floors were the final project. ‘I dilly-dallied about painting them because people think you’re crazy if you paint wooden floors. But, once I saw that white finish, I was actually sorry I hadn’t done them ages ago!’ laughs Mornay.

Holiday haven

Most of the doors open on pivot hinges – even the enormous old sliding doors he bought and installed on pivots at his front door – for a mere R2 000. They swing open completely, leading straight into the open plan kitchen and living area, where old couches boast oversized slipcovers that add to an informal, shabby chic look that’s perfectly in keeping with Mornay’s philosophy that everything should be laidback. The hessian cushions are from Pajamas & Jam, while the threadbare rugs are from a secondhand store. ‘Many of my friends say they feel like they’re on holiday when they visit because everything’s so light and airy. And that’s exactly the feel I wanted,’ says Mornay.

Eating and entertaining

‘A pantry has always sounded like a great idea to me – so I got myself one! My girlfriends love it because when we’re entertaining, they can simply walk in and see where everything is,’ explains Mornay. The satin-smooth, white ball-and-claw kitchen table is on castors for easy manoeuvrability when the party starts jumping. But the natural wood chairs surrounding it offer a soothing contrast, while one of several crystal chandeliers found in the house adds a touch of glamour. But it’s not a done deal.  The kitchen’s already been transformed twice and Mornay is planning more changes to further improve the flow. ‘Luckily, I have an excellent contact in Jaco of Workbench Products, who installed my kitchen cupboards and also custom-made all the doors and windows for me!’

Suite dreams

Both bedrooms have white French doors and ornate scroll burglar bars. Here, too, the furniture is primarily ball-and-claw pieces painted white. Even a formerly green architect’s plan chest has been given a new lease on life with a lick of white paint.

In Mornay’s dressing room, two white ball-and-claw wardrobes face – and reflect – each other; he replaced the door panels with mirrors. ‘It doesn’t matter whether I buy something old or new – I always try to add my personal stamp. I seldom bring anything into the house as is.’ Sister Natasha is campaigning to keep the imbuia cupboard in his en-suite bathroom in its natural state, but Mornay’s having none of it: ‘It’s getting its white coat pretty soon!’

Mornay’s renovation tips

• Start and finish one room at a time, or you’ll never get anywhere.

• Maintain a single style throughout; keep the look uniform.

• White paint always works for me. If you’re not sure where a piece should be, paint it white and take another look.

• Appreciate your garden from inside as well; don’t draw your curtains unnecessarily.

• Get to know how your home and property works; I know exactly how my pool pump and irrigation system work, for example.

1 Home competitions are open to anyone in South Africa except the employees of Media24, the competition sponsors, their subsidiaries, promotional and advertising agencies and immediate family members.

2 Prizes will be awarded to the first correct entries drawn and winners will be notified telephonically or via email.

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4 The decision of the organisers is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5 Prizes cannot be amended, transferred, extended or exchanged for cash.

6 The sponsors are responsible for fulfillment of the prizes and Home cannot be held responsible for problems or delays in delivery of prizes.

7 Prizes to be redeemed within 6 months of notification; extensions only accepted if agreed upon in writing with prize sponsors.

The largest upholstery furniture manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, Alpine Lounge is committed to producing quality upmarket furniture and offers a comprehensive range in both leather and fabric, including chairs and couches with motion mechanisms.

Alpine Lounge uses only top quality raw materials and enjoys exclusive use of leather varieties indigenous to South America and Namibia. Their design team travels the world, visiting furniture fairs to ensure the company continues to be in the vanguard with new and exciting designs.

And the Livingstone corner suite is one such example: a suite from the upmarket Ashanti range, this well-proportioned space-saving unit in a colonial design an uncluttered-look, yet still allows you to relax in a cocoon of comfort, with exceptionally soft, round-shaped arms.

Twin needle effect stitching on sides, seats and headrests add aesthetic appeal and value to the suite, as does the novel feature: a Colonial-style satchel for storage on both sides of suite.

To locate your nearest Alpine Lounge stockist, call 021 951 7150 or view their extensive collection of static and motion suites at www.alpinelounge.co.za.

THE PRIZE ONE lucky reader can win a Livingstone corner suite worth R43 000.

THE QUESTION Which upmarket range is the Livingstone corner unit part of?

CLOSING DATE 13 March 2012

HOW TO ENTER

• Online at homemag.co.za.

• Write your answer, along with your full contact details, on a postcard and post it to Home/Alpine, PO Box 1802, Cape Town 8000.

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• Phone the hotline on 0862 211 006 (Telkom competition line rates apply).

Colour blocking – applying bold colour in distinctive shapes and forms to your apparel, walls or even furniture pieces – is a growing trend.

Project notes

• We decided to strip all the paint from this old pine chest of drawers.

• We added custom legs to add more height and structure to its overall design.

• We then added two asymmetrical designs across the drawer fronts that wrap around the sides to add further interest to the piece.

• These shapes we painted two vibrant colours for a playful end result.

Ashley says When it comes to furniture makeovers, choosing whether to expose the original timber is as important as deciding whether to paint it.

Shopping list

• wood filler (if required)

• 1800 x 44 x 44mm pine

• paint stripper, if needed

• primer; we used Plascon Universal Undercoat

• paint; we used Dulux Luxurious Silk

• masking tape

• 40mm chipboard screws

Tools

• scraper/spatula

• planer

• cordless screwdriver

• sander and sandpaper

• paintbrush or foam roller

• pencil

• screwdriver

We removed the old paint by applying Plascon RemovAll, a water-based stripper, with a brush and leaving it to work for 20 minutes.

Use the right scraper for the surface at hand, always making sure to keep the straight sharp edge flat on the surface.

Get started

1 Remove old varnish or paint using paint stripper. If the paint finish is loose or flaking, remove as much as possible with a scraper before applying the paint stripper. After leaving the product to react, use a scraper to remove all peeling, bubbling paint or varnish. Be careful not to damage the wood and to work with the grain.

2 Use a multi-sander to remove remaining traces of paint, working down from a 180 grit to a 220 grit. Then rub the piece down with steelwool to provide a smooth surface ready for priming.

3 Cut the 1800mm pine plank into four 250mm lengths, then mark 20mm from one corner and connect this point with the opposite corner by drawing a straight line.

4 Now use the planer to remove this material and create four tapered legs.

5 Create bases for the legs using four offcut pieces measuring roughly 120 x 120mm. Fix the bases to the legs with glue and screws.

6 Now fix the four legs to the underside of the drawer unit using 40mm chipboard screws. Remember to drill pilot holes first.

7 Draw the designs or shapes that you want to paint using the pencil. Then use the masking tape to ‘mask out’ these shapes. Now apply a coat of primer to the areas to be painted.

8 Once the primer is dry, lightly sand these areas using 220 grit sandpaper, then apply two coats of enamel or acrylic PVA to these primed areas; we used Dulux Luxurous Silk, an acrylic PVA.

9 After applying the final coat, remove the masking tape.

10 Finally, refit the drawer knobs to complete the makeover.