The Hex River pass is an exhalation. Climbing out of the verdant Hex River valley, you crest the escarpment, and suddenly the landscape changes. It’s where the Karoo begins – and whenever I round the pass’s final right-hand bend and the road straightens into those beautiful Karoo vistas, I can feel myself breathe out and relax. It’s only then that it really feels like I’ve properly escaped into the country.
The last time I drove it was to shoot the house on our cover. In late January, photographer Jan Ras and I set off for Prince Albert, aiming to spend a few days there shooting interesting new homes in one of my favourite South African country towns. The first of those homes is on pages 106 to 117. Designed by Casper Lundi and Yvonne Brecher of Studio Biru, it’s the perfect representation of this issue’s New Rustic theme, combing modern minimalism with the traditional Karoo brakdak aesthetic.
It’s a theme that’s pulled right through VISI 143, with beautiful country homes from Dullstroom to Canada’s Thirty Thousand Islands district; refurbed country hotels in the Cape Winelands and on the slopes of the Tsitsikamma mountains; get-the-look interiors ideas on page 56; and our trends guru Chris Reid’s look at the emerging rustic trend.
We’re always trying to showcase new local talent, and this month the spotlight falls on Sipho Khwebula Twala of Khwebula Arts, as well as five emerging artists from the recent Investec Cape Town Art Fair: Tshepiso Moropa, Guy Simpson, Kamva Matuis, Amy Rusch and Warren Maroon.
Also on during the same week in February was Cape Town Furniture Week, now in its fourth year. VISI was again the official media partner, and the prestigious CTFW x VISI Design Prize unearthed yet another promising talent in Tom Lead, who collaborated with Stripped Studio to create 2026’s winning entry: the Koppie chair (see page 86).
Topping off a packed issue of VISI is a 30-page Bathrooms special section where your home’s often-overlooked space steals the spotlight. Our interiors expert Martin Jacobs selects new trends, from brave colour to luxe natural stone, to spark your next revamp.
There you have it, VISI 143: full of beautiful images, engaging storytelling and inspiring interior design ideas – and all made by human hands, not by some sketchy AI algorithm. Enjoy the read. And the exhale.
– Steve Smith, Editor | info@visi.co.za
Finally… thanks, Jo!
It’s also the final issue that has the talented Jo Buitendach as contributing editor. Jo’s been curating and writing our Stories section since issue #125, and we’ll miss her wonderfully quirky eye and insightful features. Jo, your contribution to VISI has been immense, and you’ve definitely set the high-water mark. I’m hoping we’ll still see your byline appear on the pages of future issues, as one of our writers!
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