With all the decor world and its copper crush in Milan this week, we thought we’d show you how to be just as glam as Tom Dixon for a fraction of the price!

When we found this well-used skeleton locker in a junk store, we had great intentions for it – of the copper-plating variety. But electroplating involves working with hazardous chemicals (like cyanide), which rules out DIY, and with the best commercial quote coming in at a cool R18 000, we turned to stalwart Sprayon instead.

It took only four cans of Sprayon’s 350ml quick-drying, copper metallic lacquer spray to get the perfect copper look. We suggest that you treat all metal with Sprayon Rust Off before spray painting, to dissolve rusty patches, condition the metal for painting, and improve paint adhesion.

Sprayon products are available from leading hardware stores. For more information go to sprayon.co.za or call 011 440 2202/3/4.

Did you like this Smart Idea? See others here.

See more about VISI’s copper crush in our April/May 2014 REWIND REDO RENEW edition, now on shelves.

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As part of our focus on getting real in VISI 58, VISI.co.za will be showcasing the living and working environments of ordinary people.  

Good taste is, after all, not the exclusive domain of rock-star designers or the mega wealthy. Being real means creating an environment that is both an expression of one’s personal identity, as well as a comfortable solace from the chaos of life. In this ongoing series we will be offering VISI readers an intimate glimpse into the homes, studios and offices of a wide range of real people, and the artefacts that reflect their unique identities. First in the series is a peek inside the Harbour’s Edge loft apartment of Dario Leite, co-owner of the trendy Kloof St. boutique astore, and his beautiful girlfriend, Donnet Dumas.

We shot a few questions at the cool couple to find out more about their approach to design.

What does ‘Get Real’ mean to you?

D&D: Getting down to the basics.   

 What is your favourite item in your home?

Donnet: My collection of 70s ceramics.

Dario: My record collection.

 If you could make just one addition to your home, what would it be?

Donnet: To get a huge Tom Dixon light hanging over our lounge.

Dario: An industrial air conditioner! 

What do you think makes a house a home?

Donnet: The memories you make there.

Dario: Liveability and comfort.

 Finish the sentence: Design is…

Donnet: what makes the world go round, in a much prettier way than before.

Dario: a good idea.

 If you could live anywhere in the word where would you choose?

Donnet: Paris. Or New York. Or here. Do I have to pick just one?

Dario: Nothing beats Cape Town.

If you or someone you know has a feature-worthy space, email your happy snaps to dylan.culhane@visi.co.za

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With the recent announcement that Cape Town is the very first African city to be declared World Design Capital in 2014, the latest issue of VISI interrogates the notion of being real in an age that often seems centred on the superficial.

Design (as it is commonly understood) is frequently a culprit in this regard; the creation of lavish and excessive objects and monuments that can seem removed from the daily reality of life.

Cape Town’s imminent tenure as World Design Capital brings with it a necessary re-evaluation of the very concept of what design is, and what it means for society as a whole. Already, exciting discusisons have begun about what the implications of this accolade will be for the average Joe, and not just the top design houses and luxury retailers. Design is, after all, not just about desk lamps, handbags and fashionable chairs. On the contrary, it is about thinking in a streamlined and efficient way, and making everyday life more fulfilling through the implementation of new ideas. In what is possibly the best definition of design I have yet discovered, brand identity guru Alina Wheeler refers to it as “intelligence made visible”. Heaven knows our society could do with a little bit more of that!

Fittingly, VISI 58’s spread of features moves away from the world of rock-star designers and palatial abodes to focus on a range of stories that we feel encapsulate the notion of being “real”.

Marianne Fassler graces the cover of our latest issue. The renowned fashion designer takes us into her Cape Town apartment – in itself something of an ode to local art and design – and discusses (amongst other things) the responsibility that we all have to support the South African design industry.

Managing editor Alma Viviers and deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes were fortunate enough to travel to Tanzania, where they visited Singita Explore – a new mobile camp in the Serengeti plains designed by Cécile and Boyd’s. Alma also describes her experiences in an exclusive feature for VISI.co.za.

Closer to home, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carsten’s adobe “mud hut” in the Waterberg offers an inspired re-imagination of the fatigued bush-lodge aesthetic. Adam Levin takes a closer look at this extraordinary piece of indigenous architecture.

In our second international feature, Vicki Sleet explores Istanbul – fast emerging as a design capital in its own right. Again, we have additional coverage on her trip available here for all our online readers. We highly recommend you take the time to flip through this in-depth article on a sexy destination that Financial Times readers have voted the most liveable city in the world for expats. You’ll also find out all you need to know about the upcoming Istanbul Design Biennial, and can even win return business-class tickets to attend, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.

Finally, be sure to check out a new ongoing feature on VISI.co.za called “Real Spaces”, where we showcase the living and working environments of real South Africans with an individual sense of style. In the absence of art directors, interior decorators and stylists, the photographs in this new section are as real as it gets.

Whether you’re browsing our award-winning website on your iPad, or flipping through the glossy pages of our latest stunning print edition, VISI has plenty to offer this summer. As 2012 rolls around, we will continue to be your number one source of information in the fields of decor, design and architecture.

We wish all our readers a happy and transformative festive season, and we thank you for all the support you’ve given us throughout 2011. Stay safe, and stay real!

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Alma Viviers (along with Annemarie Meintjes and photographer Dook) recently travelled to Singita Grumeti to bring you the story of their new camp feature in VISI 58. She gives VISI.co.za a behind the scenes account of their journey.

This trip did not get off to a smooth start as two emergencies on two different routes of the Gautrain very nearly meant that we stayed right here in SA. But luck was on VISI’s side as a very helpful SAA employee (the only one?) made sure we jetted off to Dar Es Salaam. Since most flights to other regions of the country connect through here, your first taste of Tanzania will most probably be this vibrant city.

We stopped here briefly en route to Singita and stayed over at Hyatt Regency’s The Kilimanjaro, a lovely contemporary hotel overlooking the harbour.

Even if you don’t stay at the Hyatt, you have to try the hotel’s Oriental Restaurant – they serve surprisingly great dim sum and we couldn’t help but order a second round of pork dumplings.  The hotel also has a spectacular rooftop bar with a beautiful view of the city and the harbour.

Early the next morning we headed back to Julius Nyerere International Airport for a charter flight to Sasakwa airstrip via Lake Manyara, via Arusha, via Zanzibar. The charter flights operate a little like a commuter train or bus with travellers hopping on and off at the various smaller airstrips and airports near national parks, lodges and attractions.

At Arusha airport an ice-cold Coke and hot slap tjips offered welcome respite from the journey and Annemarie and myself couldn’t resist buying Shukas, the brightly coloured blankets worn by Maasai.

After nearly a full day’s travel we finally arrived at Sasakwa Airstrip in the Singita Grumeti Reserve. Although we came to cover the new Explore camp, we stayed over at the Faru Faru lodge. Faru Faru, on the bank of the Grumeti River is a relatively small and intimate lodge. It can accommodate 22 visitors in eight suites and one enormous Villa Suite. The beautiful suites are constructed of stone walls with large expanses of glass offering magnificent views of wildlife and scenery.

The simply yet well-designed suites mean the full focus is on relaxation and the spectacular setting. Features like the outdoor shower and a private viewing deck on every suite means you really get to experience the environment beyond just going on game drives. The communal areas like the lounge library and dining area have the same understated barefoot elegance.

A special mention must be made of the food. Presented with an average of three options for starters, mains and dessert, the choice of what to have was hard. Memorable dishes included a delicious seared tuna salad, a succulent fillet and pretty-as-a-picture panna cotta.

Although we didn’t get much time for game viewing as most of it was done on our way to the Explore camp for shooting, the abundance of wildlife meant we were still treated to some amazing sights. Large herds of giraffe and elephant took my breath away, and plains literally covered in hundreds of zebra, wildebeest and buffalo gave new meaning to the expression ‘teeming with wildlife’!

On our way back we took a different route and stopped over at the Kilimanjaro Airport. Annemarie was eager to see the legendary mountaintop since she has travelled to Tanzania several times without catching a glimpse of it. Alas the highest mountain in Africa was hidden by cloud cover again.

A beautiful feature of the Kilimanjaro Airport is the coffee bar and restaurant covered by a tree canopy. Open to the sky the lone tree creates a magical roof of greenery and dappled light.

Our last night in Dar Es Salaam was spent at the Oyster Bay Hotel. The boutique hotel is located on in the Oyster Bay neighbourhood along a stretch of impressive ambassadorial homes. The interior of the homely hotel was done by none other than Kim Smith (Chris Weylandt’s wife) in a style described by the owner as “CAC” – Contemporary African Chic. Oyster Bay is a great stopover stay before you head home.

Tips for travelling in Tanzania

– If you are travelling on a South African passport you can apply for a VISA at the airports but if you want to avoid the queue apply beforehand at the Tanzanian High Commission (www.tanzania.org.za) in Pretoria. The whole process takes just 24 hours.

– Singita Grumeti Reserve forms part of the world-famous migratory route. The Great Migration traditionally moves through the Grumeti Reserves between June and August.

– If you are going on safari, try to keep colours neutral for clothing. Dark colours such as navy blue and black tend to attract the tsetse flies and other bugs.

– Although shorts are fine when on safari, remember that Tanzania is a predominantly Islamic country and women should try to wear more modest clothing if you are visiting cities.

– Malaria is a very real and dangerous threat in Tanzania. Be sure to speak to you doctor before travelling there and take precautions like wearing long sleeve clothing, using mosquito nets and insect repellent during your stay.

– Safari essentials include a hat, sunblock, and sunglasses. A cotton scarf is not only great for keeping direct sun away from your neck, but also for dusty rides. Remember – even if you go in hotter months always take a jacket or fleece along on game drives. Also check if your operator provides raincoats or rain ponchos otherwise if it’s a good idea to take a rain poncho along as well.

More information:Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam The Kilimanjaro, Singita Grumeti, Oyster Bay Hotel.

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