Fine Geometric Lines

Stay on-trend this season with textured, symmetrically-patterned furniture. If you’re keen on this look, the Lexington sofa is a must-have. Its appearance boasts straight, elegant lines with slim arm rests, combined with a luxurious fabric and a quilted leaf motif. The Lexington enhances just about any indoor space and creates the ultimate living experience.

“What’s special about this sofa is that it’s not only a beauty, it’s extremely comfortable as well and you simply won’t go wrong with it,” says Alon.

Perfect and Practical

In an evolving, modern world practical living is key, and what busy homeowners really need is the convenience of removable slip covers with maintenance made simple and hassle-free.

“In other words, phoning a specialist cleaning company is a thing of the past, simply clean your furniture covers yourself – it’s easy and cost-effective too,” says Alon.

Retro Done Right

Are you in search of the ultimate storage solution? The Gramercy side cupboard is the answer. Made from walnut veneer with trendy tapered feet, this piece of furniture is certainly retro done right. “With its mirrored finish offset with walnut veneer honeycomb sections, the Gramercy is a masterpiece,” says Alon. “It can act as a side cupboard or as a home for special tableware or glassware for entertaining.”

Mixed Materials

Ever wonder about the marble-wood combination? Mixing materials is on-trend, and nothing says style better than the well-crafted Delta coffee tables. “These tables are both classy, yet simple and fit just about any indoor space,” says Alon.

Nesting Is Nice

The lounge tells a story, and for those wanting to effortlessly create a focal point, why not pair together three tables? “The Tribeca tables are well-suited for the nesting concept and bonus is, they look good too,” says Alon.

For more information, visit mobelli.co.za or download their lookbook.

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Of all the rooms in the home, the living room is probably the most complex. Its functions are many and, over the years, its titles and roles have shifted more than any other space.

Nowadays, it needs to be a place everyone living in the house can use for rest, relaxation and play. Yet it also has to provide a welcoming embrace for visitors. And, be it for rest and relaxation, company and conversation, or vibrant social events, this is a room that should reflect the personalities of those who create and enjoy it. Here, six inspired ways to breathe new life into the social heart of your home.

1. Beyond the Pale

Functional and fabulous, a palette of pale neutrals keeps this contemporary living room clean-lined and inviting, while carefully chosen accessories add a touch of glamour and a whole lot of comfort. Sofas upholstered in functional white linen are dressed with an assortment of silk and brocade cushions in shimmering sage and gold, their iridescence echoed in the striking marbled pattern of the feature blind. An unfussy wooden coffee table, meanwhile, anchors the space and provides a fitting natural contrast to the plush taupe carpet and gleaming glass and metal accessories.

2. New Blooms

An increasing awareness of all things ecological has focused the decorator’s microscope on the botanist’s art. In this striking living room, a proliferation of flowers, feathers and foliage, all rendered in large-scale graphics and eye-popping hues, constitutes a modern-day adaptation of nature-infatuated Romanticism. A simple box sofa in soft chocolate suede grounds the scheme, while furnishings in moulded plastic and metallic wire add an ultra-contemporary edge. Accessories, too, are nature inspired: a pendant lamp comprising myriad paper-cut petals or a lattice bowl that resembles the delicate fronds of calcified coral.

 3. Yin and Yang

Masculine black and white is tempered with a splash of pretty pink in this striking living room, where graphic patterns add on-trend drama. Here, a set of dark-wood shutters throws into stark relief a modern wooden-legged sofa and matching coffee table, both upholstered in simple fawn coloured linen. The trellis and geometric prints on the rose-hued cushions and throw mimic that of the eye-catching rug, but the potential severity of the scheme is offset with fanciful Asian influences, such as the macramé Chinese lanterns and chinoiserie style silk cushions.

4. Shape Shifters

The interplay of different shapes and silhouettes adds interest to this playful living room scheme whose crowning glory is undoubtedly the focus-wall paint effect. Executed in a range of soft, chalky neutrals drawn from ‘Element’, one of Plascon’s 2016 Colour Forecast themes, the mural and its side-table reiteration call to mind the gradated tones of a distant mountainscape. The jagged edges of the design are then complemented by the shapes chosen to dress the space itself: the attention-grabbing gold triangle on the sofa cushion, the hexagon of the metallic table and the soft sphere of the teal pouf. 

 5. Pattern in Overdrive 

The profusion of clashing prints in this living room is tamed only by the choice of a strictly monochromatic palette. Inspired by a classic conservatory theme, the scheme’s elements include a graphic palm-leaf wallpaper and a set of framed botanical prints; upholstery, curtains and cushions in a variety of trellis-design patterns; and the innovative inclusion, even, of a metallic garden chair. The inlaid wooden coffee table and natural-fibre rug, together with an array of potted plants, add to the success of having seamlessly brought the outdoors in. 

6. East Meets West

Cool, calm and collected, blue and white is the go-to palette for timeless living rooms and here it is executed with a touch of Asian flair. An ensemble of Chinese porcelain vases and calligraphy style Oriental prints consort happily with a handsome French navy wallpaper and classic mahogany coffee tables to bring dignified style to this smart scheme. All-white sofas and table lamps act as a refreshing counterfoil to the darks in the space, effectively preventing the look from becoming claustrophobic. And silver accessories are the last word in old-world elegance.

For more living room decorating ideas, not to mention the chance to see the very latest in living room products and design, don’t miss Decorex Joburg, on from 5 to 9 August 2016 at the Gallagher Convention Centre. Decorex Joburg will be open from 10am to 7pm daily (6pm Monday). Tickets cost R110 for adults, R90 for trade, pensioners and students and R25 for kids under 12. For more information, e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za or visit decorex.co.za.

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Whether you’re accessorising with fairy lights or you’re in need of a new rug, use any of these 11 buys to make your chill area extra cosy this season.

1. Fallen Leaves Cushion (40cm x 60cm) R199, @home

2. Zig-Zag Contemporary Rug (2.5m x 3.5m) R18 900, Kelim B Design at Mae Artisan Rugs

3. Velvet Scatter Cushion in Yellow R199, Woolworths

4. Large Jar Fireside Treats Candle R365, Yankee Candle

5. Mustard Floor Cushion R1 400, Shaw Sisters at Green Elephant Collective

6. Vintage Overdyed Kilim R10 995, Weylandts

7. Avani Bio-Ethanol Fireplace R4 883, Beauty Fires

8. LED Battery String Lights – Winter Mix R199, Cotton Cable at Superbalist.com

9. Arrows Throw R499, Hertex Fabrics at Superbalist.com

10. Pine Trees Wallpaper R250 – R350, Hello Dolly Designs

11. Ceramic Ball Bean Bag With Faux Fur Cover R99.99, Mr Price Home

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What should I know first before buying a piece of leather furniture?

There are three basic components to a leather couch.

1. The frame and construction
2. The foam, lining and inners
3. The leather

Unfortunately, it is very difficult for the average shopper to ascertain the quality aspects of these components. The frame should preferably be joined using solid timber with 25mm thickness, which is screwed and glued together, as opposed to staple gun joining. The foam must be high density and the filling of inners must be hollow fibre or new chipped foam (no secondhand chips). The most important aspect however is the leather. It must be a natural, full grain leather that has been drum dyed for maximum colour fastness and longevity. There are a range of processed and fake leathers on the market, which may look beautiful, but they won’t last.

Here are a few hints to help you: 

• The frame:  Firstly, make sure the couch is heavy. The heavier the couch, the better the chance of solid construction.
• The foam: Make sure the padding on the arms and back is sufficient. If you can feel the wood at all, stay away.
• The leather: Try and open up the cushions and have a look if the leather is dyed more or less the same colour as it is on the outside. If it is, it means the leather has been drum dyed and not just sprayed on top. The latter will peel away over time and must be avoided. Any leather that looks shiny and has a plastic feel must be avoided. Leather without any natural scratches and marks is also suspect, as it means the leather has probably been processed, losing some of its natural qualities.

What is a better investment: a leather couch or an upholstered sofa?

If it is good quality leather, it will last a lifetime – much longer than any fabric. But from a decor perspective, you probably don’t want to have only leather in your house, so in the end the best option is to combine the two. Just remember that the quality differences between fabrics can be vast. Ask the consultant about the number of rubs guaranteed on your fabric. The higher the value, the better the quality.

What are the best ways to look after and maintain leather furniture?

Good quality leather needs minimal maintenance, as it is relatively stain and scratch resistant. Always use a damp cloth to clean your couch before you do anything else. It is advisable to treat your couch with a leather food every few months. Any product with a beeswax base is normally safe. Avoid excessive direct sunlight, as this will definitely have a fading effect on the leather.

The big question: what should I do if I spill red wine on leather?  Keep calm and wipe it off with a wet cloth! Unless it is open-grain leather with no surface sealant on top, it shouldn’t leave a stain.

For more information, visit incanda.co.za.

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Keep your living room fresh by regularly adding new little details that keep it doing the Instagram rounds. Here are 3 Must-Haves for your Living Room.

The Twiggy Clock by Sanet Stegmann

This small timekeeper takes its inspiration from the iconic ’60s model, Twiggy, who was known
for her thin build. This similarly skinny clock will delight the clock-watchers among us. Available in walnut, brass and walnut, and mild steel and oak.

• From R1 100, sanet.stegmann@gmail.com

Dots by Muuto

Designed by Norwegian design studio Lars Tornøe, these oversized coat hooks make a playful ornamental statement and have spawned a whole DIY genre of creative ways to put them to use as door handles, pendant lamp displays and more. They come in various sizes and colours and are made of oak or stained ash wood.

• From R400, entrepo.co.za

OTO 100 by Muuto

Who said storage needs to be square? This fibreglass storage system designed by the Danish designer
Pil Bredahl can be assembled in numerous configurations. It’s the perfect opportunity to spruce up the lounge, finding a place for each piece of clutter, while showing off the creative in you.

• From R6 800, entrepo.co.za

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Spark growing imaginations with these kid-friendly colours and creative effects.

Look #1: Angel’s space

A cloud motif and a sprinkling of playful accessories come together in a whimsical world for the best slumber parties on the block. 

GET THIS LOOK

Create a neutral base with Plascon Cashmere Resplendent. Then use an artist brush and Plascon Cashmere White (CAS 1) to add free-form clouds in different sizes. Build on the monochromatic look with accessories in earthy textures and shades of white, beige and brown. Make this neutral look pop by adding playful bits and bobs in bright silver and gold.

Look #2: Get Sporty 

A burst of sunshine yellow and grassy green bring the sports field indoors for your little champ. Let the play dates kick off!

GET THIS LOOK

Create an active scene by painting the focal wall in Plascon Cashmere Golden Daffodil (Y3-A1-1) and the other walls in Plascon Cashmere Whisper (B5-E2-3). Then use the Whisper to stencil a sports-themed graphic onto the yellow focal wall. Turn the floor into a fun playing field by painting it with Plascon Cashmere Dragon’s Hide (G2-C1-1) and adding stippled and solid stripes in Plascon Cashmere White. Complete the look with a smattering of sports equipment and utilitarian accessories in yellow and grey. For a cheeky touch, add traditionally outdoor objects – like a garden gnome, wall-climbing blocks and a swing.

This article was originally published in Plascon Spaces, Issue 7.

For more handy colour tips, visit plasconspaces.co.za.

The post One Room, Two Looks appeared first on Visi.

The living room is the emotional hub of the home. Amp up its feel-good factor in one of these four gorgeous palettes. 

Look 1: Grey & Gold

An earthy grey sets an effortlessly elegant scene where rustic pieces meet opulent elements in crystal and gold. Prepare surfaces well and apply two coats of Plascon Cashmere Ageless (Y3-E2-2), allowing time to dry between coats. To create this delicately balanced look, start introducing contrasting accessories – from natural wooden furnishings to more glitzy pieces like a patterned mirror, bone-inlaid dresser or crystal chandelier. Finish with a tasteful scattering of gold accents.

Look 2: The Life Aquatic

It’s comfy seaside-chic. A tranquil azure world is accented with dip-dyed, hand-woven and hand-painted accessories in the shade of the season, denim blue. Bring the seaside indoors with Plascon Cashmere Blueprint (B6-C1-2). Then practise restraint. Cramming all manner of flotsam and jetsam into the space will create a cluttered, slightly tacky feel. So opt instead for one or two feature pieces complemented by demin-shaded accessories in various textures, and splashes of white to lighten the scheme.

Look 3: Paper & Ink

Black and white photography, typographical elements and bold vertical stripes balance perfectly in this contemporary living space. Create a blank canvas with Plascon Cashmere White (CAS1). Next, punch up the background with graphic pieces. Think liquorice-striped cushions and rugs, black-and-white photographs and large, clean-lined furnishings. Then add tactile interest with felt, linen and ceramics. Lastly, soften the hard, masculine edges with warm wooden elements that also anchor the look.

Look 4: Clockwork Orange

Energise the entertainment zone of your home with a bright, punchy orange that shows off quirky furnishings and ultra-modern extras. Apply two coats of Plascon Cashmere Tangerine Tango (O3-A1-1). Build on this feature wall with clean-lined accessories in smooth textures like steel and glass, and create extra interest with a few choice typographical elements. Remember, using white will create a clean, functional look, while shades of light and dark grey will ground the potentially overbearing orange.

This article was originally published in Plascon Spaces, Issue 7.

For more handy colour tips, visit plasconspaces.co.za.

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From pendant lamps to milk jugs, here’s 10 items of all shapes and sizes that will bring a touch of cool and calm to your decor.

1. Crosley Spinnerette R2 299, Superbalist.com

2. Printed Geometric Rug R299.99, Mr Price Home

3. Blue Stripe Scatter R595, Weylandts

4. Stoneware Sugar Bowl in Marseille Blue (300ml) R225, Le Creuset at Yuppiechef.com

5. Crystal Bloom Wallpaper R1 150, Unwrapped

6. Sagaform Pop Milk Jug in Light Blue R299, Yuppiechef.com

7. Dish Drainer Geo R699.95, Jorre van Ast for Royal VKB at Entrepo

8. Scallop Edge Cereal Bowls R49.95, Woolworths

9. Industrial Metal Dome Hanging Pendant R399.99, Mr Price Home

10. Indigo Blue Cane Chair R1 600, Abi and Scarlett at Green Elephant Collective

The post 10 Home Essentials in Blue appeared first on Visi.

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of country chic to your living room or a retro feel to your dining area, here’s 5 sideboards you’ll find online and in store. You’ll find even more options to choose from on page 138 of our July/August 2014 issue.

1. Seared Oak Sideboard R19 995, Weylandts

2. Long Island Sideboard in high-gloss mahogany R49 995, Bakos Brothers

3. Louvre Sideboard in solid white oak R13 999, JVB Furniture Collection

4.Cape Cod Sideboard in French Grey R5 920, Wetherlys

5. Dragon 16-drawer Sideboard R28 995, Block & Chisel

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PROMOTION

Mix gorgeous furniture with a super-soft and durable carpet, add some stylish lights, put quirky patterns on the wall and you have a lounge you’ll never want to leave. Find additional options in the gallery to customise your lounge to your own taste.

Belgotex flooring

The new Vogue range of carpet from Belgotex, seen here in Cool Lava, is made from a new fibre called SDX Soft. SDX (solution-dyed nylon) is stain-resistant and colourfast, allowing cleaning with bleach and water without damaging the colour, making it a perfect choice for the busy lounge space. However, it’s also incredibly soft and has a delicate sheen, ensuring a luxurious look for your lounge flooring without compromising functionality.

Showrooms: Melrose Estate, Johannesburg; Wynberg, Cape Town; Willowton, Pietermaritzburg; Westdene, Bloemfontein; Newton Park, Port Elizabeth.

033 897 7500, belgotex@carpet.co.za, belgotexvinyl.com

Mobelli furniture

To maximise the use of your lounge furniture without compromising on style, invest in a range that can work as both interior and exterior furniture, such as this selection from Mobelli. Now you can entertain in style no matter the location or the season. Seen here from left to right is the Citta del Capo chaise lounge, centre unit and foot stool all with cream cushions; Flora end table in grey; Piuma dining side chair in purple; and Piuma dining armchair in grey.

Showrooms: Paarden Eiland (021 512 2662) in Cape Town; Illovo (011 268 6956) and Fourways (011 467 6272) in Johannesburg; Umhlanga Ridge (031 566 5996) in Durban.

info@mobelli.co.za, mobelli.co.za

Curate accessories from Pierre Cronje

The tall woven basket (used as flower vase) and mushroom-style wooden stools add an earthy touch to the lounge.

Showrooms: Wynberg (021 761 4534) and Greenpoint (021 425 0374) in Cape Town; and Kramerville (011 262 4514/44) in Johannesburg.

info@pierrecronje.co.za, pierrecronje.co.za

K Light lighting

Play with colour and light in your lounge room by adding in floor lamps to compliment your furniture and hanging glass lights with interesting groupings.  Seen here is a white floor lamp, and hanging are a ball pendant with amber glass, bell jar pendant with amber glass and curl pendant with clear glass.

Showrooms: Milnerton (021 552 4370) in Cape Town and Midrand (011 312 1247) in Johannesburg.

info@klight.co.za, klight.co.za

Plascon Cashmere paint

Approach the concept of a feature wall with an artistic eye to bring colour into the room via pattern. Here we’ve used Plascon’s 2014 Colour Forecast colours on the left board, with the background in Rafter P6-E1-1, the spots in Gold Finch Y4-B1-2 and the lines in Ravine NEU 05.

Available: All good hardware and paint stores nationwide.

Plascon Spaces showroom: The Design Quarter, Fourways, Johannesburg.

0860 20 40 60, advice@plascon.co.za, plascon.co.za

Sustainable chic is the order of the day in VISI magazine’s new GREENOVATION issue, with eight homes that get down to earth, 32 reasons to turn up the heat, and kitchens and bathrooms straight from Milan. Get it now!

 

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