Marlanteak brings us the latest from Kettal in the form of the Cala outdoor furniture collection.

The showstopper of the Cala range is the Emanuelle, otherwise known as the “Peacock” chair. Designed by Doshi Levien, the Emanuelle chair is at the core of this collection, which highlights a combination of woven latticed rope and natural curves.

Thanks to the open lattice pattern of the rope, the range, which includes armchairs, dining chairs, sofas, ottomans, dining tables and coffee tables, puts forth a light and airy feel.

One of Cala’s key elements is customisation – you are able to choose from a collection of metal coatings, rope colours, fabrics, table tops and metal or timber feet.

The dining and coffee table options, whose monolithic style is in contrast to the chairs, are available in various marble and timber variations.

For more information, visit marlanteak.com.

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From adorable self watering plants and colouring notebooks for adults to an amazing glass-blown light fitting and a solar powered cellphone charging tree, these are top VISI picks of the week series – week 106.

1. Self Watering Animal Planters

“I just couldn’t resist these ridiculous little self watering planters,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring. “They come in a set of four – a rabbit, a panda, a pig and a cat.”

Image credit: boredpanda.com (available at amazon.com)

2. Pallucco’s Egg Light

Deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes is just fascinated by the ancient craft of glass-blowing.

Image credit: designbest.com Video credit: pallucco Kubo srl on YouTube.com

3. Electree by Vivien Muller

A solar cellphone charger caught copy editor Kay-Ann van Rooyen’s eye. The Electree is a bonsai sculpture with small photovoltaic panels at the tip of the branches that capture sunlight and store the power in a battery under the panel at the foot of the tree. It’s designed by French industrial designer Vivien Muller.

Image credit: vivien-muller.fr

4. Colouring Notebooks

“I am obsessed with notebooks and colouring in books, so combining the two is definitely a win-win,” says features editor Tracy Greenwood.

Image credit: colouringnotebooks.com

5. Tribu 2016 Designs at marlanteak

Managing editor Lise Avis wouldn’t mind adding this sleek bench and coffee table to her newly renovated home.

Image credit: Supplied

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The premise was to submit pictures of their outdoor projects featuring product from Marlanteak, with “likes” and “shares” accumulating into points. The designer with the most points would be declared the winner.

The talented David Strauss from Oudtshoorn was announced as the winner thanks to the patio and pool area he created for a client’s beach house in Voëlklip, Hermanus.

Here’s what David had to say about his project.

What was the brief from the client?

This is the client’s holiday home so they were keen for me to create a space that provided comfort and an easy living aesthetic. They didn’t want an overly decorated home. The husband likes to collect art, so the space had to be flexible enough that pieces could always be added.

What was your inspiration?

My inspiration came directly from the architecture of the home. The talented architectural team at COA (Craft of Architecture) created quite a stimulating space, from which I took my decorating cue. The colour palette is neutral and inspired by nature and the surrounding mountains and sea.

Tell us about the Marlanteak pieces you’ve used?

Other than the need for a relaxed atmosphere, the client also wanted the best quality outdoor furniture, so using Marlanteak was a given, from the slatted pergola and pool decking to the Mood dining table and Tribu chairs. The tones of these pieces and the relaxed elegance of the setting are also reflected in the Solana Loungers from Gloster. 

What was the feedback from the client?

They mentioned that the design felt unique to them, as if they’ve been living in the house for many years. They felt comfortable. The clients are based in London, but spend much of their free time in Hermanus. They love entertaining and frequently host friends from overseas who love the climate and the easy living style of the home.

What does winning this competition mean to you?

It means so much to me because it’s a wonderful opportunity to broaden my outlook on what is going on in the world of design at a celebrated furniture and design fair. One is never too old to learn new things!

Due to the success of this competition, Marlanteak will be launching a second competition to win a trip in 2016. For more information about Marlanteak, visit marlanteak.com.

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From a luxurious daybed to locally designed perspex art, here are the team’s latest favourites from around the world, the top VISI picks of the week series – week 2.

1. Cradle Daybed by Gloster

This architecturally inspired piece is made from powder-coated aluminium and teak. “I could easily spend hours curled up on this glorious daybed,” says online editor Lindi Brownell Meiring.

Image credit: marlanteak.com

2. Appree Banana Leaf Trays

Deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes loves these multipurpose banana leaf trays, designed by South Korean studio Appree. They can be used as food containers or as little storage boxes for office supplies or accessories.

Image credit: appree.net

3. A Celebration of Kenji Ekuan’s Kikkoman Soy Sauce Bottle

After the recent passing of industrial designer Kenji Ekuan, features editor Tracy Greenwood thought it important to feature one of his most well-known works. “It proves that great design really is practically invisible.”

Image credit: dezeen.com

4. Bottle Art: The New Hennessy V.S.O.P

Managing editor Lise Avis thinks this limited edition design by graphic master Peter Saville is totally mesmerising.

Image credit: hennessy.com

5. John Caitlin’s Perspex Art

“I’m in love with these colourful perspex Mandela portraits by John Catlin, which upon closer inspection reveal beautiful layering in the design,” says special projects manager Cecilia du Plessis.

Image credit: johncatlindesigns.com

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 2 on picks of the week 12.

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Bring back the charm and ease of entertaining this season with the classic drinks trolley. Bonus factor: it’ll free up your time by allowing guests to help themselves. Here are 7 cool options for you to consider.

1. Acryluso Executive Trolley from R10 000, Laser Edge

2. Caddy by Gordon Guillaumier for Roda from R28 260, Marlanteak

3. Normann Copenhagen Block Table R3 999.95, Entrepo

4. Salone Drinks Trolley R3 499, Mobelli

5. Massoni Kitchen Trolley by Guzzini (approximately R3122.15, Amazon

6. 2 Tier Drinks Trolley R3 595, Weylandts

7. Glenda Trolley R5 895, Block and Chisel

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