As always, this issue is a blend of awe and inspiration. Aside from featuring two magnificent dream homes in Paternoster and Marble Hall respectively, there’s an emphasis on cosier spaces that come to life with the infusion of personality.

Take for example the home of Sascha Berolsky and Nina van Reenen in Green Point. Though humble in scale, the unusual combination of its owners diverging passions for mid-century and antique décor – combined with a shared love of local art – creates a unique and excruciatingly desirable family home. The cosy white “sanctuary for the senses” Shelly Street has created for her and her daughter in Gardens will also get your mind racing with possibilities to do likewise in your own home.

In a similar vein, we introduce a new feature called ‘My Place’, offering you a glimpse into the homes of six young South Africans – including Naledi King, Nabeel Essa and Aparna Ramani – who have done a lot with a little. Their dream homes might only exist in an imagined near-future, but you’ll undoubtedly be impressed by what they’ve created in the here and now.

Though winter tends to be the season most of us can’t wait to end, we defy these apprehensions by offering no less than 32 reasons to celebrate it. Whether it’s throwing an unforgettable party, finding the ideal wine rack or drinks trolley, adding Instagrammable touches to your living room, or retreating to the privacy of your own ‘acoustic cocoon’, we have 66 pages brimming with indispensable advice and gorgeous imagery. And if you’d still rather just curl up on the couch and watch television all winter, we even have some superb references for TV units, curved plasma screens and ambient lighting to help you do so in style.

It’s another visual feast from cover to cover, though by now many of you will be familiar with (and looking forward to) our essays section, where some of the country’s most original thinkers offer insights into the notion of home and place. Look out for sterling contributions from Carol-Ann Davids, Lesego Rampolokeng, Jo-Anne Richards, and Koos Kombuis.

Finally, we’re giving away a designer piece from Mae Artisan Rugs to the best foot photographer. Sounds odd, we know, but #floorcore is the new #shelfie, so send us some interesting first-person views of intriguing floor/shoe combinations to stake your claim to this incredible prize. More details here.

VISI 73 hits the shelves today, so make sure you buy a copy and curl up in style. Better yet, take out or renew a subscription and stand a chance to win one of two portable LotusGrills from Mobelli – the ultimate portable braai and versatile cooking companion.

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Bring a handkerchief when you pop into the new showroom (housed in the same building as the Goodman Gallery and St. Leger and Viney), because drooling will undoubtedly ensue. Many of the items that have solidified Haldane’s reputation as a world class designer over the years (Polyhedra modular coffee table, Songololo couch, Fiela feather lights, Riempie table) are on display, as well as numerous new items ranging from bookshelves to artwork. A zig-zagging trajectory of taught yellow strings traverse the upper echelons of the space, adding a touch of flair and inferring a preoccupation with line in his work.

Aside from Haldane’s own creations, the showroom also represents the work of Ronel Jordaan in Cape Town, and sells work by Laurie Wiid van Heerden, Lisa Firer, and Piers Mansfield. Next time you find yourself in this increasingly trendy neck of the woods, do yourself a favour and take a look inside. Better yet, go home with a Songololo…

Check out our photo gallery for pics of the showroom and the launch event.

More information: www.haldanemartin.co.za

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Marius has combined a selection of pieces either individually selected on a recent Italian sourcing trip or influenced by the same European trip.

Asked about his inspiration for the collection, Marius says, “When forecasting future trends it’s easy for people to become carried away by short-lived fads. For my ‘Beyond’ collection, the idea was to source and create pieces that, while simple, organic and linear in their aesthetic, still possess a sense of longevity in that they will certainly achieve iconic status”.

M Interiors’ signature linear style, reflected in the Max Armchair and Tomi Corner Sofa, is balanced by organic shapes, as can be seen in the High Gloss Nest of Tables.

The collection embraces the on-trend use of metals such as stainless steel, chrome and copper, while fabrics are simple and sophisticated.

More information: www.m-interiors.co.za

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Jenna Clifford | The Collection exudes the designer’s signature style, incorporating elements of nature in her work. Paw-print and rose motif decals in a palette of antique gold have been applied by hand to the dinnerware range, while another set in the collection makes use of crisp whites.

“Jenna subscribes to the Asian philosophy of Yin and Yang. As such, the core lines are classic and clean with strong Asian influences emerging in the shape,” says Shanya Clifford, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Jenna Clifford.

Easy to mix and match, the collection was created with an eclectic “country chic” look in mind. Made from lead-free bone china, the dishes are microwave and dishwasher safe.

It seems Boardmans has become the “it” stable for celebrity homeware ranges, stocking pieces by Kylie Minogue, Jeremy and Jacquie Mansfield, Reuben Riffel, Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver and others.

The retailer says their high-profile collaborations add value and choice to their offerings. “In the case of Jenna Clifford, we are fusing the worlds of art-jewellery, fashion and food, and we are breaking new ground in design,” says Chris Swart, the Executive Manager of Boardmans.

Jenna Clifford | The Collection is available at Boardmans from 11 November.

More information: www.boardmans.co.za

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Did you know that we spend a quarter of our lives in bed? When you think about it like that, it makes sense to invest in good linen, doesn’t it?

Linen Drawer has launched their new designer range, which promises quality, comfort and classic good looks.

Designed by Matty Ladds, the 200-thread-count percale fabric uses natural linens and simple designs that are easily mixed and matched. Since the linens are pure cotton, it means they’re hard wearing – in fact, if looked after properly, they could last up to 15 years. The clean and classic designs also ensure that the look will remain stylish as the years go by.

Pure cotton is also hypoallergenic and it doesn’t pill (in other words, it doesn’t make those horrid little balls…), and it’s fantastically absorbent – an important factor to consider as the summer months approach.

Besides their new range, Linen Drawer also offers a variety of other high-quality linens and an extensive toweling range. They furthermore offer laundry training for the accommodation industry to ensure you get the best wear from your bedding.

More information: www.linendrawer.co.za

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Although the A6 is almost 80kg lighter than her predecessor, she by no means looks emaciated. With sporty proportions, the A6 is shorter and lower with a significantly larger wheelbase, but it’s her composite steel-aluminium construction which ensures the lighter weight. If you’re into the stats, you’ll appreciate that the body weight of this beauty is approximately 15 percent lower than that of a conventional all-steel construction.

Seen from the side, the new Audi A6 is a picture of elegance, with sharp edges bordering powerful surfaces. The roof arch is a flat dome; the C-pillar stretching endlessly to the rear with an unusually slanting rear window. The ratio of the sheet metal surfaces to the greenhouse is two-thirds to one-third – typical Audi proportions.

Throughout the model line-up, fuel consumption has fallen by up to 19 percent even though performance and torque figures have increased. The supercharged engine gives the A6 the performance of a sports car and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h and the car consumes an average of 8.2 litres per 100km and emits 190g of CO2 per km.

Among the standard features of the new A6 is the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. It modifies the accelerator response, the shift points of the automatic transmission and the power steering boost.

Impressively, the driver can vary the function of these components between three predefined mode: “comfort,” ”auto” and “dynamic”. An additional mode, “individual”, allows the driver to create a preferred mode profile within certain limits. All TDI and TFSI models also feature “efficiency” mode, which allows even more fuel-efficient driving – perfect for hours spent in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

We think this one, although rather demure in looks, is the perfect all-rounder. One for battling the traffic or letting loose on the open road – the Audi A6 is an everyday athlete with training in all the right arenas.

More information: www.audi.co.za

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On Wednesday, 15 June, the latest ranges from the famous Thai silk company will be launched at Tanya Sturgeon’s popular decor store. The collections include:

Rite of Spring Collection: An attractive combination of daring new designs and textures. The traditional has taken a leap forward in this collection without losing any of the unique characteristics synonymous with Jim Thompson.

The Opus Collection: This is Richard Smith’s fifth No.9 collection for Jim Thompson. This directional group of prints, embroideries and wovens builds on No.9’s strengths, and will appeal to the brand’s loyal customer base. Smith hand-paints all his own artwork with characteristic lightness and wit. The designs vary from the extremely graphic to pretty watercolour effects, and are all united by the No.9 colour palette.

The Curtain Calls: These sheers embody elegance and will suit anything from curtains to an elegant room divider. In more recent times, the company has focused its creativity on developing modern textiles such as these Trevira CS fabrics in a wide width, which serve a greater commercial need. Even though these are functional modern textiles, they’re still produced with the same care and quality that go into the original hand-woven Thai silks.

Tony Duquette Part II: Inspired by followers’ favourite designs and fabrics loved by Jim Thompson and Tony Duquette, this range is an extension of Tony Duquette original collection.

T&Co is inviting the public to view the collection and learn more about the fabrics at the open day on 15 June. Mini presentations will be held at 10h30, 14h30 and 17h30. Champagne, coffee and snacks will be served all day.

More information: www.tandco.co.za, 087 808 7064/5

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After many hours of research, we’ve rounded up the hottest, most eco-friendly designs out there and compiled them all into a cracker of an issue filled with striking pictures and inspirational tales.

Our custom-made crate cover comes with a SupaWood VISI logo made by PG Bison. At the office, we use our logos as coasters for the endless cups of tea and coffee that see us through each issue. Let us know how you’re putting yours to good use…

Inside VISI 55, we take you on a tour of the modern marvels of chipboard, SupaWood and plywood – eco-friendly and ultra-hip alternatives to some of the more expensive and less “green” wood choices out there.

If you’re in need of a mid-year break, then transport yourself to the eastern Highveld where one of South Africa’s greatest architectural masterpieces, Coromandel, stands sturdy in wood and stone. If, however, you have something more exotic in mind, kick off your shoes and visit the new Constance Moofushi Resort in the Maldives, where wood meets the ocean in perfect symmetry. 

Our pages of must-have wooden furniture and decor items will also keep your Covet Box full. The magazine features an array of spaces where sustainable wood has been used to warm and tactile effect, as well as a selection of wooden designs by South African carpenters.

This issue, on sale now, makes the perfect accompaniment to a log-fueled fire on a frosty evening. The cherry on top? Our fantastic subscription offer: subscribe to VISI now and pay only R25 per issue! To subscribe, call 0860 103 662 or email subs@media24.com, or click on the relevant link below:

– VISI English at half price for 1 year

– VISI English at half price for 2 years

– VISI Afrikaans at half price for 1 year

– VISI Afrikaans at half price for 2 years

iPad user? Note that you can also subscribe to a digital version of VISI via Zinio.com!

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An amazing design for a new student centre at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam was unveiled earlier this year.

The student centre is a collaboration between Powerhouse Company and De Zwarte Hond and the resulting design is of a vibrant and central meeting point where research meets business, and science meets culture. Sustainability, usability, transparency and intimacy were the main objectives for the design of this innovative space.

According to Nanne de Ru of Powerhouse Company, they’ve designed a building which will fit logically in the layout of the student centre’s master plan – one that will stimulate spontaneous use because it seamlessly connects to the surrounding public area.

A logistical core is located in the centre of the building and is enclosed by a range of public spaces. Powerhouse Company and De Zwarte Hond also designed a multipurpose auditorium that offers room for lectures, performances and debates. By positioning the compact logistic core in the centre of the building, they were able to create a façade that’s transparent on all sides.

Transparent and intimate

The centre’s mood can be transformed in an instant: opening or closing the dynamic lamellas can determine how much daylight enters in. On the one hand this will lead to reduced energy consumption but it will also enable users to adjust the level of intimacy within the building. Because the appearance of the building changes, the lively nature of the student centre is evident.

To make the building more sustainable, the designers researched and incorporated various measures. They plan to implement a triple layer of insulation for the transparent façade and a compact building volume. The building will also be equipped with dynamic blinds, natural and demand-driven ventilation and flexible zoning. 

Construction will start in 2012 and the student centre is expected to open at the end of 2013. 

For more information, visit www.powerhouse-company.com or www.dezwartehond.nl.

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Apparently Chateau d’Ax has been around for more than 60 years and the megabrand has more than 300 shops across the world. We like the look, which is clean and contemporary, and with the promise that every piece is handmade we expect it’s going to feel pretty good too.

The first store’s opening inside Geen and Richards in Woodmead later this month, but they’re rolling out standalone stores around South Africa later this year with the first one (a whopper at 2000sq m) slated for Bryanston’s design district along William Nicol.

Competition is hotting up amongst the big furniture brands: Bakos brothers has upped their couch production in a big way and Coricraft continues to dominate the mass market. We’re pretty sure the Italian newcomers are going to add an interesting new flavour to the décor landscape

For more information, call Roshneee on 082 654 1531.

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