In contemporary design, surfaces have become a language and materials a mode of expression. With Total Mattness, Smeg explores the matt finish as an aesthetic expression of contemporary living – one that transforms light into atmosphere, colour into character and everyday spaces into deeply sensory experiences. By absorbing and softly diffusing reflections, matt surfaces reveal depth of colour while gently emphasising form, volume and geometry. Their tactile quality brings warmth, intimacy and a sense of enveloping comfort to the home.

At the heart of Total Mattness are three essential principles: nature as a universal visual reference, material as a tactile experience and colour as a generator of atmosphere. Each shade becomes a landscape in its own right – a harmonious composition of tones, textures and moods with the power to shape the identity of a space.

Colour and finish have long been central to Smeg’s design personality. By carrying the same matt language across small and large appliances, Total Mattness allows individual products to be read as part of an interior composition. No longer just functional additions, appliances become protagonists that can anchor a kitchen, shape its atmosphere and create a sense of visual coherence throughout the home. In dialogue with wood, stone, steel and textiles, Smeg’s matt finishes move effortlessly between minimalist, contemporary and more industrial interiors. Rich yet balanced, they add quiet sophistication to architectural lines and material contrasts.

Global Collection, Local Availability

Across the globe, Total Mattness brings a tactile colour language to much-loved small appliances and large-appliance designs, including the iconic retro refrigerator range. Soon, Smeg’s signature Portofino cooker will join the collection in all six matt shades, uniting technological prowess with colour, materiality and a commanding design presence at the heart of the kitchen. For those creating a kitchen without compromise, selected matt large appliances can also be sourced to order where possible. Visit smeg.com/za to view colours and products available in South Africa, including new arrivals and special-order possibilities.

6 Colours, 6 Design Worlds

From light and earth to sea and sky, six colour stories come together in one beautifully considered matt world. Each colour draws on its own visual landscape and defining characteristics, revealing the depth of the collection through natural inspiration, material character and a distinctive emotional atmosphere.

• Moonlight: A neutral matt shaped by natural light
• Storm Blue: A matt tribute to nature’s majesty
• Amber Clay: The warmth of earth, revealed in matt
• Emerald Green: A vibrant matt inspired by living nature
• Black Matt: A magnetic matt defined by pure darkness
• White Matt: A matt expression of natural balance

Choosing a shade is only the beginning. Colour, light and material come together to shape atmosphere, evoke emotion and give every space its own identity.

MOONLIGHT: A neutral matt shaped by natural light

Moonlight is Smeg’s interpretation of the contemporary neutral – a matt yet luminous shade with a warm undertone, shaped by the gentle movement of natural light. Its soft, tactile finish brings a sense of lightness, revealing subtle depth without visual noise. Calm, versatile and quietly sophisticated, Moonlight allows light and surface to meet in a delicate balance that evokes serenity and harmony. All-embracing and highly adaptable, it moves effortlessly between materials, finishes and design choices, evoking luminous landscapes and surfaces shaped and softened by time, and creating environments that feel harmonious, continuous and designed to transcend passing seasons. In conversation with pale woods, natural stone, softly veined marble and tactile textiles, Moonlight creates an atmosphere that feels warm and grounded rather than stark – an effortless foundation for contemporary living.

Across Smeg’s small appliances – from the toaster and kettle to the filter coffee machine – Moonlight becomes part of a home’s daily rhythm. Present from the break of day, its calming palette transforms familiar morning routines into small rituals of comfort and wellbeing. Moonlight retro refrigerators bring the same seamless visual harmony to the kitchen, studio or office: distinctive yet understated, they shape the atmosphere with a sense of order, calm and familiar comfort.

MARC-ANTHONY HEWSON, interior designer and owner of LIM furniture and homeware store, on how warm matt neutrals or a soft matt white can create both a sense of stillness and tonal depth:

“The key is to work with the light rather than trying to compete with it. In South African homes, where the quality of natural light can change dramatically throughout the day, warm matt neutrals such as beige, tan and cream can create a sense of calm while still giving the eye something to explore. The matt finish is particularly important because it absorbs and softens light rather than reflecting it harshly. As the light moves through a space, those subtle undertones reveal themselves differently – warmer in direct sunlight; softer and more enveloping in shadow. That creates tonal depth without relying on strong contrast.

“For me, the real depth comes from layering texture and tone – pairing matt painted surfaces with timber, linen, stone, woven fabrics or ceramics. Even within a restrained, neutral palette, the different surfaces will respond differently to changing light. The result is a space that feels still and considered, but continues to evolve naturally throughout the day, rather than ever feeling sterile.”

EMERALD GREEN: A vibrant matt inspired by living nature

Emerald Green brings the vitality of nature into contemporary interiors. Rich tones and velvety textures shape spaces that feel immersive, elegant and alive. Inspired by forests, botanical shades and organic textures, its soft matt finish creates an enveloping depth of colour and a seamless connection between interior spaces and the living world beyond. Expressive and restorative in equal measure, Emerald Green creates an emotional atmosphere filled with depth and natural harmony. In dialogue with greenery, timber, natural stone and darker contrasting surfaces, it brings vibrant elegance and sensory depth to everyday spaces.

STORM BLUE: A matt tribute to nature’s majesty

Inspired by the strength of the sea and the depth of the sky, Storm Blue brings the intensity of the natural world into contemporary interiors. Its matt surface absorbs light to reveal a rich, enveloping depth of colour, lending definition to architectural forms while retaining an unexpected softness. Intense but beautifully considered, Storm Blue achieves a balance between strength, softness and elegance. The shade introduces character without overwhelming a space, and when paired with stone, dark timber, brushed metal and lightly textured surfaces, it creates interiors with a strong visual identity – at once dramatic, atmospheric and composed.

MARIELISE VAN DER MERWE, architect known for bold design that’s also deeply attuned to its landscape and the natural environment:

“Colour should be a central point of consideration in design. I concur with Luis Barragán (the master when it comes to colour) that it shouldn’t be a decoration but as essential to the being of a space as the structural design and layout. Colour evokes emotions and perceptions that otherwise couldn’t be triggered. The use of blue, for instance, in the coastal houses I’ve designed subconsciously evokes a feeling of peace and tranquillity, hinting at the sky and the sea outside. The blue has a different intensity as the light moves through the building from morning to evening, and contributes to the mood of the day, shaping the experience of the space. In essence, colour is a powerful tool, giving the architect control over the space designed – but it is often overlooked and underutilised in interior spaces.”

AMBER CLAY: The warmth of earth, revealed in matt

Inspired by red sands, sun-warmed landscapes and surfaces shaped by the elements, Amber Clay captures the raw beauty and material warmth of the earth. Its matt finish transforms surfaces into tactile landscapes of colour, light and matter. Soft, natural undertones give the shade a rich, enveloping depth, shaping spaces with balance, warmth and material character. Grounding yet expressive, Amber Clay creates a sensory world in which every surface contributes to a harmonious and atmospheric whole – where colour becomes emotion and material becomes experience. Set against timber, terracotta, stone and naturally textured finishes, it brings comfort, intimacy and a deeply considered dimension to contemporary interiors.

BLACK MATT: A magnetic matt defined by pure darkness

Black Matt expresses the most essential and sophisticated side of materiality. Deep surfaces and velvety textures give appliances a magnetic presence, bringing strength, clarity and visual purity to a space. Inspired by dark minerals and the striking contrasts found in nature, its matt surface absorbs light and sharpens form. Silhouettes and geometries emerge with sculptural intensity, creating a bold atmosphere in which light and materiality interact with timeless elegance. In dialogue with dark stone, elegant marble, light granite, steel and textured architectural surfaces, Black Matt introduces depth and definition to modern interiors. Bold without becoming overpowering, it transforms familiar appliances into a refined design statement.

HENDRE BLOEM, architectural and interior designer who drew on an earthy, tactile palette of terracotta, rust and clay tones, paired with black steel and bold Brutalist forms, for a home he designed in Prince Albert:

“The terracotta and clay tones bring warmth, and an earthiness that makes the spaces feel grounded and intimate. In a matt finish, these colours absorb light, giving them a softer, almost elemental quality. Deep black matt does the opposite: it adds weight, contrast and gravitas, reinforcing the Brutalist forms without feeling cold. This picks up on architectural details such as the steelwork and fenestration.

“Tactility is equally important. I love surfaces that reveal texture and imperfection, and invite you to touch them. When colour becomes part of a tactile surface, it moves beyond decoration – it becomes something you experience through light, shadow and touch.”

WHITE MATT: A matt expression of natural balance

Inspired by light sands, soft clouds and the quiet luminosity of the natural world, White Matt is a shade defined by purity, balance and restraint. Its matt finish turns light into a harmonious sensory experience, allowing subtle volumes and contours to emerge. Pure surfaces and balanced tones bring brightness and visual calm to the home, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. Informed by natural light and essential textures, White Matt reveals spaces in which simplicity becomes a design language. Combined with pale timber, natural stone, brushed metal and tonal surfaces, it creates interiors that feel open, timeless and sophisticated.

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Each piece in the collection tells a story of the Mediterranean: from shifting shades that echo the waves to intricate Majolica motifs that capture the spirit of Southern Italy. More than decoration, these designs embody centuries of tradition and craftsmanship, passed down through generations and reinterpreted with modern innovation in a celebration of artistry that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.

The collection spans both small and large appliances, offering the complete Blu Mediterraneo experience at home. The breakfast set brings morning rituals to life with a kettle, toaster, and citrus juicer – each piece richly adorned in Majolica motifs. The coffee set invites you to play barista at home, with a grinder, espresso machine, and milk frother delivering café-quality perfection with Italian flair. Completing the range, Smeg’s world-famous FAB28 retro refrigerator, matching cooker, and coordinating hood create a true kitchen statement that’s bound to turn heads.

Blu Mediterraneo is more than a collection; it’s an Italian story reimagined for the modern home. Discover more at smeg.com/za.

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This jaw-dropping beautiful collection has taken fashionable kitchens to a whole new level with a chic line-up of small appliances made by Smeg with unmistakable Dolce&Gabbana flair. Now, adding to this exquisite collection is a beautiful 4-Slice toaster richly decorated in a Mediterranean inspired burst of brightly coloured floral and Sicilian folklore patterned motifs reminiscent of D&G’s signature runway style.

Who knew that making toast could ever look this good!

PS: One lucky VISI reader will WIN an iconic Smeg x Dolce&Gabbana citrus juicer to the value of R8400. Enter here.

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Reminiscent of children’s building blocks and quirky nostalgia, primary colours work together as a perfect trio – and are just as striking on their own. Here are a few VISI favourites to raise your style quotient.

1. Paul Smith Edition Three Type 75 Lamp By Angelpoise R8 300, Newport

2. La Cafetiere 3-cup Classic Espresso Moka Pot R499, Superbalist

3. Fjällräven Re-Kånken Backpack R1 899, Fjällräven

4. Dokter and Misses Retro Light R4 620, Dokter and Misses

5. Smeg Retro 700w Hand Blender R2 699, Woolworths

6. Sugarlump Chest of Drawers R2 879, Popstrukt

7. Berlin Chair in Ochre R2 700, MRP Home

8. Men’s SWATCH Revival Watch R1 109, SWATCH

9. Kitchen Craft Pasta Machine R729,  Yuppiechef

10. Mepal Bento Box R279, Superbalist

The post 10 Buys in Primary Colours appeared first on Visi.

A striking collaboration between Smeg and award-winning South African photographer and film producer Filipa Domingues has resulted in a range of limited-edition fridges depicting imagery of four indigenous plants.

Leading up to her first solo exhibition, Filipa Domingues has transformed four Smeg fridges into functional works of art, entitled Kigelia Africana, Aloe HB Barbed Wire, Impala Lily and Proteas. The CheckMyPlants Smeg retro FAB28 fridges feature the four plants against a black background.

“Smeg has always had deep passion and appreciation for the arts and the opportunity to play a part in the creative expression of such a talented South African photographer is an absolute honour,” explains Steve Brookes, Managing Director of Smeg South Africa. “It goes without saying that Filipa’s enthusiasm in capturing all things rare and unusual in an effort to drive a greater appreciation for our environment is commendable.”

The CheckMyPlants Smeg retro fridges are currently available exclusively to the supporters of Filipa’s Indiegogo fundraising campaign, where all proceeds will go towards the funding of her CheckMyPlants solo exhibition.

For more information, visit indigogo.com or follow Filipa on Instagram at @checkmyplants.

The post Smeg X Filipa Domingues: CheckMyPlants Retro Fridges appeared first on Visi.

Inspired by the neons and bright colours seen on the Paris runways, we’ve put together a list of colourful buys to add to your cart this summer.

1. Wrapping Paper R50, Typo

2. Pett Table Lamp R7 340, Créma Design

3. Perfect Imperfect Pink Pom Pom Basket R900, Design Store

4. Plastic Ice Bucket R49.99 MRP Home

5. Red Shweshwe Scatter Covers R300, Esque

6. Tydloos Wall Clock R600, Knus

7. Vadoek Cloth R250, Mungo

8. Air Chair R1 105, Esque

9. 60 cm Retro Fridge in Lime Green R23 999, Smeg

10. Converse Kids’ Chuck Taylor All Stars R699, Superbalist

11. Wild & Wolf Happy Jackson Snack Boxes (Set of 4) R249, Yuppiechef

12. ECoffee Cup Miscoso Bamboo Travel Mug R239, Yuppiechef

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Five key trends in kitchen design emerged at Salone del Mobile 2018, says Richard Lurie, Group MD of Valcucine and Eurocasa Cape Town, Spotlight Joinery and Infin8 Surfacing.

1. NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T

The evolution of the kitchen continues along with the ever-increasing demand for flexible space, says Richard Lurie. “Previously, the kitchen was behind closed doors; then it moved into the living area but was still essentially a kitchen. Now, it is in the living area but we don’t want to see it. It needs to be beautiful enough to form part of the living area, but its functionality needs to be concealed when not in use.”

2. KITCHEN SYNC

“Voice-activated technology has been around for at least a decade, but it’s now also moving into the kitchen via appliances,” says Tamara Karsten of Spotlight Joinery. “Alexa prepares your coffee, switches on the TV for you, checks the traffic report and adjusts your alarm in case you need to wake up earlier because of traffic congestion. You can even talk to your tap to let it know how much you wish to fill a pot or jug.”

3. A RETURN TO RAW

Technology is deeply embedded in all aspects of our lives, and we’re seeing the materiality of objects being emphasised in kitchen design for its solid, tactile qualities as well as natural or organic origins. “Counter to the virtual world we live in, this is a return to the use of organic materials and finishes such as steel, metal, wood, stone and marble,” says Dorothee Bonse of Eurocasa. She notes the use of dark timber and stone tops rather than the lighter Scandinavian-inspired colours of previous years, as well as dark metallics.

4. BRINGING THE GARDEN INSIDE

The connection between design and its capacity to enhance health and wellbeing is making its way into the kitchen. “Greenery in the kitchen was even more prevalent this year, with plants, herbs and easy access to fresh ingredients in your kitchen,” says Mathilda Venter of Valcucine. Fit-outs with a system of specially designed vases with topsoil, irrigation and lighting make it possible to grow vegetables in the kitchen.

5. MAKER SPACES

The need for personal expression combined with advances in technology has opened up another new direction in kitchen design. Andrew Hatt of Infin8 Surfacing speaks of “maker spaces”. “In a world of mass consumption, people want to create bespoke spaces that are unique to who they are,” he says. The maker space is a kitchen dreamt up by a customer who is able to design and produce their own personalised space. Aspects of adaptable design have been introduced to some kitchen appliances, such as a fridge that comes with magnetic panels that change the colour of the door. That is, of course, the next best thing if you can’t have the Divina Cucina collection, the limited-release hand-painted collaboration between Smeg and Dolce & Gabbana.

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Italian manufacturer Smeg and fashion house Dolce & Gabbana have once again collaborated on a range of colourful kitchen appliances.

Having previously collaborated on a collection of hand-painted fridges and a series of small kitchen appliances, the latest collaboration showcases the Victoria TR90 Thermoseal freestanding 90cm cooker, the KT90 canopy hood and the classic FAB28 fridge.

Celebrating the island where both Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are from, each appliance is delightfully decorated with hand-painted Sicilian motifs and bright colours, including rich, fiery orange and shades of red traditionally associated with the local puppet theatre and traditional Sicilian carts.

A majolica print, created with white and blue, features Mount Etna and the Greek temple of Castor and Pollux.

For more information, visit smeg.com.

The post Smeg X Dolce & Gabbana: The Collaboration Continues appeared first on Visi.

True to form the Smeg Dolce Stil Novo built-in oven features both design and technological innovations.

The Dolce Stil Novo collection by Smeg gets its name from a 13th-century style of Italian lyrical poetry. Similarly, the ovens, coffee machines and other kitchen appliances in this collection have been designed in a style that imitates the purposeful and conscious nature of refined verse.

As part of the most strikingly avant-garde series of appliances released by Smeg so far, the 60 cm Dolce Stil Novo built-in oven represents the very best of Italian design and innovation. “One of the most intelligent features of this oven is its cooking ability, which allows the user to simply ‘set and forget’, safe in the knowledge the oven will produce the intended dish, perfectly cooked, every time,” says Steve Brookes, Managing Director of Smeg South Africa.

With 50 pre-set cooking modes and a host of features, you need to take the time to fully appreciate how the Dolce Stil Novo oven works. It boasts one of the largest capacities on the market for its size, and five adjustable cooking levels, allowing you to cook different dishes simultaneously without the flavours mingling. Smeg’s Thermoseal technology ensures a perfectly controlled cooking environment, and an impressive pyrolytic self-cleaning function works to carbonise food residue and grease to ash.

You simply set it to self-clean, come back a few hours later and voilà, the job is done! With a collection of matching appliances and either a rose gold or stainless steel trim, what’s not to love about this new oven?

Price: R24 999.

For more information, visit smeg.co.za.

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Planning on heading to the beach this season?  Get ready for long summer days with any of these 12 must-have accessories.

1. Set of 4 Ice Cream Cups (Sorbet Collection) R1 100, Le Creuset

2. Avocado Float R399, Big Mouth at Superbalist.com

3. Hamman Stripe Beach Towel R179.99, MRP Home

4. New Soda Silly Cones R170, Banks Kitchen Boutique

5. The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic Floral R72 per case of 4, The Duchess (available end November)

6. Women’s Slim Colour Block R429, Havaianas at Superbalist.com

7. Cooya Beach Towel R649, Country Road

8. Triangle Picnic Blanket R1 200, Love Milo

9. Giant Watermelon Beach Ball R199, Big Mouth at Superbalist.com

10. Beach Bats R350, Jasper Eales Original

11. Cruiser Portable Turntable R1 599, Crosley at Superbalist.com

12. Electric Citrus Press R2 099, Smeg at Yuppiechef

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