Décor & Design

Ah! Weddings! A beautiful day to celebrate love, cry over how beautiful everyone looks and potentially overindulge. For most couples, planning a wedding is both exciting and slightly terrifying. Smaller, intimate, DIY weddings have been gaining in popularity for several years. Now, lockdown restrictions and precautions have turned this simple wedding style into a necessity. With the traditional spring/summer wedding season on the way, here are a few real-life DIY wedding ideas and tips.  

Planning  

A DIY wedding may seem like a simpler option but without a hands-on wedding planner, all the logistics will fall to the bridal party. Using google sheets or a similar cloud-based system that you can share and easily update with all relevant parties will help you to stay on top of things.   

If you are lucky enough to have an efficient family member or friend in your bridal party, it may be a good idea to play to their strengths and ask them to help you to stay on track. Delegate tasks as needed and make sure to have a tab with your different suppliers contact details to avoid a frantic search when you need it most.  

Creating a realistic programme for the actual wedding day will help with staying on time. Your photographer and officiant will be able to guide you on how long they will need so you have an idea of timing. Realistically, you will run early or late at some point. Having a plan should be used as a basic guide to help the day flow from one activity to the next, so don’t stress if you aren’t sticking to it down to the minute, the wedding won’t happen unless the bride and groom are there and guests expect a bit of waiting around while you take photos.  

Download our basic planning template and timesheet here.  

Venue  

Your venue is likely to take the chunk of your budget and will set the mood for your entire wedding (no pressure). The joy of a DIY wedding is that you can think outside of the box when it comes to your venue and take control of all the elements so that they are exactly what you want. The downside is that moving away from a conventional wedding or event venue means you will potentially have to bring everything in yourself.  

Take time to weigh up your options with regards to what is included in the price of using an established venue vs bringing in independent contractors yourself. Your friend’s garden may be a beautiful, rustic venue but the realities of having enough bathrooms, bringing in chairs, tables, lighting and food might be more expensive in the end.  

Décor  

Décor is where the true DIYing happens! A quick look online will give you thousands of ideas to choose from. From origami swans and macrame to custom placemats and recycled glass vases, your only limit is time and your DIY ability. Again, if you aren’t personally great at DIYing, call in the troops and get some help! You can make an event of it by inviting your happy helpers to a DIY prep day.  

When it comes to flowers, the most affordable option is to visit your local flower market. In Johannesburg, you can’t beat Multiflora when it comes to variety and affordability. Make a note of seasonal flowers and arrangement styles you like for reference and shop around for the best deals.   

For a rustic look and feel, go for flowers and plants such as the silver dollar, eucalyptus (pennygum) and angel’s breath. Succulents, proteas and pincushions are perfect for a South African fynbos style. Handmade paper flowers are also a unique option if you want to forgo fresh flowers altogether.  

Recycled jars and bottles will help add dimension and are perfect for holding your flowers. You can use old mayo jars, cold drink bottles and wine bottles for different heights or buy them in bulk from stores like Westpack or Consol. These can be decorated with twine, lace, ribbon or painted to bring in your theme colour more strongly. If you go for spray painting, avoid running paint by spraying from a distance and using multiple layers instead of one thick coat. Painting the inside of bigger jars will help give a uniform colour on the outside.  

Create an element of fun with custom placemats that can double up as place markers, underplates and entertainment all in one! Canva is a great help when it comes to quick, free and professional looking design that you can use to give your wedding its unique style. For entertainment during speeches, you can make your speech bingo (don’t forget a little prize for the winner) and add people’s names to the mat so that they know where to sit, that’s if you opt for formal seating. You can then export your designs as a pdf and get them printed at your local printing shop on A3 cardboard.  

Lighting is key to creating ambience, especially in the evening. Tea-light candles provide a simple solution that can be included in a few lanterns, floating on water or in simple glass holders on tables or spread around the venue. LED and battery-powered fairy lights or string lights are also a favourite when it comes to adding some romantic, soft light to your reception.  

Food  

Feeding your guests is another big-ticket item for your budget and is definitely down to personal preference and what your venue has on offer. The DIY wedding element comes in choosing to do things a little differently such as getting your friends and family to make their signature desserts or opting for jars of sweets instead of the commonly found options of malva pudding or ice cream and chocolate sauce. You can also choose to forgo a traditional wedding cake for a savoury option such as wheels of cheese that can double up as a starter served with crackers and preserves while you take photos.  

Other ideas include having a picnic-style wedding where couples or families are each given their own picnic basket of snacks to enjoy while relaxing on blankets or simple seating. You can even try out a morning wedding with a champagne breakfast or continental spread of pastries, cheeses, and cold meats.  

Fashion  

What you wear on the day might not strictly be DIY but there are ways to express your personality by choosing some unique details. If you have the chance and are so inclined, consider upcycling your mother’s wedding dress or go on the hunt for a vintage dress that you can update and alter to fit you perfectly. You can even consider hiring dresses, suits and smaller items such as a veil from your local bridal shop.   

DIYing detailed items such as boutonnieres, cufflinks and flower crowns will make your look all the more special.  

Just make sure to wear in your shoes far in advance, take a comfy pair of shoes to change into or get gel inserts to avoid aching feet.  

Invites  

When it comes to invitations and save-the-dates, the internet is your friend. Whether it’s designing a hardcopy invite or a wedding website, there are lots of options for your DIY wedding. Sites such as The Knot are a wedding planning dream with free. Simple to use templates, countdowns and functionality that will help you keep track of RSVPs, dietary requests and bulk communications to all your guests. In the digital world we find ourselves in, most guests should find it easy to use – they will just need to click a link and fill in their relevant info from a dropdown menu.  

Splurges  

Done right, a DIY wedding should save you a few bucks to keep or splurge on what matters to you most. Whether it’s an extra special honeymoon, a party-starting DJ, live band, open bar, a dream dress or a professional photographer, make the splurge decision early.

In the end, no matter which direction you choose to go with for your wedding day, allow it to be a reflection of who you. No one will know if you are running behind schedule or if your bouquet isn’t exactly what you wanted. In the end, people will remember the love shared and the special moments.

Photos by Geraldine Maritz Photography 

You have a flair for putting things together. Friends and family see you make a space come alive with a few tweaks here and there. You possess that certain “Je ne sais quoi” that other people wish they had. Your creativity and problem solving, along with logical thinking and functional interpretations are what drive you. If this sounds like you, then you may be or are considering a full-time career in the world of design. We look at interior design as a creative career choice, and how you can kick-start the career of your dreams.   

Decorating and Design   

The two go hand in hand. But the decorator’s job is futile without the designer. One can imagine that a designer can be a decorator but a decorator cannot be a designer without the right training and skillset. Both careers are equally rewarding and will bring you years of joy because of the creativity you are allowed to express in this field. An interior designer works with clients to create aesthetically pleasing rooms and spaces. Clients range from homeowners to large companies, and the spaces designed are equally varied, ranging from simple indoor and outdoor home environments to hotel lobbies and lavish mansions. Every interior designer works to create spaces that are attractive, functional, and safe while meeting the specific needs of the client and architect.  

Design and Architecture

Interior designers are also known for designing furniture, and other interior elements that go untouched by the architect. Interior designers and architects work closely together as they need to understand each other’s goals and make the best of them for the client. Some interior designers are also architects and it makes total sense. Although architects have a more technical approach, their job still lies in designing, reviewing and overseeing the construction of buildings.  Both architects and interior designers need to have good analytical and problem-solving skills. Together they make a killer team.   

Carina Botha from Boaz Architects adds, “Architects are adept at structural problem-solving and creative design for both exterior and interior building design. As an architect, I see myself as the artist that provides an intricate and detailed canvas to the client. Interior designers focus on the interior and its functionality for human occupancy. The interior designer can then style the home for the specific look required by the homeowner. As an architect my mind is filled with numbers, lines and angles to create possibilities that we can only dream of. The interior designer can use my canvas to add fabrics, paintings, furniture etc. to incorporate and enhance the beauty and functionality of the spaces created”.  

Inspiring People   

South Africa has produced some top-class designers. Our style and problem-solving skills in the design arena are as unique as our cultural landscape. We look at a few.  

Siynada Mbela

Mbele was always consumed by the need to develop a career in design. He initially wanted to study furniture design, but there was no such course offered at the University. Interior design was the next best thing. “I checked the dictionary to look up what it was before I left for the entrance test,” Mbele jokes. He is known for The Mvelo Desk which was nominated as one of the Most Beautiful Objects in South Africa in 2018. The piece of furniture represents two cultures that have been weaved together by solid oak. It’s creative genius.  

Kelly Hoppen

Jan Henderson sums Kelly’s career up beautifully. “Kelly Hoppen was born in South Africa and grew up in England. She began her stellar career as a teenager with a commission to design a family friends’ kitchen and the projects have kept coming since then. Her style is sublime; a fusion of clean lines and neutral tones that portray a timelessness that translates from residential to commercial through to hospitality projects and beyond. But perhaps the most fascinating thing about Kelly is her ability to participate within the entire spectrum of design, to make it her own and to then forge ahead creating an empire as multifaceted as it is today”.   

Christa Botha and Carla Erasmus

Continuously designing and producing new, original products to grow their larger collection, the Bofred studio (Christa and Carla’s business) is an ever-evolving space of contemporary design and curated art. Guided by their fine art background, Christa and Carla’s design philosophy is reflected in the linear shapes, colours and rich textures of natural hand-crafted materials they use to design – and locally produce – bespoke collections of furniture, lighting, and art. 

Design School   

Interior design is a profession that requires specific schooling and formal training. The work involved usually includes studying colour theory and textiles, computer-aided design (CAD) training, drawing, space planning, furniture design, some architecture, and more. Upon graduating, designers often apprentice with a registered and established interior designer before moving on to establish their own careers.  

According to Study Portals, interior design helps the growing functionality and quality of interior spaces by combining creativity with visual sensitivity as well as technical elements. Interior design is related to similar disciplines such as graphic design, industrial design and landscape architecture and many designers have become multi-disciplinary in a few of these disciplines.  

Start Now

If you want to start early – even better so. If you are still in school or have a child in school looking to explore this career path there are a few things to consider. Visual Art as a subject in school is a great foundation builder for anyone seeking a professional career in the visual arts and other creative careers like architecture, interior design, industrial design, film making, content creating, advertising etc.

The list is endless, but take this advice from award-winning visual arts educator, Frik van Vuuren. “Taking art in school is so much more than what it used to be. Once considered the easy subject, that is simply not the case anymore. The standards are high, the children are good and you really need to be talented to do well in your visual arts class. The subject helps you to take an idea from your creative mind and turn it into a tangible object. This is the beginning for many designers”.    

Get Educated   

There are numerous avenues to try to get into interior design. Our top Universities offer Degrees in interior design and affiliated courses, usually at the faculty of Architecture and Design. We share a few degrees and courses that can help you on your way. Please check with your student advisor for the best, suitable advice for a study program that will help you achieve your career goals.   

Interior design graduates are also encouraged to do internships, which includes accompanying the designer to meetings, understanding the client’s needs, and making a note of any special requests. Interns may also create preliminary plans for a room’s redesign, assist in developing budgets, and prepare invoices. Other responsibilities include communicating with contractors, looking for the best deals on supplies, and performing administrative duties. All these aspects teach the designer the foundations of eventually venturing off in their careers.   

• University of Witwatersrand   

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts)   

www.wits.ac.za   

• University of Pretoria   

Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts)   

www.up.ac.za   

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology   

National Diploma: Interior Design   

www.cput.ac.za   

• Tshwane University of Technology   

National Diploma: Interior Design   

www.tut.ac.za   

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University   

Architectural Technology and Interior Design   

www.nmmu.ac.za   

• Michaelis – University Of Cape Town   

Bachelor of Fine Art   

www.michaelis.uct.ac.za   

• Central University of Technology   

National Diploma: Fine Art   

www.cut.ac.za   

• The Design School Southern Africa   

Various Courses   

www.designschoolsa.co.za   

   

• The Interior Design Institute 

 https://www.theinteriordesigninstitute.co.za/?partner=go&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn5Kep76_8QIV84BQBh1NqgmnEAAYASAAEgL7E_D_BwE 

 

• Greenside Design Centre 

https://designcenter.co.za/tpl-3_56_50-interior-design-programmes.html  

Open plan living has been the go-to layout for decades. With over forty years since kitchens were opened up to the rest of the home, open plan layouts now need to adapt to suit the 21st century, particularly when it comes to working from home.  Whether it’s a private space to work or a sneaky spot to hide clutter for a spotless home, here are ten ways to take your home from open plan to “broken plan”. 

Make a Group

If you don’t do this already, grouping furniture together is the easiest way to define the zones in your home without building. Intentionally placing your furniture in groups will trick your eye and brain into thinking of the groups as a single space. Grouping is step one to changing your home. 

Colour Blocking

Use contrasting colours and textures to separate spaces. This goes for the floor and the walls. 

Wallpaper and a new coat of paint will create the visual effect of different rooms. Contrasting light and dark is the best way to create a clear line of separation. 

Changing out your floors to suit the spaces will also make the spaces more functional. Choose hard-wearing, waterproof flooring in your kitchen and define your living space with warmer, comfier options. 

Rug Borders

Adding a large rug to living or dining spaces will help add a defined border to your spaces. The trick is to select a rug that is big enough to completely fill the space you need. 

Illuminated Spaces

Focal lighting will do double duty when it comes to dividing your space. Pendant lights or chandeliers can be used to functionally add light where you need it while acting as a mark for the spaces. Hang your light fixtures in the centre of the space to help define the visual border. 

Furniture Walls

Solid pieces of furniture such as console tables can create visual dividers between rooms. Placing a console table that is of equal height to your couch will help close off the space without taking up too much room. Console tables can be used for storage, décor or paired with barstools to create a cocktail bar. 

Bookshelves and Storage

Similar to console tables, bookshelves and storage units create functional divisions between spaces. Open bookshelves will allow light to pass through between spaces while allowing access to items from both sides.  

Custom-built floor-to-ceiling storage units are ideal for dividing up large rooms. The added storage will ensure you have space to keep your home neat and organised. 

Curtain Call

A curtain hung from your ceiling can be used to divide your space when you need it. Choosing a sheer material will ensure light moves between the spaces when the curtain “wall” is closed. A similar, more permanent effect can be achieved by investing in hanging artwork. 

Clear Division

Glass partition walls are ideal for spaces where you want a solid division that still lets light in and maintains the sense of space. Glass partitions with muntins will add a modern, industrial, look while glazing will add a level of privacy and art. 

Horizontal or vertical slatted wood panels are an alternative for spaces where you want a more private division. 

Functional Fireplace

A double-sided fireplace will help keep your large room warm in winter while keeping line of sight between your newly created rooms. Adding a wood storage section will help expand the division and can be used as open storage for other items. 

Double-up Doorways

Want to convert from separate rooms to broken plan? Use your existing walls and doorways to your advantage. Expand doorways and use walls to create private nooks while opening up as much as necessary.  

Bring stacking doors and shutters indoors to give you the option of opening up or closing off when you need it. 

Want to take the leap to broken plan? Find a vetted expert who can help make it happen right here on HOMEMAKERS. 

Far from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced home-improvement stores are a few local companies that team up with artisans and creatives to create bespoke tiles for clients who are looking for something special. I dive deep into the world of carefully curated tile selections that offer customers unique collections sourced from exotic destinations and our own backyard. I got in touch with a few of the top bespoke tile suppliers in South Africa and asked them everything you need to know about the creative world of decorative tiles.  

The Favourites  

Since 2017, Opia has been the exclusive supplier of handmade, concrete and zellige tiles in South Africa. Their products are designed by internationally renowned creators and handmade by artisans in Morocco. They define their selection through three main values: timeless design, sustainability and fair-trade. “For each interior, we bring an ancestral tradition where durability, timelessness and elegance are both proven and shared across cultures. “We believe that luxury can only be achieved when people, materials and processes are respected and celebrated,” says Ghizlaine Menebhi co-founder of Opia Design.  

Hadeda is another well-known and much-loved brand and supplier of bespoke tiles in South Africa. Hadeda started 30 years ago and three decades in the business has taught them to keep up with trends and more importantly, find new items that are different and not available locally. “It has been our philosophy since day one to concentrate on goods that are hand-made and strive not to import items that can be made in South Africa”, says Des Armstrong, founder of Hadeda.  

Established in 2009 by Petro van Zyl, De Kleipot creates a wide variety of high quality, hand-crafted, hand-painted tiles. Their tile collections feature diverse colour palettes, styles, shapes and sizes, with ranges to suit different décor moods and trends, from vintage to modern.  

In the foothills of the Wolkberg mountain range in Limpopo, two like-minded Industrial Design students conceptualised a company that creates unique concrete products. Realising their whimsical idea was on the brink of reality, the team approached Ramielle de Jager to join the Wolkberg team in their endeavour. Her passion for innovation and business know-how added a new dynamic to the team. Ramielle has more than 10 years of new product development and product management experience with some of South Africa’s leading brands.   

Mexico, Morocco or Art Nouveau   

Trends come and go but if you are willing to invest in beautiful tiles, the best option is to go with timeless designs that will bring joy for many years. As interiors become more comfortable with less clutter, people are choosing timeless designs and colours that will suit their home for a lifetime. I asked about tile trends first.  

Opia: “Probably covid related, but we saw a lot of customers going for the zelliges – traditional Moroccan tiles. Because the whole effect resides in its colour reflections, nuances and movements, it makes a statement that won’t go out of fashion. More generally, we saw an uptake on the zelliges all over the world for its aesthetics, sustainability and easy maintenance.  

Hadeda: “Colour! During times of uncertainty and anxiety, people turn to colour in both their environment and their homes. Colour has become very important, particularly to spend a lot of time at home during the pandemic; alterations to homes have become a big trend”.  

De Kleipot: “We have seen that the dark bottle green and mint tiles are very trendy at the moment. Our Nouveau range tiles come in various colours, and we have launched pre-packed splashbacks. The dark green picks up colours like maroon and yellow to create a bold focus. Another trend is an understated blue “washed” look tile in various patterns. These fashions are a much softer look that adds to an interior theme.   

Wolkberg: We have found that in 2021 designers and homeowners are being bolder in their choices. There is more incorporation of semi-precious metal accents like brass and copper on floors and walls as well as on furniture. The homeowner is embracing the use of feature tiles on backsplashes for kitchens and bathrooms. We also noticed that simple shapes and tessellations in single colours over large spans are doing well in hospitality and this is sure to spill over into residential”.  

The Creative Process  

The creative process behind tile design concepts is like any other in the creative field. Working closely with interior designers is important to identify a client’s needs. Take me through the development of a new idea or design. What is the creative process?  

Opia Designs: “We work closely with interior designers and other professionals in the industry; with their help, we identify their needs and possible market gaps. On the other hand, we are continuously working with tile suppliers to identify suitable products in line with our values of fair-trade, sustainability and being design-oriented. Once a new product is identified, we discuss it again with our closest clients before distributing it in the country”.  

Wolkberg: “As designers, we take new product development seriously. The process is quite solid however still very creative and fun. There are stage gates and it starts with; ideation, preliminary investigation and concept validation and idea reiteration. We then only decide if we will start a project. It then moves on to costing, prototyping, manufacturing, market trials, the launch and then a market follow-up.  

Playing the Muse  

Continuously finding inspiration in home interiors can be exhausting – never mind coming up with the next big design. How do you stay creatively inspired?  

De Kleipot: “To continuously try and test new patterns and designs. We keep our eyes open for any inspiring compositions and make them into designs. Looking for inspiration is a very convenient excuse to travel. We love drawing inspiration from historic sites with timeless designs and ideas. Putting a modern spin on ageless composition is a nice challenge and not as easy as you would think. The result is that we release new designs very often. Experimenting with a new design is a very time-consuming process and we are very finicky when it comes to colour, design and layout. We will go through the process multiple times to ensure a perfect design”. 

Opia: “Research, research, research. We keep ourselves informed of what is happening in South Africa and globally. Not only in the tile space but also interior design in general as it helps us foresee which tiles would complement future project requirements”.  

The Buyer Experience 

Starting the bespoke tile journey will take some know-how on what and who is trending. Any advice for people wanting to find the perfect bespoke tiles for their home – What is the buyer experience like?   

Wolkberg: “We love assisting people to make their choices and we can assist in finding the right match for any client. I would suggest checking out our IG and other designers IG and other platforms to identify what catches your eye. Come to us with those inspirational images and we can help further hone those down to choices. The experience is always one to remember as we are great collaborators”.  

Hadeda: “Daily, we give customers advice, and assist them to choose from our vast range of tiles. We also have pre-packed boxes of tiles – which we call Chosen For You, taking the guesswork out of trying to choose from our 150 designs”. 

When it comes to custom-made tiles, can customers DIY or is it best to get a professional to lay the tiles for you?  

Hadeda: “We prefer that these handmade tiles be laid by a professional tiler and have a list of preferred tilers who we recommend to clients. However, like with any tile, anyone with tiling experience should be able to lay our tiles”.  

Wolkberg: “If you want a seamless installation and you are not already a handy person, we would suggest getting a professional tiler. This will ensure an installation is worth the money spent on the tiles.  

Go Say Hello    

Opia: If you are based in Johannesburg, all their products are on show at the beautiful Studio 19 showroom.   

Hadeda: The showroom is located at 40 Bompas Road, Dunkeld, Johannesburg. Look out for the Mexican Blue Wall.   

De Kleipot: Situated on a farm; Aan de Doorns, just outside Worcester on the Viliersdorp road, visitors can stop by on appointment only. They also meet a lot of their customers at the Potters Market, which takes place twice a year in Rondebosch, Cape Town.   

Wolkberg: They welcome visitors to their Ruimsig Factory and find that when other creatives visit them there, they are always inspired and come up with the best ideas.  

by Marion Nowak

Read more great articles in our DigiMag.

Winter in South Africa is cold. Although snow and below zero temperatures are not common, it does not change the fact that our homes were not built for the cold. Unlike our North American and European friends, we don’t have central heating. Our winters are mild in comparison and much shorter, so there is no need for it to begin with. It does however get biting cold in some areas and the last two weeks have been a good indication that winter has finally arrived and has also, it seems, settled right in. Winter décor can make the world of a difference in the cold, giving you a warm retreat from the icy weather outside.  

Maximalism  

Maximalism means more of everything. Double up on blankets, throws, carpeting and even artworks on your walls. Maximalism is all about adding extra and going over the top. We love this trend for the lush colours and textures it gives us to play with. Diana Hathaway adds, “Minimalism and downsizing brought a style backlash that left us longing for comfort. The need for comfort propelled extreme nesting styles like Hygge into our homes, but those styles lack the glamour that many of us crave. Maximalism is the best of both worlds, combining our most comfortable decor with our favourite colours and accessories”.  

The trick is to mix and match bold, contrasting colours and an eclectic mix of size, patterns and materials. Bring balance into the space by adding neutralising, common tones. But there are really no rules – go with you gut! 

Wall Murals or Wallpaper   

You can easily transport yourself to a warmer climate by taking control of your view. South Africa has a wide variety of large-scale artists to make this happen for you. Maybe you are a gifted artist yourself and want to give a full wall mural a go? Planning is essential and there are numerous how-to videos online to help you along.   

Choose themes and colours that are close to nature. Homes and Garden shares “Adorning interiors with maximum escapism, tropical wall-coverings full of lively patterns and dreamy painterly scenes are just what interiors are craving this year”.   

Wallpaper is a quick and easy way to get a similar look. Opt for large, leafy tropical greens. Jungle mural wallpapers are an elegant way to ignite nostalgia for long-forgotten summers.  

Cottagecor  

Cottagecor became popular in 2020 with an emphasis on cosy spaces at home. The country look is inspired by natural materials like wools, wood and rattan with an emphasis on re-establishing a wholesome connection to nature, sustainability and eco-living. the perfect winter décor combo.  

Create the look by embracing natural imperfections and prioritising pieces that have a story to tell. Fusing the old with the is vital when achieving this look. Wooden furniture works wonders in spaces inspired by cottage living, and is resilient, easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Add an armchair to your space with throws and scatter cushions. Make the space inviting – like you want to crawl under a chunky-knit wool blanket with a hot chocolate.  

Find more winter warmer inspiration here. 

A trend that keeps reinventing itself with fresh elements fused with tribal undertones and exotic textures. Boho décor is timeless and creates a sense of warmth in any home it is executed in. There are a few must-haves you need and of course, special treasures you have found along your gypsy-inspired travels and magical shopping excursions.

Rattan Furniture and Hanging Chairs  

We’ve seen the revival of rattan furniture over the last few years and man, are we loving it. The world of décor is seeing the versatility of rattan in pendant light fittings, in bedrooms used as headboards, and as accents in sideboards.   

Hanging chairs are the perfect addition to your bohemian-inspired space. You can easily have one in any outdoor space where there’s a sturdy support system. They look great on patios but work exceptionally well indoors too. Complement your hanging chairs with rich textures, tasselled pillows and throws.  

Oriental Rugs  

Oriental rugs come in a large variety of types, colours and sizes. Budget-depending, you can easily find a treasured rug that will last for many years to come. Kelims, with their intricate patterns and dyes, work well in bohemian-inspired spaces.   

Persian carpets are an investment that also has a very long lifespan. The more expensive you run, the better quality it will be and the longer it will last.  

Floor Cushions and Woven Baskets  

Floor cushions bring a sense of cosiness into any living space. Beautiful cushions and pillows will not only add extra comfort to the room but also create a splash of colour with bold colour choices and luxurious textures.  

Woven baskets mounted on to the walls in a good composition can do wonders for your walls. Full of texture and decorative patterns, you can also use your baskets as storage on the floor. Laura Cattano says, “The beauty of these baskets is that they don’t look like storage, and, as “If someone walks in, they just see a basket, a beautiful basket instead of the toys, remotes and whatever else can lie around the house.   

Macrame   

Mac is back and an essential element in your home when you are trying to pull off boho-chic living space. “Though macrame wall hangings are popular in today’s homes, minimal and bohemian alike, they got their start thousands of years ago. The macrame trend came back around in the 1970s and seen everywhere from wall hangings and plant holders to belts and handbags. Now, macrame wall hangings are back with a vengeance, ready to prove to all of us that they’re not just for hippies or our ancient ancestors, that they can be soft, chic, breathtakingly beautiful, and perfect for a 21st century home.” explains the team at Dune.   

Get your decorating fix with HOMEMAKERS. 

Winter is looming and it’s time to get your home ready for the colder months. From simple insulation ideas to stylish fireplaces, there are many ways to get your home cosy. Before the cold takes its seasonal hold, you can find relief from the winter chill with a few simple tweaks that will make your home a toasty winter wonderland.  

Decorating and Bedding 

Create a sense of warmth through your colour palette. For a chic, modern look, play around with high contrast colours that create a bit of drama. Having winter plants such as peace lilies or azaleas will also liven up your home with colour, clean air and gentle floral fragrances.  

Keep cosy on cold winter nights by investing in proper bedding. Turn your bed into a hotel-like haven by layering up with sheets, blankets, duvets and high-thread-count linen. The trick is to insulate your bed from the mattress up. For extra warmth, add a knitted, flannel or fleece throw.  

Fireplaces 

Fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes making it convenient to choose the right style for your home. From wood-burning fireplaces and enclosed fireplaces to electric fireplaces and ventless built-in fireplaces, it is important to decide what suits your lifestyle and family environment best. 

From traditional to electric fireplaces, they all need maintenance to remain in a good condition. Traditional fireplaces require a proper clean including the chimney. If you use your fireplace, have it cleaned by a chimney sweep. You should also check for any debris and cracks in the chimney. Beware of creosote build-up and debris such as leaves and bird nests as these could become a fire hazard.  

Your electrical fireplace is much easier to clean as it does not require a chimney and does not have any debris from burning logs. A quick clean over with a damp cloth will do the trick for your electric fireplace. 

Insulation 

Efficient insulation is one of the most energy-efficient ways to keep your home warm in the winter. Insulation is a layer of material in your walls, ceiling, floor and roof that moderates the temperature inside your home. Heat flows naturally from warmer areas to cooler ones. During the winter, heat moves directly from warm spaces to unheated spaces and outdoors and in summer, it moves from the warm outdoors to the cooler interior of your home. 

Insulation slows the movement of heat from a hot space to a cooler space, increasing the energy efficiency of your home by reducing the amount of heat that escapes. When installed properly, insulation can increase the comfort levels of your home by maintaining a consistent, uniform temperature from room to room. 

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Get ready for winter with a HOMEMAKERS expert.