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. 

Installing solar panels, water tanks and recycling bins are not always easy, and it could take years before you have a big enough budget to create a home that is more sustainable. There are, however, easy ways to make a big difference – right away.   

Reduce What You Use  

We waste a lot in general. Globally, we throw out about 1.3 billion tons of food a year, or a third of all the food that we grow. It is important to put thought into what you buy. Ask yourself these important questions before you buy something in the future:  

• Do I need this?  
• Will it be used?  
• Why do I want to buy this?  
• What purpose does this serve? 

Choose Cold Water  

There is no need to use warm or hot water in any of your washes. Sometimes tough stains call for a hot water surge, but it is not always necessary. Up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water, according to Energy Star.  

Another easy-to-follow tip towards a more sustainable household is to keep your tumble dryer for rainy and cold days when it is not possible to line dry your clothes.  

Use Rechargeable Batteries  

Old traditional batteries need to be disposed of properly and kept out of landfills. And while the up-front cost may be higher, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, while also producing less waste.  

Get a Water Filter  

Filtering your water and eliminating water bottles is a very sustainable habit. Whether you opt for a whole-house, under the sink, a faucet or a pitcher filter, your home will instantly become more eco-friendly if you stop buying plastic water bottles. A water filter saves time and money and helps reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in the landfills shares the Biofriendly Planet.  

Wash with Soap Bars  

Avoiding plastic at all costs is a good idea for any household. An easy habit to kick is buying shower gels and washes that come in plastic bottles. As we’ve shared before, plastic is not recycled equally and the chances of that whole bottle being recycled are pretty rare.    

Find more sustainable ways to live on HOMEMAKERS.  

If you are a homeowner, you know all about fun and easy ways to make your home a better place to live. In an ideal world, our homes would be 100 per cent natural and free from chemicals. From neutralising foul odours to magical cleaning recipes, there are many ways to create a better place for you and your family –organically.  We share quick and easy organic house hacks to try.

Citrus for All  

There’s a reason why citrus fruit pops up literally in every organic cleaning search, and for good reason. Cleaning products we buy at the shops are filled with heavy chemicals, so much so, that pregnant women are advised to avoid working with cleaning products for the safety of their unborn babies.   

You can easily make your own natural cleaning products which include lemons, baking soda, and vinegar. This powerful trio can clean almost anything, either on their own or by working together. Use them to clean everything from your kitchen sink to your bathroom shower.  

Homemade Bath Bombs  

Bubble bath products for both kids and adults are filled with chemicals and artificial fragrances. People with sensitive skin are very prone to developing allergic reactions due to the chemicals found in bubble bath products.   

Creative Healthy Family says “it’s a piece of cake to make your own bath products using simple ingredients like Epsom salt, gentle essential oils, and baking soda. Check out this easy tutorial for DIY detox bath bombs, or this one for soothing cold-relief salts. You can even make fun of play dough soap for your kids”. Now that’s the bomb.  

Neutralise Odours  

From smelly kitchens after a busy weekend to drains outside that may get clogged, there are many reasons why our homes can get smelly now and then. Air fresheners have too many chemicals in to make the use of them viable around your family. Science Direct shares that air fresheners emit over 100 different chemicals, including volatile organic compounds. Nothing about that sounds good…  

For a quick fix, simmer a pot filled with 50 per cent water and 50 per cent vinegar on the stove. Simmering it for an hour or two is a simple way to get rid of any uninviting smells. You can also use lemon or orange peels in the simmering water. Citrus delivers refreshment in the air and neutralisation when you need to get rid of unwanted aromas that linger in your home. 

Any organic home remedies you know of? Share them in the comments section below and we might feature your remedy next! 

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. 

The school holidays are finally here! We understand that you may be running low on new ideas so here are five activities to encourage the kids to get outside before Winter starts! 

Take a Hike 

We are more than spoilt for choice when it comes to natural beauty across South Africa. Do a quick search for the closest nature reserve, park or botanical garden; pack a backpack with water, snacks or lunch and enjoy a little outdoor break. Take your time, skip some stones across a river, spot some wildlife and have a catch-up about the first full school term in a year. 

Roll Out 

Whether it’s skateboarding, bike riding or rollerblading, trade walking for wheels for as long as you dare. With skateboarding making a mainstream comeback, a local skatepark might be easier to find than it has been in years. A family ride around your block is also a fun way to get a different perspective while getting some exercise in. 

Sow Some Seeds 

It’s the perfect time to change up your garden in time for the colder months. Visit your local nursery and have the kids pick their own seeds or seedlings to plant. Pick a spot in the garden or prepare a few pots and get gardening! This way the whole family can enjoy the garden, knowing they helped out. 

Take a Walk on the Wild Side 

Spend some time visiting the animals at your local sanctuary, reserve, aquarium or zoo. This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of conservation or just enjoy a day out spotting different animals. For a home-based alternative, set up a “hide” in the garden and try to identify the birds, insects and animals that come to visit. You may be surprised at how much there is to see at home! 

Picture Perfect 

Go in search of the perfect picture together! This can be done pretty much anywhere but for some extra fun, visit a local instagrammable location, sculpture park or a favourite family spot. Strike a pose or try your hand at taking city or landscapes, either way it is sure to be an interesting day out! 

Have fun during the school holidays!

Port Elizabeth-born architect and interior designer, Mlondolozi Hempe is the founder of the design company Umongo, where his projects are an exploration of art through design and architecture. He carefully fuses these elements with his South African culture and childhood experiences. Hempe obtained his Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree in 2011 and is a registered professional with the South African Council of Architectural Professionals. He is also a judge for the Dezeen Awards 2021 among many other international designers and architects. 

With a unique approach in combining contemporary elements in furniture with interior and architectural design, he believes that design is a “uniform language to be explored”. He offers a great understanding and passion for both architecture and design and it gives him an in-depth understanding of space and product. Also, an environmentalist, his extensive experience as a sustainability consultant encourages his approach to working sustainably. 

Hempe says he likes to grow from the organic process into clean, linear symbols merged with unexpected materials. For him, this essentially enhances contemporary perceptions of structure and cultural references. He believes in dissolving boundaries and challenges stereotypes by searching for inspiration and having a conscious understanding of design. He likes to focus on what comes to mind naturally and transforming that into something soulful and symbolic. 

When do you know if a design is successful? 

A successful design can be determined by how well the elements work together in achieving the desired aesthetic. Achieving the clients brief as the space must be anchored to the client’s needs from fabric selection, furniture choices and accent pieces.  A successful design combines all these items seamlessly while keeping your signature as designer while marrying to client’s aesthetic. 

You’re an architect and also an interior designer. You must be constantly looking to the future. What do you see? 

With the COVID-19 pandemic almost everyone has fallen in love with the idea of comfort and style in their private residences. People are much more conscious about what they are bringing into their home. I think architects and designers, should be ready for more informed clients who now have a deeper understanding of their personal style and what works and what does not for them. They will no longer be impressed by pretty pictures but by your ability to create more meaningful spaces and places.  

How do you combine functionality and style? 

As the old proverbial saying goes “Form follows function”. I think in this instance it is style that follows function. Having the ability to combine good ergonomics with style is a great asset in a designer. Although tricky this is driven by function, how will a specific piece be used in the home and how does it fit into the overall decor style and most importantly budget. A typical and easy example would be a sofa.  When looking at a sofa you firstly consider the functional aspects that is; size, seat, height, depth and comfort. Then the next layer you look at is style, does your client for example need a sofa with modern clean lines, or mid-century, or pop-art design. These basic principles can be carried across to other pieces, lighting, side tables etc. Lastly if there is opportunity and budget to customize, I always encourage that because in most cases a personal touch is the best style. 

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

My inspiration comes from different sources but mostly interiors that resonate with me is the African aesthetic with a contemporary and modern twist. I look at shapes and symbols to pull in and the use of modern patterns.  I never let the brief limit my design capabilities as the desire is to create something different every time. 

What are you working on at the moment? 

Currently I’m doing a self-study of modern African aesthetic for a potential game reserve project in Kwa-Zulu Natal. I am investigating how do we expand the African story by creating meaningful interiors that symbolise our aesthetic as people of colour. 

What is your favourite project to date and why? 

I don’t think I have ever really had one specific favourite project one as I enjoy different things about all projects. I think what excites me the most right now is this self-study project for the game reserve. I think it’s exciting because of what I intend to achieve from it, a real deep exploration for a unique aesthetic that tells stories from seating to sleeping. This is exciting because of the nature of space, a holiday destination. 

Stand a chance to win a one-on-one consultation with designer and architect, Mlondolozi Hempe. Click here to enter. 

Terms and Conditions  

Entries open on 1 April 2021 and close end of day 30 April 2021. The winner will be announced on HOMEMAKERS’ social media platforms during the first week of May 2021. The competition is open to South African citizens over the age of 18.  Employees of HOMEMAKERS are not allowed to enter. HOMEMAKERS’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into. A representative from UMONGO will reach out to the winner before the end of May 2021. This consultation may be virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions.