Custom carpet design & the MOOOI revolution
Among the many things I adore about Moooi, their name has to be the one I am especially endeared to. The name of the Dutch studio means “pretty” and the same word is used in my mother tongue, Afrikaans. Referencing the intended misspelling, the iconic founders of Moooi, Marcel Wanders and Casper Vissers explains: “the […]
Colouring in June
You might think that COLOUR is a strange theme for the first month of winter, but we say NAY! Let’s drive the grey away with some amazing colourful inspiration and get through the cold together. For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while – or who have been to my […]
Pet project: upcycling for pets
Are you a cat or a dog person? I am siding with the hipsters and are firmly on the cat side. Although I love all animals to be honest but happen to have the loveliest cat in the world called Mouse. Have a look at these very quirky and fun upcycling projects for your pets, […]
Laying it on – Our top 9 TIPS for playing with pattern
You see it everywhere: clashing prints on scatters, paintings with no apparent common denominator hanging together beautifully, a mish-mash of patterns making a stunning, cohesive statement. There is a big trend for layering patterns, but doing it successfully can be a daunting challenge. Too much and it’s ghastly; too little and the effect is lost. […]
Design: what is your style?
I would love to say that I am one of those designers whose house is littered with design classics and carefully curated pieces. In fact, I fully aspire to be that designer. You know, the interesting collection of chairs, the carefully placed one-of-a-kind ceramics on the shelf, the vintage print and designer lamp. I recently […]
Patterning through April
“Patterns and colours are an endless game to play” – Rositta Missoni I had the privilege of seeing this wonderful woman on the stage at the Design Indaba 2015 Conference and if there is anyone that can speak with authority on the use of pattern, it is Madame Rositta Missoni. As the matriarch of Italian […]
Printing the Future.
3D printing or additive printing to launched itself into global consciousness in 2011 when the advanced printing technology started to move into the hands of artist and craftsmen. While the tech has been around and used in manufacturing for years, the advances made in its capabilities in recent years have made it so much more […]
Good Design: When is it too much?
I like to think of myself as someone that knows good design when I see it. Knowing design is good and liking it however, is not the same thing. The likeability of design is a personal thing, and thank goodness for that! If we all liked the same stuff, the world would be a boring […]
Marching On
While the hottest day of the year so far is blazing its trail across our beloved Table Mountain, I am here to announce that Autumn is here. Which seems preposterous considering. But the calender says it is so, and my March Lilies are in full bloom under the oak tree, trumpeting that the leaves are […]
Styling ideas: botanical
Using botanical prints, seed packets and collections of plants add a lived-in feel to a space. Try these simple styling tricks in your home. Layered walls Combine botanical prints with magazine cut-outs and add them to a wall. It looks like wallpaper and adds depth and interest. Then place a distressed furniture item in front […]