Every household has one. The person who wipes down the counter the second the last dish is dried, the one who blitzes the entire house in a single, caffeine-fuelled Saturday, and the one who’s perfected the art of shoving everything into a cupboard moments before guests arrive. We all have a spring-cleaning personality, whether we’ve noticed it or not, and it shapes everything from how we tidy to how long we can put it off. 

Curious which one you are? Answer the five questions below, then tally up your As, Bs and Cs. 

@blizzair Just vibing with whatever type of cleaning energy I receive hahah 🙏🏼🧼🫧 #typeb #personalitytype #mom #cleaning ♬ Club Penguin Pizza Parlor – Cozy Penguin

1. It’s Saturday morning and your kitchen counter is covered in dishes from last night. What do you do? 

A. What dishes? I washed them straight after dinner.
B. Blast some music and power through the whole kitchen right now.
C. Stack them neatly in the sink and close the door on my way out. 

@softlymaryem Me after every meal ,because love me a clean kitchen 🫧🌸 #cleantok #cleaning #fyp #SlowLiving #clean ♬ original sound – Chisom Laurel

2. How would your friends describe your home on a random Tuesday afternoon? 

A. Always tidy, no matter when they pop by.
B. A bit lived-in, but it’ll be spotless by the weekend.
C. Surprisingly presentable – as long as they don’t open any cupboards. 

@bonolo_bonbon_ Let’s restore order back in our space, this reset was so needed 🧹🫧🧺 @Sunlight South Africa @Cleanipedia SA #resetvlog #CleanTok #minivlog #weeklyreset #cleanwithme #fyp #tuesdayreset #minivlog #cleaning #resetroutine #cleanipedia ♬ living room flow x jhene aiko – Woody🤠

3. You find a box of random odds and ends while tidying. What’s your move? 

A. Sort it immediately – everything gets a proper home.
B. Set it aside for my big weekend cleaning session.
C. Push it further into the cupboard and shut the door. 

@lady.wanderlust.sa #organize #organizedhome #kitchen #kitchendesign #kitcheninspo #kitchenorganization #spicedrawer #spicedrawerorganization #spicedrawermakeover #fancy #durban #durbantiktok #durbancreators #durbansouthafrica #momlife #ocd #ocdproblems #adhd #adhdtiktok #love #pretty #satisfying #satisfyingvideo @The Little Things ♬ Fancy – Iggy Azalea

4. Guests are arriving in 20 minutes and your living room is a mess. What’s your plan? 

A. No panic needed – it is already tidy.
B. Sprint through a mini version of my usual deep clean.
C. Speed-sweep everything into the nearest drawer, basket or bedroom. 

@thesingfamilyAnd he still wants credit too 🙄♬

5. How do you feel about spring cleaning as a concept? 

A. Unnecessary, really – I never let things pile up enough to need it.
B. I look forward to it! One, big satisfying reset.
C. Dreadful. It means finally facing everything I’ve been avoiding. 

@only_1dikenwaoha♬ original sound – only_1dikenwaoha

RESULTS 

Mostly As: the clean-as-you-go minimalist
Mess simply isn’t allowed to accumulate in your world. Dishes are washed the moment a meal ends, surfaces are wiped on autopilot, and spring cleaning is really just a formality for you – a chance to tackle the odd forgotten corner rather than a full-blown overhaul. 

Mostly Bs: the weekend warrior
You let things build up during the week, but come Saturday morning, you’re unstoppable – playlist on, gloves on, every room tackled in one determined sweep. It’s less about preventing mess and more about conquering it in a single, satisfying burst of productivity. 

Mostly Cs: the hide-it-and-deal-with-it-later type
Chaos doesn’t disappear in your house so much as it gets relocated – behind a cupboard door, under the bed, into an unlabelled box. It’s not laziness, exactly; it’s more a masterclass in selective visibility, prioritising a tidy-looking surface over what’s actually happening beneath it. 

@apieceofmyglamhome Sounds easy, right? #cleantok #decor #homehacks #organizedhome #cleaningtok #foru #organizingtiktok #hometips #hometiktok ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Also read: Spring clean like a pro 

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Your home environment can quietly impact your physical and mental health. Here’s how to ensure your décor choices support your family’s well-being. 

The choices you make 

We often think of home décor in terms of what is practical, comfortable and looks attractive. But the choices you make – from lighting, textiles and furniture to storage and cleaning routines – affect more than just the look of your home: they can also impact your well-being. Here are a few important considerations. 

Look out for allergies 

The health of your home shouldn’t be taken lightly, particularly if you have children. A third of South Africans will suffer from some type of allergy during their life, and 40% of sufferers are children, says the Allergy Foundation South Africa (AFSA). 

Atopic eczema is a common, chronic, itchy skin rash that tends to affect people with other allergies like hay fever and asthma. While your décor choices might not cause eczema, they can aggravate the condition. 

Anything from heavy-textured fabrics like blankets, thick fluffy carpets and curtains to air fresheners and laundry detergent can irritate skin further. Opt for natural fabrics like 100% cotton for both bedding and towels, and instead of wall-to-wall carpeting, choose wood or tiled floors with rugs that can be moved and cleaned. Similarly, choose easily washable curtains or blinds instead of heavy drapes. 

Allergies and eczema can affect more than your child’s skin. “These children do not sleep well at night and therefore may not focus optimally at school. The rash often impacts on their appearance, too. Young eczema sufferers are frequently teased, bullied or excluded from social groups. They suffer both physical and emotional consequences, resulting in failure to learn to their full potential,” says AFSA. 

If you notice any changes in your or your child’s physical appearance or behaviour that suggests an allergic reaction, or affects day-to-day functioning, see a doctor who can pinpoint the problem and suggest ways to manage the allergy. 

Another common concern is dust mites, which are linked to allergic reactions. They live in beds, carpets and upholstery and while it’s nearly impossible to eradicate them, you can reduce their impact.  

“The bedroom is the most important room to focus on because people spend an average of one third of their lives there, with their faces in direct contact with the items living in their bed,” says AFSA.

How to prevent dust mites in your home: 

• Cover your mattress completely with a special mite-proof fabric. 
• Wash bedding at a high temperature (60°C) once a week. 
•  Ensure that any carpets, curtains and upholstered items are washed regularly. 
• Pack your child’s soft toys away when not in use to prevent dust gathering.

@mama_mila_ Say goodbye to dust around your home 👋 which tip will you try first? 1. Line tall shelving with newspaper to keep dust away. This allows the dust to collect on the paper which can be easily switched out 2. Mix 1 cup water, 1/4 cup white vinegar and lemon oil to make a DIY dusting spray that captures dust 3. And you can use this mix to keep windowsills clean 4. Use lint rollers to rid dust from tricky areas of your home 5. And always vacuum your cushions to capture hidden dust Hope these were helpful lovelies x #dustinghacks #dustingtips #homehacks #cleaninghacks #cleaningtips #homesweethome ♬ ETA – NewJeans

Be mindful of mould 

Mould and mildew grow wherever there is constant moisture, and can show up on ceilings, wood, paint, wallpaper, tiles, pipes, appliances, carpets, fabrics and upholstery. 

Mildew is a surface fungus that is usually white or grey, flat and powdery. It is easily scrubbed off using a cleaner or vinegar. 

Mould appears slimy or fuzzy, and comes in a variety of colours. It is more invasive and can be much more difficult to remove, and may require professional cleaning. 

While mould exposure may not affect some people (unless it’s a highly toxic mould), it can cause health issues in others – asthma, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes or a skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to a specific mould may have severe reactions. 

How to prevent mould in your home: 

• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep humidity levels low (no higher than 50%). This also controls dust mites. 
• Encourage the flow of fresh air. 
• Fix any leaks in the roof and walls, and maintain plumbing. 
• If there has been a leak or flooding in your house, clean it up quickly and dry the space out properly within 48 hours. 
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and can’t be dried right away. 
• Add mould inhibitors to paints before painting walls and surfaces. 
• Clean bathrooms regularly with mould-killing products. 

@bmstorestv5 EASY Hacks to Prevent Damp & Mould in Your Home 🏠✨ No one wants damp walls or mouldy corners… so here are 5 simple fixes you can do this week to keep your home fresh and healthy ✅ The 5 Hacks: 1️⃣ Use moisture absorbers in key spots 2️⃣ Keep furniture slightly away from walls 3️⃣ Dry clothes smarter (hello airflow 👋) 4️⃣ Ventilate daily. Especially bathrooms + kitchens 5️⃣ Tackle mould ASAP before it spreads Small changes = big difference 🌬️🧽♬ original sound Stores – B&M

Remove the clutter 

Nawaal Schroeder, an occupational therapist at Netcare Akeso Alberton, says that clutter is harmless if it’s temporary and if there’s a reason behind the chaos – for example, if it stems from a home project or hobby. But there could be more to it. 

“Excessive clutter that stems from poor organisation, procrastination or non-disposal of household items (hoarding) can lead to an increase in anxiety, stress and depression. 

This may stem from a feeling of shame that arises from a home that is less pleasing to the eye, and not being able to locate items used in day-to-day life due to poor organisation.”  

Feeling overwhelmed can also stem from how your spaces are furnished – bulky chairs in a small living room, for example, can quickly change the mood from comfortable to chaotic, so pay special attention to balance when decorating your home.

@lucytknight88866 5 Easy Steps to Make Your Home and Your Mind Clutter-Free. @melrobbins #fyp #fypシ #fypage #clutterfree #motivation #howtodoit #declutteryourhome #selfhelp #reason #fypシ゚viral #betterlifestyle #lessstuff #takecontrol #inspried ♬ original sound – Happiness Wellness & Fitness

Embrace nature 

“Optimal exposure to natural light during the day has been linked to improved mood. 

If we expand on this, there are links to lower levels of anxiety and depression in individuals who have more exposure to natural light than those who do not,” says Nawaal. 

“It’s also linked to improved sleep quality, since optimal exposure to natural light has been shown to play an important role in aligning our circadian rhythms. 

So, choose lightweight curtains that filter light instead of blocking it, and keep blinds pulled up during the day. 

Another way to improve your mood is by taking care of plants, whether you have pot plants, vases of fresh flowers around your home or a garden to maintain. 

“Studies of individuals who live in an urban area have shown that spending time taking care of houseplants has a significant positive impact on mental health,” says Nawaal. 

“Keeping plants has been linked to an increase in happiness and life satisfaction and decreased levels of stress, anxiety and depression.” 

If you don’t have access to abundant natural light or a garden, and can’t trust yourself to care for even a cactus, you can create the illusion of nature in your home with framed photographs or artworks. 

@arch.creationstudio Did you know plants have many benefits if we place them in our living environment.? 🪴 🌱 Kitchen: Choose plants that enhance the inviting atmosphere of your kitchen while considering both aesthetics and maintenance. Aloe Vera is an excellent choice, as it adds visual appeal and offers soothing properties for kitchen burns. Bedroom: Improve sleep quality by incorporating plants that purify the air, increase humidity, and produce oxygen. Sansevieria and succulents like Snake Plant are ideal options for the bedroom environment. Office: Enhance productivity and mood by introducing low-maintenance office plants. Peperomia Rubber Plant is a reliable choice that can thrive even when left unattended over the weekend. Bathroom: Opt for plants that thrive in humid, warm environments, such as Ivy and Spider Plants, to create a lush atmosphere in your bathroom. Guest Bedroom: Add greenery to create a welcoming ambiance for guests. The ZZ Plant is a hassle-free option, requiring minimal care and able to adapt to various lighting conditions. #NaturalEnvironment #Neuroarchitecture #Plants #OrganicDesign #Plantsandvegetation #greenlife ♬ original sound – arch.creationstudio

Colour Therapy  

Occupational therapist Nawaal Schroeder shares her thoughts on why colour can lead to a better life. 

‘Cool’ colours with a shorter wavelength, such as blue and green, give the perception of increased spaciousness. In addition, these colours are stress-busting – they can lower blood pressure and slow heart rate – evoking feelings of calm, focus and relaxation (making them good for bedrooms and living rooms). 

‘Warm’ colours with a longer wavelength, such as red, yellow and orange, give the perception of less spaciousness and tend to stimulate an increase in energy. This could evoke feelings of excitement and creativity. (They also stimulate appetite and conversation, making them good for kitchens and dining areas!) 

Achromatic or neutral colours, such as white, black and grey, evoke a sense of cleanliness and order, but can also feel sterile or clinical.  Beige, on the other hand, brings cosiness and warmth.  

Note that excessive use of any of these groups of colours can have adverse effects on one’s mood. It is therefore important to balance out hues, shades and tones to create a space that is optimally stimulating instead of over-stimulating, or a space that is calming without creating a feeling of melancholy.

 

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A post shared by Stephanie Larsen Interiors – Interior Designer (@stephanielarseninteriors)

Words: Shani Tsai
Photos: Gallo/Getty Images, Pexels

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While trends in interiors rise and fall, chairs are often seen as the most mundane piece of furniture. They’re also interesting sites of opportunity for reinvention. The simple and universal chair tells the story of design more clearly than any other object. Its evolution maps shift in power, technology, domestic life, and our changing relationship with comfort. A quiet constant of our lives, it waits for us at the dining table, holds us through long conversations, caters towards community, supports us as we work, and receives us at the end of the day when the body finally asks to rest. More than any other piece of furniture, the chair captures how we live. To understand the chair is to also understand ourselves as people. Let’s take a look at this item through the ages. 

1800s: Status and hierarchy

In the 19th century, chairs were markers of status. Heavy, carved wooden seating reinforced class distinctions and social order. Sitting upright was a moral and cultural expectation, particularly in public and formal domestic spaces. Then in 1859, Michael Thonet’s Chair No. 14 changed everything. Using steam-bent beechwood, it reduced the chair to six components that could be mass-produced and flat-packed with ease. Affordable and lightweight, it suited cafés, restaurants, and growing urban life. Culturally, this chair reflected a society moving towards industrialisation and shared public space, where sitting was no longer reserved for royals or the elite. 

1920s: Modernism and a new way of living

The inter-war years embraced technology and structure. Designers rejected ornament and tradition, favouring efficiency and rational design. Chairs became expressions of the machine age, embracing geometry and strong symmetry. The iconic Wassily Chair by Marcel Breuer (1925), made from tubular steel and thick leather or canvas, embodied this shift. Inspired by bicycle frames, it used strong industrial materials that were not associated with domestic furniture or reflective of Bauhaus design philosophies. Its functionality and linear openness suited modern apartments and progressive lifestyles, suited towards the optimism in industry as well as the belief that design could reshape society. 

1950s & ’60s: A modern family home

Post-war, society turned inward and homes became spaces that sought solace, introspection as well as family time. Design became more human-centred and emotionally engaging. The Eames Lounge Chair (1956), redefined luxury as comfort. A design we all know and love, its moulded plywood shell and leather upholstery embraced the body rather than correcting it. Around the same time, Arne Jacobsen’s 1955 Series 7 chair, offered a lightweight, stackable solution for modern living, perfectly suited to smaller homes and communal spaces. Together, these designs reflected a culture balancing new hopes, desired peace and stability. 

1970s: No rules, but experimentation

The 1970s rejected rigid social structures. Living became more casual, and interiors followed suit. Seating moved closer to the ground, encouraging relaxed postures and a sense of communal living. Michel Ducaroy’s Togo (1973) playfully represents this cultural shift, formed entirely out of a soft, unstructured foam. Earlier in 1967, Verner Panton’s Panton chair captured the era’s fascination with new materials as well as expressive form in a sculptural, single-piece plastic chair.

These designs suited a generation questioning tradition and embracing the extraordinary. 

@alexandyuyu Episode 2 | Design You Need To Know: The Panton Chair 👽 Alex & YuYu are breaking down the “impossible” 1960s icon that took 10 years to perfect. Verner Panton wanted to kill the traditional chair legs and replace them with this Space Age cantilever curve. It took a legendary collaboration with Vitra to finally crack the code of the world’s first single-mold plastic chair. From broken prototypes to the Pop Art legend it is today, this is the history of a design that was decades ahead of its time 🪑✨ Follow for episode 3 Masterpiece of too edgy for your home? 👇 #designtok #designhistory #pantonchair #spaceage #designyouneedtoknow ♬ original sound – Alex & Yuyu

1980s: The chair as art

In the 1980s, furniture became a statement. Chairs were no longer a neutral piece of functional design, but rather grew to express personality, ideology and wealth embraced through colour, exaggeration and symbolism. The Carlton Chair by Sottsass (1981) challenged the idea that seating had to prioritise comfort. It functioned as a cultural artefact, reflecting postmodernism’s spirited rejection of traditional modernist restraint. Gaetano Pesce’s UP5 chair (1969), was made popular in the ’80s with its anthropomorphic form that turned seating into art.

These designs mirrored a decade obsessed with visibility and self-expression made possible through design and technological innovation. 

@admiddleeast It was 1968, and Gaetano Pesce was in the shower. “I had the sponge in my hand,” explains the Italian designer. “When I pressed the sponge, it shrank, and when I released it, it returned to its original volume.”An idea occurred: Couldn’t a chair behave the same way? Today, we take a look back at Pesce’s revolutionary feminist seat. For more iconic chairs – from ones that zig-zag to others on which you perch precariously – discover AD’s selection of 7 iconic dining chairs that just make sense. #upchair #gaetanopesce #designicons #feminism ♬ original sound – AD Middle East

‘90s & early 2000s: Minimalism and global living  

 As lifestyles became more mobile and globally shared by means of a digital revolution, design grew quieter and more versatile. Homes required multifunctional and less formal design. A reimagined plastic chair, moulded out of a simple length of plastic tube, Jasper Morrison’s Air Chair (1999) offered simplicity, durability as well as adaptability made perfect for everyday use. In 2002, Philippe Starck’s Louis Ghost Chair similarly reinterpreted the chair’s historical form through transparent plastic, reflecting a new culture that valued irony, accessibility and mass appeal.  As an emerging digital landscape monopolised mainstream culture, chairs resorted to functionality as flexible living tools rather than fixed design statements. 

2010+: Soft modernism and craft

This era marked a shift away from stark minimalism toward warmth, tactility, and emotional connection. As digital life accelerated beyond belief, interiors became places of retreat as design began catering to personal refuge. Chairs grew softer, more enveloping and more expressive of craft. Patricia Urquiola’s Husk Chair (2011) exemplified this era’s desire for comfort without heaviness. Its quilted shell and modular cushions reflected a culture craving softness and adaptability. Jaime Hayon’s Ro Chair (2013), with its high back and cocoon-like form, responded to a need for privacy within open-plan homes. This decade’s seating mirrored a generation balancing online connectivity with a desire to slow down. Here, chairs became places to withdraw, not just to sit. 

The Present: Hybrid living and concious comfort

The 2020s are defined by blurred boundaries, a time where history repeats itself and the future faces us head-on. Our living situations are reflective of this, as dining rooms double as offices, or living rooms host meetings, meals and rest. Chairs must work harder than ever. Jasper Morrison’s HAL Chair (2014), ahead of its time, has become a staple of this era, unassuming, minimal and ergonomic. Herman Miller’s Gaming Chair (2020), on the other hand, is representative of today’s chronically online society, made for long hours of sitting facing a screen. Chairs today are signs of the times, hopelessly in flux, as we find ourselves relishing in nostalgic designs and planning for the inevitable future.  

Beyond: The future of sitting

The future of the chair moves beyond static form. Designers are increasingly working with algorithms, biology and responsive materials to create seating that adapts to the body and environment. Luxury brand Kartell and designer Philippe Starck have embraced AI, generating a family of chair designs that use artificial intelligence to create minimalist, structural designs made out of recycled materials. Studios like FormaFantasma challenge the industry with recycled electronic waste seating concepts, speaking to a culture grappling with overconsumption. Studio Nucleo’s bio-grown design Terra (2000) has been reborn with their infamous laser cut cardboard frame that can be filled with soil and grass seed to become a fully grown lawn armchair. Looking forward, chairs may be grown rather than built and printed rather than assembled.  

Words: Caludia Da Silva 
Photography: Getty Images, Pexels, Freepik, Future Content Hub, Shutterstock

Also read: Elegant update revives Cape Town’s Victorian charm

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A home, like a magazine, tells a story. It is incredibly personal – an extension of who we are, who we were and who we’re becoming. Our tastes are shaped by memory, culture, aspiration and instinct, but trends have always acted as gentle signposts along the way. They mark time. They mirror moods. They tell us what the world was craving in a particular moment.  

When Livingspace was born in 2010, the world – and the way we lived – was shifting. Since then, this magazine has guided readers through the evolution of interiors with curiosity, discernment and heart. From the rise of DIY culture to millennial grey, from maximalist joy to the language of African luxury, this magazine has not just documented trends — it has lived with them. As we close this final issue, we look back at two decades of decor through the Livingspace lens.  

As we closes this chapter, the story of interiors continues — evolving, adapting and reflecting not just who we are, but how we live. Trends will come and go, but the heart of a home remains constant: it is a place to return to. To express yourself. To belong.  

The 2010s  

The early 2010s were shaped by restraint and resourcefulness. In the shadow of the late-2000s recession, homes leaned into honesty: raw materials, visible imperfections and pieces with a past life. The overly polished gave way to the tactile. Texture mattered. It was the beginning of a more emotional relationship with interiors — one that Livingspace instinctively understood from its very first pages. As this sensibility grew, it paved the way for the defining home trends of the 2010 era.  

Pink had a moment 

The 2010s were bold in colour, driven by a new desire to be seen. Instagram launched in October 2010, and suddenly interiors were no longer just lived in, they were documented as well. Blush pink quietly entered our homes early in the decade but by 2016, millennial pink had become a cultural shorthand for softness, optimism and modern femininity. No season, collection or space was complete without a hint of pink – warm, playful and surprisingly timeless. 

Going green 

From 2015 onwards, greenery moved from just an accent to an obsession. As social media crowned a new generation of “plant parents”, homes began to fill with life. Monstera leaves unfurled in living rooms, palms softened hard architectural lines and trailing vines turned shelves into scenes worth photographing. Green also became the colour of the decade in more ways than one. From deep emerald to turquoise-tinged hues, it worked its way onto walls, tiles and textiles. 

Industrial core 

The industrial trend came into its own as a rebellion against the glossy interiors of the early noughties. Salvaged furniture, exposed brick, concrete floors and reclaimed wood defined the look. Upcycling wasn’t just practical – it was political, creative and cool. Spaces felt assembled rather than styled, layered rather than finished. A little more rough around the edges, and proudly so.  

Let it shine 

Once dominated by chrome, the decade quickly warmed up. Gold and brass shed their “blingy” reputation and re-emerged as refined, grounding accents. From taps and lighting to furniture and tiles, metallics brought glow and gravitas. Copper followed closely behind, first introduced through industrial piping and later embraced for its warmth and versatility. 

The 2020s 

If the 2010s were about discovery, the 2020s have been about depth. A collective shift towards comfort, sustainability and meaning redefined how we think about beauty at home. Minimalism softened and perfection loosened its grip. This is the era of lived-in luxury – where quality trumps quantity and spaces are designed to hold real life. As this new philosophy took hold, it shaped a set of unmistakable home trends in 2020.  

Off-trend, on purpose  

Perhaps the most defining shift of the 2020s has been the rejection of “fast interiors”. Instead, homeowners sought pieces that felt one-of-a-kind – collected, inherited, discovered. Art took centre stage and personality became the ultimate luxury.   

The return of maximalism  

After years of restraint, joy returned – loudly. Patterned wallpapers, vibrant colours and mixed textures celebrated individuality and creative freedom. Maximalism was not viewed as chaos, it was curation with confidence. Homes became deeply personal again, layered with memories, art and emotion.  

Mix & match 

Matching gave way to mixing – a deliberate, confident clash that felt both intuitive and elevated. Warm brass conversed effortlessly with burnished copper, while tweed brushed up against velvet. Wool softened stone, linen tempered leather and suddenly texture became the new neutral. These were spaces designed to be felt as much as they were seen: rich, tactile and thoughtfully composed, where restraint lived comfortably alongside depth and detail. 

Nature, indoors

Biophilic design also became an integral design philosophy for many. Cane, rattan, jute, raw wood and stone reconnected interiors with the natural world. Indoor gardens, living walls and earthy palettes restored balance and calm. Nowhere was this more eloquently expressed than in the rise of African luxury: organic, soulful and rooted in place. 

Words: Mecayla Maseka
Photography : Supplied

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1. Keep your autumn décor simple 

Sometimes simple is best! No need to splurge on big ticket items, simply rearrange the furniture in your space. Whether you are looking at your bedroom or your living room, move the couch to a different wall or perhaps rearrange the plants to create a whole different mood. We get so comfortable in our routine that we forget to look up, shake things up and give our space something new without having to spend a cent.  

@hello_alexisangela The quickest way to ‘visually’ refresh your space is to rearrange the furniture. I have 4 living room layouts that I alternate throughout the year. I swap decor pieces from different rooms. I rearrange shelves and move things around. I get creative. . This refresh just happened to align with a new sofa delivery. But you don’t have to get a new sofa 🤣 Or you can. Whatever floats your boat and budget 🙃 Sofa details: Simon from @interiordefine in color Lavender . . . . . . . . . . . #curatedhome #eclecticdecor #afrocentrichome #moodyinterior ♬ Feelings – sonder the africanime

2. Warm autumn colour palettes 

In autumn, as the shades outside start to turn from bright and bold to muted and warm, this can also be reflected in your decor. Swap out a few scatter cushions as well as adding some throws and rugs in warm shades to build a more tonal room. Colour has a remarkable effect on us – it can make us feel warmer just by turning up and deepening the tonal range in our homes. Think browns and burgundy, sage green and mustard. If you don’t want to experiment too much with colour, stick to neutrals like off-white and caramel tones.  

@myhomeofzodiac Currently living my autumn aesthetic 🍂✨ Soft beige tones, warm wood, and quiet moments at home. #wooninspiratie #scandihome #japandi #interiordesign #interior ♬ původní zvuk – itgoesifyouletit

3. Faux plants and dried flowers for seasonal style 

With the change of weather, sometimes our plants can look a bit worse for wear. They lose their leaves, look a little malnourished and don’t add the pop of green we expect them to. Fresh cut blooms are also not that readily available and seem to dry up quicker than in summer. If you pop a few dried flowers in your vases, or a few faux green plants in the corner, no one will know the difference. It’s not about faking summer, but more about keeping a lush, jungle feel in your home as you transition through the seasons.

@homewithp1 Finally got a plant for my planter #indoorplants #fauxplants #jethome #homedecor #fyp #loungedecor #reset #viral #Coricraft #sama28 #homestyling #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 ♬ Ikhandlela (Acoustic) – Phila Dlozi

4. Light up the autumn ambience 

I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times over, but we will say it a million times more: lighting will always be key. Different lighting has a way of creating ambience in your space. From candles and overhead light fixtures to floor lamps and undercounter lighting, these layers add dimension to your home. When you want to create a warmer, autumnal living area, avoid harsh fluorescent light and choose warmer bulbs. Scatter the light across the room, consider adding candles on the TV cabinet and a floor lamp to add a warm glow to a forgotten corner. This lets you play around with how much lighting you need, as opposed to relying on your ceiling lights.  

@im_ericwang A love letter to lamps and cozy lighting ❤️ #homedecor #interiordesign #lighting ♬ original sound – Eric Wang

Words: Yashna Balwanth 
Photography: Pexels 

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Bushes are great, but they are limited in terms of their growth. If you want to turn your home and garden into a green oasis, vines and creepers can help you achieve this aesthetic. They are great ground-cover plants, known for growing like weeds and sprouting out over a space. With low maintenance needs and a lush look, here are five varieties that are well-suited to the South African climate (and how to care for them).  

 

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Bougainvillea 

 This creeper is best known for its vibrant pink, orange and yellow blooms. But don’t let its good looks fool you — on the stalks you will find sharp thorns, making them somewhat of a crime deterrent. When dried, the flowers (or, rather, modified leaves) are popular as a natural confetti for weddings and other celebrations. Originating from warm climates, it thrives best in direct sunlight, requiring about six hours of sun a day. Their ideal soil is sandy and well-draining, and they don’t need regular watering, but seasonal pruning can help to shape them as desired.  

Ivy  

From Christmas to nobility, ivy is an evergreen plant that flourishes throughout the year and has several associations. Not to be confused with its poisonous cousin, which can cause a rash on the skin, the common variety, which is often found creeping up onto building walls, is a resilient vine that grows best in partially shaded areas. It is adaptable to different types of soil and can withstand very dry conditions. Being a perennial plant, you can enjoy its green splendour all year long. Ivy should be trimmed regularly, though, as it can be invasive.  

Granadilla  

Few things are more satisfying than being able to harvest ripe fruit from your garden. Also known as passion fruit, this vine grows abundantly so it requires regular pruning and a sturdy trellis to support it. As for soil, it needs consistent moisture, and it grows best when it has access to warm temperatures and direct sunlight. This creeper starts to produce fruit between six and nine months after planting and, in the spring and summer months, you can expect beautiful purple and white flowers that look almost otherworldly  

Jasmine  

If it’s fragrance you’re after, you can’t go wrong with jasmine, which has a sweet and intoxicating scent often used to create perfume and is thought to promote relaxation. Blooming in the warm seasons, it’s synonymous with sunny days and balmy nights. Easy to train on trellises, fences or pergolas, jasmine is best planted where it has access to full sun and only light shade. It should be watered regularly in the dry seasons and hot weather to keep the soil consistently moist. Manipulate the size and shape, and encourage new growth with occasional pruning.  

Philodendron 

 Turn your garden into an elegant urban jungle with this low-maintenance, air-purifying plant. Often gifted in potted form, being symbolic of health and abundance, they can be replanted outside if you can give them access to indirect light. When the conditions are wet, watering them is unnecessary and in dry months, they only need water when the topsoil has dried out. One way to grow them is in hanging baskets — which can be indoors or outdoors -as they look especially attractive with the leaves trailing down.  

Controlled chaos  

Not every garden requires strict rows and flowerbeds. Chaos gardening — which is tossing different seeds into the soil and letting nature take its course —is currently trending, and this hands-off approach can yield spontaneous and charming results. Want to give it a go? Consider your climate and pollinators when selecting your plants, then group them based on their sun and water needs to make maintenance easier. Now you can sit back and be taken by surprise by what you’ve created. 

Words: Helen Wallace

The post How to let these vines thrive in your outdoor space  appeared first on TFG Media.

Fabric fusion 

Unlike paper, fabric can be reused again and again, reducing waste while adding a touch of elegance. A silk scarf, linen or even a patterned kitchen tea towel transforms simple wrapping into part of the gift itself. Folding and tying fabric around a box or a bottle doesn’t require tape — simply tie a few clever knots. The end result is beautifully draped packaging that feels contemporary and is still practical.  

Scent-sational 

Scent is a subtle yet powerful way to elevate gift wrapping — turning the unwrapping process into an experience. By tucking in a sprig of lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus beneath the ribbon, or lightly misting the tissue with essential oils, you infuse the package with personality and care. Fragrance evokes memory and emotion, adding a sensory layer that lingers long after the paper has gone. It signals thoughtfulness, making even the simplest gift feel indulgent. Choose a fresh, floral scent that complements the season or opt for a warm cinnamon and spiced nutmeg aroma. 

Nurture nature 

Adding natural elements to gift wrapping creates a sense of authenticity and charm that can’t be replicated. A dried orange slice, some pine cones or even a floral element instantly connects the gift to nature, offering texture and visual warmth. This organic detail feels personal and gives grounding to the gift, while focusing on sustainability and signalling mindfulness not only towards the receiver but the planet too. Weave in twine, herbs and foraged finds to level up your wrapping from decoration to storytelling that is intentional and from the heart. 

 

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A post shared by Isatu Chadborn | Calm neutral Interiors,Garden Inspo,Lifestyle (@life_of_isatu)

Reuse, recycle 

Have you got old boxes along with ribbons and extra accessories lying around in your home? Use them as gifting solutions for your next present. You can choose to decorate the boxes or leave them plain — either way, it’s a more sustainable choice! 

Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Bureaux

Also read; 2025 Interior design trends to love (and leave)

The post Creative ways with wrapping paper this holiday  appeared first on TFG Media.

The hot list 

Hello maximalism 

Maximalism had its major moment in 2025, proving that more really can be more. Forget the sterile, all-white minimalism of the past decade – today’s homes are bursting with layered colours, bold patterns and statement pieces that feel unapologetically personal. Maximalism isn’t about mess, it’s about curating your space with attitude. 

 

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Picture velvet sofas in jewel tones, vintage lamps with quirky charm, oversized art that dares you to look twice and bookshelves stacked with treasures from every chapter of life. It’s a trend that rejects cookie-cutter interiors and instead embraces individuality, warmth and a touch of drama. People are craving spaces that feel alive, soulful and reflective of who they are, not just what’s on trend. That’s why maximalism is as much a lifestyle as it is a look, encouraging thrifting, mixing eras and celebrating imperfections that make a home truly unique. Of course, it’s not without risk. Leaning too far into the chaos can make the room feel overwhelming. But when done right, maximalism has the power to transform interiors into immersive experiences, each corner telling its own story. 

In a world saturated with fast furniture and disposable style, maximalism feels refreshingly rebellious. It’s bold, eclectic and definitely not for the faint of heart – but that’s exactly why design lovers can’t get enough of it. 

Want to see what other trends is on the list? Subscribe to Livingspace magazine to read the full article!

Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Future Content Hub, Getty, Unsplash

The post 2025 Interior design trends to love (and leave) appeared first on TFG Media.