Decor Archives - TFG Media

Elegant update revives Cape Town’s Victorian charm

Tatum Fullard — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:16:19 +0000

This Victorian home in Cape Town has been given a sophisticated update, bringing out all its loveliest historic features while also adding light-filled layers of elegance and ease.

Renovating a historic home is not a task for the faint of heart. From securing heritage and council committee approvals to dealing with unforeseen structural challenges, it’s a process that is both complex in design terms and costly in execution — overall, a major challenge. And so it was with this Victorian cottage in Tamboerskloof, Cape Town. Built in 1904, it is set in a terraced row of houses on one of the suburb’s most charming tree-lined streets.

Fortunately, the home’s careful and multi-year renovation process was overseen by one of the city’s top interior designers, who also happens to be its co-owner and the founder of his own quantity surveying practice to boot. Dawid Augustyn has been combining left-brain precision with right-brain creativity as the managing director of ESTABLISHMENT, his interior design business, for the past 18 years. “I always say my grown-up job is being a quantity surveyor, and ESTABLISHMENT is my playground,” Dawid adds.

The house had originally been purchased by Dawid’s husband Dr Zane Stevens, an endocrinologist, before the couple first met. Zane was attracted to the home’s heritage appeal as well as its location — “I was drawn to the neighbourhood and its feeling of community,” he says. “I’ve always loved Victorian houses and was excited about the idea of giving this little old lady a new lease of life,” he explains. Fast-forward a few years, during which the couple lived more or less between their two respective properties in the city, they made the decision to renovate Zane’s “little old lady” so that she truly suited their lifestyle and needs.

As Dawid suggests, it’s absolutely necessary to sensitively bring period homes up to date in order to make them work for their current inhabitants — and into the future. “We’re very strong in our opinion about having to be able to modernise these older homes, because otherwise they get left for ruin,” he says, “and in that case, you don’t have any preservation of the buildings at all?’

The planning process here included carefully weighing up each aspect and element of the house, from the characteristic cast-iron trim on its facade to its original wooden floors, mouldings and fireplace. All of these aspects have been retained and renewed. The addition of further wall panelling and mouldings, as well as cleverly revised room arrangements, have enabled the interior to be brought up to date in a manner that elegantly acknowledges the past while also extending it practically and aesthetically into the present.

Completely new aspects of the design include the substantially expanded and updated kitchen, as well as the creation of a first-floor bedroom suite with a private balcony courtyard above it. The overall idea linking these areas, says Dawid, was to work with “two boxes, linking to each other seamlessly, even though contrasting”. As he suggests, this “highlights the old and the new, celebrating both the heritage and the new, modern way of living”.

While the kitchen had always been situated at the rear of the house, it was enlarged. By enclosing it on two sides with framed sliding panes of glass, a glorious flood of light was invited into the space. The result draws the eye out and up towards trees and sky, blurring the boundaries between internal and external, while simultaneously taking on the feel of a vitrine in which precious objects are displayed and celebrated. The choice of black, multi-paned window frames also gives the space a vintage-industrial feel — one that subtly complements the home’s heritage —rather than a starkly contemporary one.

Upstairs, the bedroom suite has the private, contained feel of a small apartment set within the wider house. Entered via an adjacent micro study and dressing space with lots of built-in storage, the bedroom is open plan to a bathroom area finished in sophisticated wooden panelling that features a luxurious enclosed shower and double vanity counter clad in black marble. “I wanted quite a masculine, more traditional feeling, but still modern, contemporary and soft,” says Dawid.

The living room is situated at the front of the house and is furnished with a deep-buttoned sofa in leather selected by the couple. Tucked between the living room and kitchen is a petite dining area, warmed in winter by an original fireplace, furnished with a steel table and chairs. And this is precisely what has been achieved here.

The bedroom also leads out onto a spacious garden deck that sports a pergola over which climbers are starting to scramble, plus a built-in pair of outdoor daybeds — with urban views of the city as well as Table Mountain. Dawid says, “It was very important to me to have a garden. We love the High Line in New York so some of the inspiration was from there, with the grass and plants that cascade and move in the wind.” This, along with a patch of grass for Lilly, the couple’s English Pointer, naturally.

Essential alongside the creation of the upper floor was a stairway leading up to it. Again, rather than trying to make this element compact and contemporary, Dawid created a solid yet graceful design that feels as if it has been always there —although, of course, it has not. “I like a staircase that feels like it’s not ashamed to be a staircase,” he says with a smile. Similar to the adjacent multi-paned windows, the curvaceous, fully handmade plastered balustrade has a real touch of 1930s elegance to it.

Several rooms in the downstairs part of the home combine various forms of double duty. The kitchen-diner area is well suited to working from home, for example. Similarly in Zane’s “personal sanctuary”, the private study space blends with a library, music room and aesthetic treasure box in its own right for which, he says: “We chose a somewhat daring colour —a rich burnt terracotta — for both the walls and ceiling, which provides an emotive and creative environment.” And right at the front of the house, a luxe TV and reading den with a sliding door has been conceptualised to double as a guest bedroom when required, complete with a petite guest bathroom and toilet nestled almost invisibly alongside it.

The house combines its public and private spaces in beautifully considered ways, finished with a sophisticated blend of furniture sourced via ESTABLISHMENT, plus a mix of collectables and art put together by the couple over a number of years. Urbane yet historic with an unerring eye for detail, this home fuses old and new in a manner that respects both the past and the present, and looks set to nurture and delight its occupants for many years to come.

ABOVE: A set of minimalist steel stairs leads down from the first-floor deck to the ground-floor courtyard. The Adirondack chair was made by a friend of Dawid’s, and the Chispa portable lamps on the stairway are by Joan Gaspar for Marse.

ABOVE: The courtyard includes a plunge pool. The selection of terracotta pots, vases and vessels sets off the monochrome palette to perfection.

1. Le Creuset Dinner Plate in cerise 27cm R529

2. Leafy Hazel Place Mat in black R69

3. Canvas Studios Mushroom Lamp R899

4. Canvas Studios Graphic Wool Blend Rug R2 499

5. Saddle Barstool R3 999

6. Reviera New Bone Mug in red R69

7. Emrik Tribecca Outdoor Coffee Table R25 999

8. Noteworthy Scented Candle in black 380g R299

9. Measuring Cups in gold R389.

Prices correct at time of print and may change.

Words: Robyn Alexander
Photography: Greg Cox, Supplied.

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Livingspace: 20 years of decor

Tatum Fullard — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:39:01 +0000

As Livingspace takes its final bow, we trace the trends that defined the decades and shaped our homes — from 2010 to now.

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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4 Practical ways to transition your home décor from summer to autumn

Tatum Fullard — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:18:58 +0000

It’s time to change not only the season but some home decor to spruce up your favourite space. These are simple yet practical tips from our decor editor to cosy up your living area, warm the tones of the room and create the ambience we love to be surrounded by in the colder months.

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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How to let these vines thrive in your outdoor space

Gaynor Siljeur — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:01:03 +0000

If you want to cover every outdoor space with plant life, you need vines or creepers in your garden. Here are five great options and how to make each of them thrive.

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

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Creative ways with wrapping paper this holiday

Aneeqah Emeran — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:17:14 +0000

Get creative with your wrapping paper for the holidays.

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)

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2025 Interior design trends to love (and leave)

Aneeqah Emeran — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:15:29 +0000

With all trends we’ve seen this year, which ones should stay and what needs to go?

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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A post shared by Anna Conese Designs (@annabellucci)

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

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How to adapt these African decor styles into your own home

Tatum Fullard — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 07:55:25 +0000

A glance at different African design styles and how to adapt them into your own home.

African design is a mosaic of different styles, patterns, textures and expressions. Shaped by centuries of artisanal craftsmanship, oral tradition, migration and ritual, it offers a visual language that’s rooted in each of the respective locale and culture. Whether handwoven, hand carved or handed down, African design reflects the beauty of landscapes and the people who inhabit them. From Morocco’s maximalism to Uganda’s intricate weaving, African aesthetics are anchored by its people, so we’ve highlighted a few destinations across the continent that showcase this diversity and how you can incorporate these design styles into your home.

Morocco

Influenced by its landscapes and diverse history, Moroccan design is characteristically sensorial, blending Andalusian architecture and Islamic artistry with shapes, patterns and colours that speak to the North African country’s cultural heritage. This cultural layering is reflected in its interior design style, where colour and comfort are paramount, creating spaces that are instantly recognisable and maximalist yet curated. Tactility is what sets Moroccan design apart: surfaces are rarely flat or undecorated, and every texture tells a story. Handwoven Berber rugs ground spaces in warmth and tradition, while carved wood features and accents in brass or hammered silver are staples. Intricate zellij tiles, arched doorways, arabesque motifs and lanterns evoke a sense of tradition. They also maintain a contemporary feel, where ornate details meet earthen tones to create its distinct visual language.

To bring this style into your own home, opt for handwoven kilims or rugs to instantly bring texture into the space or a colour palette inspired by North African landscapes, such as sand, taupe, beige, royal blue and terracotta. Add in brass accents, low-slung seating and tactile ceramics for a space that feels grounded and cosy. You can even incorporate tagines, wooden bowls and hand-painted ceramics on the kitchen counter for good measure. Moroccan style is all about colour and expression, so go wild with textures, fabrics and patterns to create a space that makes you feel like you’re in a riad in Marrakech.

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South Africa

South Africa is where contemporary design and traditional craft coexist effortlessly, culminating in design expressions that vary from Cape Dutch architecture to colourful Ndebele patterns. The country’s style is richly layered: you’ll find interiors that embrace contrast, such as industrial materials warmed up with natural finishes, and African antiques styled alongside modern art.

South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the wilderness of the Kruger to the bustling streets of Johannesburg, allow for multiple design languages to be incorporated into your home. This cultural depth translates beautifully into interiors: cowhide rugs over concrete floors, carved wooden stools and headrests, and walls adorned with contemporary art or photography that honours traditional forms or places. South African style is about storytelling and the best place to start is with textiles. Shweshwe fabrics make for striking upholstery, cushion covers or table runners, while Basotho blankets over a sofa or bed add warmth and a tactile richness. For a more subtle approach, draw from the country’s natural palette: earthy reds, clay browns, ochres and muted greens. Mix these tones with organic materials such as wood, leather and stone to create a backdrop that allows handcrafted elements to shine. In a South African-inspired interior, every object holds meaning. It’s a celebration of diversity and creativity.

@rafaels.restoration The bespoke Ndebele-inspired accent wall is complete . 🇿🇦🎨 I really had fun doing this wall and expressing South African culture with a modern flip straight into the bedroom. Sleeptite Mzanzi!!! #AccentWallMagic #FinishedProject #SouthAfrican #wallart #decor #homedecor #MzansiMasterpiece #southafrica #capetown #bedroom #renovation ♬ Mwaki – Zerb

Uganda

Uganda may not be as internationally known for a singular interior design style as Morocco or South Africa, but it has a distinct aesthetic rooted in craft and regional traditions. Ugandan interior design is usually grounded in nature, drawing heavily from the country’s rural traditions and abundant natural resources as well as indigenous materials such as banana fibre, papyrus reeds and clay. Olubugo, commonly known as barkcloth, is made from the bark of Mutuba trees and is one of Uganda’s oldest and most distinctive materials. Traditionally, barkcloth was used as clothes to distinguish members of royalty and commoners. But its rich, red-brown colour and its soft texture make it the ideal upholstery for contemporary interior settings. Think tapestries or room dividers.

Basketry is another key element in Ugandan design. Intricately handwoven from raffia and palm, baskets are both decorative and utilitarian, bringing warmth and texture to interiors. Although traditionally used for carrying produce, in contemporary interiors, they fit in perfectly with bohemian-style interiors. In parts of Uganda, colourfully dyed palm raffia is wrapped around a coil of bukedo, the local term for banana leaf stalks. These handwoven baskets feature one-of-a-kind designs and look gorgeous filling an entire wall, or as a decorative element on a table or shelf.

Decor in East African countries such as Uganda tend to mimic the same core elements. This is evident in Rwanda’s Singita Kwitonda Lodge, which features indigenous materials and earthen hues.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s design identity is as bold, energetic and diverse as its inhabitants. Lagos, specifically, is a nexus of contemporary creativity, but traditional influences remain strong, from Benin bronzes to the indigo-dyed Adire textiles of the Yoruba. Colour, as seen in most Afrocentric design, takes precedence in Nigerian interiors, and is often warm and earthy. Think terracotta, ochre, deep reds and browns. Tribal masks, sculptures and figurines are used as prominent decor elements, often representing ancestral spirits and a deep sense of cultural richness. Another fundamental aspect of Nigerian interiors is the inclusion of woven textiles and fabrics. Traditional Nigerian textiles such as the popular Aso Oke and Adire (traditional Yoruba textiles) are used for upholstery, curtains and scatter cushions.

Upholstering pillowcases in fabrics adjacent to Adire or Ankara textiles can easily form the foundation for adding that Nigerian audacity and character to more muted spaces.

On the other hand, modern Nigerian interiors often fuse global aesthetics with local forms, where minimalist spaces come alive with Ankara (a colourful textile widely popular in Nigeria and West Africa) accents, carved stools and brass details. Furniture is often hand-carved and meaningful, while colour is used with purpose and confidence. To infuse Nigerian flair into your home, start with the textiles mentioned above. They offer an immediate sense of texture, history and identity. Layer Adire throws over neutral-toned sofas, upholster dining chairs in Aso Oke for a tactile statement, or use Ankara prints as bold bursts of colour in otherwise pared-back spaces. Nigerian design is fearless and full of expression, decorative yet rich in culture and African pride.

Words: Shai Rama
Photography: Future Hub, Bureaux, Pexels, Supplied, Courtesy Images

Also read: How to break these decor rules

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Garden styles that transform your outdoor space

Gaynor Siljeur — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:51:47 +0000

From Japanese-inspired zen landscaping to the colourful allure of English gardens, discover how these different garden styles can transform your outdoor space.

Gardens are personal escapes. The beauty of gardening lies in its flexibility — blending ideas, adapting them to your climate or simply borrowing small elements from each one to enrich your own outdoor space. From serene minimalism to flowery abundance, different garden styles offer unique ways to transform your outdoor space. We spoke to esteemed landscape designer Craig de Necker about these different garden styles and how you can include them in your own garden.

Zen garden

The Zen garden, also known as a karesansui garden or a Japanese dry garden, is all about simplicity. Its minimalist layout features gravel or sand raked into patterns that mirror the ripples of water alongside carefully placed rocks to represent mountains or islands. Plants are sparse, often limited to small shrubs, moss or bonsai trees, emphasising a sense of serenity and order.

This ancient yet deeply symbolic garden is designed to create a sense of calm, emulating the essence of nature as a space for meditation. “This type of garden is ideally suited to South African water-wise gardens as it embraces the use of pebbles and rock instead of using thirsty lawns,” says Craig. “Plants are used sparingly, and a paperbark Acacia tree works exceptionally well as a focal point. You can also add a spot light or two under the tree to add a little sizzle to the space.”

Desert oasis garden

A desert oasis garden draws inspiration from arid landscapes to showcase an array of drought-tolerant plants, sculptural forms and unexpected bursts of colour. “If a tropical garden and a desert garden had a child, it would be a desert oasis,” says Craig. “These gardens can be very similar to the Japanese Zen gardens, but less formal and not necessarily as minimalist. Being an oasis means that a palm tree or two will not be out of place (providing a cool, dappled shade), and most palm trees are drought-resistant, which fits well with the desert plants such as cacti and aloes.” This type of garden is particularly popular in regions like the Karoo and parts of the Western Cape, supporting water conservation by using native plants such as succulents, cacti and hardy desert shrubs. Despite its rugged origins, a desert garden doesn’t have to feel barren. It can be richly layered with plants of different heights and textures, interspersed with decorative rocks, bold ceramic pots or even a small water feature to evoke an oasis-like feel. Desert oasis gardens can be integrated into courtyards, pavement designs or back gardens and are ideal for those who want a low-maintenance, water-wise garden without sacrificing visual impact.

English garden

English gardens present a perfectly balanced mix of hardscaping and the subtleties of lush greenery and hedges. To bring this style home, consider planting generously, layering different flowers to create depth and interest throughout the seasons, including features such as ponds, fountains or bird baths to bring in natural reflection and a sense of serenity. “In South Africa, this could include indigenous flowering species such as Agapanthus, Dietes and Tulbaghia as well as grasses such as Aristida junciformis. This style of garden is well-suited to the addition of edible plants such as rosemary, thyme, citrus trees and some chilli plants,” adds Craig. Classic touches such as wooden benches, a flower-laden pergola or a sundial lend an air of old-world romance to invite wandering, lingering as well as endless moments of discovery.

Layering plants is one of the main features that make up an English garden. This is done by placing taller plants at the back and shorter bloom in the front to create depth.

Vertical Garden

The rise of compact, urban living has inspired the popularity of vertical gardens — an ideal solution for small balconies or courtyards, where floor space is at a premium but walls or fences are waiting to be brought to life. Vertical gardens are perfect for South Africa’s urban environments, where space can be tight but sunshine is abundant. A vertical garden doesn’t just add greenery — it brings texture, depth and a range of other benefits to both indoor and outdoor spaces, including air purification and being used as a natural privacy screen, bringing a burst of nature to a space that might otherwise feel sterile or confined. “These gardens can easily accommodate succulents and grasses, which both tend to be water-wise,” says Craig. The key is choosing plants that suit your light conditions and watering schedule to ensure your living wall thrives. If you’re a foodie, including culinary herbs such as basil, oregano and mint could be a deliciously practical way to combine beauty with function.

Layering plants is one of the main features that make up an English garden. This is done by placing taller plants at the back and shorter bloom in the front to create depth.

Words: Shai Rama

Photography: Getty Images, Pexels, Shutterstock, Unsplash

Text courtesy of Livingspace magazine

Also read: Garden Day: A celebration of beautiful blossoms

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A Mallorca garden in full bloom

Tatum Fullard — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:47:37 +0000

The gardens of this estate in Mallorca, which include a wildflower meadow and orchard, are designed to provide interest all year.

One of the first things I do when I design a garden, is to work out how it will flow,” says Alexander Warren-Gash, lead designer and co-owner of Mashamba Garden Design.

A stepping-stone gravel path leads to the swimming pool with the new build house beyond.

When Alexander was first approached by the owners of a recently completed country estate near Puigpunyent in the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca, his brief for the garden was very straightforward. “Keep it simple and romantic — so in essence I had free rein!’ he recalls. Choosing the right plants was key to the design. “I start with statement trees, then list the medium-sized clipped shrubs before filling in the gaps with smaller plants – the flowers and herbs. Once we have a concept that everyone’s happy with, we then make the magic happen! It really was a blank canvas – there was nothing there at all.” The soil on the terraces was imported after the house build: “I always say it’s better to invest in proper ground preparation rather than bigger plants in poor soil.”

Waves of clipped rosemary and domes of tree germander are planted in the shady breakfast area to the front of the house.

Waves of purple Perovskia (Salvia‘Blue Spire’) and the pale brown grass Stipa tenuissima below the main terrace.

To read more about this Mediterranean marvel, subscribe to Livingspace magazine.

By: Annette Warren
Photography by: Clive Nichols
Text courtesy of LivingSpace magazine

Also read: Gardening tips for beginners

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Wedding season: The surprising latest trends

Tatum Fullard — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:30:21 +0000

Whether you’re actively planning your dream wedding or merely fantasising while on Pinterest, we’ve gathered some of the latest trends to keep it cute and classy.

In abundance

Besides the beloved bride and groom, a wedding tablescape is the centre of attention, setting the scene for the rest of the wedding decor by reflecting the couple’s chosen aesthetic. Recent trends view tablescapes as an artistic canvas beyond a table drenched in traditional white candles, flowers and crockery. It’s about mixing statement centrepieces, unique crockery and glassware, eccentric accent colours, fabric drapery and ambient lighting. Organic and colourful ‘fruit & veg’ have been made focal points of tablescapes to embrace the trend of farm-to-table. Including fresh fruit and veg as decorative components in a tablescape is a means to honour the season you’re in by displaying seasonal produce, as a working metaphor for vibrancy and abundance.

As for the physical form of the tables, serpentine tablescape shapes are formed by elongated banquet tables which curve to create an intimate setting that flows throughout the space.

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Perfect posies

White roses, peonies, baby’s breath or dahlias are all symbols of a Western white wedding. However, modern couples are opting out of tradition and looking to be more inspired, especially when it comes to their flower arrangements. Unique bouquets can be created with bold scent, texture, sculptural shape and cascading movements. Recent trends have also seen unexpected colours and clashing flower types in bouquets that are able to embody the couple’s personal style and character. Either handpicked wildflowers or carefully curated bunches, this latest floral phenomenon is mixing it up and pushing creative boundaries in the wedding and events space.

Guilty pleasures

Big wedding cakes are always a great idea in theory; they’re traditional and honour the ritual of marriage. But honestly, when it comes down to it, the best desserts are everything but a fully iced, fondant three-tier cake. Think varieties of bite-sized treats as a spread, petit fours or a champagne tower of your favourite pudding. Certain sweet treats can serve as small wedding sentiments for the lovely couple, whether it’s elevated milk and cookies, ice cream scoops, custom doughnuts – the more the merrier. If you’re trying to keep the party going, then bring out the midnight snacks! Served from opulent silverware or decked out at the bar, oily, salty and tasty late-night snacks are essential crowd-pleasers —from toasted sandwiches, French fries, boerewors rolls or samoosas and many more.

For the girls

Redundant silhouettes and dull colours are a thing of the past. While multicoloured bridesmaid dresses are not a completely new trend, the latest is all about fashionable styles. Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses add flavour to your wedding party, where each friend can be comfortable in their dress all while contributing to your chosen colour palette. A variety of dress styles bring interest and authenticity to your wedding, where each dress is an accessory to your big moment and allows each friend to be uniquely themselves. By: Claudia Da Silva
Photography by: Pexels, Getty, Shutterstock
Text courtesy of BalancedLife magazine

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Also read: What to wear as a wedding guest (that’s not a dress)

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