Trend alert: Sip on shades of Rooibos Tea
You’ve heard all about Apricot Crush and its cousin Peach Fuzz, but do you know about Rooibos Tea?
The national tea of South Africa (okay, that may not be official), rooibos is synonymous with our country. The rich, earthy-red hue of the leaves, the inviting aroma and the sweet taste of a fresh brew whispers happiness. So, it’s no wonder Pantone has announced ‘Rooibos Tea’ as one of the top 10 colours for 2024. Emphasising the trend of joy, health and positive wellbeing, the fiery colour embodies restoration and sustainability, and was chosen because it’s as refreshing to look at as it is to taste.
Decorator’s Notes: Love the home you have
Home is the place that replenishes your soul. And adding just a tweak here or there could be all you need to hit the refresh button. These three will make all the difference:
- Affordable accessories: It’s all in the details! Keep a live wish list and keep an eye out for when your coveted items go on sale. Scout out charity and junk shops to spy out hidden gems like picture frames, glass vessels and quirky finds. Spruce up your bedroom by dyeing tired white sheets or zhuzh up a handful of real plants with some fake ones to make it a party.
- Finishes & features: Be patient in finding your perfect focus item, like a sofa or lamp. But in the meantime, add some wall panels and mouldings, wallpaper or picture rails to refresh a room. Transform a cupboard or door with leather, copper or decorative ceramic knobs. Easy as that!
- Paint like a pro: Do something different and paint your skirtings, ceiling, mantelpiece, archway or front door in a new bold shade. Or, breathe new life into kitchen chairs, tiles or classic furniture with a simple swipe of paint.
In high spirits: How to choose MCC
There’s an MCC to suit every palate, so knowing the lingo will help you find it sooner:
The dryness of a MCC refers to how sweet it is, which is impacted by how much sugar is added towards the end of the winemaking process. If you enjoy it dry, then stick to brut nature or brut. Think you’re somewhere in the middle? Then pick a brut. If you prefer the sweeter side of things, pour a glass of sec, demi-sec or doux.
MCC can be made from any grape varietal, but there are some key terms to know when exploring what’s right for your taste. Blanc de Blanc wines are made with only white varietals, mostly Chardonnay, while Blanc de Noir is made from only red grapes, typically Pinot Noir. Cuveé simply means that the MCC is a special blend made from a few varietals.
This Month In Livingspace - January 2024
Masterclass: Wired for sound
Tune in for some expert advice on creating great sound in your space – without renovating or spending a small fortune.
1. Set it up in the right room
The room in which you play your music has just as much of an effect on the sound quality as the audio system itself. Choose a room that doesn’t have many hard surfaces, bare walls and windows. Curtains, carpets as well as soft furniture will soak up the echoes and extra vibrations, leaving you with a purer sound.
2. Choose the best system for you
A stereo system – a stereo amplifier with two speakers – is a winner. Music is recorded with some sounds on the left and others on the right, to mimic a stage, and the speakers of a stereo system put the sound exactly where the mixer intended. The simplest stereo system is a set of “bookshelf speakers”: two compact loudspeakers designed to be small but powerful enough to sit on a raised surfaced, such as a bookshelf.
3. Find the prime position for the speakers
If you have a stereo system, the distance between the left speaker, the right speaker and your listening spot should form a triangle with equal sides. The listening spot should be slightly outside the triangle. The speakers also need breathing room. Pull them slightly away from the wall, raise them onto a bookcase or speaker stand, and angle them slightly inwards. This way, the sound will reach your ear at the right level and angle when you’re seated, and won’t bounce off the walls around them, creating distortion. Happy listening!
Chit-chat: Interior designer Donald Nxumalo
Whether he’s conceptualising a hotel in the heart of Uganda or refurbishing the home of a South African celebrity, interior designer Donald Nxumalo is only satisfied with a project when his client can see themselves in the space that he’s created. But that’s far from his only measure of success: well made, handmade, useful and beautiful are key concepts that he often repeats when discussing his designs. This ethos has earned him a loyal client base at his Kramerville studio, DNX Interior Design, over the past 12 years – not to mention projects across Africa. Turn to page 10 in the January issue of Livingspace to read our exclusive Q&A with him.
Local hero: Dbongz
Self-taught graffiti artist Dbongz – whose full name is Bongani Mahlathi – hails from the streets of Mohlakeng, a township in Joburg. When he left his hometown to study business, little did he know that he’d come back holding paint and brush. He became an observant student of graffiti in the city, and loved the freedom of movement that came with it. Encouraged by other artists, Dbongz found his own unique style and voice – and today, he’s one of the city’s most recognisable street artists. Inspired by his time at home and life in general, his graffiti is characterised by earthy tones, traditional patterns and large-scale portraits and figures.
