Home Decor

Want to keep your home looking fresh and on trend? Say hello to these 5 interior design must-knows for the coming year.

While not all of us want to bow to trends as sizzling as a good South African summer’s day, it’s always wise to keep a tab on what’s in and out and hot or not. Besides keeping one’s home looking fresh and appealing, what’s on trend (and what to avoid) can add huge value when renovating, revamping and selling. That said, here are five 2017 must-knows.

1. Greenery

Named Pantone’s Color of Year for 2017, Greenery brings a fresh and revitalizing shade to interiors and, chosen to signal refreshment and revitalization is something we could all use! Taking the place of navy and midnight blues, greenery is a versatile, trans-seasonal shade that lends itself to many color combinations. Pair with neutrals, brights, deeper shades, pastels, metallic for palettes that easily work in decor and fashion applications. For more dramatic areas, darker green shades add depth and mood, linking in color from outdoors and pairing beautifully with tans, leathers, furs, brass lamps and natural linen.

2. Terracotta

Terracotta is on its way back and terracotta tiles (along with similar other warm materials) will replace the currently popular cool and white tones. They won’t be the tangy orange clay of old though, but following the trend of reclaimed wood, the rich creams and pale pinks of antique “reclaimed rose terracotta” will be all the rage. Stay away from a look that is too rustic, choose a matte finish and use to add character and warmth to interior spaces.

3. Cork

Seen more and more over recent years, cork is not just sustainable and versatile; a natural and stylish option that adds warmth and texture to any area, it’s also great for sound absorption. Good for cladding entire walls, a small feature floor, or in stand-alone feature items – such as side tables, trays and stools – cork is easily cleaned with warm soapy water, and can be sanded in the case of stubborn stains.

4. Faux Finishes

Fake is fashionable this year as homeowners and designers turn to sustainable, budget-friendly and often more reliable alternatives to authentic materials. Move over faux leather handbags, faux wood ceiling beams, engineered quartz, faux leather couches and counters, faux foliage and manufactured floor finishes will be taking center stage.

5. Jewel tones

Time to add a little glam and sparkle, jewel tones, inspired by metals, space, stars clouds and the cosmos are getting a look in. While mixed metallic, raw-cut quartz, Lucite and opal are adding a dash of sparkle and interest, so too are X-ray materials, transparent fabrics, floaty silks and sheers.

Trends that are saying goodbye

Copper, marble, quote artworks, fiddle leaf figs, open plan living, chevron pattern, heavy window treatments, watery pastels, naked windows, mirrored furniture, tiled counter-tops, all white rooms, subway tiles

Source: https://www.privateproperty.co.za

From minute blossoms to majestic sculptural focal points, succulents can add texture, variety and colour to your garden, and they are drought friendly.

From minute blossoms to majestic sculptural focal points, succulents can add a wealth of texture, variety, colour and beauty to local gardens, and to top it, they are drought friendly and come in many indigenous varieties. In fact 47% of the 10 000 succulent species worldwide originate in South Africa.

Their general ability to survive in hostile environments, the fascinating forms and spectacular flowers which occur in many, the fact that they can be easily propagated and transplanted, and can often be left for weeks and even months unattended, make succulents ideal candidates for almost any patio, veranda or garden as well as holiday home. For those without an outside area, there are many succulents that thrive indoors too.

Getting started is as simple as planning what sort of succulent garden you’re after. For people with a taste for colour, just think Namaqualand, and the spectacular floral displays and you’re on the right path. Succulents can also be used as bordering around or between pavers, fillers for difficult or dry beds, bold focal points, in a rockery, or dramatically displayed in striking container landscaping. Shade loving succulents (such as those found in indigenous forests) work well in shaded garden areas and indoors.

Gardeners can even start with just a few pots, or a few square meters until they are ready to expand.

The practicalities:

• While most succulents prefer full sun, a little shade is acceptable too as many do like some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• There are many varieties that will thrive even in cold areas if they are protected from the elements.
• Any soil is acceptable, as long as it is well drained. If you have heavy clay soil, dig in compost and river sand to create drainage.
• Succulents do not need a lot of nutrients so nutrient-poor soils are fine, although adding some compost or bone meal will always be appreciated (and will help the soil retain some moisture).
• Succulents generally do well on slopes and often help bind the soil.
• Succulents are happiest in clumps in nature – mirror this in your garden.
• Succulents differ greatly in size; ensure the ones you are planting have enough space to grow.
• When planting bear in mind: The repetition of similar shapes, colours and textures creates impact and gives continuity. The contrast of different colours and shapes adds variety and interest.
• Although they can be left to themselves, succulents do thrive better with some attention. When possible remove old and dead leaves, (cut or pinch back to encourage bushy growth), water occasionally, deal with pests and diseases, and deadhead.
• The use of a mulch or gravel helps the soil retain water and provides shade for the roots.
• If planted in pots, use a sandy and light compost mixture. Add stones to the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage, and a little bone meal. Feed once a month.
• Although succulents don’t need much water, they do enjoy some. Allow soil to dry between waterings and water less during the winter months when succulents rest. Too much water causes brighter colours to fade to green, and many plants will over grow and become too fleshy.
• Succulents are generally very easy to propagate. Often all you need is a cutting – clean off any dead leaves, allow the root to dry for a few days in a shady spot, and then plant.

Source: www.privateproperty.co.za

In the New Year it’s worth assessing your dining room to see if it’s versatile enough to accommodate your loved ones for everyday meals and special occasions.

Eating meals together is an integral part of South African culture, and homeowners can get specially designed furniture that is both versatile and robust enough to accommodate a growing family.

Thiart Nortje from Rochester shares four dining room trends that will help you up the ante in your dining room, turning it into a sumptuous gathering place where friends and family can make memories.

1. Heart of the home

The dining room is one of the most significant rooms in the home, playing an important role in family life. In today’s digital age, where more and more people are spending time behind computers and phones, it’s even more important to engage with our loved ones face-to-face. This is what sitting around a dining table, sharing a meal and catching up with family and friends is all about.

Thiart says increasingly more people want to revive the tradition of taking the time to share a meal around the dining table in order to reconnect with the things and people that really matter.

Eating meals together is an integral part of South African culture, and homeowners can get specially designed furniture that is both versatile and robust enough to accommodate a growing family.

Buying a dining suite can be a sizeable investment, and so it is important to choose pieces with longevity.

The Caserta dining table for example can seat up to eight people at a time, while the Augusta Gathering table extends to accommodate more people, as and when required.

Thiart says there is a growing emphasis on the importance of transforming ones home to suit a family’s evolving needs, and to make space to reconnect with each other.

2. Timeless silhouettes

“There is a growing trend towards dining room furniture that has classical lines, high-end finishes and durable materials for superior, long-lasting elegance. This can be put down to the fact that consumers are becoming more conscious of purchasing quality investment furniture pieces that will last them for years to come.”

According to Thiart, curved silhouettes, elaborate detailing and intricately patterned upholstery are timeless features that never go out of style. They infuse the dining room with the opulence and grandeur of the past – styling that will make you and your holiday guests feel extra special.

There is a growing emphasis on the importance of transforming ones home to suit a family’s evolving needs, and to make space to reconnect with each other.

3. Tres chic

Thiart says French country-style kitchens and dining room furniture is making a comeback in a big way. He says people are drawn to this interesting fusion of rustic and classical styles because the end result is chic and in keeping with the warm and relaxed South African climate.

The Provence range, for example, offers the ideal means of achieving the French rustic look in your dining room. “The beauty of this range is the chalk paint aesthetic that’s taking the world by storm, complete with chalky tones and distressed finishes.”

Thiart says the range comes with a variety of mix-and-match seating, including benches for more informal seating, allowing you to buy individual pieces to suit your taste.

Source: www.property24.com

A limited budget doesn’t have to hold you back from updating your home. Breathe new life into your kitchen with these affordable mini makeover ideas…

Consider having your existing doors professionally spray painted or spray painting them yourself. Unless you want a rustic finish, spray painting is way better than painting with a brush, which can cause blobs and drips in the grooves of the door profile.

Cabinets
If you’re looking for easy options, replacing cabinet doors might seem like an economical choice. However, bear in mind, especially with older kitchens, that you may have to replace the hinges as well. Also, take into consideration that not all cabinets are created equal – kitchen cabinet door manufacturers only supply standard sizes, and you’re going to battle to find doors for custom cabinets.

An easier solution would be to consider having your existing doors professionally spray painted or spray painting them yourself. Unless you want a rustic finish, spray painting is way better than painting with a brush, which can cause blobs and drips in the grooves of the door profile.

Before you start, give your cabinets a good clean out and check for any sagging or warping. If the shelving has water or mould damage, have new boards cut to replace these. You can have a wide range of board products cut to size at your local Builders store.

With a new paint job, you’ll also want to fit new hardware to complete the transformation. You’ll find a selection of knobs and handles at your local Builders or search online for your nearest supplier if you don’t find what you need.

Countertops
Modern pendants or other accent lighting fixtures add instant elegance to a kitchen.

Countertops play a functional and visual role in any kitchen, so if there is one area where you might want to splurge, this is it. However, replacing countertops with Formica laminate provides a wide range of affordable options to choose from, and you can easily tackle this as a do-it-yourself project.

Should you consider granite, quartz, natural stone or Caesar stone countertops, hire a specialist who’ll measure up and cut countertops to size for fitting. Take a look at the pros and cons for each product, as some require regular maintenance, and be sure to check references when obtaining quotations.

Lighting
Modern pendants or other accent lighting fixtures add instant elegance to a kitchen.

When shopping for lighting, it’s important to decide on the best light sources for fixtures. LED is an energy efficient alternative that might cost more upfront but lasts for years.

LED is also a softer option as opposed to glaring halogen fixtures and commercial-style CFL fittings.
Stools provide comfortable seating if you have a breakfast bar or nook.

Replace old-fashioned recessed lights with modern energy efficient styles with little or no repairs to the ceiling.
You can never have enough lighting in a kitchen. Most kitchens have insufficient lighting for all the tasks that take place in this busy room. If you don’t want to hire an electrician to install more built-in lighting, there are lower-cost options such as LED rope and strip lighting, which can be fitted under wall-mounted cabinets.

If you can’t afford to splurge on designer light fittings at the moment, put this on hold until you can afford to buy what you need to up the lighting in the kitchen.

Seating
Stools provide comfortable seating if you have a breakfast bar or nook. DIY savvy homeowners can easily make their own stools using supplies, some foam and fabric which is available at their local hardware store.

If you already have stools that are looking a little worse for wear, a fresh coat of paint and an upholstery job will soon make them look new again. Consider adding nail head detailing for a trendy finishing touch.

If you’re working on a tight budget, look at DIY options that will save you money. Most flooring solutions offer you the choice to do-it-yourself or have a professional installer to do the job for you.

Floors
Your budget might not allow for new flooring to be installed, but if it does, you have various options to choose from.
Nowadays, you’re not just limited to tiles, tiles and more tiles. Consider installing DIY laminate flooring, luxury vinyl planks – look at the new inkjet-printed tiles that replicate concrete and wood or check out the options for a polished concrete floor.

If you’re working on a tight budget, look at DIY options that will save you money. Most flooring solutions offer you the choice to do-it-yourself or have a professional installer to do the job for you.

Declutter and accessorise
When planning a mini makeover, set yourself a budget and aim to stay within its limits. You can cut costs by simply adding new kitchen accessories to refresh and add colour at minimal cost.

You should also never underestimate the power of paint. Use paint in a variety of ways to give the space a brand new feel.
Even something as small as cleaning and decluttering can make a big difference to the space. We all tend to accumulate stuff over the years. For a fresh look, keep your belongings and accessories to a minimum.

Make or buy new window treatments. Coordinate fabrics and colours with the style of the kitchen or use fabrics to introduce pattern and colour to liven up a bland kitchen. Roman blinds are easy to make too, and you can choose your own fabric and style.
Storage space in a kitchen is at a premium, and you can incorporate open shelving for both a visually attractive and practical solution. Use shelves to declutter countertops or display some of your favourite pieces.

Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za.
Source: www.property24.com

Present day Christmas décor is moving away from traditional holiday themes and gravitating towards enterprising and stylish choices.

Shrugging off time-honoured ideals, this trend blends non-traditional colours with metallics, organic materials and contrasting textures and prints to create a modern wonderland.

If you’d like to put a new spin on your Christmas tree this year, why not try these contemporary ideas…

A stylish Christmas tree

The modern version of the Christmas tree is just as special as the ‘old’ one. It may not be real, green or lush, but it is still a favourite holiday centrepiece.

Whether you have an overgrown tree, a grey, pink or white tree, or a stick in a vase, how you accessorise it and its surrounds will make or break the magic you’re trying to create.

Because you’re going for an atypical Christmas look this year, why not try out a black and white theme, and pair it up with everyday objects like small photo frames, dried leaves, pine cones, feathers or old pegs that can be fashioned into a star?

If you have ornaments with flat surfaces like small wooden hearts, place them on the wrapping paper and then outline each one so that you can cut out the shape. Glue the cut-out onto the heart and attach a piece of gold or black ribbon on the back of each heart for hanging.

There’s no disputing the fact that a black and white scheme is sophisticated and oh so stunning but, it may be a little too formal for Christmas. So, to add a dash of holiday cheer, pick a third colour like gold, silver, or copper to use as your accent hue.

It’s a wrap

To pull everything together, you’ll need to source wrapping paper in varying prints and different colour combinations within your colour scheme. Mix black polka dots on a white background with white and gold polka dots, a striped black and white motif with gold and white chevron designs, and plain gold wrapping paper for emphasis.

If you have ornaments with flat surfaces like small wooden hearts, place them on the wrapping paper and then outline each one so that you can cut out the shape. Glue the cut-out onto the heart and attach a piece of gold or black ribbon on the back of each heart for hanging.

Frame of mind

Paint your old baubles in a solid colour, either white, black or gold and then, once dry, use a paint marker to write or draw something special on them.

To style your black photo frames, pick two different wrapping paper prints. With your first choice, cut out enough wrapping paper to fill the frame, and then, use your second choice to cut out a smaller, simple shape like mistletoe, a star, Christmas tree, heart or gingerbread man. Stick this on the front of the first wrapping paper and place it in the frame.

When you do this, be creative with your combinations. For instance, you could use a stripped wrapping paper as your background and plain gold for your star.

Paint, dip and glitterise  

To jazz up outside finds like feathers and pine cones, paint them black and dip the ends in gold paint and then sprinkle with gold glitter. The same goes for old baubles – paint each one in a solid colour, either white, black or gold and then, once dry, use a paint marker to write or draw something special on them.

Knots and bows

From there, if you haven’t bought your Christmas presents yet or don’t have enough boxes to go under the tree, wrap old appliance or shoe boxes with wrapping paper and finish them off with white,gold or black ribbon. You could also use the ribbon to accessorise your tree, just make sure that you go for fairly big bows so that your guests don’t miss them.

Wrap old appliance or shoe boxes with wrapping paper and finish them off with white, gold or black ribbon.

The finishing touch

To complete the look, pair the tree with an armchair or two, an area rug and a side table.

The trick to pulling this off is using neutral-coloured furniture and accentuating the space with just a handful of complementary pieces like a cushion and something beautiful for the side table.

Place a scatter cushion on your arm chair. Your choice, should be in line with the décor so pick something simple like a white cushion with gold writing or large golden polka dots. Throw in a fluffy white area rug and don’t forget to style your side table.

Top up a metallic coated coffee mug or soup cup with baubles and place that on the table. If you have room for one more item, take a stroll outside and see what you can find. Say you come back with two blocks of wood and some dry leaves, tie these together with some ribbon. Spray the leaves gold and glue them onto the ribbon so that it looks like a piece of garnish.

Now sit back and enjoy.

Source: Katlego Sekano  (www.property24.com)

Regardless of whether you refer to it as a sitting room, a lounge or a living room, the area where the family generally spends the most time needs to be comfortable as well as functional.

Experts will tell you that the shape of the room is absolutely vital and if it isn’t right, you’ll never be able to furnish it properly. This doesn’t mean that you should refuse to buy or rent a home because it has an unusually-shaped living area, but it does mean that you are going to have to plan a little more carefully in order to make the space work.

Utilising dead space
Built-in units and bookcases are a terrific way to utilise ‘dead’ space. Pot plants also disguise a dead space beautifully and an array of well-placed plants can add welcome colour to the room. Be careful not to give in to the temptation (as most of us are wont to do) to treat the area as the perfect spot for your clutter.

Over crowding
The layout of a lounge is particularly important because it is one of the most public areas of the house and how it is decorated can set the tone for the entire home. However, it is also the room that is most often crammed full of ‘favourites’ which, although they may look good on their own, tend to get lost in the desire to put everything on display.

The focal point
The focal point of a room doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture – it could be a fireplace or the gorgeous view on display. Basically, it’s the first thing that the eye is drawn to when one enters the room. One of the most important things to remember is that not all the furniture has to be arranged around or facing the focal point. The same goes for the centre of the room. Traditionally, coffee tables command centre stage, but there’s no reason why two centre spaces can’t be incorporated into a larger room. In these instances, one area is usually larger than the other and while one may well be set around a coffee table, the other uses the focal point as the centrepiece.

Furniture choices
The choice of lounge suite is a personal one, although care needs to be taken that the furniture isn’t too big or too small for the room. A couch is inclined to create a more intimate seating arrangement because people are basically forced to sit next to each other – it also increases the number of people you can squeeze into the room when entertaining. Many have chosen to forgo the traditional three seater, two seater and an armchair approach and are now mixing and matching couches and armchairs. Armchairs help break up a room and, because they tend to be covered in a different fabric to the couches, add interest and colour to the room.

Selecting furniture that is multifunctional is also a good way of adding interest to the room and using space effectively. An ottoman for example won’t only look terrific in the lounge, it can be used as extra seating when needed. Nesting tables are ideal as a space saver given that they can be tucked away when not in use. A sideboard can be used as a server or a bar when entertaining.

Creating different effects with walls
The walls in the lounge may be regarded as a blank canvas, but this doesn’t mean that every inch needs to be covered. Grouping photographs or pictures together on a single wall makes a bold statement. Mirrors are a great way to reflect light and to make a room appear bigger. Again, less is more and mirrors should be used sparingly.

Using lighting to create atmosphere
Lighting is also an important aspect to consider as it helps create the perfect atmosphere. Ideally the room should boast a mix, including ceiling lights, sconces and table lamps.

There’s a good reason why lounges are so often called living rooms – it’s the place where families spend most of their free time. Creating the perfect room shouldn’t be as important as finding something that works for you and your family.

Source: www.privateproperty.co.za

Always dreamed of having a Victorian bathroom? This useful guide will help get you started.

We’ve all heard of Victorian architecture but where does the description come from? Victorian architecture refers to the type of architecture which came about during the reign of Queen Victoria who ruled from 1837 to 1901. It does not refer to any single type of architecture per se. Rather, it encompasses a variety of styles including Jacobethan, Renaissance Revival, Neo-Grec, Romanesque Revival, Second Empire, Queen Anne Revival, Scots Baronial, Arts and Crafts, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Neoclassicism.

A few characteristics set Victorian era homes apart. Many of the homes built during this era were narrow and tall, featured grand stairways, towers and turrets, beautiful, decorative exterior trims and bay windows. Victorian era bathrooms were also designed to impress and is a style which is still popular today.

Victorian era bathrooms were influenced in part by good hygiene and cleanliness which was becoming more widely practiced during the 19th century. Consequently many of the bathrooms of the age feature all-white colour schemes coupled with marble or tiled floors which were easy to clean. In keeping with the façade of the house, utilitarian objects such as vanities were turned into elegant, crafted pieces. Even toilets became works of art in some homes.

Indoor plumbing was a revelation of the time and was celebrated as such through the inclusion of elegant freestanding taps and mixers which were often made out of expensive materials such as brass. Wainscot walls comprising painted white panelling or glazed white subway tiles were also a key feature as were claw foot baths which became major showpieces. Chandeliers, gilt mirrors and tied back tassel curtains often completed the look.

It’s fairly easy if somewhat expensive to replicate a Victorian style bathroom today. Given the potential expense, it’s important to allocate a budget and stick to it when putting together a Victorian bathroom. Depending on your budget, you can either go all out or just focus on a few major points such as the bath, taps, floors, vanities and sinks and the toilet. It’s also important to plan ahead and not go overboard otherwise you could end up with a mishmash of elements as opposed to a unified, elegant bathroom.

As mentioned, baths were effectively the centrepiece of Victorian era bathrooms so it makes sense to start with this element and work around it. Nowadays, most upmarket bathroom retailers stock all manner of replica Victorian baths made out of acrylic, crystallite and porcelain. A few even stock bronze baths for the discerning buyer. Suffice to say there is a bath which will suit the look you’re going for.

Tap type is important. Typically, freestanding, floor mounted taps are associated with Victorian bathrooms. Again, the type of tap you want to install depends entirely on your budget. Just remember that modern Victorian style taps generally incorporate the latest plumbing technology and need to be installed by a professional given their freestanding design.

Floors and walls are other elements which play an important role in bringing your Victorian bathroom together. Plain tile colours, black and white checkered or hexagonal floors typically work best in Victorian bathrooms as do metro style wall tiles topped with a bullnose trim. Alternatively, you could incorporate a wooden, sealed floor and paint the walls in light, complementary wall colours which help create a light, airy feeling.

Victorian era vanities and sinks were typically highly ornate. Carved pieces featuring delicate scrollwork or motifs were not uncommon and were produced in a variety of colours. Replicas of such pieces can be found at most upmarket bathroom retailers. Of course such pieces don’t typically come cheap so it’s worth your while (if you’re on a budget) to look around at second hand furniture and antiques shops for these pieces.

In terms of toilets, high-level, chain pull toilets were the order of the day in Victorian times. These have of course now been replaced by low level and close-coupled cistern toilets. Again, retailers stock all manner of styles and designs. Ultimately the type of toilet you select depends entirely on your budget and personal taste. Generally speaking if you’re going for the Victorian look, the more traditional the better.

Lastly, if you can afford to stretch to all the other Victorian style elements, by all means do so as a few finishing touches can make all the difference. For instance, you could include a few tufted plush chairs, a replica chandelier, some freestanding mirrors, one or two luxurious curtains and even a bidet if that appeals to you. After all, Victorian bathrooms are all about grandeur and such touches won’t fail to impress.

Source: www.privateproperty.co.za

We all probably would have a long wish list of things we would like to add to our home or change about it, if money were no object. But the truth is, there are really very few things a house really needs to be transformed into a home. The good news is that you can make an impact on any budget if you know where to begin!  Here are five things every home needs to be the kind of oasis you dream about.

Light

The right light changes the entire mood of any home. Bringing in as much light as possible will provide a great sense of energy to your home. To enhance natural light, try adding a mirror to a wall perpendicular to a window.

In addition to natural light, it’s important to also add layers of lighting to your home in the form of table lamps, overhead lighting, and floor or task lamps. These will give your home a nice warm glow in the evenings and light up dark and dreary corners.

If your home lacks natural light, a light fresh colour scheme can help brighten the mood. A soft, warm but lighter neutral is a great backdrop for any room. In a dark kitchen or bathroom, a white tile will reflect lots of pretty light throughout the room.

Warmth

A house without enough layers of texture with likely feel cold. You can add rich warmth through leather, warm metals like copper and gold, natural wood pieces or wood flooring, textured fabrics, window coverings, and bamboo blinds.

A minimalist home or one with primarily cooler tones will benefit greatly from even a few pops of warmth!

Personality

Besides the importance of the people who inhabit your home, you can give your home a sense of personality and soul by incorporating photos of your loved ones, collections and mementos, antiques or flea-market finds, eye-catching conversation starters, and things that simply make you happy.  Stick to what you truly love and find beautiful and your home will soon reflect your own unique personality.

Organization

Every home benefits from organization. A disorganized home adds stress and reduces productivity.  Start with what weighs you down the most in your home. Get rid of anything that you are not currently using for whatever reason. If doesn’t contribute to your life right now, it can go. Be ruthless! Challenge yourself to fill as many bags as possible. The less you have, the easier it will be to get truly organized! When you are ready organize, create a designated place for everything. Then discipline yourself to return the items where they belong after use, so clutter won’t take over.

Routines

Most people feel most energized, inspired and more at home in a house that has some measure of order and cleanliness. While most of us don’t have time to clean 25/7, if you don’t establish some good daily housekeeping habits, it’s easy to lose control of a house.  Stop the downward spiral towards messy disorganization before it happens. Start by decluttering and cleaning a room and then make the commitment to keep it clean and tidy going forward. When messes threaten to take over, nip it in the bud and restore order.

Source: www.ebay.com/gds/5-Things-Every-Home-Needs-/

Painting the walls of your home can turn in to a long, messy exercise and the finished product of-ten doesn’t look quite as good as it does when professional painters do the job.

Here are some tips to help amateur house painters get the job done and the walls looking as if they could have been painted by Michelangelo (in case you don’t know, he’s the chap who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican in Rome).

Preparing the walls

You should regard your walls as a blank canvas and as with any painting surface, it should be near perfect before you start. This means that any nails need to be removed and all holes or cracks filled. Blemishes should be sanded down in order to create a smooth surface and the walls meticulously cleaned of any residue. Kitchen walls in particular should be thoroughly scrubbed in order to remove any greasy residue.

A primer (the first layer of paint) doesn’t only make the finished paint job look better, it also saves money because it reduces the number of top coats required. It is particularly important to use a primer when a filler has been used to plug up existing holes. This is because the chalk-like filler acts as a sort of sponge and will suck out the moisture from the paint, leaving dull-looking patches. Professional painters often use a primer that has a grey tint, or a colour that is similar to that of the top coat.

Protecting unpainted surfaces

It’s important to protect certain surfaces from paint drips. Tape is often used to shield wooden window frames and window sills from the odd accident, however, unless the tape is applied correctly, paint can ‘bleed’ through when the tape is removed. To avoid this it’s advisable to run a putty knife over the tape once it has been laid to ensure that the tape has adhered to the wood correctly.

While carpets and tiles should be covered during the painting process, it’s not advisable to use plastic sheeting for this purpose. Paint that spills on plastic tends to take longer to dry and invariably ends up on the soles of shoes before being traipsed through the rest of the home. Bed sheets are also not recommended because they are too thin and paint can seep through. Canvas sheeting is generally used by those in the know. While this may prove to be slightly more costly, it needs to be remembered that it isn’t necessary to cover the entire floor at once.

Getting the job completed

Adding a paint conditioner helps stop paint building up on the brush or roller. It also helps eliminate brush marks because it slows down the drying time. Although it may seem like a good idea to paint all the corners and other fiddly bits in a room and then go back to paint the walls, it’s actually better to complete an entire wall at once as this allows the brushed and the rolled paint to blend, giving a more professional look.

Source: www.privateproperty.co.za

If done right, you can create an enchanting night garden that is perfect for relaxed evenings or entertaining after the sun goes down. With a bit of hard work and some practical and decorative accessories, you can easily transform your garden into a nocturnal paradise. Here’s how…

To get that enchanted garden look, try a combination of night-flowering plants.

1. Appeal to the senses

Create a sensory experience by making use of three types of plants namely night-flowering, night-fragrant and night-reflective flowers. Night-flowering plants will open or bloom at dusk, while night-fragrant plants will produce beautiful scents and night-reflective plants have glistening white or silver foliage that glimmers under the light of the moon.

2. Choose the right plants

There are specific types of flowers, plants and colours that make up the best moonlit gardens. Be sure to stay away from deep, dark colours and focus on reflective colours such as white, silver, pale yellow and pale pink. Try choosing a few plants from each group and create a well-balanced composition using a variety of bushes, vines, ground cover and flowering plants.

Night-flowering plants

Garden lighting can be used to enhance and accentuate a night-time garden. You can go all out with solar-powered spotlights or keep things simple by putting out luminaries, lanterns or candles while you’re kicking back or entertaining.

To get that enchanted garden look, try a combination of night-flowering plants.

Evening primroses are white heart-shaped petals that open every evening. They have a light, lemon and honeysuckle scent.

Angel’s trumpet are huge white flowers that open at night and remain open into the next day. You could also use climbing hydrangea in your garden. These are large white flowers that bloom at night and have leaves that change colour, from pink to gold and dark green.

Night-fragrant plants

For that heavenly scent, try lavender. It has silvery-gray foliage and a sweet, calming scent.

The night-blooming jasmine offers an intense fragrance, and is a staple in many evening gardens.

Perfect for a night landscape, the gardenia is a decorative shrub with white flowers and a strong fragrance, while the moonflower has trumpet-like blooms. It unfurls from a vine at night and gives off a magical scent.

Once you have your garden planted, simply wait for night fall, then you can enjoy your lovely creation.

The tuberose is extra fragrant with tubular white flowers that bloom in late summer.

Night-reflective plants

When designing your magical landscape, don’t forget to include reflective plants like the licorice, which has furry, silver heart-shaped leaves and works well as an accent in a garden or potted arrangement.

The white verbena is characterised by small, white clustered flowers, and is great for creating ground cover or edging, and filling in gaps in gardens or containers.

Lamb’s ears is a hardy ground covering plant with silver-white leaves, and the maiden grass, which is also known as silver grass, is one of the most widely used ornamental grasses.

You could also weave in the hosta, which is known for its beautiful foliage that can comprise patches of white, yellow and shades of green.

3. Incorporate seating

If your night-time garden is big enough, add a table and chairs or a bench for evening entertaining. Light-coloured outdoor furniture such as white or silver will add a wonderful reflective quality to the area. If you’re working with a small porch or balcony, create a potted version of the midnight garden using some of the same plant suggestions and combinations.

4. Magical lighting

Garden lighting can be used to enhance and accentuate a night-time garden. You can go all out with solar-powered spotlights or keep things simple by putting out luminaries, lanterns or candles while you’re kicking back or entertaining. Either way, lighting can add an extra special glow and romantic ambiance to your night garden.

For homeowners that are more eco-conscious, be sure to take a look at a range of LED lights for the garden.

Once you have your garden planted, simply wait for night fall, then you can enjoy your lovely creation. If you populate your garden primarily with perennial plants, they’ll re-emerge each year, giving you the gift of a midnight garden that’s easy to care for.

Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za.

Source: www.property24.com