design

Decorating your home for the holidays long before Christmas day is all about creating a sense of anticipation and prolonging the festive season – and we’re all for it! Below we share tips and tricks to allow you to enjoy every moment that leads up to the day we finally hear those snow bells ringing!

Tip #1: Go with your existing colour scheme

If you only take one of the following tips to heart, it should be this one. Use your existing colour scheme as a starting point and elaborate on that with the holiday decor items you add. There is no need to go with the typical red and green theme, instead make it more interesting and personal. If you stay within your colour scheme, you will be able to create a very cohesive look that flows beautifully and you may not need as many decorative pieces as you might think. Going this route will also allow you to use items around your house which brings us to tip number two.

Tip # 2: Use items you already have.

There really is no need to spend a fortune every year on holiday decor. Repurpose and reuse what you have. And by that we don’t only mean holiday decor you already have but also regular items. For example, brass, gold, silver, glass or other shiny objects you have can be grouped together to create a festive mood or sparkly vignette. Pairing or even tripling identical pieces creates an eye-pleasing repetition so put a grouping like this together on a mirrored tray, add lights, pine cones or moss and you are good to go! Get your grandma’s antique silver candlesticks from the basement and put them in the foyer with a bowl of pine cones. Don’t be afraid to move furniture and decorative things around in your house. Change artwork to go with the season. Get that painting from the attic of the snow covered cottage or frame a piece of antique music. In the photo below we have swapped out canvas art with a gold antique frame and dressed it up with real greenery. You can also add some texture around the house for a cosier feel. Some of the ways to do that include bringing in velvet or faux fur pillows and adding warm and cosy throws. Do the same in your guest bedrooms if you have company over for Christmas.

Tip #3: Go fresh!

Nothing beats the look and smell of fresh greenery! Cut from your own garden or buy from your local nursery. To keep fresh greenery lasting longer, soak them in a tub of water before hanging or arranging it. Mist them every other day and it will look great for weeks! Add ribbon to greenery that compliments your colour scheme. You can use the same ribbon throughout your house to tie it all together. Personally, I love velvet ribbon for Christmas. It has a luxurious feel and adds texture. I bought this khaki velvet ribbon for this year to go with my dining chairs and wood beams. Buy a real Christmas tree. Yes, it is more environmentally friendly than a plastic one and smells so good! Be sure to recycle it properly when the season is over.

Tip #4: Less is more

Minimal is the new black. So don’t overdo it over Christmas with cheap holiday decor items but instead opt for fresh, local and impactful. Real moss can be used again and again and greens like boxwood and eucalyptus dry very well. We are proponents of quality over quantity. This rule applies to pretty much everything, but especially to seasonal items. Get something well-made that will match your style and serve a purpose. Choose items that don’t add clutter and can be repurposed year round. For example candles, vases, and bowls. Bonus points if you can shop small and shop local. This has never been more important than in a year like 2021. When you purchase from a small, local business, you are lifting up businesses in your community and helping the environment.

Tip #5: Engage the Senses

Employ all the senses-smell, touch, visual, audio and taste. Use cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices and pomegranate in your decor to compliment the smell of fresh greenery. Don’t forget to add string lights strategically for that magical Christmas feel. LED lights are environmentally friendly and last a long time. Make a playlist on Spotify of everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes and play it softly in the background while sitting by the fire or on full blast while cooking! And then, finally, the Christmas meal when everything comes to conclusion and you can be with the ones you love. Our linen napkins (seen below) are a great staple available in several colours that can be used year round. And finally, here is the recipe to our favourite Christmas dessert and a South African staple: Malva pudding. Merry Christmas!

Are you considering updating your kitchen? There are so many decisions that come along with a kitchen renovation project. Countertops are one of them and possibly, the most important. The wide range of countertop options can seem overwhelming! It can take a lot of time and effort to make the right choice. The best type of countertop depends not only on what kind of look you’re after, but also how you plan to use them, how much you’re willing to spend and how much maintenance you’re willing to do to keep them looking great! It’s a big decision and often a big investment, so we have gathered a collection of some of the most popular options and listed pros and cons, so you can make the right choice for your kitchen. But first, our top choices based solely on looks!

Natural stone will always be the most authentic and interesting look, no matter how good they are getting at mimicking the real thing. So no wonder our top two picks are in this category. Top of our list is marble. Yes, you heard us right! A classic, luxurious stone that has stood the test of time. If you are in the “I like it pristine forever camp” though, this is not for you. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite and is therefore porous. So granted, not for the faint of heart as this stone will patina over time.

MARBLE DESIGN INSPIRATION

Design: Studio Mcgee 
 
Leave it to Studio Mcgee to make marble work perfectly. Paired with dark wood tones, warm oak floors, and brass details, the beautiful marble counters provide just the right richness and balance in this beautiful kitchen.

Next on our list is soap stone. A type of metamorphic rock with a high talc content and therefore considered a soft stone. On the plus side, soapstone has a high heat storage capacity and is therefore an ideal choice around fireplace openings. Though we also love it as counter tops.

SOAP STONE DESIGN INSPIRATION

Design: Megan Pflug | Photography: Genevieve Garruppo

Megan Pflug is responsible for some of the most inspiring spaces we’ve ever come across, and this kitchen is no exception. A moody palette with antique accents and the gorgeous soapstone counter and backsplash make this kitchen timeless.
And of course, our number one go-to because of durability and selection available: quartz. Not to be confused with quartzite, quartz is made using engineered stone. This engineered stone is comprised of about 90% loose quartz and the remaining 10% is resins and pigments. Until a few years ago it was hard to match the beauty of natural stone with manmade options, but thanks to significant advancements in the manufacturing process, there are truly beautiful options available.

QUARTZ DESIGN INSPIRATION

Design: LVZ Design | Cupboards: Jake Wise Woodworking | Photography: Aim Photagraphy
 
This 14’ island turned out beautiful and elegant with the subtle veining in the quartz counter and backsplash. Due to the size of this island we had to incorporate a seam, though hardly noticeable when done right.

Here is a quick reference guide for your next counter top selection:

PROS: Laminate is a very cost effective option! They don’t need to be sealed, they’re easy to find and available in a wide range of colors and styles.
CONS: It can be easily damaged by heat and are prone to scratches. Seams will be noticeable and although they have come a long way – they are not the same as an authentic, natural product.

PROS: Wood counters can be a less expensive choice, (depending on the wood species) and they are available in a range of finishes and styles. They offer a warmer aesthetic and can last a long time when they’re well-maintained.
CONS: Wood can be damaged by knives, heat or water, causing stains and warping. They are also porous meaning they can harbor bacteria. They are a higher maintenance option as they need to be oiled regularly.

PROS: Concrete counters are durable and solid. They also have a variety of options to make them more unique and offer a great industrial, rugged look.
CONS: The sealing procedures may be costly, and changes in temperature and spills can alter the surface. There is always a chance that concrete countertops can crack.

PROS: Stainless steel is heat, stain and bacteria resistant – perfect for a high-end commercial space. It’s durable and long-lasting and often more affordable than stone.
CONS: Although stainless steel may not be the most expensive option, it’s also not cheap. It can be scratched or dented and is prone to showing fingerprints.

PROS: Granite is very durable and heat resistant. It is a natural product and offers a number of unique colour options. The natural stone means that for no two pieces look the same and can come in a honed (matte) or polished (shiny) finish.
CONS: Granite must be re-sealed to keep it from staining.

PROS: Soapstone has an authentic and dramatic ‘Old World’ look. It is impermeable and extremely heat resistant.
CONS: It is a soft stone so it does tend to scratch easily and it is typically only found in darker colours, which does mean that the selection is somewhat limited.

PROS: Engineered stone is less prone to cracking and chipping but still offers the same look of natural stone. It is heat and stain resistant and comes in a wide range of styles and colors. It doesn’t require as much maintenance and is very durable.
CONS: It’s not cheap and like natural stone countertops, it’s heavy. There are certain size limitations which can leave seams in large islands or long runs.

PROS: Sintered stone is a very practical choice as it is non- porous, heat resistant and does not scratch or stain. There are seemingly endless design options to suit the colour and style that you may be after.
CONS: It a relatively new product which may make it more difficult to find skilled installers. Currently, the information available is from suppliers of the product and could be bias. It is also in the mid to high end range for cost.

PROS: Marble is a truly stunning natural material. It comes in a variety of natural options and is heat-resistant.
CONS: Marble is porous and can be scratched, stained or etched by acids so it requires frequent sealing. Its beauty also comes at a price as it is one of the most expensive options.

Are you embarking on a kitchen renovation anytime soon? LVZ Design can help with the design, 3-D rendering and finishes selection-including counter tops ☺. Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you, or inquire here for more information on our services.
 

Art is something that feeds our souls-whether we create it, admire it, or remember it. Art is therefore also a very personal thing. For some people it is an obligatory decorating item and they will happily leave it to us as designers to find something of the right size and within their budget to fill the identified space. For others it is an extremely important aspect in the design and they would often have us start the whole process based on a single piece of art, or change direction completely to accommodate a piece they found and fell in love with.

 This brings me to the theme of this post: Objects of art (from French objet de’ art). More specifically, objects of art as wall décor. Personally, I am big fan of this concept.  It adds interest to the design, often tells a story, and can literally be anything the client or designer regards as art.  It can be something classic, outrageous, or something in vogue. It all depends on what works in the space and what speaks to the people who live there.

There is no formal classification for objects of art, but for the sake of easy reading, I want to label it as follows: 

Everyday objects that have been given a new purpose: to feast the eyes. 

See, for example, the photo below. These are actually antique chocolate molds, now box framed with a white background to give it more presence. These are currently adorning my office, and believe me, it has a story behind it!

In this bedroom below we used a series of levels in different lengths above the bed. The matte black wall is a nice backdrop to the antique wood colours in the levels. And we didn’t need a level to hang them ☺.

The same idea can be seen in this bedroom by Moorehouse Designs. They incorporated antique print blocks to add interest and texture. Guests must find it particularly interesting and wonder about the story behind it.

Textiles as objects of art

Below is a textile wall hanging from Obakki. They are a purpose-led lifestyle brand with artisan partners all over the world. Their oversized hand woven wall art from Querétaro, Mexico is absolutely stunning! 

Still on textiles, a client of mine had this beautiful piece of cloth in her family forever. It belonged to her husbands’ great grandmother and was used to cover the piano. This beautiful “shawl”, as they refer to it, has now been given art status in their new dining room. It adds colour and texture to the otherwise neutral space.

Speaking of textiles, hats are another great art option, especially if you also want to infuse some character into a room or create a certain feel. In this photo, a series of hats in both felt and sennit straw makes for an interesting wall display. The boater hat, circa 1930’s, even has a wonderful flat brim for easy hanging. The second photo shows an installation of summer straw hats and it immediately gives you a relaxing vacation feel. 

Of course I have to go back to my roots and also include African pieces in this mix. You can make such a statement with a large grouping of traditional baskets, like in the photo below. Or you can keep it simpler and opt for one oversized piece, like in the next photo. Either way, it adds instant drama and is such a great alternative to typical framed art.

Sports equipment as art

Sports equipment (either antique or otherwise) is another ideal object to use as art. Think of a series of old golf clubs hung in a row, boat ores, snowshoes, and my personal favourite: rackets. In this cottage powder room it was just the right wall accent to add some interest and texture in an otherwise all black and white space. The next photo shows a really neat way to hang a whole collage of rackets, if you need to cover a bigger wall area. 

Or you can be practical and artsy at the same time if space is at a premium. In this apartment below the means of travel is also the art! Voila!

Regardless of your style and taste, there is probably an object out there that you can successfully incorporate as art in your space as a great alternative to paintings, prints and photos. Try many things out and experiment with different potential pieces so that the next time somebody asks about your interesting “art”, you have a story for them. 

Is there a room or area in your house that is driving you nuts and you are just dying to change it but you don’t even know where to begin? Today I am going to share with you a few decorating and design secrets to help you with just that!

Let’s start with a few misconceptions:

Misconception #1-I just need to buy a few new accessories to make my room look amazing (and will do so the moment Home Sense opens again!)

Misconception #2-I can work around unappealing fixed elements 

Misconception #3-I will get it right the first time

Nonsense, all of it! And if you believe any of that you will never have the confidence to start and complete your project! So get rid of those misconceptions and read along for my seven design secrets to help you create a space you will love and be proud of!

Secret #1:

You don’t need to buy more things! In fact, I urge you to be very selective about what enters your home. Less is more! And most definitely this should not be your first step! Maybe at the very end of your project you add a few select items to complete the look. With the emphasis on “select”! So instead of buying twelve random things buy one oversized item for that empty corner, or one beautiful table lamp and a single wood bowl for your console table. Remember that you can add seasonal items during the year. Blooms in spring in a pretty vase, greenery in summer, and of course holiday décor. Leave some room for that!

Secret #2

This one is really important. Look at the “shell” or the “box” of your space. Is there a fixed element that is funky, ugly or weird? Yes? Well change it! Chances are those elements are probably also your focal point in the room. Think build-inns, fireplace, etc. All the more reason to address it! If you do not tackle this and instead just buy more things, you will end up with a space you still dislike and at the same time be frustrated with the amount of time and money you’ve spent in the process. So paint those build-inns (yes, even if it is real wood), paint the brick on your ugly fireplace or clad it with shiplap. Hang your TV properly and hide all cables. Bottom line: if it is ugly or completely outdated, fix it!

Secret #3

Flooring is key. I cannot stress this enough. Do you realize your floor is a substantial part of your interior real estate? I see so many homes where there are 3, 4, 5 different types of flooring in one home. And people try to decorate their way around it all the time (without success I might add). This is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Make the flooring consistent. You will be absolutely amazed at how easy it will be to style your house when you have beautiful, consistent flooring throughout. Take the plunge, it is well worth it! Oh, and don’t wait until you put your house on the market to do so! Why not enjoy it yourself?

Secret #4

Paint. You can hide a thousand sins with paint! And it is something you can tackle yourself. I also urge you to paint those build-inns or wood trim or other funky element if you don’t like it. It is a very cost effective fix with big impact! Do you have difficulty choosing a colour? Make use of the bigger samples you can order or get the samples pots and try a few options in different areas. Don’t make a hasty decision when it comes to paint. Take your time, paint is probably the most valuable styling tool out there! If you need help choosing colours call in an expert. We have seen it all and know what certain colours do in certain types of light. 

Secret #5

You will not get it right the first time! As a designer I have made many mistakes over the years. What you see in your head and how it transfers in the space can sometimes be two very different things! And that is ok. Tweak and re-tweak until it feels right to you. And if your budget allows and you are more comfortable knowing you don’t have to make all the decisions yourself, hire a professional to help you along the way. 

Secret #6

This is not a once-off thing. Your style and aesthetic will change and evolve over time. You might travel and fall in love with warm tones and rich textures for a while, or you may enter into a different stage in your life and your home will change accordingly. If you follow the tips above you will be in a good position to make those changes with confidence (and also because you redid your floors and took care of the nasty fireplace years ago!). 

Secret #7

By all means, have fun! ☺