What is the best type of material/ fabric to use on your outdoor furniture?

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1 asktheexperts Advice from industry professionals by Justine Olivier Where s the best place to put a microwave? Philip Richards, : The microwave needs to be in a position where it is easily accessible, as many different people require the use of the microwave at any given time. It is also important that the microwave is placed at a height where all can reach it and use it comfortably. The microwave can be built-in with a custom frame, which is aesthetically pleasing or it can be placed on the counter hidden behind a roller door, keeping the appliance concealed. The microwave is a critical appliance in any kitchen and is actually an extremely relational appliance, meaning that many different people require use of the microwave at any given time. We can therefore establish then that the microwave always needs to be in a position where it is not only easily accessible for the cook but for the entire family. What is the best type of material/ fabric to use on your outdoor furniture? June da Silva, Hertex Fabrics: A fabric made of solution-dyed acrylic yarn is best for outdoor use. The colour pigments are mixed with the spinning solution and form part of the construction of the fibres. These fabrics are the most sun resistant and have antimildew and water-resistant qualities, are washable and easy to maintain. One must bear in mind that nothing can be left out in the rain indefinitely without the cushions becoming waterlogged; fabric deterioration will also occur. There is special foam available for outdoor cushions it is advisable to use such foam if fabrics are left out in the rain for longer periods. What is the easiest way to transform a bland interior space? Marius van der Merwe, M Interiors: The easiest way is to create a feature wall using paint or by applying wallpaper to one of the walls; this will immediately create an interesting focal point in the room. Dress the room with the latest seasonal objects like vases, bowls, lamps, scatters and rugs; the addition of some on-trend accessories will inject instant interest and can easily be changed at a later stage, if your style changes. Adding texture and mixing up different materials is also a great way of adding interest. Combining items made from wool, leather, bamboo and copper, for example, can take a room from bland to grand in minutes. FEBRUARY

2 kitchens passionate cooks. Lacanche cookers offer features that give great joy to home owners who that like to steam, fry or char grill their food. Kitchen designer Philip Richards from explains that stoves have definitely advanced with the introduction of induction hobs, which offer a safer, cleaner and more environmentallyfriendly cooking experience. Black glass-finished oven fronts or black glass-finished stoves give a very dramatic and rich feel to any space. Philip also adds that there s a movement towards touch control appliances. This is not only a technological advancement but an aesthetic one too, as you can now have knobless appliances that blend effortlessly into the rest of your design scheme, adding to that overall uncluttered look. Whirlpool s KIC product manager, Claire Gibson mentions that the trends in the kitchen are moving towards clean lines and more glass. For example, the KEO 603 built-in oven has a stainless steel trim and a glass face, which complements any kitchen design and layout. When it comes to technology trends, Whirpool s Fusion eye-level oven has sixth Miele FEBRUARY

3 kitchens Eurafrican Industrial Agencies shelf level for the dish and the precise required temperature. LG Electronics has launched the next generation lightwave oven, the Charcoal Heater, which allows for more precise and healthy cooking with an energy saving of up to 40%. With the LG Charcoal Heater oven, there is no more waiting for the oven to pre-heat before you can start cooking. Liana Barnard from LG Electronics adds that the active convection technology, coupled with the grill temperature control and the quartz heaters enable faster start-up times, which is up to four times faster than conventional ovens saving time and energy. Luc Verfaille from Eurafrican Industrial Agencies, a company that imports brands such as Eurogas, Roseieres, Fratelli Onofri and Godin, advises that as more families are entertaining at home, with open-plan living design and functionality now complement each other, and clients are definitely considering aesthetics more than before. With all this in mind, Sergio Polita, the kitchen designer from Snaidero Cucine, highlights that you should always consider how green the product is. We are now in the green age, so I always remind clients to think about their carbon footprint when purchasing kitchen appliances. With thanks to, Culinary Equipment Company, Electrolux, Eurafrican Industrial Agencies, Global Pact Distributors, LG Electronics, Miele, Smeg SA, Snaidero Cucine and Whirlpool. 100 FEBRUARY

4 kitchen revamp about ergonomics, says Sergio adding, you do not want to walk a mile with a hot casserole. The space between an island and the main kitchen should not be less than 850mm, anything less than that and you are going to have issues. Cabinetry and worktop surfaces should be chosen well before the renovation process has begun. Not only contributing towards the aesthetics, installing the correct worktop surface could save you money in the long term. Steer clear of using marble as a worktop surface, says Wendy Grater, of Alpine German Kitchens, as although it looks beautiful, it s far too soft and porous for the kitchen and its uses. Talk to your kitchen designer about what surface would work best and why. Keep in mind that choosing the best quality will ensure the lifespan of your kitchen. Splashbacks are equally as important as any worktop surface, as it protects the walls from water damage and food spills thereby increasing Caesarstone go to at least four kitchen shops and look around to get a clear idea of what you want exactly. Layout, ergonomics, appliance placement and cabinetry all play a roll in creating a kitchen that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. Philip Richards, of, points out that it is critical that your designer thinks through each electrical and plumbing point in the kitchen space. Having the correct layout is essential to ensure proper flow and ergonomics. Designing a kitchen space with regards to the work triangle is a thing of the past. Philip explains that while the triangle worked well in the 1940s, focusing mainly on the three most used areas in the kitchen (the oven, sink and fridge), today it just won t work. The reason behind this is fairly simple. Today s kitchens in comparison to those in the 1940s are equipped with far more appliances than ever before. Not only that, but now more than one person spends time in this space whether cooking or entertaining. It s all 106 FEBRUARY

5 kitchen revamp Don t underestimate the importance of your kitchen space it is the heart of the home and should reflect this through its layout and design SieMatic the longevity of your kitchen. Trevor King, of Caesarstone, advises that splashbacks should be in a material that is durable, non-porous and easy to clean. The latest innovation, says Chantelle Koen, of Inside Living, is to use wallpaper mounted between two sheets of glass. This certainly can create a complementary feature area in an open-plan kitchen while maintaining functionality. Don t leave your cabinetry choices for the last option. This can either make or break the overall look of your kitchen. Whether you opt for cabinetry with open shelving or enclosed with doors, the material used as well as height chosen will either add to or detract from the look. Experts at Miracle Kitchens say that although the industry standard is used when it comes to cabinetry height, these can always be extended to suit individual requirements. Therefore, knowing what you want in your kitchen before approaching a designer will make the entire process smoother. Eyaaz Waja, of Avant Garde Prestige, says that owners should employ different elements that have more than one function and allow for versatility. There s no kitchen worth having if you can t have it forever, he adds. Don t underestimate the importance of your kitchen space it is the heart of the home and should reflect this through its layout and design, welcoming all who enter and meeting both entertaining and dining requirements. With thanks to Alpine German Kitchens,, Caesarstone, Inside Living, Miracle Kitchens, SieMatic and Snaidero Cucine 108 FEBRUARY