HOMEMAKERS Durban May 2024

IDEAS &

• Staircases • Balustades • Security Gates • Driveway Gates • Steel cage work for concrete stairs

• Jansen Windows & Doors

• Fire Escape Staircases

Don’t neglect your side piece.

Bedside tables deserve more attention from us.

Let’s

spare a thought for the side piece.

Just because we don’t think about it, doesn’t mean that our bedside table can’t be an important factor in ceating the bedroom we crave. Whether you go minimalist with a cubbyhole built into your headboard, or full on side table with the drawer and the little swinging door, its up to you, but the choice you make matters more than you think it does.

The Modern look.

We are talking about glass, metal and even elements like stone and concrete. These types of side tables are amazing in modern, industrial look bedrooms and with the right lighting and styling can still give a great element of comfort, regardless of the harsh lines and designs. Just because it uses “hard” materials, doesn’t mean these pieces of furniture are necessarily overbearing and imposing. In fact, an elegantly designed modern bedside table can add an understated touch of glamour to your bedroom. We love these options:

• Swedish design • Curved glass • Decofurn modern

The Classic look.

If your house has more of a collected or heirloom vibe, we suggest heading to your storage unit before you go out to buy a side table. These little pieces of furniture haven’t changed much in the last 50 years, and chances are any number of older relatives probably have a few to spare. A good vintage side table can bring a bit of gravitas to your bedroom and give you an instant shot of cosy home comfort. If you don’t have access to true family heirlooms, don’t worry - there are great classical styles of side tables available to cheat your way into the lived-in look. We love Melonwood’s wooden bedside tables, as well as this beauty from Poetry

The Alternative look.

The most important part of a bedside table is that it shoud be “bedside”. This means, it doesn’t have to be a table! If you can’t find something that works for you, or you don’t have a clear vision of your bedroom yet, don’t worry. Anything can be a bedside table if you are brave enough. Now we are not suggesting an upturned paint can (unless you LOVE it), but we still want to inspire you to use your imagination. A slim chest of drawers, a low bookshelf, an ottoman or footstool with a tray or slate tile on it - whatever works for you.

Two doesn’t have to mean team.

If you can’t make up your mind, don’t stress. You can even mix and match styles or work with whatever your budget allows. There is no shame in having one night stand you love, and still looking around for that other little side piece that will fulfill your wildest bedroom (décor) dreams! You don’t have to buy them in sets.

For inspiration on what to look out for when you are picking your side piece, look no further! Read more online.

Embrace the Winter Glow.

Transform your home to a cosy haven.

The short winter days and longer nights are the ideal time to create a warm and inviting ambiance within your home. Lighting theory offers a potent tool to accomplish this goal. In this article, we will delve into different lighting solutions and settings that can assist you in converting your living space into a snug sanctuary during the winter season.

Create a Focal Point.

To infuse your home with a captivating ambiance, it’s curcial to establish focal points using lighting techniques. By highlighting specific areas or objects, you can create visual interest and draw attention. Consider using accent lighting to showcase artwork, architectural features, or statement furniture pieces. By employing adjustable spotlights or track lighting, you can easily direct light towards these focal points, enhancing their presence and adding warmth to your home.

Layered Lighting.

Another effective way to achieve a cosy atmosphere is by incorporating layered lighting. Layering involves using multiple light sources at different levels to create depth and dimension in a room. Combine ambient lighting, such as ceiling fixtures or wall sconces, with task lighting for functional areas like reading nooks or workspaces. Additionally, incorporating decorative lighting elements like table lamps of floor lamps adds a soft and warm glow to the overall ambience. By creating this combination of lighting layers, you’ll provide your home with a sense of warmth and comfort!

Warm Lights.

When is comes to creating a warm and inviting ambiance during the winter, the colour temperature of your lighting

plays a curcial role. Opting for warm coloured LEDs with a colour temperature between 2700K and 3000K is idealallowing for a soft, yellowish glow that mimics the warm tones of candlelight to be omitted. Avoid cool or daylight-coloured LEDs as they tend to create a more clinical and sterile feel. Additionally, consider incorporating dimmable LEDs into your lighting setup. Dimming options allow you to adjust the intensity of the light to suit different activities or moods. Lowering the brightness of the light can evoke a more imtimate or relaxed ambiance.

By utilizing lighting theory and considering different lighting solutions, you can transform your home into a captivating retreat during the winter season, incorporate focal points, layer your lighting and choose warm coloured LEDs to create an inviting atmosphere that welcomes you and your guests to your home!