Know Your Bath

March 3, 2015February 18, 2015 Rose McClementLeave a comment

Last week we chatted to Robyn Lambrick about the wonder of “resurfacing” – a restorative process where old and ugly sanitaryware gets a new lease on life (read post: here). Robyn’s husband owns the resurfacing company Beta Bathrooms and the sanware item they refinish is bathtubs…

Today Robyn is going to tell us all about baths (all of which can be resurfaced btw) – and since my bath is one of my sacred spaces in my home, I am all ears (plus both of our baths need a bit of TLC).

Take it away Robyn…

Q: Should I replace my old cast iron bath while renovating my bathroom?

A: Well, if you ask us – we’ll tell you NO! Most definitely not! It’s simple, we believe that a cast iron bath is one of the best baths ever made!

Source: http://www.castironbath.co.uk/roll-top-baths/cast-iron-baths.html

Q: Could you open that up for us somewhat:

A: Sure thing. There are a few reasons:

# Firstly, a cast iron bath is a handy man’s dream – no silicon is required for sealing around this This means – no unsightly mould (a biggie believe me)!

# These baths are solid as a rock – no shifting or moving beneath the user – no matter how heavy you are! It’s important to note here that the fibreglass bath, a much lighter bath, shifts very easily and has been known to crack and sometimes even produce holes in the bottom or sides – much to their owner’s dismay!

# Cast iron baths retain their heat for way longer than any other bath. Suddenly that long romantic bubble bath soak becomes appealing doesn’t it?

# Buying a cast iron bath is also not a short term purchase.This bath once installed can last a lifetime. It is an element that will work in favour of your home as an investment.

# Cast iron baths are harder to chip & scratch and most certainly won’t develop any holes – unless you purposefully take a drill to your bath!

# They are, however, a rare and beautiful find – as they are scarce and quite sought after! So if you happen to lay your hands on one – hold on to it and rather resurface or renovate the surface. As mentioned earlier – it will pay its dues!

# These baths are durable and have a classic look that never seems to date no matter what bathroom trends we face. Therefore, we highly recommend don’t replace. Rather Resurface. That’s a no-brainer.

Source: http://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-gallery?itemid=grey-domino-interior-classic-bathroom

Source: http://scblogg.blogspot.com/2013/09/b-d.html

Q: Can the same be said for a pressed steel bath?

A: No, unfortunately not. These baths are made from formed steel and have a porcelain-enamel coating. They are not as expensive and chip and scratch very easily! Steel conducts heat, meaning the bath water cools way too quickly – leaving the occupant feeling rather chilly! Pressed steel are way heavier than their brother – the cast iron bath – back breaking stuff moving this bath – so not the contractor’s favourite friend! We’d go out on a limb and say – a pressed steel bath is not our favourite type of bath.

Source: http://www.vtwonen.nl/inspiratie/kleurinspiratie/de-witte-draad/

Q: What about a plastic bath?

A: Plastic, either fibreglass or acrylic baths, offer the greatest design flexibility because it can be moulded into many shapes –customer is spoilt for choice in shape, sizes, colour and styles! It insulates very well; is light for transport and carrying purposes. The downside however – it does chip and scratch easily – especially with the abrasive cleaners available on the market.

Bathrooms: Don’t replace. Resurface.

February 26, 2015February 26, 2015 Rose McClementLeave a comment

Many years ago during the sale of our last house, I discovered that there two areas of a house that buyers are always drawn towards like magnets – the kitchen and the bathrooms. It seems that if your kitchen and your bathroom don’t measure up, it could potentially work against the sale of your house. Having a lovely lounge, dining room and bedrooms just won’t compensate for bathrooms and kitchens that are seen to be rather sad.

Today we chat with Robyn Lambrick. Her hubby’s business, Beta Bathrooms, transforms existing bathrooms from drab to fab.

Q: Robyn, what can be done to give one’s bathroom and sanware a facelift?

We so often receive enquiries from homeowners who want to refresh their outdated or worn bathroom but are daunted by what such process might entail. Just think about it – ripping out tiles, sanware and cabinetry – what a mess! Not to mention the high cost of replacing those fittings and finishes.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most permanent aesthetic fixtures in your home. To refresh any other room in your home can involve as little as a lick of paint and few new cushions. A bathroom or kitchen makeover is far more complex and expensive. Or is it?

The new trend to renovating these days is not to replace, but to resurface.

BEFORE

AFTER

Q: What is resurfacing?

A: Resurfacing, also called refinishing or re-enamelling, is the process of refreshing the surface of worn, damaged sanitaryware, such as a bathtub, to a like-new condition. This process typically involves repairing any damaged areas and then spraying the surface with a durable enamel coating in-situ.

This bathroom facelift is far less expensive and disruptive, not to mention time-saving – we are in and out in 24 hours!

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Q: Any last words of advice from Beta Bathrooms?

A: Again we say – Don’t replace. Resurface – save the planet and your pocket! Resurfacing is not just restricted to baths – basins, toilets, even tiles and kitchen cabinetry can be resurfaced. Also, don’t stress too much about the state of your bath, we have perfected a coating and procedure that is able to mend all damage to any bath – that includes scratches, stains and cracks. Beta bathrooms are able to assist sorting that issue for you within a 45 minute period. Please feel free to contact Stephen Lambrick for an onsite consultation and a free quote: here.

Stay tuned for the next “episode” of this series in which Robyn chats about the different types of baths. Adios Amigos.

BEFORE

AFTER

A Heart Space at Work

February 12, 2015February 12, 2015 Rose McClement6 Comments

Hello – being the month of LUV, it is probably as good a time as any to take a look around your work / office or desk space – just to check out whether your are feeling connected to it, or disconnected from it. Are you showing yourself some self-care, self-nurturing and plenty of self-love within the space that you spend many hours working? Does your work space or office reflect your love and passion for your chosen career or the work that you do?

Illustration by the lovely Emma Block | Source: http://decor8blog.com/2014/01/03/resolve-to-be-happy/

If your office or work space could speak, what you think it would say to you or anyone that comes into that space for that matter? Would it gripe and groan about being neglected, taken for granted or having no identity of its own? Or would it speak of having the satisfaction of being in the heart connection with you, your work and being able to hold you within a space that affords you the opportunity finding the expression of your passion? Like “I support, love, inspire & honour my person everyday” of their working life. I enjoy being part of their business & provide that space for them to be comfortable enough to make plenty money!!

Absolutely love the bold monochromatic minimalist graphics by Bodie and Fou | Source: http://frenchbydesignblog.com/2014/05/bodie-and-fou-x-vipp.html

Why is it that we think that the expression of our heart space is only in our home and not in the office as well? Be it home or formal office – begin to own it. Let’s put some Heart & Luv into our office/ work space. Make it your own and change its story – if you have to.

I probed Marica to find out what she would do for her workspace. Here are her really cool tips on the outward expression of who she is in her workspace:

1. She likes to be organised. Hence some pretty desk organizing tools – colour, pattern & style of her liking.

2. She digs coloured pen & pencils – these are the writing tools of the artsy fartsy. (I too love different coloured pens – and they tell of my love for writing colourful stories). Check out stationery shops like Ampersand or Typo – you will find all sorts of nifty, playful stationery.

3. She would like plenty of green plants around – nice one this. Plants are not only cool Feng Shui elements, but need attention and nurturing. Which is just what a career or business needs as well.

4. Cool wall art – clipboards are her hot favourite at the moment. Go onto Pinterest and explore your wall art options – both big and small.

5. She is nuts about illustrative art, so it came as no surprise to find she would have fab box-framed illustrations in her zone. Find art that is an expression of your work. Not just any old art will do.

6. She would love floating bookshelves or some form of open storage unit (maybe open fronted wall boxes) – to store and display all her career-relevant books and mags.

You don’t have to break the bank to create a nurturing work environment. Visit Pinterest and probe the images, even DIY stuff. Allow you creative juices to start flowing. Start small and let it grow. It’s fun!

P.S. Solopreneur & Entrepreneur – a note for you – your dining table is NOT your workspace! I mean really!

The colourful workspace of Geraldine of Little Big Bell. Simply adore the illustrations! | Source: http://littlebigbell.com/little-big-bells-studio/

This perfectly curated cabinet is the epitome of a personalised workspace. | Source: http://myscandinavianhome.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-creative-studio-of-katrin-baath.html

The workspace of Amber Thrane of Dulcet Creative features some awesome greenery! | Source: http://theglitterguide.com/2014/12/16/california-home-tour-amber-thrane-dulcet-creative/?slide=10#content

LOVE the clipboards in this perfectly styled workspace by Linda Åhman. | Source: http://www.lindaahman.se/

Our Local Blogging Community

July 2, 2014July 2, 2014 Rose McClementLeave a comment

You know, so many people have so many opinions to give when it comes to social media and our involvement in it. I am sure that you must often encounter the same conflicting takes from your friends and family members that I do. Some love it, enjoy the interaction, the connectedness, deriving a great deal of pleasure from portals such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Blogs. Others just find it far to invasive – probably speaking more about Facebook. Then, there are those of my generation who just simply think that this stuff is gobbledegook – something that was foisted upon us by alien invaders. Just too out there!! I must say, just thinking about all the various reactions, cracks a smile on my face. I mean, why on earth are we still having so many varied reactions to the Social Media. It is well and truly entrenched into the fibre of our societal interaction. It should not even be a topic of discussion any more. Think about it – do we still discuss the pros and cons of a microwave, a computer or any other tech apparatus that has become part and parcel of modern living?

Having said of that – my take is obvious. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the social media communities that are out there. Yes, I am selective in the ones I am actively busy with, but that I feel is how we should manage our social media profiles. And when I think of the friendship that I have made online with those within our blogging community, I cannot help but smile.

The Design Tabloid was launched properly and actively in 2011. During the course of the last three years, I have come to know a few regulars via our online presence – connecting with bloggers even one step further via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Even though we may only have encountered each other once or twice in person, some closely, some in passing at an event – I know that I have developed a friendship with them. One that I feel safe in – could be due to the fact that it is from a distance and has a certain safety factor coded into it as such. But, we have walked along side each other over the years and I have enjoyed watching their lives unfold. Much like I would enjoy watching the life of a personal friend, or colleague, or network member unfold. I think they rock as much as their blogs rock.

The few local (die-hard) bloggers I am referring to are the likes of Vicki Sleet of “I Want That“; Kim Gray of “Kim Gray Lifestyle“; Lana of “Lanalou Style“; lovely Leila Fanner of “Leila Fanner Studio“; Lelanie Slater with her “Of Beauty and Love” blog and, as of today, the proud owner of Ampersand Social Stationery an online stationary shop (whoop whoop) and Kathryn Rossiter of “Becoming You“.

Then there were some other really lovely people that we encountered in the early stages as well, who for reasons of their own have had to reduce their blogging activity. Such a pity because they were awesome people, but family and work commitment did not afford them the opportunity of staying online as bloggers. Gals such as Idonette, Kim Stephens and to a lesser degree Bianca Packam. Miss you gals and hope that once your lives and families have settled a bit, that you will make a comeback into the blogger-sphere.

My question here to other bloggers is this: have you too developed friendships within your blogging communities? Have you managed to find friendships via social media online avenues? Hope so.

Buying Cheap vs Buying Value

November 21, 2013November 21, 2013 Rose McClementLeave a comment

The other day while walking my dog on the local cricket field I got chatting to one of the other “dog club” members. He was a man who had been round the block a few times with regards to running and owning businesses. The talk was around his proposed new business venture, which was importing inexpensive furniture from South East Asia.

His take was that he would import inexpensive furniture in volume and sells it off to wholesalers. The price bracket that he was speaking of made me realise that the furniture could not be the best and the possibility of a very short lifespan was strong. Which just means that the home owner would have to delve into his pocket again in about two year’s time to replace the headboard or bed.

I realise that we can still expect this economic downturn to run for a good while yet and as such we are all turning our pennies over twice before spending it. Naturally we are also out to look for bargains – the less strain on our already tight purse strings the better.

However, when it comes to interiors items such as furniture, art and rugs, I cannot buy into the concept of buying cheap just for the sake of buying something you need. Truth be known it is much better to delay gratification, save the money, spend a bit extra and buy a well constructed, good quality item of furniture. The reason is obvious – it will last you longer, in fact you could pass it onto your children. A sofa that has a well constructed frame and good fabric will definitely outlast any mass produced sofa. It will possibly require re-upholstery after a few years, but that would cost you a whole lot less than a replacement sofa.

Think about it – in generations past, most furniture was solid wooden items or sofas that had spring systems. Those pieces outlasted their owners, becoming the very pieces of furniture that are now sold not as “secondhand” but as trendy “vintage” and ‘retro’ items.

The same can be said for art and rugs. Not many of us can afford to fill our homes with original pieces, but please consider buying either one splendid rug or one stunning piece of original art, to create an attractive feature in your home. It will mean that you will have to save and hence wait, but that gives you time to source exactly what you desire and visualise for that spot.

Trendsetters have actually noted that during the economic downturn, if the public are going to spend their money on luxury items, they want to buy quality that will last.

Long may it last!!!

{Image Source – read this related article}

Coffee Tables: A Contemporary Take

September 19, 2013 Rose McClementLeave a comment

Over the course of the past year, we have been lucky enough to be working on interior projects that have given us the opportunity of applying some trendy new industrial/rustic living décor and design elements. I have to admit that trying to source the industrial furniture elements has not always been that easy here in Cape Town. In fact, I would go so far as to say, that it is a great pity that the retail furniture outlets in town that cater for that type of style are so limited.

Image via http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/4/12/nordic-sense-sensibility.html

Image via http://www.bhg.com/decorating/small-spaces/apartments/apartment-decor/?socsrc=bhgpin011613ColorfulApartment

Thank heavens for Weylandts. Man oh man – they are a forward thinking décor company. We spent hours and hours during the course of these projects trawling their showrooms. During this time I was introduced to the concept of having multiple “side tables” (for want of a better description) of varying shapes and textured being put to use as “centre coffee tables”. Something like a round metal table mixed with a tribal wood stump table as well another smaller and taller side table. A cluster of tables so to speak.

Image via http://www.muuto.com/collection/Around_Coffee_tables/

The most appealing aspect of this styling method is the fact that it presents a less bulky and fixed look than the coffee table. And of course it is far more entertaining and playful for the eye of the beholder. Plus – the other added benefit is that these tables are more mobile – you can shift them around in that space to where they are most suited and functional.

Image via http://www.antonshome.blogspot.no/2013/06/sommer.html

Image via http://www.westelm.com/products/hex-side-table-g669/?pkey=ccoffee-side-tables&cm_src=coffee-side-tables||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_–_-

I would encourage you to explore this concept of cluster tabling for your next coffee table purchase. It will cost slightly more, but then it is not every day one steps out to purchase a coffee table. So make it good and make it work. Save a little longer and buy wisely. Far too often have I encountered oversized and bulky coffee tables that do nothing for the space and leave very little or no space for traffic flow around them. Far too often very little creative thought is given to this facet of home decorating – coffee tables frequently appear to be nothing more than an afterthought! And it need not be so. Using a collection of different tables gives you the opportunity to be expressive and creative. Just a by the way – although I have spoken of it in the context of the industrial and rustic styled house, this type of cluster tables is not limited to those styles and can be applied into any style.

Image via http://www.stillstars.com/jeroen-van-der-spek/interior

I challenge you to get out there the next time you want to do coffee or side tabling and dare to be different. Explore the net and the retail showrooms. Research and spend some time thinking outta the box. It can really be very exciting.