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Why we love the cement tile trend

Some trends stand the test of time for a reason. Case in point: cement tiles. Although they’ve been making waves in the decor scene for a long while now, in recent years these beautiful tiles have started popping up in a big way inside the most design-savvy contemporary homes across the globe.

And it’s not difficult to see why. Along with creating visually appealing interiors, cement tiles are crafted from natural materials, making them both extremely durable and eco-friendly. And considering they work wonders just about anywhere inside your home – from floors and walls, to fireplaces – it’s unsurprising that the popularity of cement tiles continues unabated. 

Read on for some of our favourite applications of cement tiles.  All tiles encaustic cement tiles from Hadeda. 

Why opt for a boring backsplash when you can have a functional and beautiful one?  Although there’s nothingness about a tiled backsplash – they’re water-resistant and easy-to-clean -incorporating a more stylised scene behind your stove or sink is the perfect way to make a decorative statement.

Considering how strong and aesthetically pleasing encaustic tiles can be, it’s no wonder they’re being used more and more as an alternative to standard wood or porcelain tiles flooring all over the home, but particularly to make a statement in bathrooms.

Few things make a bigger impact in a bathroom than an exquisitely tiled wall. Unlike certain wallpapers and paints that can’t withstand moisture over time, cement tiles are totally waterproof, so you’ll never have to worry about the effects of humidity. 

Just because tiles are intrinsically practical, it doesn’t mean you can’t use cement tiles purely for aesthetic purposes. Along with looking and working beautifully on your kitchen walls and bathroom floors, a sophisticated tile motif can bring warmth and character to just about any surface inside your home and will last a lifetime.

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Get holiday ready in 6 steps

Yes it’s that time of year!  And we can’t wait for some much deserved R & R.

Wherever you’re going this December – the beach, a city break, overseas, or a stay-cation – we’ve put together, with the help of the experts over at Toast & Co, a list of essentials to help you get holiday ready

  1. Manicure and pedicure

There’s no way we’re going anywhere without that fabulous feeling that only a fresh mani/pedi can create. We’d definitely suggest Shellac for long-lasting perfection.

2. Facial

Get your skin ready for a long-haul flight (or just a drive down to the coast) with a facial. We love the QMS oxygen facial from Toast & Co, or try a Team Dr Joseph facial. 

3. Sun protection

There shouldn’t be any need to emphasise the importance of a really high quality SPF for your face and body.  We highly recommend Heliocare, a state of the art photo protection range (available from Toast & Co). 

4. Spray tan

There’s nothing that says ‘holiday’ more than bronze skin, and there’s nothing quite like the natural bronzed looks of St Tropez spray tan (book one at Toast & Co).

5. Eyebrow grooming

The importance of groomed eyebrows can’t be over-stated, but even more important is finding a pro to groom them!  Never put your brows in the hands of someone you don’t trust. 

6. Wax

Hair free everything!  Nothing makes us feel more glam and holiday ready than smooth and silky skin.  Toast & Co offers both wax and sugar hair removal (wax is good for larger areas like legs, while sugar is best for smaller areas like bikini and face).

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

 

Furniture Inspiration

There’s nothing like a new season to get us excited about a whole new look for our homes!

If you’re not afraid of colour, how gorgeous are these revamped and reworked painted furniture items?

 

If you’re more about timeless pieces with clean, modern lines, the below images have got our hearts beating a little faster.

 

It’s often difficult to find the perfect piece ready made, in store.  That’s where Fine Finish comes in – bespoke, custom made furniture made to spec.  Yes please and thank you.

Images via.

Digital agency: Joburg Capital.

Five tricks to make your mani/pedi last longer

With spring finally here, we’re ready to break out our fresh manicures and pedicures, but is there anything more frustrating than investing an afternoon at the salon only to chip your nails the very next day?

We asked the experts, Julie and Karen from Toast & Co, how to keep your fingers and toes looking glamorous for as long as possible. Read on for their expert tips.

1. Look to your diet. Making sure you’re eating a balanced diet, and also checking the side effects of any medication you may be on, is key to understanding your nail health. “Splitting nails and dry and flaky cuticles can’t be fixed by even the best manicure,” said Karen. Eating plenty of lean protein is important for strong, healthy nails, as well as drinking plenty of water.

2. Always apply a topcoat. “To extend the life of a manicure, I advise applying a coat of high-gloss topcoat over your existing nail polish three days after getting a manicure,” says Karen.

3. Protect your hands post-manicure. Use gloves while gardening and doing the dishes to help protect your polish from chipping and lifting.

 

4. Apply cuticle oil every night. This also helps keep your cuticles from drying out. “Applying cuticle oil prevents hangnails and dry cuticles, which can cause polish to peel and chip,” says Julie.

5. Keep your toes under wraps and moisturise daily: “Wearing flip-flops regularly contributes to dry and dirty feet, which can ruin a pedi within a week,” says Karen. She says the secret to achieving a long-lasting pedicure, and silky smooth feet, is to apply moisturiser daily. Apply a rich moisturiser after a shower to provide instant hydration and protection. Better yet, apply moisturiser to feet and then pop on socks to enhance absorption. 

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Forever Summer: Nail Trends for Summer 2018/2019

Summer is upon us! It’s time to break out your sandals, and those freshly manicured and pedicured digits, and embrace some some fun and fresh summer trends and shades.

OPI summer 2018/2019

The nail gurus over at Toast & Co gave us the low-down on what to expect for summer manicures and pedicures. Read on for our favourite nail trends for summer 2018/2019. 

  1. Short nails.

Short but groomed nails are all the range for summer, pairing perfectly with a solid swipe of opaque, lustrous nail polish.

Short nails summer 2018 trend

2. Classic red nails.

Red is a timeless color that will always have its place on and off the runways. It’s sexy, elegant, and high-energy, so it’s no surprise that red nail polish is one of the spring/summer 2018’s nail polish trends.

3. Nude nails. 

You cannot go wrong with a pale pink, beige, or light taupe. These are timeless and natural hues, and we’re happy to see that nude nails are members of the summer 2018/2019 hot list.

4. Denim blues.

Match your mani to your summer cut-offs with muted blues that look perfectly worn-in.

5. Bright matte nail polish

A fun way to play with really bright, neon nail polish shades is to change up their finish. While we’re used to glossy brights, 2018 summer sees electrifying mattes.

6. Opaque shimmer nails

Add some shimmer without overwhelming the senses. Quick and easy, yet glamorous, nails. Yes please!

7. Nude and black

Nude (or white) and black is a nail combination that is becoming as ubiquitous as the French manicure. As part of spring/summer 2018 nail art trends, it’s all about nude/white nails with thin black lines for accent.

8. Colourful stripes

Although the runways saw a lot of black stripes, colourful stripes and French manicures in bright hues are having their moment in the sun this summer. 

colourful stripes nail polish 2018

9. Neon nails

Expect punchy neon nails everywhere throughout the summer. 

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Sea Blues

We’re constantly looking to nature for design and decor inspiration, and what could be more perfect inspiration than the many moods, and hues, of the sea?  Sandy beaches, summer sun and azure seas … perfect inspiration for creating interiors that are brimming with calm and that holiday feeling.

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Natural fibre rugs and carpets from Rebtex. Other images from here and here. 

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Silly Season

Can you believe it’s that time of year already!?  We don’t know about you, but 2018 was go, go, go from 1 January, and we’re looking forward to a few cocktails, parties and a well deserved decompress! 

Whether you’re planning a big get together, or a simple gathering of family and friends, we love the below decor and table ideas. From uncomplicated scatter cushions and a rug on the beach, to a long table with beautiful blooms, we hope you feel inspired to enjoy the silly season!

Natural rugs and carpets via Rebtex; other images via and via.  

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Summer Loving

There’s nothing like a change of season to have us itching to spring clean, revamp and refresh.  We’re currently taking inspiration from summery illustrations and prints, creating mood boards that inspire (from the bright and bold, to sorbet hues, and beauty whites and nudes). Which is your favourite?

Natural fibre carpets and rugs from Rebtex. 

Images via and via.

Tessa Sonik Fabrics

With over 30 years in the fabric business, Tessa Sonik is the master of not only convincing through design, but also telling stories through fabric. A trendsetter, innovator, and sought-after interiors consultant for both residential and commercial projects, Tessa’s collections are all about heart, and each collection is put together with a real sense of being.

Tessa Sonik

Tessa is a true creative. Growing up in a family immersed in the fashion and textile world has embodied Tessa with a deep sense of not only how to blend the pretty with the functional, but also an intuitive understanding of space and colour, a truly unique ‘eye’.

A collaboration between Casamento and Tessa Sonik Fabrics

“My understanding of fabric has always been far more than just the technical specs, although I do place enormous importance on quality and ensuring a fabric is a match for its environment. I tell stories through fabric, communicating a specific narrative.” Although her collections meet the aesthetic needs of beauty and longevity, more importantly they capture the zeitgeist of the times.

Tessa’s commercial projects match client briefs in terms of specific look, feel and durability. 

Her latest collection, UP Japan, perfectly illustrates not only the brand philosophy, but also Tessa’s desire to move into the artisanal space, and the emphasis on and preoccupation with ‘mindfulness’ in society.

Up-Japan represents Tessa’s move into the artisanal space.

“UP is about giving back, it’s about conscience, and it’s about celebrating the flaws synonymous with the human experience,” explains Tessa. The collection represents the imperfection that comes with being human, the soul, and celebrates the work of human hands in its creation. Existing fabrics have been up-cycled, reused, over-dyed and reworked, while staff has been up-skilled to become artisans of dye and handwork.

“Tessa Sonik the brand has always been about creativity and fun, but equally about important stories, consciousness, and sensitivity to the environment and the world,” says Tessa.

Continuum was inspired by the idea of the eternal and regenerating lifecycle of water.

 

Tessa Sonik’s velvet winter 2018 collection.

 

Tessa’s modern take on tie-dye.

 

Tessa Sonik faux leather collection.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital