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Porada’s Timeless Evolution: Bold New Designs in Italian Craftsmanship

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  Screenshot For over seventy years, Porada has been shaping interiors with an unwavering devotion to wood and Italian craftsmanship. From its atelier in Meda, Italy, every design emerges as both homage and evolution: rooted in tradition yet refined for contemporary life. This season, Porada unveils a suite of pieces that extend its legacy with bold silhouettes, tactile richness, and an eye on international sensibilities. Be inspired with Maldini . The Ginkgo XL leads the conversation. Building on the armchair that captured the Porada International Design Award in 2022, this expanded version embraces fuller, more generous proportions, inviting markets attuned to comfort and cocooning forms. Next is Koji , a modular sofa whose soft, linear volumes are encircled by a subtle solid-wood detail. It’s a striking reminder of Porada’s ethos: upholstery that welcomes, framed by craftsmanship that endures. For living spaces, the Callisto Brillo coffee tables bring sleek geometry to ...

Designing with Purpose: Boitsheko Ganyane’s Journey to Distinguished Living

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Boitsheko Ganyane In a world where interiors are often defined by fleeting trends, Boitsheko Ganyane stands out for her ability to create spaces that are both timeless and deeply personal. As the founder and creative force behind Distinguished Living , a luxury interior design and bespoke furniture brand, Boitsheko has carved a niche for herself by combining thoughtful design with intentional craftsmanship—all rooted in South African talent and creativity. What began as a quiet passion while working as a strategy consultant at PwC has since evolved into a full-scale design studio and manufacturing business. Through Distinguished Living , Boitsheko champions locally made, custom furniture that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and client experience. Her approach blends luxury, functionality, and personalisation—ensuring that each space tells a unique story. In this conversation, Boitsheko shares the journey behind Distinguished Living , the values that drive her, and her vision ...

Augury After Autogogues, a solo exhibition by Miné Kleynhans, Sasol New Signatures Winner 2024

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Sasol and the Association of Arts Pretoria are proud to announce the solo exhibition of Miné Kleynhans, winner of the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Competition. As part of her award, Kleynhans will present her first solo body of work, titled   Augury After Autogogues , at the Pretoria Art Museum. Her exhibition opens officially on 4 September 2025. Currently based in Bloemfontein, Miné Kleynhans is the Project Coordinator at the University of the Free State’s Art Gallery. She holds a Master of Fine Art (Cum Laude) from the same institution.  Her solo exhibition,   Augury After Autogogues , is a speculative and satirical exploration of contemporary mysticism and self-truths in an age of information overload. Through a series of imaginative installation pieces and invented devices, the exhibition introduces the concept of the “Autogogue”, a self-styled oracle who seeks meaning through intuition, emotion, and personal interpretation. Audiences can expect interact...

Christopher de Bod: The Colour Comeback Kids: Olive, Terracotta, Mauve… Reimagined

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The Colour Comeback Kids: Olive, Terracotta, Mauve… Reimagined I don’t believe colour is just a backdrop — it should be felt. It should ground you, move you, shift your mood the moment you step into a space. This season, I’m seeing a beautiful return to emotional colour — tones that connect us back to nature, warmth, and ourselves. Here’s what I’m working with right now — and why these colours are so much more than trends. Be inspired by these latest colourways from Christopher de Bod Designs . Olive Is the New Quiet Luxury There’s something about olive green that brings instant calm. It’s not loud. It does not demand. But it holds a space together effortlessly. When I use olive — whether in kitchen cabinetry, velvet upholstery, or a painted wall — it feels grounded, elegant, and deeply connected to nature. It’s the new neutral for people who want calm without going cold. Terracotta Is Having a Modern Moment We’ve all seen terracotta in its traditional forms — tiles, pots, and w...

Signi Fires: The Aero Mini: A Chic Suspended Fireplace Made for Smaller Spaces

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Suspended fireplaces are becoming more and more popular in the world of modern design, and the latest addition to the Signi Fires® collection brings plenty of drama in a more compact form. The  Aero 600 , informally known as the  Aero Mini , offers the same design finesse and sculptural elegance as its larger sibling, the Aero 1200, but in a size that suits smaller or more minimalist spaces. Be inspired with Signi Fires . Measuring 600mm in diameter, this handcrafted fireplace is ideal for any space where floor area is at a premium but design remains a priority. Like the larger model, the Mini can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing you to view the flames from anywhere in the room. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or entertaining at the dining table in an open-plan living area, the Aero keeps the space warm and visually appealing.   It’s available in two formats: the  suspended model (wood-burning or bioethanol) and a  freestanding version on a pedest...

Up Close & Personal With Vinette Diab-Nicholls: Designing with Purpose and Power

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In  celebration of Women’s Month, we sat down with Vinette Diab-Nicholls, CEO of the award-winning Giava Interiors . A single mother of three and the creative force behind one of South Africa’s top luxury design studios, Vinette’s story is a masterclass in courage, resilience, and unapologetic ambition. “Designing spaces is what I do. But designing a life my daughters can be proud of? That’s what drives me.” She didn’t just enter the world of high-end interiors—she redefined it. With elegance. With grit. And with the belief that beauty can be a form of empowerment. As Vinette explains: “I started this business to prove something to myself. But more than that, I wanted my girls to see what’s possible.” Be inspired with Giava Interiors . Q: What’s the story behind the name Giava Interiors? A: I named the company after my two youngest daughters, Gia and Ava. They’ve always been—and still are—the heartbeat behind everything I do. They remind me every day why I started this busines...

Johnson Fitness: The Best Recumbent Bikes in South Africa

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Staying active is a prerequisite for improved health. However, for seniors, individuals recovering from injury, or those seeking low-impact exercise, traditional workouts may not be the most suitable option. Enter the recumbent bike, a highly comfortable, joint-friendly piece of equipment that supports cardiovascular health, muscle tone and rehabilitation. In this guide from Johnson Fitness, explore the best recumbent bikes in South Africa for low-impact workouts, especially curated for older adults and rehab users looking for a safe and efficient way to stay fit at home. Why Choose a Recumbent Bike? Unlike upright bikes, recumbent bikes allow users to sit in a reclined position with back support, offering an ergonomic solution for long sessions with minimal strain. Their design makes them especially beneficial for: Seniors managing arthritis or limited mobility Individuals undergoing post-injury rehabilitation Users seeking safe cardio without stressing joints Home fitness en...