ServiceMagic Connection

From the category archives:

Room X Room

South Africa has a rich culture. From tribal traditions of years passed to present-day cosmopolitan preferences in big cities like Johannesburg, you can find it all.

However, how do you mix the past with the present and evoke a modern interpretation of South African design into your home? Here are three principles to keep in mind that will help you blend the old with the new and create a wonderfully modern South African-inspired space.

1. Turn down the volume

modern African interior design [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Feng shui is an oriental science that brings good luck and wellness. It comprises of several divination laws that are applied to your home. These laws can also be specifically applied to the kitchens to make the space more harmonious. In fact, kitchen is a place where your daily meals are cooked. So, your health and vitality will improve greatly if you incorporate feng shui laws in here.

Image Source: Feng Shui & Beyond

[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Enter the market for a new bathtub and your head will start to spin. Where do you start??? You probably never dreamed that there are so many different options available. You practically need a dictionary to understand all the terms and options offered to you.

The best way to begin any new shopping mission, particularly when buying something like a bathtub which is a long term investment, is to first educate yourself in the subject. This way you will have a head start on what you’re looking for, making the experience so much more enjoyable. In this article I will attempt to arm you with the most important essentials of the bathtub world.

What you need to know:

The first question you will encounter is inevitably what kind of tub you are looking for. There are three basic tubs which you will have to consider.

[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

If you’re looking for ways help your family live healthier this year, start in your kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and, believe it or not, making simple changes to your kitchen’s décor and appliances can influence the way your family lives. Here are a few tips for creating a kitchen space that’s healthy and relaxed this year:

  • Filtered water faucet – A simple way make your family healthier this year is replacing your current sink faucet with one that is filtered. This is an easy fix, especially if you pick up one that attaches to your current tap. Filtered water is better because it strips out all the harmful substances like lead that may be present in your water. 
  • Plants – You can add a little life to your home and your diet by bringing some potted herbs into your kitchen. Not only do these plants add color, they can help your cooking be more fresh and flavorful as you use them to create healthy meals for your family.
  • Organize – Come up with a kitchen organization system that you can live with. If everything has a place and everything is in its place, your kitchen can become a stress-free zone.
  • Range hood – If your kitchen is not currently outfitted with a range hood, or if yours is more than a few years old, you may be missing out on some important health benefits. Cooking releases more airborne contaminants than any other household activity, and range hoods play an important role in eliminating these contaminants and keeping the air inside your home fresh and clean. No matter what type of oven you have, you can find a healthy range hood or island range hood for you.

{ 1 comment }

Whatever house you live in, whether it is a stately mansion or a small apartment in a busy city, the need for quality interior design and attractiveness is essential. After all, a home is a place that is used, by most people, as a place to both relax and socialise. As many will spend a significant time within their house, making it appear visually appealing yet comfortable is of high importance. [click to continue…]

{ 2 comments }

There is nothing more frustrating than coping with a cramped and crowded kitchen. Small spaces have the potential in design to serve up some really beautiful and unique things. With such a small area to focus on, we are able to really create something that is functional and stylish. However, of course, along with wonderful potential, small spaces serve up several challenges. When it comes to spaces that are intended for function, such as kitchens, it is important that every square foot of space is used purposefully. Our kitchens are in use almost constantly and are, for many, one of the most essential spaces in a home. For this reason, kitchens are also often the most cluttered, unorganized, busy, and messy rooms in a home (at least in mine). With limited space and storage in such an important part of our home, we must find ways to creatively use that space.

Utilize Wall Space

One of the best ways to create something both visually interesting and functional in a space is by utilizing wall space. In bathrooms and kitchens there are many options you have to create some very unique and interesting storage. Living in a small apartment, one of my favorite solutions for a cramped and unorganized kitchen is securing a slab of pegboard to the wall. Be sure that you find a wall that is easily accessible in the kitchen. Place hooks as needed in the pegboard and secure baskets or bags to the hooks. This can provide a wonderful way to store veggies, fruits, or cooking utensils in a fashionable and functional way. Of course, you want to be sure that the board is secured carefully and the hooks are attached safely. Paint the pegboard a beautiful accent color for your kitchen and use decorative basics or bags that go along the same palette.

Image Source: Pinterest.com

[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Is your tax return burning a hole in your pocket? It might be time to tackle that home improvement project you’ve been postponing.

Upgrading your space is a great way to spend the extra cash from Uncle Sam. You’ll enjoy a more beautiful and comfortable home, and at the same time boost the resale value of your property.

Of course, not all remodeling projects are equal when it comes to increasing resale value. Here are some of the projects that will give you the most bang for your buck. [click to continue…]

{ 4 comments }