Yes, you heard it right! It may sound counterintuitive, but winter is the perfect time to begin preparing your home so that it is ripe and ready to shine bright in the summer sun.

In her many years of experience as a top Cape Town interior designer, behaviour specialist, and owner of the Kim Williams Design studio, Kim Williams has learned that the best thing about being hunkered indoors during the cold winter is the downtime it gives to renovate, redecorate, and rejuvenate your home spaces.

“In winter, we naturally tend to prepare our spaces for comfort, warmth, and protection from the harsh elements. There’s plenty of candles, fluffy blankets, throws and textured carpets for added layers. Even our seating areas are rearranged so that we get maximum exposure to that crackling fireplace,” Kim says.

Despite this period of cocooning, there is also the prospect of seeing brighter, longer days during the approaching summer. In an exclusive interview, she explains four of the ways she goes about crafting the perfect summer oasis.

Reconnecting with colour

Interior spaces are now becoming more expressive and personal which has transformed our relationship with colour into a beautiful love story. There is no denying that colour brings joy and peace, a sense of fun and life.

In a recent re-do of the Coleman AirBnB Studio, I used a soft pastel colour palette that inspired feelings of being outdoors, drinking in views of the ocean and being washed over with feelings of serenity and calmness.

Tones of turquoise and apple greens combined with a beautiful ocean themed wallpaper and pops of gold on the bathroom vanity amalgamate to create a modern and peaceful atmosphere that engages your senses but feels harmonious at the same time.

Creating more with less 

Like it or not, the concept of micro living is here to stay, especially with the escalating property prices, making it more costly to buy more space. Our only alternative is to shape our existing spaces and create premium dual living areas that turn previously unused space into practical, functional, and integrated parts of the home.

This is exactly what we did in a bedroom recently designed in Constantia where a previously unused space in the closet was transformed into a glamorous dressing area. We focused on increasing functionality and being mindful of waste  by building on what existed rather than create something entirely new.

Although creating space is a particular challenge in a micro space it isn’t impossible. We had to remove the ceiling in the loft area of the Coleman AirBnB Studio. so that the extra ceiling height space could be used to house an additional sleeping and relaxation area.

We also added a dry wall in front of the bathroom to create privacy to the open plan lounge area, as well as crafted a discreet space for laundry. I used colour to help zone off the separate spaces and planted furniture strategically to create distinctive areas for cooking, eating, working, relaxing, and using the bathroom.

Again, the unused space under the staircase was also given a new purpose. By just adding a built-in desk, the area can now double up as either a workstation, extra serving or eating areas. A server was also added behind the sofa for extra counter space or to serve as an additional bar, which creates even greater functionality.

Being sensitive to small joys
It is often difficult to find a momentum of calm in a world that feels chaotic, busy, and over-polluted with information and stuff. This chaos plays with our creativity, and use of colour, producing layered spaces that are a medley of old and new items.

It’s called expressiveness and it helps ensure our spaces are not just personal to us, but they exude happiness, peacefulness, energy, and stimulation. You can see the bold use of colours and textures in the Constantia bedroom which goes against the typical neutral colours that are usually used in a bedroom.

Instead of simply copying and pasting design styles and principles, these unique and vivid colours combine with soft curtaining and foliage prints to add a playfulness and sexiness to the space while still retaining a harmonious feel that is at one in nature.

Establishing a grounding Grounding is about using a space to connect us to a sense of tranquillity and peace that makes us feel happy. Winter is the perfect time to recharge and establish a disconnection to useless information and instead, connecting to what evokes a positive emotion within us – be it nature, colour, or sentimental items.

The existing light green of the cupboards in the Constantia bedroom, combined with red embroidered headboard was the source of inspiration for this space but I added navy to continue the colour journey, grounded the red and brightened the green. I used texture in the new wallpaper and fabrics to engage the senses and make it feel luxurious and peaceful, then repeated the colour journey into the new dressing room space.

Taking your home from winter to summer isn’t difficult but the trick is not to wait until the last minute to start preparing. Take advantage of the serenity and calmness during winter to carefully plan and execute your perfect summer haven. A few small tweaks to your layout and paying attention to details like colours and textures, can help you create a beautiful and welcoming home that you’ll enjoy all summer.

For more tips from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.

Johannesburg, 23 August 2023, TCL, a world’s top two TV brand and top one 98-inch TV brand, today announces exceptional honors obtained at the EISA Awards. Recognized as Europe’s foremost authority on audio-visual innovation, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has awarded TCL three distinguished awards, recognizing TCL’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of display technology.

For its breakthrough proprietary technology, TCL was awarded “EISA HOME THEATRE MINI LED TV 2023-2024” for the TCL QD-Mini LED 4K TV 65C845, acknowledging its superior performance when it comes to best Home Cinema experience. Additionally, TCL excels in the QLED category, with two TVs receiving prized accolades:  The TCL QLED TV 55C745 was recognized for its exceptional game play enhancements, as the “EISA GAMING TV” while the TCL QLED TV 98C735 was outstanding in the XL screen category, taking the title of “EISA GIANT TV 2023-2024”.

TCL QD-Mini LED 4K TV 65C845 — EISA “HOME THEATRE MINI LED TV 2023-2024”

Setting the industry benchmark for Mini LED, EISA’s image and sound experts awarded the TCL 65C845 “BEST HOME THEATRE MINI LED TV 2023-2024”, consolidating TCL’s position as a pioneer of display technology.

“TCL continues to extend the performance of Mini LED technology, the C845 series this year doubling the zones and upgrading the LEDs, along with a host of other tweaks for results that rival OLED panels and in some key areas outperform them.” – EISA judges said.

Notably, the TCL 65C845 offers impressive brightness, exceeding 2000-nit peaks during HDR playback, with full-white levels of 800 nits. This TV is perfect for movie enthusiasts and gamers, fully compatible with the latest-generation consoles.

The TCL 65C845 comes packed with features, including Google TV, an Onkyo-designed speaker system, and IMAX Enhanced certification.

This TV sets the bar for outstanding audio-visual quality and software function, ensuring excellent performance across any given user scenario. It is powered by the AiPQ Processor 3.0, delivering outstanding visuals. Additionally, with Game Master 2.0, HDMI 2.1, ALLM, 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, TCL Game bar, 240Hz Game Accelerator, and support for the latest HDR formats (HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ), this Mini LED TV is the ultimate choice for enjoying HDR movies, sports, games, and more.

TCL QLED 4K TV 55C745 — EISA “GAMING TV 2023-2024”

The TCL QLED 4K TV 55C745 is the ultimate TV for gaming on the latest generation of consoles and PCs. In fact, it combines QLED spectacular colors, Full Array Local Dimming contrast and peak brightness with all the latest gaming features. With Game Master 2.0, HDMI 2.1, ALLM, 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro, TCL Game bar, 240Hz Game Accelerator, this TV boosts gaming experience to the next level.
hanks to that the TCL 55C745 can adapt to any game source. Coupled with AMD FreeSync technology promising seamless, artifact-free gameplay at almost any frame rate, users can expect the next breakthrough in PC and console gaming.

“This TV is not just for gamers: its colour handling, brightness, HDR abilities and full-array local dimming translate into a dynamic movie performance, while the Google TV interface brings streaming apps and voice control. However you plan to use it, the 55C745 is superb value for money.” – EISA jury said.

With the capacity to support multi HDR formats such as HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ this QLED TV is the ultimate choice for everyone who expects the highest quality at a reasonable price.

TCL QLED TV 98C735 — EISA “GIANT TV 2023-2024”

After winning the “BEST BUY LCD TV 2022-2023″ award for its 55″ model last year, TCL’s QLED TV C735 returns with another victory for its impressive XL offering, as the 98” TCL C735, which earned the title of “GIANT TV 2023-2024”. TCL, the leading brand in 98″ screens, showcases the immense power of large screens to deliver a fully immersive home entertainment experience, bringing real cinema into your home. The TCL 98C735, a superior QLED 4K entertainment center, boasts Google TV integration and exceptional video gaming performance. Its visuals are further enhanced by Dolby Vision IQ, featuring advanced color expression, increased contrast, and boosted brightness levels. The cinema-grade Onkyo sound system, combined with Dolby Atmos, places sound in a multi-dimensional space, putting users in the middle of their favorite sports, TV shows, movies, or video game.

“For those seeking to turn a living room into a home cinema with larger-than-life images, TCL’s 98C735 is the answer. A 98-inch TV with Mini LED backlight and Quantum Dot panel technology, its wall-filling pictures combine deep blacks with excellent shadow detail and deliver stunning highlights thanks to impressive peak brightness and local dimming.” – EISA judges said.

Whether in HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision IQ, HDR movies impress with vibrant colors. The wide viewing angle and excellent anti-reflection ability ensure a cinematic experience for a large audience.

Moreover, the TCL 98C735 offers full gaming compatibility for high-end consoles and PCs, making it an all-around performer. With Google TV integration and a budget-friendly price, this giant-sized screen is an irresistible option for entertainment enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary home theater experience.

These exceptional EISA winners and more are now available in global markets*. Stay tuned for more updates on TCL’s award-winning innovation in the coming months.   

Adventure knows no age limit, and for baby boomers South Africa presents a plethora of exhilarating bucket list travel destinations. With your working and limited leave days behind you, your travel options both locally and internationally are vast and diverse.

According to Hospitality Net the baby boomer generation is currently having a great impact on the hospitality and tourism industries. These travellers finally have time and money on their hands to travel, with some retirees even able to take up to four or more trips a year!

Research by Expedia shows that baby boomers have an unwavering sense of adventure, meaning they’re not content with low-key holidays but instead are after experiential travel – whereby a traveller prioritises “experiencing” a destination by engaging with local customs, culture, and cuisine.

And while many a tourist’s bucket list contains exotic wonders in far flung parts of the world, Mzansi has a treasure trove of splendid destinations that are right on our doorstep.

Road trip along the Panorama Route

Road trip warriors that love setting off on the open road are spoilt for choice with the many options offered South Africa’s vast scenic countryside. The enchanting Panorama Route, which meanders through the Mpumalanga highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg, are both known for their scenic beauty. Relish these incredible regions panoramic views, rugged cliffs and lush vegetation on a relaxing road trip.

A visit to the Panorama Route would not be complete without stopping off at the iconic Blyde River Canyon, which is the largest green canyon in the world and third largest canyon globally. These 26 kilometres of serenity attract avid bird lovers as it’s the only site in South Africa where the rare Taita Falcon breeds. Other rare birds in the canyon include the Blue Swallow, Southern Bald Ibis and the Brown Scrub Robin. Amidst the tropical foliage, spend an afternoon at one of the canyon’s inviting picnic areas or braai facilities.

The canyon’s beloved, must-see natural attractions include Pinnacle Rock, a 30-metre quartzite tower, and God’s Window, where on a clear lucky day you can see Mozambique. Heaps of travellers to Mpumalanga combine a trip to the Panorama Route with a visit to the Kruger National Park.

Top tip: If you are going to book a rental car for this adventure make sure to check the comfortability of the seats and that you will have enough leg room as you will likely spend hours in the car on your road trip.

The Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park became South Africa’s first national park in 1926 and is home to the world-famous Big Five (lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant and African buffalo) which puts a trip to the park on many a bucket list. Brimming with exquisite wildlife and untouched nature the park is the perfect place to unwind in and make unforgettable memories.

Located ideally in the Greater Kruger Conservancy, bordering the famous Paul Kruger gate, the Kruger Gate Hotel is a convenient and inviting base from which you can explore the Kruger. You can make your stay in the Kruger as relaxing or as busy as you please, with guided safaris, spa treatments in the wild, refreshing swims in a pool overlooking wandering wildlife right in front of you and sip cocktails or local wines on a game-viewing deck.

“The Kruger National Park is considered by many gloablly to be one of the Earth’s natural wonders that everyone should visit. It’s incredible to see all visitors to the park nurture their sense of adventure and love for nature, and we are mindful of accommodating to any guest need. Anyone at any stage of life can find serenity in the bush. Older visitors with particular needs can be rest assured that our property has wheelchair ramps and railings to assist them throughout their stay. You could explore the park in your own vehicle, or if you would feel more comfortable in the hands of an expert guide you can opt for an open-air guided safari experience,” explains Anton Gillis, CEO at Kruger Gate Hotel.

Top tip: During a trip to the Kruger National Park you may spend more time than usual outdoors so consider wearing UV-protective clothing, sunglasses and hats. 

Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma

As years of hard work has given way to a well-earned era of leisure, Plettenberg Bay with its awe-inspiring Atlantic Ocean coastline is a relaxing destination. Marine wildlife lovers would be especially excited to know that in May this year the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) announced that Plettenberg Bay was announced as a Whale Heritage Site, making it the third site in our country and one of seven fully accredited sites globally. This idyllic bay has seen an influx of visitors hoping to witness the majestic whales in action. June through to September is when Humpback and Southern Right whales migrate to the bay to breed so the winter months is an ideal season to visit.

Located 483kms from Plettenberg Bay,Tsitsikamma, which is Khoi for “place of abundant or sparkling water”, is a region that boasts pristine wilderness and an the inviting Indian Ocean. There is something for every type of traveller in Tsitsikamma, whether you’re a hiking enthusiast interested in the region’s various trails or looking to embrace the local creative culture at the Storms River Arts & Crafts centre. Travellers interested in the quirkier attractions might also appreciate the eclectic ambiance of Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, where the neon rimmed signage and retro decor will transport you back to a time when Elvis was topping the radio charts, or the Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary which is South Africa’s only non-profit centre for wolves.

Top tip: Consider booking guided boat tours in Plettenberg Bay; the expert tour operators will give you a better chance of witnessing these magnificent aquatic mammals up close and impart interesting whale facts. 

In the past the conventional approach to growing a career was to get an entry-level position job and spend years working your way up in the company. Employees often stayed in the same industry or company, following one career path their whole life. In today’s fast-changing world, this is virtually unheard of, with people often switching jobs and careers to find new and better opportunities.

While changing jobs is one thing, changing careers and having to learn a whole new skills set is entirely another. As daunting as this may seem, Americans have been doing it for years, with the average American changing careers between three to seven times in their lifetime. Post pandemic, people are evaluating what brings them happiness and, according to research in Harvard Business Review, redefining their purpose to seek more meaningful futures.

Today, switching careers increasingly has less to do with better pay, and more with fulfillment, important if you consider that the average person spends 90 000 hours, or one third of their lives, working. According to a survey by recruitment company Michael Page 63% of people looking to change careers are wanting to upskill in new ways, 54% see a possibility in pursuing better vocations, and 52% of respondents want to pursue careers aligned with their skill set and passions.

Changing careers is a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly. One such person who has done this successfully is Prenasha Naidoo, Managing Director at MicroThumbs, who left a career in finance to become the co-founder of a successful microgreens farming start-up.

Naidoo’s career began in finance where she was a marketing specialist and the first graduate financial advisor for the largest graduate professional financial services provider in South Africa. For four years Naidoo worked her way up the finance corporate ladder until she started to lose the fire inside her for the line of work she was in.

“I’m both a logical thinker and a creative person, and even though my career was in finance, I yearned to be more creative in my job. I knew I had to find creative avenues to fulfill me,” recalls Naidoo.

Change came in the form of a hobby. Naidoo and her partner Rick Hein were growing microgreens at home to add a healthy twist to their daily meals. “It was just for our consumption, but as we started we realised how successful we were at growing them, we started supplying local restaurants and retailers,” she says.

Their success prompted Naidoo to re-evaluate her career direction. “I was at a crossroads of staying in my comfort zone with what I knew in finance or taking the leap of faith into a whole new direction as an entrepreneur,” she adds. In 2021 Naidoo resigned from her corporate role and transitioned fully into her urban farming career. Today, MicroThumbs has 28 indoor vertical farms countrywide and supplies large retailers nationwide. If you’re looking to make a career change, Naidoo has this advice.

Do it scared

When thinking about making a big life decision many of us are nervous to make a big leap into the unknown and we put it off with the hopes that one day we will be better prepared, but Naidoo’s advice is to do it scared. “You might be thinking that the perfect time to make this decision will fall into your lap, but the ‘perfect’ time may never come. You have to have some confidence in yourself and go for it,“ Naidoo says.

Take time to reflect

If you aren’t satisfied with your current career and you aren’t sure what specific job you are wanting to pursue, take time to self-reflect on your strengths, passions and skills “I knew I loved expressing myself creatively, but I couldn’t use this talent in corporate finance. When I discovered the joy in combining creativity with growing microgreens I knew it was what I should be doing. Take the time to nurture your talents, as it could point you in the right career direction.”

Challenges allow growth

“It can be daunting facing new challenges in a new career, but these experiences allow you to transform in ways that will only make you more successful and be beneficial to your development,” advises Naidoo. Challenges, while uncomfortable, allow you to make strides in your career. Ultimately when you do decide to make a career change you should look at each obstacle as an opportunity to grow.

Find your support 

Committing to a career change takes courage, and it’s during this transitional period that you may experience unfamiliar setbacks you would not have experienced otherwise. Within her own career shift Naidoo had the support system of her business and life partner, Hein, providing encouragement and the safety network of a loved one giving emotional support and advice.

Leverage your skills 

It may be challenging for you to anticipate how your existing skills can benefit you in a new career. You may even be questioning if you’re throwing away years of valuable experience, but Naidoo assures that skills you learnt from your previous career can be useful in your new one. Her knowledge of bookkeeping, taxes and scaling a business has been invaluable to her microgreens business.

“When you’re changing careers, think about how your experience can set you apart from your peers who only have experience in that one industry. I have no doubt that you will find at least one skill, even if it’s soft skills like teamwork or time management, that you can implement into your new role,” Naidoo concludes.