Setting the design tone for the home space, the kitchen is often the first area that undergoes a renovation, but too often, expert insight is overlooked which can drastically impact the finished project. Industry experts from The Studio Collection – members of the African Institute for Interior Design Professions - have outlined some of the more common mistakes people make when planning to re-model the kitchen. - Form over function When building a kitchen there's a natural inclination to discuss the 'look' first - glass or paint? Wood or quartz? But, before you rush into the mood-boards and start plotting out the look of your kitchen, think deeply about your lifestyle and how you use your kitchen. Do you entertain? Do you cook yourself or does someone do it for you? Do you have young kids that are going to scribble on everything? Are you a particularly messy cook? These considerations are the most important starting points because they will ensure that your design is fundamentally practical and certain features are given priority. For example - the fact that you entertain might call for a double island. The fact that you're a messy cook might call for sintered porcelain tops. The fact that you have young kids might call for high-quality laminate doors instead of painted ones. - Settling Finding a kitchen company or interior designer you trust is important for a number of reasons - the key one being how they specify their work. Unfortunately, many local interior design professionals have a limited source of supply when it comes to finishes, and this often gets presented as ‘the best that’s out there'. Our advice is don't settle! As a consumer, you need to ensure that you do your homework and understand what's possible in terms of design and finishes so you aren't beholden to the advice of designers with a limited source of supply. Empower yourself with this knowledge and you'll feel a lot more at ease during the specification process. - Taking a short-term . . .

Nothing is more appealing to an artist than a blank canvas in a comforting and inspriring environment – the ability to express ourselves through all five senses is the core of creative joy and connection. Now, the launch of a new creative space in the heart of Cape Town, Infinity Studios provides a space for established and up-and-coming creatives and is set to provide an accessible platform for the creative community in all its guises. Infinity Studios is a multi-functional studio offering a chic photo lounge, infinity curve wall and studio kitchen whilst abundant natural light streams in from south facing windows providing gorgeous views of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the CBD. With 200sqm of floorspace the studio caters to just about any need. The photo lounge is perfectly suited for castings or as a break area, the curved infinity wall is ideal for editorial features and fashion shoots, and the demo kitchen is complete with ample counter space and fully equipped with the latest kitchen appliances for filming, demos and workshops – with the infinity wall conveniently just around the corner, ready for all your photo creation needs. What makes the space even more dynamic is its lack of restraint – the openness, natural light and ability to adapt. Perfect for smaller intimate events – again, allowing the creative juices to flow as one plans a turnkey experience from the very beginning of the creative process to presenting it to a desired audience. James Pople, Founder and Owner of Infinity Studios says, “I’ve spent the better part of my working career as an events producer, DJ, director and promoter across multiple platforms and creative industries in destinations across the world. I felt like it was time for me to bring my experience and grasp of a broader perspective creative approach back home, and so Infinity Studios was born – a studio for the creatives of Cape Town and beyond. I chose Paarden Eiland for two reasons: firstly, for its proximity to . . .

Cape Town’s dominance within the global design industry will resonate throughout Africa’s largest décor, design and lifestyle exhibition as leading influencers display their take on this year’s theme – Designing for Africa – feels like home. Decorex Cape Town, taking place at Cape Town International Convention Centre from 1 to 5 May 2019, is set to shine a spotlight on the unmatched local talent through a full feature programme, proving exactly why this city is considered the design capital of South Africa. “Cape Town has long been considered the vanguard of design and style in Africa with its fusion of cosmopolitan sophistication and earthy Africanness,” explained Sian Cullingworth, Portfolio Director at Reed Exhibitions. “This unique essence has made Africa accessible on a global level, allowing other countries to incorporate and adapt the continent’s interior designs. We are very excited to see the city’s take on the Decorex 2019 theme and the intercontinental impact it will make.” Characteristic of the Decorex brand, the 2019 exhibition programme boasts a full line-up of inspired new features that reflect upcoming trends in a localised setting. Some of the key features include: • Decorex Urban Living Trend House with Sevens • InStudio Trend Theatre by ABSA • Children’s Playroom & Décor Project • The Kitchen Design Project by the Studio Collection • The Lighting Project by Fundi Light & Living • The Trend Kitchen with Space Interiors • The Bathroom Project • Maison&Object Pavilion • Jacobs Gourmet Cooking Theatre built by LUSSO Luxury Living • Decorex International • Wine + Bubbly Bar furnished by Homewood • The Rummery & Gin Garden • Design + Dine Restaurant + Bar • The Harvest Table • The Illy Experience • #withlovefromDecorex with Eleven • Past Paint Nite In addition to the features’ programme, visitors will get to interact with some of the city’s most innovative trade leaders – revolutionising the design, build and . . .

Smile 90.4FM, Cape Town’s fastest growing radio station, has been nominated for two prestigious Liberty Radio Awards. We are honoured to be nominated in the Community Project category for the Smile Water Warriors Project. When the water crisis reached its most critical level in Cape Town in 2018, Smile 90.4FM Water Warriors united Capetonians like none other campaign had ever done. The Water Warriors was more than a campaign, it was a movement that galvanised Capetonians not only to save the most precious commodity – water – but also created a mindset shift in our behaviour! Thousands of people joined the public group on Facebook, taking the pledge to make every drop count. “As one of the youngest stations playing in the commercial space, I am delighted that we are able to take an active role and get acknowledgement for our efforts through achieving 2 nominations. The Smile 90.4fm family worked tirelessly and were 150% committed to making a difference to the water crisis through our Water Warriors Campaign. To receive this acknowledgement means a great deal to us all.” – Smile 90.4FM Managing Director, Lois O’Brien The Honest Truth with Benito Vergotine and Christine Wessels, received a second nomination in as many years nominated in the News and Actuality Show category. In an era of fake news and where ‘truth’ is debated, the Honest Truth aims to facilitate an honest and frank discussion that has the potential to keep our listeners accurately informed and entertained about the topical issues and trends of the day. “The honest Truth continues to challenge the norm and provide our listeners the opportuity to make informed decisions. It's fantastic to see the brilliant work done by Benito, Christine and the team is being appreciated by their peers and the industry.” – Smile 90.4FM Program Manager, Naveen Singh. Our broadcasting philosophy is based on the values of optimism and positivity hope. We fully embrace the mandate we have - to entertain and add . . .