Condé Nast House & Garden

from the editor

There is a memorable, oft meme’d, line from Jurassic Park where, delivered with his signature brand of inimitable cool, Jeff Goldblum says: ‘Life, uh, finds a way.’ Even though he was referring specifically to the breeding habits of cloned dinosaurs, I think you can apply it perfectly to the situation we find ourselves in now. And by the situation I mean, of course, the liminality of our post-pandemic, preemancipated world. You would have to have a Squid Game mask on not to see the green shoot sprouting up all around as ‘To Let’ signs come down and new life comes back to our cities; an exhibition here, a restaurant there, all encouraging us to put our lockdown-induced social neurosis behind us and get out there, boldly. Here at House & Garden, going…

gold standard

Southern Africa’s great designers have emerged from the trials of the pandemic with a new vitality and drive that is pushing the language of local design forward — one you can feel, tangibly, at Always Welcome, the Joburg-based design cooperative that celebrates its first birthday this summer. Since opening its doors (a feat of navigation in itself, considering the series of lockdowns), Always Welcome has grown its initial stable of designer-members at its flagship Hyde Park Corner store to include 24 of the country’s leading studios. The platform is also expanding with the launch of an online store, as well as a second store at a dedicated building in the Kramerville design district with electronics company Planetworld. Always Welcome is now the official home of some of the industry’s biggest names, such…

’tis the season

Setagainst the slopes of the Witwatersrand, this iconic Joburg landmark spreads across the hillside like an ancient Tuscan village, its peach-toned villas dotted between the forested surrounds – a chic escape from the bustle of the city below. The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff has long been the grande dame of Joburg high society. As the pandemic restrictions subside, it welcomes back travellers and locals alike to its fabulous grounds, whether for a stay or a world-class meal at its restaurant, Flames. Take the glass elevator to the stylish dining room of Flames, which opens up to a wrap-around terrace with views over the jacaranda canopy and the skyline. The kitchen, under the guidance of Chef of the Four Seasons The Westcliff, Daniel Payne, focuses on an elevated take on traditional South…

flipping the bird

HOT HONEY WINGS 4–6 SERVINGS Hot honey is a beautiful marriage between sweet and spicy and easy to make yourself. After baking the chicken wings in the oven, they need less than 10 (flare-up-free) minutes on the grill to turn crispy and glazy. 1T cayenne pepper1T freshly ground black pepper900g chicken wings, patted dry2 limes, divided ½ cup honey1T fish sauce3T dried hot red chillies1 cup sweet peppers (about 225g)3–5 jalapeños, thinly sliced¼ cup coriander leaves with tender stems¼ cup coarsely chopped salted dry-roasted peanuts 1. Mix chilli powder and 1T black pepper in a small bowl until well combined. 2. Arrange chicken wings in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Rub all over with spice mixture and let sit at room temperature, at least 15 minutes, or cover and chill up…

cool for the summer

GREEN PARTY 1. Creating paradise at home has been the north star for Evelina Kravaev Söderberg, head of design and creative at H&M Home, and the team behind this season’s collection. Channelling a more informal, Bohemian attitude, the range features pieces in natural textiles, sandy shades, and turquoise and deep-sea blues, while exotic flora and fauna in warm, spicy colours mixed with rattan and jute convey laidback glamour. Several pieces are made from sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester, glass and cotton. H&M Home 🖰 hm.com/za 2. Mix different materials – timber, fabric, glass, rope – to create textural dynamism on the table, and incorporate touches of greenery, such as flowers or a spring of aromatic plant, from your garden to add a playful, natural touch. Remember, it is all about creating comfort,…

treading gently

i feel we might move forward with a more aware and less selfish perspective. If not, there is no time like the present. This time of year presents opportunities for reassessment and change. What could this mean for our gardens? We value our gardens more, whether they are large or small, balconies or estates. We want them to work harder to benefit recreation, beauty, food production, and the wellbeing of our planet and mental health. Everything we plant has a positive effect on us and the environment. I worry that our often time-strapped lives exclude us from connecting to nature – the very antidote we need to alleviate stress in the first place. In 2022, let sustainability and effectiveness be your mantra. Here is how this translates for me: Make it a rule…