ASK AN EXPERT
All your pressing design dilemmas sorted
Q We’ve been using the same white dinnerware set for years and it’s time for something new and modern. However, the set can’t be too precious as it will be used for everyday meals. What do you suggest?
Emily, via email Although we love nothing more than a classic white plate here at Maxwell & Williams, it’s how that plate is layered with other colours and textures that will make your table truly memorable. Taking inspiration from contemporary cafe culture, the Caviar Granite range from Maxwell & Williams is the perfect choice for updating your everyday dinnerware. Our Caviar Granite range is beautifully textured and can be mixed and matched with your existing white tableware. And we’ll be adding new designs to the collection just in time for the summer entertaining season, including tapas-style serving pieces for when you have friends over. RENATA PUZ, HEAD OF BUYING, MAXWELL & WILLIAMS
Q I’d love to create a Mediterraneanstyle setting with a citrus tree or two in my courtyard. What’s the best way to plant and grow fruit trees in a compact space? Izzy, via email
Citrus trees planted in CottaSEAL terracotta pots ooze Mediterranean style, and pint-size varieties such as ‘Lots a Lemons’ or ‘ Sublimes’ will only grow to 1.5m or 2m. Citrus are also suited to espalier, the art of training a tree to grow flat along a wall. To do this, erect a network of guide wires along your wall or fence, about 30cm apart. Plant the tree in the middle of this framework and attach the side branches to each wire with flexible ties, creating a series of horizontal tiers. Prune off any branches that don’t fit the pattern using secateurs such as Cyclone’s Aluminium Bypass pruners. Continue to tie and prune as your tree grows and you’ll be picking fresh fruit in no time! MELISSA KING, HORTICULTURAL EXPERT
Q My kitchen redesign will include an integrated laundry. Are there any sinks out there that can handle kitchen chores and double as a laundry wash tub?
Lauren, via Instagram Butler sinks are one of the biggest kitchen trends of 2019, and it sounds like this is the sort of style you need. They’re typically wider and deeper than an average sink, which means they provide more room for doing kitchen and laundry tasks efficiently and easily, including scrubbing oven racks and soaking clothes and dishes. Butler sinks with a crisp fireclay finish, as seen in the Novi sink by Turner Hastings, are a timeless style. They are durable enough to meet your daily demands, and will work in modern, provincial and Hamptons-style homes. DANA BAKER, RETAIL & MARKETING MANAGER, COOK’S PLUMBING SUPPLIES
Q What type of wall and floor tiles will make my small ensuite feel more spacious? Fraser, via Instagram
Choosing the right tiles for your walls and floors can create the illusion of having more space in a room, but it’s tricky. Tiles that are too big will make the room seem smaller while, on the other hand, tiles that are very small (such as mosaic tiles) will add extra grout lines and this can also visually shrink the space. With that in mind, I recommend medium-size tiles in a white or light neutral tone. Another trick that can help make a room feel more spacious is to avoid using too many different tile styles in the one space. ‘Bleeding’ the same tile from one surface or area to the next will make your ensuite bathroom seem bigger and minimise visual clutter. NATALIE JOHNSON, MARKET EDITOR & STYLIST, INSIDE OUT