SpaceSave
10 Effective exercises you can do with a slant board
It isn’t easy finding time to exercise, given our busy schedules. Given the need to exercise, we need to look at alternatives that are both cost-effective and don’t take up large chunks of the day. Typically, people exercise first thing in the morning before work or as a late afternoon activity. Consider how much time you could save if you exercise from the comfort of your work desk. Whether you work from home or in an office, you can get an upper and lower body workout all without leaving your workstation.
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SpaceSave: Nifty Solutions For Small Spaces
Ever wished you had more space to do the things you love? Craft, read or even do your work more productively? Here we share some nifty solutions to make the most of your smaller spaces. SpaceSave offers versatile space-saving furniture options for contemporary life indoors and out!This triple function fold-up wall desk from SpaceSave is the ideal space-saving home office and all-purpose table solution for smaller living spaces or those wanting more space. When you cannot make up your mind whether you would like to have a mirror or blackboard, this is the ideal option for you as it contains an interchangeable mirror and blackboard. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed How Does It Work?This floating, wall-mounted fold-up, fold-down desk table is the ultimate space saver. It can be used as an office desk, for studying and doing homework. And it does great as a breakfast or dinner table as well. Or use it as a nappy changing station or laundry table.When not in use, simply fold it back against the wall and turn it into either a mirror or if you choose to change its function it will become a blackboard for To-do lists, motivational quotes or messages to your loved ones. A small shelf provides space to put your phone, keys, flowers or other essentials. Space-Saving Hanging Balcony Table Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Enjoy the outdoors indoors with this clever balcony table. Simply the best way to enjoy your balcony if you don't have space for a table. Have your breakfast, coffee breaks, sundowners and even work al fresco on even the smallest balcony or patio. Folding hinges allow you to reduce the size, giving you even more room to move. Available in plywood and blackwood or contact SpaceSave for other options.As the name suggests, SpaceSave offers space-saving, multi-functional furniture and ideas. Their furniture provides creative ways of using space-saving ideas and combinations to expand the space in your home so that you can do more with less. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed SpaceSave - Natural Colours Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed The next eco-trend is in line with sustainability as well as the popular DIY trend. Why buy new when you can make it as good as new. Taking a tired looking piece of furniture either in your possession already or fresh off the flea market and restoring it to its former or new glory is another emerging trend. Refinishing an old piece of furniture is not only about saving money and being eco-conscious but allows for the inner artist to shine and to bring your own individual style to the fore.Blog Credit: Marcia Loves It Posted in [wpbb post:terms_list taxonomy="category" separator=", "]
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What 2020 Design Trends Do You Like?
Every year fashionistas and expert extol the virtues of the next big thing and the next big trend. It is no different for interior design and house architecture.We perused the experts' views and pulled out some of the most interesting ones that resonated with us at SpaceSave both in terms of our passion but also those that reflect a realistic lifestyle.SustainabilityNot surprisingly Sustainability has been named the most popular global trend over the past few years. The focus is on protecting the environment and living with and not against nature. This has never been more important than now as we are on the cusp of causing irreparable damage to the environment - and the environment fighting back with possibly disastrous long-term consequences.And of course this focus also includes interior design trends.Using natural materials, buying furniture and accessories from local suppliers and from reputable sources, made from renewable resources, refinishing, repurposing, and buying second hand, are the keys to this trend.To reduce the environmental impact, furniture can be made with recycled materials or more sustainable woods such as pine, bamboo, or reclaimed wood.Even more interestingly, hemp is fast developing a reputation to better them all in terms of it's footprint and versatility (more about this in a future blog).MinimalismIn the past, furniture was often bought with lifetime value in mind and formed some of the biggest investment areas for any family. Solid wood, ornate structures and large, beautiful pieces made for eternity took center stage in many a home.But today, the focus is on fast food, fast fashion and excess consumption. The life time value of furniture is only a few years and often furniture is made to not last much longer as affordability and focus on price has become ever more important and cheap imports dominated the market.However, in our fast paced world a new trend is taking shape - do we really need all the different furniture pieces or can we get away with fewer more multi-functional items and rather focus on creating space.Multi-functional Space Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed SpaceSave - Multifunctional Living Space This is one of our favourite areas. Multi-functional and clever use of space. Old house are often divided into different rooms, be it a separate kitchen, a dining room, a separate lounge and another family room.Modern houses have opened up - also because they are becoming smaller. This begs for open spaces and combining functionality. Open kitchens and dining rooms have existed for a long time. But now we see offices smartly integrated into the living or even bedroom without looking out of place. Even better, integrated into cupboards that can be closed when the work is done for the day.Revival Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed SpaceSave Design Trends The next eco-trend is in line with sustainability as well as the popular DIY trend. Why buy new when you can make it as good as new. Taking a tired looking piece of furniture either in your possession already or fresh off the flea market and restoring it to its former or new glory is another emerging trend. Refinishing an old piece of furniture is not only about saving money and being eco-conscious but allows for the inner artist to shine and to bring your own individual style to the fore.Natural ColoursBasic white and Scandinavian grays have been popular choices for a long time. Now this trend is adapting and moving towards natural colours such as earthy tones, warm browns and deep greens to reflect a relaxing walk in the forest, strong blues to reflect the freedom of the sky and the ocean.Wooden floors add to the warm, homey feel. Increasingly wooden textures are integrated into tiles and stone material to add warmth but retain the benefits of those materials. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed SpaceSave - Natural Colours FabricsNatural materials like linen, cotton and wool have always been big. But while those were originally designed to blend in, they have evolved to brighter colours and providing stronger contrasts.This season, they are going even bolder with strong patterns and designs, made to draw your attention to them. African designs, embossed cushions, a decorative throw all add instant panache to your place.If you want to take it even further, you can also play around with wall paper to instantly change the look of your apartment. Modern wall papers can bring the outside world into your home with bold designs to challenge your courage.BicoloredWhite kitchen cabinets dominate just about every kitchen in the world. They are the simplest and safest solution. But that is slowly changing!
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Living Big In A Tiny Home
One of our favourite hobbies at SpaceSave is looking at tiny homes and we are always fascinated how much room can be created with clever designs.What to do if you need a house?Many, many people in South Africa are forced to live in cramped living quarters or small apartments. Very few would consider it to be something to be excited or happy about.With the average house price in South Africa now having surpassed the R1 million mark, it has become increasingly difficult for South Africans to climb onto the property ladder. The high cost of transport to get to work adds to the woes and is forcing people to move to smaller places in exchange for cutting down on transport.A new trend in townThis has led to a rise in innovative micro-apartments and container homes - smaller re-purposed accommodation typically a fraction of the cost of a normal house. Some even offer off-the-grid living.Just look at the success of some of my favourite movements such as Tiny Homes SA (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1466706333648669/about/) with over 4700 members or Tiny House Movement (https://www.facebook.com/groups/tinyhousemovementSA/about/) also with over 4000 members.Companies like Wanderlust Co. (www.wanderlustco.co.za) and Containatech (www.containatech.co.za) are providing amazing designs and houses that are small but spacious, often mobile and always surprising.What is driving this trend?Yes, of course, the increasing cost of living, ever-increasing property prices and just pure lack of space in condensed urban areas. But there is also an evolving trend of less is more, moving away from excessive consumerism and enjoying the simple life while at the same time reducing the environmental impact.Increasingly people who do not necessarily have to live in small places, are choosing to do so and we are seeing eco-driven change emerging in SA.I just love the idea of having a small 15-30 sqm homes on a trailer and being able to move around. Essentially these amazing houses offer the chance to live wherever you want because of their mobility. And they offer every bit the comfort of a large house by making use of clever multi-purpose designs.Now enthusiasts are looking for land which allows them to house their home and provide for tiny homeowners to park their homes on the property for short or longer-term - think caravan parks for small homes.Clever use of spaceTiny homes are designed with space in mind while not sacrificing the look. As our consciousness regarding our environmental footprint increases, people are opting for sustainable living or even off the grid housing. Below is a picture of a tiny home from Wanderlust.It can even be fitted with a composting toilet depending on how eco friendly and off the grid, you wanna be.And what about those containers?Apart from tiny homes, another area I find fascinating is the potential of container homes.While they may have some bad connotations for lots of people, I am amazed by what can be done with them.Look at this 14sqm bachelor pad from Containatech:And I just have to share some of the pictures I found in an article from Business Tech (https://businesstech.co.za/). Here normal shipping containers have been used to build a variety of structures, including student housing, small apartments, and even schools and restaurants. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Student Housing Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Restaurant Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Learning Centre Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Coffee Shop In South Africa, Shoprite is using containers to move little micro shops from location to location in difficult to access areas. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Shoprite's New Tiny Stores Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Shoprite's New Tiny Stores Urban DevelopmentsA new urban development using upcycled ISO shipping containers has been launched in Johannesburg's Maboneng precinct, bringing affordable housing to the mixed-space area that is often used as the poster-child for recapturing the heart of South Africa's biggest city.The development, called Drivelines Studios, is the latest in a growing trend to repurpose shipping containers for livability. While most of these projects are sold as 'modular homes' (with prices starting as low as R120,000), Driveline marks a first, as a multistorey apartment block made up of multiple containers. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed From the outside Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed On the inside International trendsInternational architects Lot-Ek, show what can be accomplished with containers.Among the group's designs are a hotel, apartment blocks, a multi-level family home, and free-standing units which can be built anywhere in the world. Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Student Housing Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Auditorium Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Urban Living Overlay Wrapper Overlay Wrapper Closed Office Park Container Living - New and SustainableI am sure we will be seeing lots more in this regards and I can't wait for the innovation in this area. Let's think about the space we can create in our own homes plus the space we can save in future by thinking big and creating small.So, before you despair when it comes to your limited space, take a new look at how clever design can provide you with space you didn't know you could have.Have we triggered a thought process that leaves you wanting more, let's engage? Tell us what you think and sign up for our newsletter for great ideas, tips and discussions in and around our homes, the meaning and importance of the space around us and living better with less. Posted in [wpbb post:terms_list taxonomy="category" separator=", "]
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Is Your Place A House Or A Home?
We often take for granted where we live. We know if we like or don't like it. But we don't often think about whether we consider it home or just a house where we stay. But what is the difference and does it matter?"home"NOUN the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household and as an ADJECTIVE relates to the place where one lives."house"NOUN a building for human habitation, especially one that consists of a ground floor and one or more upper storeys or place of residence, habitation, a roof over one's head, a building in which people meet for a particular activity and as a VERB simply speaks of providing with shelter or accommodation viz the solid materials, movable and immovable kept.What does a 'home' mean?In a physical sense, a home is a house - solid and material. It provides shelter, a place to store our physical belongings and a place for a family or people to come together.Having a house that is a home is more than just accommodation. It is the heartbeat of a sanctuary that welcomes your tired body, your aching feet, your busy mind and holds your heart and those that inhabit this space with you. "Be it ever so humble, it's more than just a place. It is also an idea-one where the heart is" according to the Smithsonian Magazine. It is a place of belonging, something that feels familiar and welcoming. It is a place where one feels safe and secure. A place that ideally provides inner peace and time to replenish our souls.Is your place a house or a home?Love lockdown or hate it, but over the past few months, our homes have become our cocoons. Sheltering most of us from a stormy world and protecting us from a virus that has thrown the world as we know it into disarray. It is the constant in an ever-increasingly threatening world.But did it feel more like a home than before or was it getting too tight and claustrophobic? A 2018 study of British homeowners showed that 66 per cent defined their place as a home, while the remainder said the place they live in is just a house, made of bricks and mortar.What makes a house a home?At SpaceSave, what piqued our interest was that according to the same study, people said that these 15 things defined if their house was their home: Happiness - 57% Love - 51% Security and safety - 50% The sound of laughter - 44% Meals with family and friends - 43% The smell of good food cooking - 43% A comfy sofa - 42% A bath AND a shower - 40% Freshly laundered sheets each week - 39% A well-stocked fridge - 39% Framed pictures of family and friends - 39% Pets - 36% Children - 32% Sunday roasts - 32% Summer BBQs in the garden - 32% It is interesting to note that the top 4 items on the list are emotionally driven with more rational, material items listed further down.Our surroundings are what impact our psyche most dramatically. This brings me to a concept called "embodied cognition" introduced by the Sarah Williams Goldhagen, wherein she describes that ''the mind or soul of man is entirely different from the body" and speaks of the significance that our surroundings have an impact on the functioning of mind and soul (relating to the architecture specifically and more subtly to the design of the space we live in).What is it for me?As having a home has a profound impact on our psyche and wellbeing, it is interesting to spend some time to ask ourselves. Am I at home or just living in a house? What makes it or would make it a home for me? Has Covid19 and the lockdown changed my view in any way? How well does it function? Function or form or functional form? What makes it or would make it a home for me and/or my family? What would I need to do to make this space a home? If this is the space that my mind, body and spirit functions in daily (or that of the people that matter to me) how can I make it work better for me? Have we triggered a thought process that leaves you wanting more, let's engage? Tell us what you think and sign up for our newsletter for great ideas, tips and discussions in and around our homes, the meaning and importance of the space around us and living better with less. Posted in [wpbb post:terms_list taxonomy="category" separator=", "]
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