The Design TrainApr 247 minEco-Friendly Décor – Keeping Your Home GreenTo celebrate International Earth Day this month's blog is dedicated to the important topic of Eco-Friendly décor
Andrew KnappAug 21, 20215 minWood Veneers – More than Meets the EyeAn interesting look at a widely used product used in furniture design - wood veneers.
The Design TrainApr 21, 20218 minMinimalism – The Art of Living IntentionallyThe term Minimalism sometimes conjures up an image of a spartan space that may look good in a lifestyle feature - not so!
The Design TrainMar 21, 202113 minHuman Right’s Day – The Music behind the Holiday21st March 2021 This weekend we honour Human Rights Day in South Africa. Although human rights cover so many areas that are an ongoing...
The Design TrainMar 19, 20216 minDISCOVERING OURSELVES - EXPLORING ADVANCES IN SOUTH AFRICAN DESIGNMarch 2021 Image: the Mvelo Desk from designer Siyanda Mbele What better way to celebrate Human Right's Day than to take a brief journey...
The Design TrainMar 7, 202110 minStrange Beginnings – The Stories Behind the SongsA delve into the fascinating stories behind the songs.
The Design TrainFeb 22, 20214 minBread & Roses, the Mimi Fariña LegacyA Story of Music in Action Feb 2021 I was transported back to a very different era of my life recently when South Africa’s Music Guru,...
The Design TrainFeb 20, 20216 minShaping our Lives – Geometrics in DécorFebruary 2021 If you have ever wondered why geometrics shapes are an often re-reoccurring theme in the design world the answer is simple;...
Andrew KnappJan 15, 202115 minLike a Version - a brief history of the contentious cover songI have always been fascinated by the cover version. I think I first became aware of the concept of a cover as a kid when the Beatles release
Andrew KnappJan 11, 20215 minThe Console Table – An age-old love affair.A console originally referred to the s-shaped bracket that was used to affix a half-moon shelf (called a demi-lune) to a wall...
The Design TrainDec 6, 20206 minWhat makes furniture an investment?Investment furnishings used to be considered the sole realm of antiques or iconic designer pieces. Fortunately, this perception has changed.
The Design TrainNov 25, 20208 minTablescaping - The trend that has withstood centuries.As specialists in table design and manufacture, we have a responsibility to ensure that our clients get the best out of their investment.
Andrew KnappNov 24, 20207 minThe Magic, Mystery and Mythology of the Cherry24th November 2020 In keeping with our favourite fruit of the Eastern Free State I re-worked an article I wrote a few years ago that...
The Design TrainNov 23, 20205 minCutting Through the ConfusionCoffee tables shouldn’t be relegated to the realm of an afterthought, after all, a good coffee table is the ultimate multi-tasker.
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20204 min24 Hours in Khiva, Uzbekistan - Living Museum of the Silk RoadPhoto: thesandyfeet.com Once associated with the Silk Road salve trade, Khiva is now a popular destination for tourists prepared to...
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20205 minWindamere Hotel Darjeeling - Preserving History in Grand StylePhoto: mkyoki.in Once home to batchelor tea planters from Britain and the visiting social elite of the time, this former Victorian...
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20205 minThe Magic of MumbaiPhoto: Thafreebird.com Virgin Airway’s direct flights from London to Mumbai has put this colourful kaleidoscope of a city firmly on the...
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20205 min24-Hours in Oslo, NorwayPhoto: thinkdigital.travel Nestling between the Oslofjord and forested hills, Olso, with its historic buildings juxtaposed against modern...
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20204 minDiscover Europe’s Beer Trail by Train: Rotterdam, Leuven, Nuremberg, Pilsen Photo: hiveminer.com Today's train travel makes continent-hopping easier than ever. Take the 8:55 am Eurostar from St Pancreas Station in...
Andrew KnappNov 23, 20206 min7 New Boutique Hotels for the Discerning TravellerPhoto: Archdaily.com Many seasoned travellers who value style and privacy prefer staying at an independent luxury boutique hotel, rather...