Lesley Schalkwyk

19/10/2026

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right. - Henry Ford

17/10/2026

Carpets add warmth and comfort to a home, but everyday spills can quickly leave their mark. Acting promptly and using the right technique can help prevent stains from becoming permanent.

𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘁, 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗯
When something spills, gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth. Rubbing can spread the stain and work it deeper into the fibres. Work from the outside towards the centre.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀:

• Red W**e: Blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Then use a suitable carpet-cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid soaking the carpet, as excess moisture can cause further problems.

• Mud and Soil: Let mud dry before attempting to clean it. Once dry, gently loosen and vacuum up the dirt before treating any remaining mark with an appropriate carpet cleaner.

• Grease and Oil: Blot away excess oil and use a carpet-safe cleaning product suitable for grease. Avoid applying too much liquid, particularly on carpets that are difficult to dry thoroughly.

𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
Before using any cleaning product, test it on a small, hidden section of the carpet. Different fibres and dyes can react differently to cleaning solutions.

For valuable, delicate or heavily stained carpets, professional cleaning may be the safest option.

A little care can go a long way towards keeping your carpets looking fresh and your home feeling well maintained.

09/10/2026

Your roof protects your home from everything from intense sun and wind to heavy rain. Regular maintenance can help identify small problems before they become costly repairs.

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳
Check at least once a year for cracked or missing tiles, damaged sheeting, rust, loose flashing and other visible signs of wear. For safety, consider using a professional for areas that are difficult or dangerous to access.

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗚𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿
Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and damage fascia boards, walls and other parts of the property. Clear out leaves and debris regularly, particularly before periods of heavy rainfall.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Areas around skylights, vents, chimneys and other roof penetrations can be vulnerable to water ingress. Look for cracked or deteriorated sealant and have problems repaired appropriately.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿
Flat roofs need effective drainage. Persistent ponding can damage roofing membranes over time, so have drainage issues investigated rather than allowing water to remain on the roof.

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹
Overhanging branches can scrape against roofing during strong winds and contribute leaves and debris to your gutters. Keeping nearby trees trimmed can help reduce these risks.

A roof doesn't need much attention when everything is working properly — but regular checks can help you spot problems early and protect your home from avoidable damage.

04/10/2026

02/10/2026

Pattern is one of the easiest ways to bring depth and personality into a room. But mixing different prints successfully takes a little thought. The goal is to create a layered, considered look rather than a space that feels busy.

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻
Start with one larger or more noticeable pattern to anchor the room. This could be a patterned rug, curtains, wallpaper or statement upholstery. Use it to establish the colours that will guide the rest of your choices.

𝗩𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲
Mix patterns of different sizes to create balance. A large-scale pattern can be paired with a medium print and a smaller, more understated design. Varying the scale helps each pattern have its own presence without competing for attention.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿
Your patterns don't need to match, but they should have something that connects them. Choosing designs that share one or two colours creates a sense of cohesion, even when the patterns themselves are quite different.

𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸
Not everything needs to be patterned. Textured fabrics such as linen, velvet, boucle or woven materials can give the eye somewhere to rest. A solid cushion or textured throw can be just as effective as another print.

𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲
Keep some of the larger elements of the room relatively simple. Neutral walls, plain furniture or understated flooring can provide a calm backdrop that lets your patterns make an impact without overwhelming the space.

Mixing patterns is about finding the right balance rather than making everything match. Start with one pattern you love, build your colour palette around it and introduce other designs gradually. The result can be a home that feels considered, layered and distinctly your own.

01/10/2026

Stronger together ...

29/09/2026

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up. - J.M. Power

21/09/2026

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward - Abraham Lincoln