What not to Miss in our New June/July Issue of 2026

The new June/July issue of House & Garden is a richly layered exploration of South African design, where mood, material and meaning converge across interiors, art and landscape. This special edition brings together some of the country’s most compelling creative voices, from atmospheric architectural styles to deeply personal artistic practices and seasonal outdoor living. At its core, however, lies a dedicated focus on the kitchen and bathroom—spaces redefined not just for beauty, but for endurance, innovation and everyday performance.

Karoo Gothic: Where Shadow, Structure and Surrealism Meet

Karoo Gothic is a South African design language blending European Neo-Gothic drama with the restraint of the Great Karoo. It translates historic, steepled architecture into contemporary interiors defined by shadow, sculptural form, and subtle surrealism. The style values absence as much as presence, creating moody, atmospheric spaces where everyday objects can feel uncanny. Designers such as Jan Ernst explore weathered, time-worn forms in ceramics, while studios like Wiid and pieces like Weylandts seating express monolithic, material-driven elegance. Styling emphasises dark tonal contrasts, tactile natural textiles, vertical silhouettes, curated curiosities, dramatic lighting, and minimal, edited spaces that highlight singular sculptural statements.

Malik Mani: Hyperrealism and the Fragile Face of Identity

Malik Mani is an emerging South African artist gaining recognition for his hyperrealistic, concept-driven drawings. His award-winning work Mask, which won first place at the 2025 Portrait Award, depicts a fractured, peeling surface revealing a realistic face beneath, symbolising concealment and revelation. Working in pencil, Mani blends technical precision with surrealist intent, prioritising meaning over realism alone. His practice explores identity, particularly the tension between public persona and private truth in an era shaped by social media curation. Based in Upington, he has built his career independently and is now gaining national attention. He is currently exploring themes of consciousness and spirituality.

Winter Rooms: Designing Gardens for Shelter, Stillness and Atmosphere

Landscaper Franchesca Watson explores how winter gardens can become intimate “winter rooms” designed for stillness, warmth, and seasonal retreat. Rather than seeing winter as a dormant period, she frames it as an opportunity to create sheltered outdoor spaces that encourage pause and reflection. These rooms can range from sun-catching corners and pergola-covered seating to built garden structures with fireplaces, heaters, and layered planting. Emphasis is placed on texture, structure, and winter-interest plants such as aloes, camellias, and deciduous trees that shape light and enclosure. Comfort is key, with soft furnishings, fire elements, and ambient lighting transforming gardens into immersive, restorative environments.

Franschhoek Farmhouse: A Modern Take on English Country Living

An English-inspired farmhouse in Franschhoek blends traditional country charm with modern ease, creating a home designed for both living and entertaining. Designed by Ivy Décor & Design, the space balances English and South African influences, while also accommodating the owners’ shift between permanent residence and future rental. Original architectural features such as thatch, sash windows, and stone arches were retained and softened with light tones, timber detailing, and layered textures. The interiors prioritise flow and connection, with social and outdoor spaces designed for gathering. A restrained, contemporary take on English country style emerges through curated antiques, modern outdoor pieces, and cohesive, tactile finishes.

High-Performance Surfaces Redefining Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms place the greatest demands on a home’s surfaces, requiring materials that balance durability, functionality and design. From advanced porcelain and ceramic tiles to engineered composites and sintered stone, today’s high-performance materials are designed to withstand heat, moisture, stains and daily wear while remaining visually appealing. Experts emphasise that longevity depends not only on the material itself but also on proper installation and maintenance. Sustainability is also shaping material choices, with eco-friendly options such as Limesite gaining popularity. Meanwhile, engineered oak and wood-look alternatives bring warmth to wet spaces. Ultimately, successful interiors combine performance, aesthetics and long-term resilience.

From expressive interiors like Karoo Gothic to hyperrealist explorations of identity, and from winter garden sanctuaries to considered farmhouse living, this issue captures the breadth of contemporary South African creativity. Anchoring it all is a focused look at kitchens and bathrooms as high-performance design laboratories, where material innovation meets daily life. The result is an edition that moves seamlessly between the poetic and the practical—inviting readers to rethink the spaces they inhabit most.

Credits

Images: Supplied, Ema Peter, Vignette & Ryan Abbot