Lew Geffen has been in the real estate industry since 1972, is recognised as one of the leading experts in property in South Africa and holds many directorships in associated real estate and allied industries.
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House VS Home
Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty | Published: October 12th, 2011
At Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, we know that what makes a property special is more than just the price tag. A home, no matter what its value, reflects the priceless importance of the life within.
Memories, relationships and treasured possessions– homes are the havens for the things that matter to you most.
Many people ask me how one goes about making the transition from a house to the perfect home.
Privileged enough to have visited some of the world’s most beautiful properties, I can honestly say that I would only want to live in a handful, and having just redone my own home, I feel I am qualified to educate.
1) Decorate For Yourself
Many folks think ‘dressing’ their home a certain way is the only way to make a statement. This is completely off the mark. Your home should reflect you who are, not your multi-millionaire neighbour!
It’s okay to be who you are, there is no point having a Philippe Starck-like home if you find it uncomfortable. Also, it’s advisable to follow the structure of the shell – if you have a contemporary shell, don’t go putting old-fashioned antiques all over the place; you have to learn to match your shell.
2) Less Is More - Clutter Kills
When you first start decorating, it’s like an addiction - you want to do everything now!
Slow the process down. Choose pieces wisely. Don’t just buy a piece because it’s cool and different. Try to visualize the entire picture.
No one likes clutter; it makes a home look clumsy and dirty. Try not to store things just because you may need them one day. If you haven’t used a couch or table in six months, just like your clothes, it has to go.
3) Colour Lifts Your Spirits
My friends all know that I am obsessed with colour, especially orange and red hues, and this is shown the minute you walk through my door. My home encompasses pockets of selected colour in selected areas.
Usually, people are terrified of colour and think that class signifies neutral colour. Sometimes, though, if you’re a little too neutral it looks a dull and makes you lethargic in your own home.
I like gorgeous wallpaper, or the splashing of one wall with a vibrant shade such as an easy-on-the-eye red or blue. If you choose a colour theme, weave that colour throughout your whole home with throws or scatter cushions, and even pot planters. Form a tasteful palette; there’s one thing worse than a dull home and that’s a garish one!
4) Paint With Memories
Photographs and paintings in a home bring warmththat cannot be replaced and really express your individuality as a person, couple and family. However, if you have pictures in every nook and cranny, it can look a little awkward.
Choose one or two areas in your home to feature your photographs and choose beautiful frames. Keep the theme consistent.
When it comes to art, buy slowly, and be selective. It’s not advised to have conflicting pieces in a room. If your dining room is extremely modern and minimalist, an old classic may look a little out of place. Go for a Miro lookalike or a new Trevor Coleman; keep the theme going!
5) Don’t Let Your Decorator Bully You!
It’s a great idea to team up with an interior decorator - they are after all specialists in their field. However, beware of letting yourself get into a situation where this becomes the decorator’s home and not yours.
Tell the decorator your vision from the start. A good one will reflect you in your home and will listen to your feedback. If you feel you have a know-it-all decorator who is railroading every decision you make, it will not work.
6) Create A Garden That’s Easy To Maintain
It’s rare to have a huge staff complement taking care of your home.
If you do that’s wonderful, if not then don’t go investing in a spectacular garden that needs TLC every day, if you are not able to look after it. Rather go for something simple and user friendly, like an atrium with gorgeous boat shaped planters that create a sculptured Japanese look. That’s what I did; it’s great on the eye and easy to maintain!
7) Have Fun!
There’s no use creating the perfect home and not being able to enjoy it. Once you’ve spilled juice on your sofa or the dog has chewed a bit of the rug, you can relax. The word perfection does not exist in a home. It’s lived in and it’s yours; I believe that the warmth of a home emanates from within.
Ya’el Fine
Executive Director - Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
Article also available in The Property Magazine
October 2011
Memories, relationships and treasured possessions– homes are the havens for the things that matter to you most.
Many people ask me how one goes about making the transition from a house to the perfect home.
Privileged enough to have visited some of the world’s most beautiful properties, I can honestly say that I would only want to live in a handful, and having just redone my own home, I feel I am qualified to educate.
1) Decorate For Yourself
Many folks think ‘dressing’ their home a certain way is the only way to make a statement. This is completely off the mark. Your home should reflect you who are, not your multi-millionaire neighbour!
It’s okay to be who you are, there is no point having a Philippe Starck-like home if you find it uncomfortable. Also, it’s advisable to follow the structure of the shell – if you have a contemporary shell, don’t go putting old-fashioned antiques all over the place; you have to learn to match your shell.
2) Less Is More - Clutter Kills
When you first start decorating, it’s like an addiction - you want to do everything now!
Slow the process down. Choose pieces wisely. Don’t just buy a piece because it’s cool and different. Try to visualize the entire picture.
No one likes clutter; it makes a home look clumsy and dirty. Try not to store things just because you may need them one day. If you haven’t used a couch or table in six months, just like your clothes, it has to go.
3) Colour Lifts Your Spirits
My friends all know that I am obsessed with colour, especially orange and red hues, and this is shown the minute you walk through my door. My home encompasses pockets of selected colour in selected areas.
Usually, people are terrified of colour and think that class signifies neutral colour. Sometimes, though, if you’re a little too neutral it looks a dull and makes you lethargic in your own home.
I like gorgeous wallpaper, or the splashing of one wall with a vibrant shade such as an easy-on-the-eye red or blue. If you choose a colour theme, weave that colour throughout your whole home with throws or scatter cushions, and even pot planters. Form a tasteful palette; there’s one thing worse than a dull home and that’s a garish one!
4) Paint With Memories
Photographs and paintings in a home bring warmththat cannot be replaced and really express your individuality as a person, couple and family. However, if you have pictures in every nook and cranny, it can look a little awkward.
Choose one or two areas in your home to feature your photographs and choose beautiful frames. Keep the theme consistent.
When it comes to art, buy slowly, and be selective. It’s not advised to have conflicting pieces in a room. If your dining room is extremely modern and minimalist, an old classic may look a little out of place. Go for a Miro lookalike or a new Trevor Coleman; keep the theme going!
5) Don’t Let Your Decorator Bully You!
It’s a great idea to team up with an interior decorator - they are after all specialists in their field. However, beware of letting yourself get into a situation where this becomes the decorator’s home and not yours.
Tell the decorator your vision from the start. A good one will reflect you in your home and will listen to your feedback. If you feel you have a know-it-all decorator who is railroading every decision you make, it will not work.
6) Create A Garden That’s Easy To Maintain
It’s rare to have a huge staff complement taking care of your home.
If you do that’s wonderful, if not then don’t go investing in a spectacular garden that needs TLC every day, if you are not able to look after it. Rather go for something simple and user friendly, like an atrium with gorgeous boat shaped planters that create a sculptured Japanese look. That’s what I did; it’s great on the eye and easy to maintain!
7) Have Fun!
There’s no use creating the perfect home and not being able to enjoy it. Once you’ve spilled juice on your sofa or the dog has chewed a bit of the rug, you can relax. The word perfection does not exist in a home. It’s lived in and it’s yours; I believe that the warmth of a home emanates from within.
Ya’el Fine
Executive Director - Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
Article also available in The Property Magazine
October 2011
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