Smart Homes May 2021 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

MAY 2021

Credits GROUP CEO Noel Wood HEAD OF ADVERTISING - NATION GROUP Paulette Jones CIRCULATION MANAGER Adrian Bowen – Tel.: (246) 430-5500 email: adrianbowen@nationnews.com MAGAZINE COORDINATOR Andrea King - Tel.: (246) 430-5498 email: andreaking@nationnews.com WRITERS: Nakiah Thomas-Edwards, Israel Mapp, Nick Nunes, Katrina Welch, PHOTOGRAPHY: Nathaniel Gunby, Reco Moore, Jameel Springer, Nick Nunes COVER Saint Peters Bay Resort & Residences. Decor by Archer’s Hall Design Centre PAGE 13 Graphic Art: Shane Eastmond PAGE 14 Chandelier & Mirror: Craftworx Designs PAGE 30 Kitchen design: Fibrepol Inc. PAGE 42 Orchids: Waithe’s Garden DESIGN/LAYOUT: Brian O’Neale ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Debbie Brathwaite – Tel.: (246) 430-5518 Email: debbiebrathwaite@nationnews.com Donna Francis – Tel.: 246 467-2868 Email: donnafrancis@nationnews.com INDEX PAGE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alison Licorish – Tel.: (246) 430-5552 Email: alisonlicorish@nationnews.com Kelly Henry – Tel.: (246) 430-5554 Email: KellyHenry@nationnews.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Wendey Delaney – Tel.: (246) 430-5517 email: wendeydelaney@nationnews.com PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd. (246) 434-6719

May 2021

t’s the time of summer in countries with four seasons, and the time of wet in countries which have only two. It’s the time of more beach fun and frolic than at any other time of the year. It’s just about the time your home repairs or exterior renovations should be complete because we’re heading into the rainy season. It’s time for the mid-year edition of Smart Homes! And, of course, we simply had to include a couple articles about the volcanic ash and attendant dust. Last issue the focus was on cleaning for COVID, and this one now offers advice on cleaning up and using the ash. The lockdown and then the dust also forced many of us to work from home, and since that has become the new normal, Smart Homes readily shares tips on the best way to design your home office. Speaking of room design, nothing sets off a room better than a statement piece of furniture, and some incredible ones exist on our lovely island. Many of our artisans create and produce some sterling pieces. If you’re renovating your interior, consider including an island in the room. This space saver technique is a game changer if you really want your design to reflect the modern. And we’ve got tips on how to renovate for that villa luxury quality too! Both the pandemic and epidemic of dust have really shown us how vulnerable we are as a population where our food security is concerned. To help with that kind of self-sufficiency, we’re highlighting how to grow food in tiny spaces. 2021 has been declared the year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and so we turn the spotlight on eight Barbadian socio-environmentally responsible products and their creators. Who knew Barbadian artisans were as world class as they are – so rarely do we get to see their objets d’art et fonctionnalité. It may sound cliché but we really hope you enjoy reading this new Smart Homes as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to you. Happy reading!

Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnewscom. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2020 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

Contents

Cleaning the ash

Statement furniture Make your own macramé 8 socio-environmental products Home owners check-up

Enter the kitchen island

Best plants for small gardens Ash and plants

14 18

26 20

Adding a touch of luxury to your home

Master Restorer Struan Barr

32 30

44 40 48 50

Kitchen garden in tiny spaces Energy sources for the home

May 2021

Tips to design your home office

Roof windows

Trends in room accessories

Ash

in de place

he effect of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano last month has really given homeowners yet another set of worries. How long will this ash last? Will I ever get my house cleaned? How will the ash and dust affect my furniture and equipment? By now most of the major cleaning will be done on houses in which people live; but the unoccupied houses and the trees and other plants, and the streets, still have residual ash, even after the slight rains we’ve experienced. So how do you protect the investment that is your home and possessions? Hopefully you would have read up on this and would therefore know that the volcanic ash is crystalline in structure and therefore has jagged or angular shapes. It may not look like it, but volcanic ash is much heavier than expected as it is a mixture of rock, mineral, and glass particles. It is these sharp edges which make it cling to surfaces, making brushing off not as easy as we hope. Furniture and others things made with textiles in the home will therefore need to be cleaned regularly. Brushing is not recommended for hard surfaces like glass, enamel, hard surfaces, flooring, wooden furniture, painted and other interior surfaces, as the sharp edges will scratch. Here are the recommendations from the Municipality of Anchorage Office of Emergency Management.

May 2020

“Volcanic ash is crystalline in structure and therefore has jagged or angular shapes. It is these sharp edges which make it cling to surfaces, making brushing not as easy to clean”

Clothing

• Avoid rubbing action on fabric that contains ash. The sharp particles may break or abrade the fibres that make up the yarns from which the fabric is woven or knit. • Shake garments vigorously outdoors to remove as much loose ash as possible. Vacuuming garments may also remove excessive soil. • Rinse and pre-soak rather than simply soaking. A more eﬀective method of pre-treatment might be to run water through the clothes until the water runs clear. An enzyme pre-soak product will not enhance cleaning. Most pre-soaks are enzyme products to remove protein stains. The ash is inorganic material; the particulates can be removed with detergent and water.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Reminders

•8Do not sweep up dry ash! Best to use damp cloths or mops for your floors • If a vacuum is not available, wipe things down with a rag dampened with water and detergent • Pets should be brushed free of ash before being let in • For items with electrical components, turn off the main power supply before vacuuming or using compressed air to blow off dust • Check if filters for air-conditioning units, refrigerators and the like need to be replaced. • Wear a mask at all times when cleaning.

• Use detergent to wash garments. You may wish to double the detergent to help suspend the hardness minerals found in the ash. Also, excessively soiled clothes always -require more detergent than specified on the package for use in a normal wash load. • Under load the washing machine so clothes have room to move freely in the water. Crowding the load may result in an abrasive action as ash-ridden garments rub against each other - a crowded load might not come out clean. • Bleach, oxygen or chlorine, in combination with iron in the ash, may cause irreversible problems. Iron in certain forms can activate bleach products and cause degradation of fibres. This may not be noticeable at first. • Use additives for very heavily soiled clothes. A borax laundry additive can be used with the detergent in the wash water. These products adjust the pH (alkalinity) at the level for maximum cleaning efficiency of the detergent. • Do not mix heavily soiled clothes with garments that are lightly soiled. • Dry in an automatic dryer only when the ash has been removed as the ash may scratch the inside surface of the dryer. “

Household Surfaces • Vacuum fibre upholstery to remove as much ash as possible. Adjust for maximum suction and change the bag frequently. A detergent shampoo may help remove the ash that is adhered to soiled areas. • Rugs and carpets can be cleaned most eﬀectively with a high-powered upright vacuum cleaner. The greater the suction (along with the action of an agitator bar or brush) the more ash can be removed. Some of the powerful rental vacuums with suction only might be good choices for heavy removal over large carpeted areas. Once the dust has settled and you have removed as much as possible, then clean rugs, furniture, etc., following procedures recommended in normal situations. • Glass, enamel, and acrylic finishes may be scratched and dulled by the fine ash particles acting as a scouring powder. Remove the large particles by vacuum or blowing or air dusting (feather duster). Wear a mask if there is a lot of ash in the air. Then wipe the surface with a detergent soaked cloth or sponge. Dab or blot rather than wipe where possible to reduce scratching. • High shine wood finishes will be dulled by the fine grit and scratched by objects set on it. Air dust (vacuum) surfaces then blot with a cloth treated to pick up dust - depending on the wood finish involved. A tack cloth, of the type used by furniture refinishers would work well. This can be bought at a paint store.

Interior Appliances

• Be sure to replace all filters and replace often for the next few months. Don’t turn on air conditioners until they have been thoroughly vacuumed and filters replaced. Furnace filters must be replaced. • Clean refrigerator air intakes. Clean any surface that may blow air and re-circulate the dust. Stove fans and vents should be thoroughly cleaned. (NTE)

May 2020

Massy ins Full PAGE

www.mintconditionind.com mintconditionind@caribsurf.com

Home office designs by former Smart Homes Design Challenge winner; Anna-lysa Nicholls of Annalysed Interiors.

Tips to design

your home office

ne of the major impacts of the pandemic we’ve experienced for the last 18 months is the way we approach work. We’ve been forced to establish a dedicated space in our homes to effectively function as an employee with specific time-driven tasks, deadlines and meetings. Since it was the first time for many working ‘from’ home, people re-purposed their home furniture to create a temporary desk in a makeshift corner, or

May 2021

sat anywhere that was quiet with their laptops on their laps. Today, the new ‘working norm’ has become working ‘at’ home, as it has been proven that employees can be just as or even more productive than in a ‘typical’ work environment. For some, the transition has been easy because they had the space to do it – an entire room which can be dedicated as an office. Others have had to make do with a corner of a room, or space on a bed, dining room table or sofa. Whichever situation is your reality, there are ways to set up your home office that have optimum comfort and productivity.

Here are five Smart Home tips to consider:

1. Good lighting

Lighting is a crucial element in your home office. Natural light is of course ideal, but depending on where you can adequately set up your home office, you may not be able to get all of the light you need from a nearby window. “Darker rooms result in less productivity, or incorrect calculations if the work you are doing requires measurements,” alerts Trotman. “The colour of the room is important to reflect light at the brightness or intensity that is best for your vision.” Another hindrance for inadequate lighting is people’s ability to see you or your presentation on camera. On decoist.com, Robin Baron, principal of Robin Baron Design advises: “The home office trend for 2021 has to include specific attention to the need for video conferencing...cue the Zoom Room! Who would have thought one year ago that we would be talking about designing spaces dedicated specifically to video conferencing? The two most important features to pay attention to (in your home office) include your lighting and your background. Light your home office to look your best on a Zoom call. That means multidirectional lighting to avoid shadows, so you can always be camera ready.” Interior designers advise the use of a combination of light sources, as well as layering lighting. Suggestions include sconces, recessed lighting, and a desk lamp with personality. The layers of lighting allow for minor adjustments to be made to your lighting to help with degree of visibility and focus.

2. Minimalist Design

If you have a large corner or a small room to convert into a home office, interior designers caution cluttering your space with chunky furniture, lots of art and plants. A minimalist décor helps to maintain focus. While you may be tempted to fill your space with an abundance of art, photos, succulents, and funny desk and wall signs, a simpler space may be better for concentration and productivity. This of course, does not mean that your home office shouldn’t reflect your personality. Select a couple personal stimulating items, and include a pop of colour amongst them, or get new office supplies and stationery in bold funky colours. Always keep your space free of clutter.

3.Work life Balance

As more people exercise the option to work at home, it will become increasingly important to maintain a work-home-life balance in the house. “Zones that reinforce opportunities to prioritise self-care are more important now than ever in home offices… spaces that help them blend work, play, and pray. The home office will continue to evolve, and design elements that maximise self-care while helping them maintain productivity will be valued,” is the assessment of interior designers Janelle Hughes and Kim R. Williams, co-owners of KJ Design & Mortar Styling. A curtain hung in a strategic location could create a room divider that separates work from living space; or a partition and added doorcan separate the actual working room/office from the rest of the house. Setting the work time and actually dressing for work and undressing at the end of the work period, helps maintain an order. It may also be that your entire home could be your office; and in this case, your choice of multi-purpose furniture and storage will create the best dual experience.

4. Practicality

Creative design specialist Michael Trotman advises the use of practical furniture. “If you’re a draughtsman or in a profession where you need a large surface and you’re cramped for space, it would be practical to have a foldable or retractable table so that area can be used for other things when you’re not using it for work,” he said, adding that your chair needs to have good back support, whatever your profession. If your work involves lots of files and papers or other equipment, storage will become important. Smart and multi-functional storage spaces can be found or created in many ways: under a staircase, adjustable vertical shelves or horizontal wall length shelving. Your chair could also double as a small storage space by putting a drawer under it or hanging a storage unit on the back. It might also be practical to change the entire furniture layout of your house and rearrange the pieces to carve out the space you want.

5. Stimulating environment

Even in a standard office, we seek stimulation either through walking across to the nearby desk to talk with a colleague, or going into the lunch room or bathroom, or even outside. However, in a home office, this can come from a variety of sources, especially to stimulate the sense of smell to aid concentration. Trotman states that aurally stimulating items like a clock or light chimes, and visual stimulators like creative signage, or words of encouragement (as décor) are also helpful. “Considering the tenets of colour psychology, while everyone may not be impacted the same, generally we know that red is a vibrant passionate colour; greens and blues keep you more calm; yellow and orange spark creativity, so choice of room colour or accent wall can be stimulating. Ventilation is also critical, so the room chosen for the home office should be well ventilated, the creative designer said.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Trending

Home Decor

Accessories for Each Room by Katrina Welch

e honest, you’ve probably spent more time in your home in the past year than you ever have in all the time you lived there. An increased amount of time at home was one of the most significant changes brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic for those who were not considered frontline or essential workers. Therefore, many of us created home offices and garden spaces to make our new work environment more comfortable. However, the quest to make remote work easier and more comfortable should not cause you to lose sight of the ultimate function of your dwelling. When it comes down to it, first and foremost, your home should always be just that: your home. This means that your place should still maintain a warm feeling so that it never loses the sense of comfort and stability that you need after a long day of work. The right décor pieces will make any house a home. So, to ensure that even after having to transform a part of your home into an efficient workspace, Smart Homes is here to reveal five of the top trending home décor accessories for 2021.

Gran-Grans‘ Florals

Rattan Lamps Catching the perfect lighting for your online video meetings can be tricky if your set-up does not allow the natural light to shine towards your face; or you might simply prefer a dimmer light at night. Lamps can offer the perfect lighting solution in different rooms of the house such as the bedroom, the living room or the home office. Make yours a statement piece by selecting a rattan lamp as these antiquely styled pieces have become an increasingly popular choice this year. 12

May 2021

Do you remember visiting gran-gran’s house and seeing more floral prints than the eyes should probably see in one go? Those flowers could be seen all around the room on the cushion covers, the curtains, the bedsheets, the crockery, you name it. Now, the same millennials who turned up their noses at this bold floral pattern as children and teenagers are now incorporating this nostalgic style into their décor, called “Grandmillennial”. Perhaps this is what “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em” truly means; and now it’s your turn to bring a little grandma chic into your home with the use of these floral designs on various accent pieces.

Graphic Art You might be thinking, graphic art? Really? Yes, really. This bold style of art is characterised by the use of lines to create usual shapes, patterns and even faces. If you’re brave enough you can create an accent wall which prominently features your graphic art. For the more conservative type, your graphic art can be hung as a canvas piece or incorporated more subtly on throw cushions, lamp shades and even rugs. With the placement of graphic art in your home, you will certainly always have a conversation starter when your visitors come into your home.

Neon Lights Houseplants

And no, we don’t mean the fake plastic plants that simply collect dust and add to the allergens in your home. Real houseplants have seen an uptake in 2021 with more people seeking to purify and beautify their home space. The good thing is if you don’t have a green thumb and worry that you won’t be able to keep your plant alive, you can go for any of the many varieties of the snake plant and aloe vera plants. These plants are very low maintenance and require very little attention. Depending on the size of your plant it can be placed in the room of your choice, just remember to water it occasionally.

As unusual as it may sound to have neon lights in your home, in 2021 the interest of the younger generation in adding neon lighting to the bedroom as an accessory, has significantly increased. Beyond the basic neon strip you probably have in mind, these younger folks are using their lighting more creatively, to display shapes and words in their favourite colours, using cursive fonts and some with the use of LED lighting. This trend is for both the young and the young at heart, but if you have a teenager, this might make for an excellent gift idea. Don’t let the style trends leave you behind. Make your home a liveable, loveable and modern space with these fantastic home décor ideas. (KW)

Inspiration & INNOVATION

A statement

unique to you

by Nick Nunes

e live in a world of 7.6 billion people. That’s a lot of individuals. At no time in history has the drive and desire for uniqueness been beckoned as loudly or by as many voices. We live in a world of the mass produced, of the factory made, and of the unbridled ease at which we are drowned in the lull of the conforming crowd. It is more economical to purchase homes that have been manufactured and developed in tandem. The building materials and time put into truly unique homes would simply balloon both costs and emissions related to their creation. With the growing population, more and more people are being jammed into urban centres filled with ticky-tacky little boxes that all look just the same; to borrow the quote of the theme song of Weeds. However, you never have to fear a life of conformity. Even identical twins differ on the inside, where it really counts. Just because your abode may be identical to others on the exterior doesn’t mean it has to be dressed in doldrums of the zeitgeist. This is where statement furniture can revolutionise your inner space and elevate your interior to personal levels of permanent uniqueness. People live for art and the beautiful things that we work to enjoy in life. Whether the art you appreciate is in nature, the abstract, music, literature, or any other myriad form of the majestic, bringing a bit of your own tastes in whatever art you appreciate into your home is a guaranteed step to showing off the uniqueness of you. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing mass produced products like couches from IKEA or dining table sets or whatever you fancy. As a matter of fact, part of the appeal of the mass produced is the ease with which you can find an accord and create a cohesive theme within your home décor.

May 2021

to showcase the beauty in the grain of the wood and the curves that nature took in its creation. There sits a statement piece that is completely unique to this room. In all the world of 7 billion lives, this is the only place that this particular coffee table exists because it was crafted with care and respect of its natural contours by the unique hands and mind of an artist that couldn’t factory replicate it exactly if he tried. Its uniqueness also comes with part of the personality of the owner, through conversations in how to best showcase their desire married with the natural materials used and the artist’s vision of these conjunctions realised, comes this one-of-a-kind work of art. Statement furniture doesn’t have to make a big statement. It doesn’t even have to be the centre of attention of any given room. A small bowl for fruit or keys, a specific chair off in the corner, a table by the entrance of your home to rest your purse or pockets-full of But statement furniture stands apart from all that while stuff, a special cabinet catered just to your aesthetic and functional also bringing it together. Statement furniture can become a desire—whatever you wish can be your personal and unique piece of focal point, a topic of discussion, and something functional statement furniture. and artistically inspired that you may love till the end of its I’ve personally had Kashka King, an old friend and magnificent life, or even pass on to other generations. crafter of wooden creations, design and dream into reality my Picture the heart of a generic home. A long rectangle bedframe. With ideas of having a floating bed with floating side tables, that spans from kitchen to living room. Light off-white while having storage, unseen, and underneath the mattress, and a walls, open windows, and minimal separation between the lovely wooden headboard, he crafted something spectacular for me functions of the kitchen and the functions of the living room and my partner. create the ever popular open space concept of the 21st The natural tones of the greenheart headboard and side tables along century. with little integrations such as a lip around the front of the headboard The counter tops of the kitchen are vaguely marble or to hide LED strips for night reading, I now have a bed that is unlike any made to mimic the look and to contrast the lightness of other in the world because it was handmade and borne of three minds’ the walls and the counter tops, the cupboards are darker, ideas. but not too dark as to tighten the space of the room. The Statement furniture doesn’t have to be something showcased to living room couch is generic, light grey, as most couches are the guests that enter your domain, it can be just for you. The most pretty basic. The more unique you get in couch design the important part of any addition to your abode should be whether or not closer you can stray into kitsch or gaudy. it makes you happy. But there, not quite in the centre of the room, sits A specific footrest, a unique chest for storage of treasures, or even something interesting. There sits something made of deep the custodian coasters that curate your drinks and the surfaces on wood tones and calls to the natural world. There sits a which they sit can all be little statements of uniqueness that add to the piece of art of natural edges that have only been refined cohesive whole of your home.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

TRENDS 2021 COLOR OF THE YEAR SIMPLE SERENITY

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213670 Harris Int Trend 2021 CC.indd 1

2020-09-04 11:45 AM

11:47:28 September 4, 2020 213670 Harris Int Trend 2021 CC.pdf

Macramé Make your own…

by Nakiah Edwards-Thomas

acramé is the art of knotting cord or string to create decorative items. While the current literature may be divided on how trendy macramé is, none can deny it is a fantastic technique to use to create home décor items. The satisfaction of making something with your own creativity and with your own hands or buying an awesomely designed and made handcrafted piece cannot be substituted. Creating macramé pieces is a total learning experience which employs critical thinking, following instructions, reasoning and math. It’s the 18

May 2021

kind of activity parents can give their children to do as a long vacation project. And the materials to make pieces are not Embellishments like glass or wooden beads, as well as dyed threads, can also open up a range of creative possibilities,” the website states. As a home décor element, macramé is now considered boho chic décor, bohemian or modern boho, and eclectic décor. The geometric patterns can be shaped into all types of item for modern homes: one-of-a-kind wall art, or light-diffusing coverings for votive holders hanging LED bulb chandeliers, twisted plant hangers or wall hangings, dream catchers, votive holders, swinging hammocks, chair hammocks, stools and poufs, garlands, coasters placemats, curtains, chandeliers, mats, throws, cord for a lamp, bed headboards, pillows, table runners, jewellery, tables, tents, baskets. So how about you using your creativity to make a piece? There are lots of beginner macramé projects and tutorials on YouTube. Jodie and Julie of the designtwins.com advise to start with a practice project. They reason: “It fills the time gap while you wait for your macramé rope, and will give you the chance to get familiar with different macramé knots, their names and how to do them. By the end of your practice project you’ll either be very happy and totally excited to go bigger, or you’ll realse this just isn’t for you. Completing this practice project will give you the confidence to invest your time and money to take the next step to your first “real” macramé project.” It’s great advice, especially if you get frustrated easily. If you do create a piece having read this article, do share a photo of it with us here at Smart Homes!

Inspiration & INNOVATION

May 2021

8 EIG HT

Socio

Environmentally Responsible

Products You ll

Wonder How You

Without

Lived

2021 has been declared the year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development by the United Nations and this is led by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in consultation with UNESCO and other relevant UN entities. During this year efforts will be focused on creating environments that promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, fostering innovation and providing opportunities, benefits and empowerment for all and respect for all human rights. It also identified the ongoing need to support developing countries and countries with economies in transition in diversifying production and exports, in new sustainable growth areas like the creative industries. The creative industries can become a leading export source, to develop a competitive advantage and attract investment. Creative industries also support entrepreneurship, stimulate innovation and empower people, particularly women and youth, and simultaneously promote cultural diversity and heritage.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

EpochEleven

Blakk Market Products by Richard Goddard

Hamilton Wiltshire

The UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 ‘Partnership for Goals’ is a true reflection of Blakk Market Products - a meeting of the minds and hands of mechanical engineer Richard Goddard and master potter Hamilton Wiltshire. We enjoyed coffee in their handcrafted contemporary line of hot beverage tableware consisting of mugs and espresso cups. A synthesis of eastern and western heritage expressed in Barbadian Terracotta clay finished with a combination of locally formulated glazes. They are firm, yet warm and comfortable to the touch of the hands and lips. 3

Remnant

Remnant celebrates the beauty of Barbadian Mahogany with functional tabletop pieces. Through their work they protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests,

6 6 3

At this intersection of creativity and sustainability, Smart Homes celebrates eight companies and their products which are Barbadian – Barbadian-designed and Barbadian-made. They are all creating products and have business models that are intentionally designed to take account of the health of the planet, and the community’s well-being. These businesses are purpose-driven, designed not only to make money, but to do so in a way that benefits the environment as well as the cultural and spiritual well-being of their employees, customers and communities. 1 Ayissa Textile Design

6 3

6 5 1

6 5

by Ayissa Burnette

Known for their exquisite fabrics of vibrant colours, elegance, comfort and Caribbean style, Ayissa Textiles Designs, a Green Business Barbados Certified company, is featured through their line of tie-dyed soft furnishings which are at home with both traditional and contemporary furnishings. A visit to their studios shows their ethos from the sourcing of natural fabrics, low impact dyes, the storage of dyes in their handmade vats, the recycling of dyes and off-cuts of fabric to be incorporated into fashion and home accessories, and that it is a reflection of their holistic approach to conceptualisation, design and production. 22

May 2021

and in so doing halt and reverse land degradation that contributes to biodiversity loss and desertification. Remnant does this by crafting limited edition collections exclusively from found and fallen lumber, particularly mahogany. In this way they help to retain the existing Barbadian mahogany tree population. The versatility of Remnant can be seen as we featured them as both decor and tableware. This quality is brought about by Remnant’s vision of use for the unique forms of the material.

Remnant & Blakk Market Products

4 Jaryd Niles Morris

Photography

“The land is all around us, the land as a representation of moments where it has knowingly or unknowingly impacted on Barbadian life through its qualities and how it has influenced cultural identity and engagement.” This was an excerpt from the curatorial statement of 13/59 Fine Art Exhibition, Barbados On the Water Festival 2019, Harbourfront Centre Toronto. Jaryd Niles-Morris often uses the Barbadian landscape as the setting for his many photographic compositions. The natural environment is a strong component of his work and that of those that adopt and follow the quadruple bottom line where there is alignment among people, profit, purpose and planet. We feature a selection from his Lockdown Series. Even though he is not an environmental advocate the content of his work does bring attention and appreciation of it. 5 EpochEleven Epocheleven has developed lines of ceramic homewares utilising Barbadian clay as the primary raw material, where the designs employ the reimagining of traditional forms and creating modern and contemporary forms that are responsive and respectful of the uniqueness of clay mined on the island. With this in mind and given the finite and fragilie nature of our natural and physical environment and how it is integral to our existence and well-being, the products and services created by Epocheleven respond to protection and enhancement of those environments with thoughtful design of processes throughout the supply chain, and use of its products and services. We feature their terra cotta clay plant pots and coasters made from recovered stone tiles. 6 Painted Earth by Juliana Inniss

Juliana Inniss, the principal designer and ceramicist, remarked that ceramics is a totally regenerative art. In the process of setting up Painted Earth’s new studios they were able to revive and use material that was in storage for over ten years. The quality of the clay did not diminish and it performed like it did the day they acquired it. The same goes for glazes and glazing techniques they use to create finishes on ceramic works. We feature a selection of Painted Earth’s raku handmade, limited edition collections. This Japanese technique introduces combustibles to the glazing process to bring

about visual effects on the surface. The materials are often discarded leaves, bits of wood, paper and through their use they add value to art piece. 7

Exstrawdinary by John

& Roslyn Watson

Handmade from source to product, this is the ethos of Exstrawdinary by husband and wife team of John & Roslyn Watson. This company supports cottage industries in rural Barbados where the raw material of coconut rods are extracted from fallen coconut palm dried leaves and then prepared for assembly with other materials to create new textiles on human driven looms. Woven of natural fibres, Extrawdinary’s modern-boho-chic lamp shades add inviting style and softly diffused light to our room settings. The entire shade is handwoven by artisans using looms, where the light and airy weave make up the conical shade to gently diffuse the light. 8

Palette House

by Anthony Davis

Circular design is about creating products and services that no longer have a lifecycle with a beginning, a middle and an end. The purpose is to design products that can “be made to be made again”, as well put by CEO of IDEO Tim Brow. Palette House is one of the disruptors which is actively contributing towards Circular Design in Barbados. Founded by Anthony Davis, this company recognises the value of discarded palettes and through thoughtful design, transforms it to new products. In this issue we have been fortunate to feature their first piece made primarily from recovered pallet wood. Not only do their products extend the life of the original material, it reduces waste and they also add value to the ecosystems with which they interact.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

‘

Home owners CheckUp

Modernising

urning the keys in one’s new home for the first time is every homeowner’s dream. Whether it is your first home, or your third, there is nothing like that new home feeling, especially when the new home is a vast improvement on your previous living situation. Unfortunately, over time the newness fades and gradual wear and tear sets in all around the home. No matter how well you clean, parts of your home will become faded and broken, and design trends will change, rendering some of your investment outdated. Therefore, if you’ve been in your home for two or three decades, there may be a few areas which you can upgrade to modernise it. Consider the following tips in our home owners check-up list.

May 2021

your Home by Katrina Welch

• Wall Finishes There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten up a room. The walls of rooms that have high traffic such as bedrooms, family rooms and even corridors are prone to scuff marks, splatters and a range of other unexplained spots which soil the finish. If young children are in the home, expect the walls to be become their canvas for artistic expressions using pencil, paint, crayons and markers. These things happen in just about every home, so after a while you will need to repaint your walls, or if they are covered in trowel plastic, retouch them with brushing solution.

• Cupboards Your kitchen and bathroom cupboards can give your home a dated look. Cupboard trends are always changing and the style, colour and material of cupboards in your home are a clue as to when they were installed since most builders seek to match their design choices with what is trending at the time. Do you remember when particle board cabinetry was all the rage? Then, wooden cabinets, particularly those constructed of natural pine took centre stage. Now, PVC has become one of the more recent trends. As a result, if your home has an older cupboard style from previous decades, updating them to the current trend can give your home a sleek, fresh, modern look. • Knobs, Handles, Railings and Gates

As with cabinetry, finishes such as knobs, handles and railings are selected at the time of home construction to match the trends of that period. A prime example of this is wrought-iron hand railings around patios, a once common design choice which is far less popular now than it was a few decades ago. Beyond its lack of popularity, over time railings and gates can become worn and rotted from natural wear and tear. Knobs and handles become dirty, come loose and even drop off from their frequent use. Missing knob and handles, and rotted gates and railings can truly diminish the appearance of your home. So, repainting, repairing or replacing these items is a good way to improve your home’s appearance. • Flooring Tiles, linoleum, carpets and even hardwood are a few of the different flooring options which have been popular over the years. Though the type of structure in which you live and your budget would largely determine the type of flooring which is installed in your home, you can still update your present flooring for a more modern look. With time, trends in colours, patterns and even sizes change, making your once trendy finish look old-fashioned. For example, small colourful floral tiles are now much less popular than large, solid coloured tiles. Additionally, if your home has wall-to-wall carpets or linoleum instead of tiles, try removing them for a diﬀerent look. Your floor covering might be hiding a beautiful wooden floor that is just in need of sanding and varnish to add to the beauty of your home. • Electricals Though the other points were focused on décor trends, this final point is primarily from a perspective of safety. It is extremely important that homes have their electrical work rewired after 20 years. Over time, the electrical wiring can become damaged through natural deterioration or by the interference of pests such as rodents. With the wiring out of sight, it is often out of mind, but it is of utmost importance that electrical inspections are conducted to assess the safety of your electrical work and ensure it is still up to code. These inspections and a rewiring could be the key to preventing your home from being gutted by a sudden electrical fire.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Adding a Touch of Luxury to Your Home by Katrina Welch

Luxury… just the thought of this word alone brings to mind elegance and sophistication. At some point in life, everyone dreams about what it would be like to live in the lap of luxury, so why shouldn’t you have a touch of class in your living space? Though luxurious is often interpreted as expensive, remember that remodelling or renovating a home can be done gradually by infusing touches of elegance into each room. Even if you are living in an older home or a small apartment, you can still indulge yourself and create an extravagant looking home that is envied and adored by many. Now is the time to make your home the exquisite dwelling that you have always wanted. Smart Homes Magazine spoke with top luxury villa and renovations experts at Jada Inc. to create a list of renovation projects which can give any homeowner a number of practical ideas for adding affordable luxury to their home’s interior.

• Reﬁnish the walls with a diﬀerent texture… there is nothing that says sophistication like a limestone wall and this finish is perfect for both interior and exterior walls.

• Let more light shine in… by adding windows and doors with more glass panes you can reduce the amount of solid walls, thereby naturally illuminating and brightening the space.

• Create an accent wall… this statement wall can set the stage for your room’s theme and influence the décor’s colour palette while creating a focal point in the room.

• Increase the size of your windows… if you can’t add more windows the next best option is to use bigger windows; floor to ceiling windows are the perfect way to let more light flow in.

• Add baseboards and crown moulding… these small trimmings elegantly connect the walls to the floors and ceilings respectively and add character to the home.

• Enhance your natural ﬂooring… while most opt to cover floors with tiles or carpets, consider polishing the natural wooden or concrete floors for a different yet stylish look.

• Change your hardware... without remodelling your cupboards, you can change their entire appearance by simply replacing the knobs and handles with more chic choices.

• Choose large tiles… if you must use tiles, go for larger tiles as they create a more streamlined look that is minimalistic while enhancing the general aesthetic of the room.

• Use custom joinery… you are unique and your home should be a reflection of your individuality; custom joinery will give your home an eye-catching one of a kind finish.

• Upgrade your light ﬁxtures… if you can add a chandelier to your living room, go for it; but smaller changes to the type of fixtures in each room will subtly enrich your décor.

May 2021

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Avast

Kitchen

ahead!

Island

ow much time do you spend in your kitchen? Even if you aren’t an outstanding chef, the kitchen is where all the things to eat in the house exist. The morning sees us enter our kitchens in search of sustenance for the day ahead, return to it intermittently throughout the day, and maybe even revisit it in the dead of night for a little snack of something, or refreshment. One of the saddest things that a kitchen can lack is storage. Especially today, where people are downsizing and living modestly, storage can be stark in some homes. No place is clutter more noticeable and frustrating than in the kitchen. The brilliant thing about kitchen islands is that they afford storage while also opening up your spaces. Many homes, especially in the Caribbean, have kitchens completely sequestered from the rest of the home while some have that awkward counter area with cabinets above creating a semi-cut-off from the rest of the home. Sure, the counter window with cabinets above affords extra storage, but it also cuts off the flow and Feng Shui of the rooms. I am biased as I have never been a fan of the little windows beneath the floating cabinets in kitchens. You have to bend down to look through the little window and it feels like you’re in a commercial kitchen when communicating to someone on the outside. Luckily, even if you don’t have the budget to do a full kitchen remodel you can still have your cake and eat it too, as they say. Mobile islands are a thing, and they’re great. If you’re blessed with the ability to get rid of some of the separation of rooms and open up your kitchen, then adding a kitchen island can garner you back the storage you’ve just relieved yourself of without the hassle of blocking separation. Kitchens both small and large can benefit from the addition of a kitchen island. There are options all around Barbados for miniature, mobile kitchen islands that can add a true treat to your kitchen experience. A small and moveable island can be a great place to keep your cutting board so that your mise en place is ready and nearby when you need it and out of the way when you don’t. These tiny mobile islands are also a perfect place to store things like food bags, foil, plastic wrap, and even your most used veggies and herbs that can be kept out of the fridge. The mobile island is also a great place to store your seasonings so that they can be brought from counter to stovetop for convenient use on the go. Having a personalised kitchen island can also mean that you can integrate a small hole in the top of the island that surreptitiously leads to a trash receptacle so that your carrot peels and other organic trash can be swept away with ease for potential composting later. 30

May 2021

The boon of even a small kitchen island means that you can clear up some of your counter space by storing your appliances on the racks below. Many small and mobile kitchen islands have adjustable shelving to accommodate the height of a stand mixer or crock pot that can be an eyesore, greedily gobbling up all the space on the counter. Another added bonus of the mobile kitchen island is being able to rest whenever you need to in the kitchen. Place your cookbook on top of it and carry it with you from stove to pantry and back again. Rest your elbows and take a breath while waiting for a pot to boil. You can even just sit and snack at the island rather than scurrying off to the dining or living room to indulge in whatever you’ve created. For the fortunate few who find themselves with a large, stationary kitchen island, this is a perfect spot for a quick breakfast or to have your children sit in view and finish their homework. Or just the company of others while you prepare a meal to share. The possibilities of kitchen islands are endless. Some stationary islands are home to stove tops, ovens, mini-fridges, wine coolers, and whatever else you can imagine. Some give the ability to look out and chat while taking care of the dishes because, yes, they can be home to everything including the kitchen sink. A kitchen island can also be a statement and focal point of the kitchen. Brilliant wood finishing on the surface of your kitchen island can turn it into a true oasis of an island in the middle of your marble or faux-finished kitchen counters. Steel can also make a statement that is super easy to clean and all-purpose for the kitchen. Whether you go with wood, marble, tile, steel, even-stained or polished concrete for your island surface, its functionality is the real reward. The aesthetic of the kitchen island, whether small and mobile or large, in charge, and ready for meals to be served upon, will always be a bright spot for the kitchen’s congregation. Kitchen designs by Fibrepol Inc.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Let there light

Roof

Windows by Nick Nunes

May 2021

little extra light can go a very long way. There’s a good reason that houses built with an appropriate amount of windows go for good money. It’s the same reason that French doors are popular and windows within doors are as well – it’s the light. Natural light can have a great effect on the mind and the space it is illuminating. Natural lighting isn’t just a great way to save on energy. The boons of natural lighting include an increase in feeling and being more productive, happier, healthier, and calmer. The influx of natural light can also help regulate Seasonal Affective Disorder and general depression. Natural light is what our bodies crave. Natural lighting is more attuned to our biology and less strain on the eyes. Think of being in a well-lit office space with all those droning white LEDs above-head. And then think about stepping out from that office into the sun. Much better, much brighter; you’ll probably even have to squint for a bit before you adjust. Natural light helps promote the production of vitamin D, reduces the amount of mildew and mould growth indoors, and, of course, saves on that sweet, sweet energy bill. One of the great innovative options of lightening your domicile is the addition of a roof window or skylight. Most homes in the Caribbean have some sort of gable roofing which is perfect for adding a little extra light in your abode. Most roof windows or skylights are incorporated into the design of the home but that doesn’t mean you can add them post- construction. There are lots of options out there for bringing some natural lighting into your home. For the most part, roof windows, skylights, and roof lights are all used interchangeably.

According to some standards, like in the UK, “The standard stipulates that roof windows must be installed in the same orientation and ‘in plane’ with the surrounding roof, typically at a minimum 15° pitch. Once installed, they should be weatherproofed using a skirt or flashing.” Roof windows are typically smaller than roof lights. Roof lights are also typically found on flat roof surfaces and are often not flushed with the surface of the roof in order to ensure a watertight installation. Skylight is also a pretty generic term that can have a wide range of meaning depending on the country, codes, manufacturer, and whatever else. Regardless of the jargon associated with bringing some light from outside through the top of your home, a general incorporation of a skylight or roof window can completely transform a given space. Storage, storage, storage—we accumulate so much stuff throughout our lives and tend to run out of room to store it or just live around it. Adding a little loft and a roof window can be a great way to create an extra space for work, storage, or just a separate retreat area in your home. A small lofted area in your home can become a delightful reading nook with a roof window you can open to feel the breeze and be elevated out of the ordinary spaces of your home. The best part of the addition of a little area with a roof window can also come on rainy days where you can create a cosy space to enjoy the pitter-pattering of raindrops on the roof window and get lost in a good book and a cup of something soothing and warm. It’s very important to know what you want from your skylight or roof window. Typically, a standard clear skylight will create the effect of a direct beam of sunlight to a specific spot that moves along with

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the sun, unfortunately, this can also create hotspots throughout the day. A standard white bulb skylight will usually diffuse the light that passes through it while prismatic skylights are best for stretching and scattering the light most evenly in a given space. As with most anything in the 21st century, skylights and roof windows have improved with our technology and you can now get energy efficient glazing for your skylights or roof windows in double or triple strength for your desired effects and purpose. “Energy-efficient glazing is the term used to describe glazing consisting of two or more glass panes within a sealed unit,” according to MyGlazing.com. It is “rated according to its ability to reduce the amount of heat that can pass through the window, the capacity for sunlight to travel through the glass unit, and the capacity for air to move through the unit”. Letting the light in without all the added heat? Sounds like the perfect addition to any home enduring the Barbados heat of July through September. The addition of roof windows can increase the liveable space of your home while also adding value through their

May 2021

incorporation of natural light. Another obvious benefit of the roof window is ventilation. All that wind breezing into your gabled roof is just being diverted and wasted when it can be directed right into the home when most direly desired. Another great option of natural lighting can come in the form of a sun tunnel. If you’ve got a small dark closet or other windowless room, sun tunnels, light pipes, sun tubes, or whatever else you want to call them, can bring a little brightness to that dark space. Sun tunnels can be installed on both pitched and flat roofs and simply use a small skylight on the roof to focus the sun’s light through a reflective tunnel, either rigid or flexible, to a light defusing attachment to brighten your windowless rooms. Whatever type of natural top of the house lighting option you choose, the brightening effect of some natural light can change the entire atmosphere of your home’s interior. Whether as a lookout from a peaceful loft, a brightening beam in a windowless room, or just an extra bit of light and air to open up your space, a roof window might just be the way to transform your home.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

P olished with purpose by Nick Nunes

e live in a world of the mass-produced and self-assembled factory-made. However, the beauty of aged craftsmanship can be exquisitely incorporated into even the most modern of homes. Struan Barr was born in Barbados before making his way to the UK and eventually taking up an art for the ages. Having learned the art of French polishing and restoration from a small company in the UK, Barr has worked on the restoration of Chateau Vert, Le Blanc, France and the ongoing tuition therein for apprentices from underprivileged backgrounds. He took part in the reclamation and restoration of Northam Road, Southampton, England under the patronage of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

May 2021

“I was trained professionally in the UK in ’85,” informed Stuan Barr. “I wasn’t necessarily looking for this,” he said about his work. “I was quite young at the time and a friend of mine was working for a very small restoration and French polishing company. He was looking for other people to take on and to train; to be competent, to be able to do a piece from scratch. Learning, I would say, it takes a couple of years, at least two. From then on, it’s really about experience and getting exposed to different types of furniture so that you can build on the basics,” he imparted. “French polishing is a matter of practice and that’s what I specialise in. French polishing is the name for a technique. Going back 200 years, most of the finishes that you see on that age furniture was applied by a technique called French polishing. It’s a combination of what some people call lacquer, but French polishing is actually shellac. It’s a natural material that comes from the lac beetle in India or Sri Lanka,” said Barr. According to Barr, “The beetles swarm onto trees and when they lay their eggs they form a cocoon to protect the eggs. It’s from the cocoon where shellac comes. The shellac is applied with a pad in circular motions in very, very thin layers. It’s very thin films because you’re not actually painting. Its layer upon layer and it’s quite tedious sometimes but the finish is beautiful. “The term they use in French polishing is a hand finish. I was trained in 18th century and 19th century English and Irish furniture, so I have a bit of a bias for that because it’s what I’m used to. There’s a fair amount of that style here although a lot of it has been shipped out from Barbados; so, there’s not as much as there was at one time,” he lamented. Barr returned to Barbados five years ago and heard about all the auctions that were happening and all the plantation homes that were being sold with all their contents. Apparently, a lot of it was bought by people overseas. He now manages the 40-year-old Greenwich House Antiques. “You don’t see the same type of craftsmanship today, so, it’s nice to preserve that part of history. When it comes to comparing the finishes of the work,” Barr said, comparing the furnishings and work of the present. “They’re beautiful pieces and the craftsmanship is out of this world. It’s something to admire and appreciate.” Antiques aren’t simple function pieces of furnishings, they’re art. As a matter of fact, they’re almost living art as the age enhances the beauty of the pieces over time. “Back in the day, it was the standard way of building furniture but with the industrial revolution, everything today is done by machines and is mass-produced. Things have lost the feel and touch of the old way and lost in quality too,” opined Barr. “I was trained mainly with mahogany from Honduras and Cuba back in the UK because that’s what they used over there, but I do like other exotic woods like satinwood oak,” he professed. “Oak is easy to work with and I like the rustic look of it, as well. With mahogany, especially of the 18th and 19th century, it’s more of a refined look, highly polished. It’s harder to get to that standard as opposed to working with oak which is quite rustic and very forgiving,” he admitted. With all his 36 years of experience, Barr has worked on some truly magnificent and unique pieces including a Period Ebony & Tortoiseshell Inlaid Cabinet, a Gilt Mirror frame, a Victorian Walnut Table, a Victorian Desk & Games table, and a 19th Century Steinway piano. “I worked on a Steinway Piano that was over 100 years old back in L.A. It was quite special. The owners contacted the place where it was sold and Steinway, the creators, actually sent out a telegram or letter saying happy birthday to the piano, so that was quite special.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

SER ALL

May 2021

Inc.

It was an oak, grand Steinway piano,” he recollected. “I think antiques need a revival. People aren’t really familiar with antiques these days. We need an awakening of true craftsmanship. The antique trade has taken a big hit all over the world. Things aren’t as valuable as they used to be because of the current trend. It might be coming back as people are beginning to have more of an appreciation for it,” he said with hope. For Barr, “When you see antiques mixed in with new pieces it still works. It doesn’t have to be all antiques in a house, you can mix and match. That way people can really appreciate it and say, ‘Wow that is interesting and beautiful.’” When it comes to antique, Barr asserts that one of the biggest downfalls of antique furniture is taking it to a restorer who doesn’t know exactly how to treat a certain piece. Sometimes, they’ll strip the whole piece down and in doing so they lose the natural patina that’s produced over the years and then stain it and just spray it with lacquer. That just ruins the piece. According to Barr, “Every piece is different and has to be tackled differently. My philosophy is to do the least you can to a piece so you don’t lose the old look about it. Time produces its own art through the elements. Sunlight tends to bleach furniture in a beautiful way. When you look at a piece, you think ‘What’s the least you can do?’ Obviously, some things have to be addressed. For instance, if there’s paint all over the back or

the arms of a chair. Then you have to try to take off the paint and blend it in with the rest. “Sometimes you have to replace a leg with a new one. You can reclaim some old wood to create the new leg and try and blend that in to look like it is old as well. You don’t strip the whole piece and sand it down to look new. You try to preserve. It’s like restoring a painting of grandpa, you don’t take out the wrinkles,” he said in earnest. The uniqueness of the pieces Barr works with doesn’t just come from the craftsmanship, but from their stories. He relayed, “Currently, I’m in the process of restoring an early tilt-top dining table with a centre pedestal. When it came to me in was really in disrepair. It’s funny, when I was working on it, somebody came to the shop looking for someone else on the property. They looked at the table and looked again and said ‘Wow, I was brought up with that table!’ He said that every Christmas his family had sat around that table.” He added, “I told the client about it and they wanted to get in contact with the original owner and learn where it came from. It had gone through auction and everybody wanted it apparently.” Functional antiques that have had their beauty brought into the new age with careful and practised hands can become a beloved piece for any home. A little bit of old-world craftsmanship can be a delightful bridge of art, function, and history that can even create stories for the future.

Visit our web page www.rotoplastics.com.bb

Inspiration & INNOVATION

s n e d r Ga Big Ideas

for Small

by Katrina Welch

veryone deserves a nice garden to come home to after a long day of work. This space can be used to entertain, relax and unwind, work in and provide a beautiful backdrop for photos, videos and online meetings. You truly deserve nice things, even if you are working with a small space. So, as usual, Smart Homes is here to help by supplying you with a range of big ideas which you can use if you only have a small space to create a garden.

Step 1 - Location

The first thing you need to do is identify the area where the garden will be located. Do not be dismayed if you do not have an area filled with soil. All you need is a clear area since gardens can be created in pots and other containers or by building up soil in your desired location. Many people opt to create their gardens in a corner space, others create theirs along a driveway, pathway or roadway and some homeowners beautify a space adjacent to their patio.

Waithe’s Garden, Husband’s Hgt’s, St. James 40

May 2021

Step 2 - Design

Plan the layout of your garden area. You may need to transfer soil to the area to create your garden beds. To do this, if your garden will be located beside a wall or fence, you can use blocks or medium to large rocks to set the width of the garden bed before placing the soil. Alternatively, pallet boards can be taken apart and reconstructed to create the frame for your garden beds. Small or narrow garden boxes can be built using the palette boards and hung on a wooden or a wire fence. Placing them at different heights along the wall will create a more interesting design. The third option is to utilise potted plants of varying sizes. This type of garden can be set along a pathway or even in a narrow space beside the house or driveway. Larger pots can be placed flat on the ground while medium-sized to smaller pots can be placed on walls, steps and on creatively constructed outdoor shelves. Hanging baskets are another type of potted plants which can be used to enhance and expand your garden space. Some baskets can be suspended from the patio, roof and fence or you could take it a step further if you have large trees, by using certain branches to tastefully hang a few pots.

Step 3 Content

Now that you have outlined your garden space, the next step is to decide what type of plants you will use in your garden.

Palm trees

Vines

The beauty of vines is often overlooked but in a small space, they can have a big impact. If your garden is beside a tall but unattractive neighbouring wall, a vine can be the key to improving the appearance of the wall while creating a backdrop for your garden. All you need is a sturdy frame made of wood, wrought iron or even wire to create a trellis. You can also grow vines to create arch trellises in and around the garden space. The most popular choice of vines include the passionflower, bougainvillea, morning glory and moonflower.

Flowering Ground Covers

Sometimes less can truly be more, and if you want more flowers without shrubs and trees the solution might just be the use of flowering ground covers. Generally, these plants grow just a few inches tall, though some may grow to a height of two feet. They are also quite low maintenance if you won’t have much time to tend to your garden. The horned violet, lithodora, wishbone flower and spike speedwell are a few examples of these low flowering plants.

Palm trees and island life go hand in hand; as such, they make a beautiful addition to any Caribbean garden. Many prefer to use palms to line their driveways or walkways. There are several varieties of palms which can be potted or planted directly into the ground to allow them to grow towards the sky and tower majestically over the space. Palms can be used as the main feature of your garden or they can be used to accentuate other components of your green space.

May 2021

Accents

A water feature such as a small pond which includes fish and water lilies or even a fountain can add a nice touch to your small garden. Creating a water feature it might seem like an onerous task but it is easier than you think; the difficult part is the level of care needed to maintain it. Lighting is another fantastic accent. Solar lights can be placed throughout the garden to enhance its beauty at night and outdoor furniture should also be add so you can relax and enjoy nature in your very own little garden space. (KW)

info.bb@massyrealty.com / massyrealtybb.com

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Plants

Volcanic &

Ash

Friends or Foes by Katrina Welch

olcanic ash has recently entered the vocabulary of Barbadians and is now as commonly used as a phone. Prior to the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent on April 9, 2020 this was not the case. However, when this geological feature erupted and its plumes entered the atmosphere and travelled east towards Barbados, covering the country’s landscape in a blanket of grey dust, the topic of volcanic ash became a popular one. Volcanic ash was everywhere. The oceans, roads, vehicles, homes, businesses, flora, fauna and everything else in the open air was covered as more and more plumes made their way across the Atlantic Ocean. This required a massive national and domestic clean-up effort. Though those efforts have been continuous, many were still quite concerned about the potential long-term effects of this ash on the plants around their home and in their gardens.

May 2021

So, the biggest question is, will volcanic ash help my plants, or will it harm them? Plants and volcanic ash… friends or foes? Unfortunately, plants can be severely harmed by volcanic ash. This can occur in a number of ways: Obstruction of photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight to make their food and ash can hinder this process in two ways. Firstly, during heavy periods of ash fall the sunlight may be blocked for hours at a time as the ash descends from the sky. Secondly, when the ash completely covers the leaves of plants, they are unable to photosynthesise. Weighing plants down The appearance of ash can be somewhat misleading. These microscopic particles resemble dust, even though they are actually tiny glass fragments. Consequently, when there is an excessively high volume of ash build-up, it becomes quite heavy and the stems

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and branches of plants collapse under this weight. This is not only the case for young plants but even tall trees can succumb to this fate from heavy ash fall. Burning plants

Volcanic ash is sulphurous and compromised of other harmful toxins which make the ash quite acidic. Therefore, plants affected by ash experience what experts describe as a ‘burning effect’. This causes a plant injury known as ‘phytotoxicity’, which normally occurs when plants are overexposed to fertiliser. Based on these three initial effects of volcanic ash on plants, it can definitely be considered a foe to plant life; but before casting judgment, there are some positives to be considered:

Neutralises the pH balance of soil

As an island formed by coral limestone, the calcium carbonate causes the local soil to be alkaline in nature, with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5. However, a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5 is more ideal for soil being used to grow plants and crops. Thus, the acidity of volcanic ash reduces the pH of the soil and neutralises it.

Diminishes the effects of pests

Whether you’re growing a floral garden or a kitchen garden, pests are never welcomed. Yet, they make an appearance and can be very difficult to eradicate. However, it has been noted that volcanic ash can help eliminate pests, thereby mitigating their harmful effects. Mildew and fungi which grow on plants, as well as other pests such as mites, are unable to withstand the sulphurous nature of volcanic ash. So, with volcanic ash having both positive and negative effects on plants, what’s the final verdict? Perhaps, the two are simply frenemies.

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May 2021

Bonus Tips

Removing ash from plants

To reduce the damage which volcanic ash can cause to plants, the ash should be removed from the plants as soon as possible, in a safe manner. Clean water should be used to spray the ash off the plants. Depending on the size of the plant, this may require a garden hose with a spray nose, a spray can or a small spray bottle. Angle the nozzle to wash the ash off the plant’s stems and leaves while ensuring that the ashfilled water flows down towards the soil. Improving soil fertility

As mentioned before, the acidic nature of volcanic ash, though harmful to plants, can actually have good long-term benefits for the soil. The composition of volcanic ash is quite complex and it is the micro and macro nutrients in the ash which neutralise the pH balance of soil. For this to be more effective, the ash should not be left on the surface of the soil. Instead, it should be mixed into it in order to improve the soil’s fertility.

fertili ty

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s n e d r Ga kitchen

in small spaces

by Nakiah Thomas-Edwards

f it’s one thing the lockdown has taught us is that we need to pay attention to being able to feed ourselves i.e food security. And while it was always a part of our Bajan way to have a little kitchen garden, modern solutions to housing has left many without enough yard space around their living quarters to have a traditional kitchen garden. Consequentially, home owners miss the opportunity to grow their own organic vegetables, and indulge in the therapeutic activity of gardening coupled with the satisfaction of reaping what they sow. But there are ways around that particular challenge, and in this feature, Smart Homes presents some ideas on how you can. The key to success is to start small. Houzz.in, a website and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement advises that the most critical thing about growing food in small spaces is the sunlight. The spot best suited for growing vegetables is the one that gets sunlight for the longest duration. The plants need the sun to generate the nutrition we need through its leaves and fruits. So observe where the sunlight falls in and around your house, and for how long in each space. Your plants don’t only have to grow in a bed of soil; they can grow on a ledge, a window grill or sill, an exterior corner or small balcony, be hung from all available spaces, or even on a wall if a vertical garden is best suited to the space, as long as the space provides adequate sunlight. The second most important thing to consider when creating a kitchen garden in a small space, is what to grow given the

May 2021

availability of space. Again, the sun should guide what you choose. Houzzin.com states: “Herbs need just two to four hours of direct sunlight and vegetables need at least four to six hours of the good stuff. Keep that in mind coupled with your personal preference. Choose what you would like to grow but stick to just one or two items to begin with.” Plants that are easy to grow in small spaces include mint, basil, lettuce, spinach, lemon grass, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, peas, and beets. Then, after knowing your sunlight availability and the types of crops you can comfortably grow, the next thing is the type of soil. Nowadays you can source or buy any type of soil you want so that is not a problem. Ready-made potting mix, compost (organic fertiliser) and cocopeat (coconut husk), can also provide soil nutrients. Just ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter, and remember the taste if the food grown is affected by the soil quality. Make sure the soil is allowing the water to seep through and not holding it in, as too much water can rot the roots. Keep a pack of organic fertiliser handy – which you can sprinkle in the pot to ‘recharge’ the soil every month or so, houzzin.com advises. Great sunlight, choice of plants and rich soil. Now, what should you grow your plants in? Edible plants can be grown in almost any container. Considering the space you are using and which type and shape of container is best suited, you can have your pick of any of these from a list provided by Gardenerspath.com: birdhouses and birdfeeders, bottles, broken terra cotta herb garden, broken terra cotta pots, cans, cinder blocks, coffee mugs, concrete, fish bowls, fish tanks, glassware, gutters, jars, lanterns, laundry baskets,

metal tea canisters, milk crate, mosaic walls, old bird baths, old mailboxes, old rubber boots, old toolboxes, mailboxes, or baskets, pallets, pipes, porcelain bathtubs, repurposed wooden barrels, stone sinks, teacup flowerpots, tile paths, tires, toilet paper rolls, umbrella stands, upcycled pallets and wooden crates, vertical planters, wagons, wheelbarrows, wagon wheels, watering cans, wheelbarrows, wagons, and bicycles, wicker baskets. “Reusing and recycling household items are great ways to garden efficiently, all while saving space and money. Chances are, you have many household items that can quickly be turned into unique garden containers,” the website states. Pots can be mounted on walls or hung as window boxes. Square or rectangular boxes can be positioned on the terrace or balcony. Just don’t sow too many seeds in one pot, as the growing conditions may cause one seed to get very big for the pot size. And some gardeners will tell you from their experience that planting flowers, fruits, veggies and herbs from seeds tends to work better than transplanting plants which are already half grown and sold at stores. Another tip to remember that doesn’t have to do with space but could make or break your kitchen garden: don’t overwater your plants. More plants die due to overwatering than any other reason. Now, you’re off to a good start. If after being inspired by this article you decide to try using your patio space, walls, window ledge, or any other household item for gardening, send us a photo of what you’ve grown in the pot you grew it in to our social media pages and tag Smart Homes!

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Energy

obotic vacuum cleaners and smart appliances are now the norm for improving convenience around the home, because we’re living in a technological renaissance that is burgeoning with an artistic elegance of intertwining comfort and function. The small touch screen devices that are so prevalent today have the capability to manage your household in more ways than keeping memos and organizing calendars. Smart homes need not be freshly built and entangled from the foundation up in new tech because the same industrial evolutions can be retrofitted to any home harbouring electrical outlets and an internet connection. Imagine being able to arm your home alarm system from your phone. That is not a difficult idea to co-opt, but now imagine controlling the locking of doors, turning on and off of lights, managing sound systems and climate control as well. These are all capabilities that can be retrofitted to your home today. With all the connectivity available today, it’s important to take a look at managing the power that is quite literally at our fingertips. From purchasing energy star rated products to installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) apparatus, energy is one of the main concerns of the future. Barbados is already seeing the grand and admirable expansion of solar energy and it’s about time everyone takes a better look into this aspect of energy management. Due to improvements in technology, the power grids of the future will feature distributed power generation from multiple sources located closer to the loads consuming the electricity. Solar

May 2021

at home by Nick Nunes

PV is one such technology which allows for a highly distributed generation system. The beauty in solar energy is the availability and its scalability. Whether you’re looking to get off the grid or just get a little bit greener, you can scale up or down to address your specific need. This isn’t some ideal of the future or of faraway lands, Barbados has at least thirteen companies that specialise in the installation of solar PV arrays to power any requirement. The Government of Barbados has shown that it is fully committed to the idea of renewable energy and solar PV, thereby preparing the country for even more substantial growth in this sector. Through the Renewable Energy Rider program, Barbados Light and Power allows for renewable electricity to be generated and the credit from that generation of power used to offset the overall cost of a customer’s account. Achieving an energy-efficient household means reducing its energy consumption by using efficient appliances and implementing energy-savings strategies. Installing energy efficient bulbs and fans are a great way to reduce the heat in the home. Combining that with smartly placed vents and an energy star rated cooling system is a perfect way to reduce energy waste and improve the cool comfort of your home. Trees, vines and shrubs can be used to shade your home and reduce your energy bills. Curtains, blinds, shade screens, and even redoing your windows are all great ways to improve the air quality of your home. Speaking to the summer, sheer curtains and shade screens can help to allow the flow of cool air while helping to keep out the humidity. Moreover, shade screens can also have the added benefit of preventing the ingress of pests.

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Inspiration & INNOVATION

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