Andries Vermaak

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South Africa
Johannesburg
Andries Vermaak

Director and Principal. Sales, Rentals, Complex Management. MSc, PhD, PPRE, NQF5. Comrades runner.

22/06/2026

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." – Vince Lombardi

19/06/2026

A good duvet can make all the difference between tossing and turning and getting a great night's sleep. If you're thinking about replacing your duvet this winter, here are a few things to consider before making your choice:

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹
For colder winter nights, look for a duvet with a higher tog rating or one specifically designed for winter use. The right duvet should keep you warm without feeling heavy or stuffy.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
Feather and down duvets are lightweight, breathable and excellent at retaining heat. Synthetic options are often more affordable, hypoallergenic and easy to wash (while still providing ample warmth).

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹
A duvet that drapes comfortably over the sides of your bed helps keep cold draughts out and makes your bed feel extra cosy.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
A duvet with stitched pockets or cassette construction helps keep the filling evenly distributed, preventing cold spots during chilly winter nights.

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
A high-quality duvet can enhance your comfort, sleep quality and overall well-being during the colder months.

After all, winter is much easier to enjoy when you're warm, comfortable and getting a good night's sleep.

15/06/2026

"Start by doing what’s necessary;
then do what’s possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible." – Francis of Assisi

12/06/2026

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲

Reducing waste at home isn't just good for the environment; it's good for your budget too. A few simple changes can make a big difference over time.

𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝗽 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺
Make it easy by having separate bins for general waste, recycling and glass or cans. When everyone knows where things go, recycling becomes a habit.

𝗖𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀
Keep reusable shopping bags, water bottles and coffee cups on hand. Small swaps like reusable containers instead of plastic wrap can significantly reduce household waste.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags and other organic waste can be turned into nutrient-rich compost for your garden instead of ending up in the bin.

𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲
Purchasing household staples and cleaning products in larger quantities often saves money and reduces packaging waste.

𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿, 𝗿𝗲𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲
Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be fixed, donated or given a new purpose. Sometimes a little creativity can keep items out of the bin for years.

Every small step counts. The habits we build at home today can have a lasting impact on our environment tomorrow.

08/06/2026

"I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work." – Thomas A. Edison

05/06/2026

Clutter is the nemesis of a peaceful home, and it can severely reduce your home's appeal to buyers. Often, the problem is not a lack of cleaning but specific décor choices that unintentionally make spaces look messy and overcrowded.

𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀
An abundance of small knick-knacks and tiny framed photos scattered across surfaces creates visual noise. Group small items into curated collections on a tray or shelf. Embrace the power of negative space.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀
Open shelving or pantries immediately look messy when you use a mix of grocery packaging and different-sized storage bins. Invest in uniform, clear or neutral containers to create visual harmony and tidiness.

𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵
When pictures are hung too close to the ceiling, they look disconnected from the furniture and float awkwardly. Hang art at eye level (with the centre point around 145 cm from the floor) to anchor the room and make it feel more cohesive.

𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀
The cluster of wires behind the TV, desk or bedside table instantly looks chaotic and messy. Use simple cable ties or cable management boxes to hide the mess and instantly neaten the area.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝗮
While cushions add luxury, too many cushions force guests to remove half of them to sit down. This clutter ends up on the floor. Use the three or five-cushion rule to ensure style and comfort are balanced.

By eliminating these subtle décor mistakes, your home will instantly feel more spacious and calm.

01/06/2026

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." – Norman Vincent Peale

29/05/2026

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗲́𝗰𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆?

Great décor isn't just fashionable; it reflects your personality, making your home a place where you truly thrive. Choosing a style that aligns with your character ensures your space is comfortable, welcoming and authentic.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
If you are calm, measured and prefer order over chaos, you might be a minimalist. Your space should feature clean lines, a monochrome palette, ample hidden storage and very few decorative items. Every piece must be functional and intentional.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿
If you are creative, free-spirited, and love to travel, the Bohemian style is your perfect match. Embrace layered textures, natural materials, global patterns and a vibrant mix of collected items. Your home is warm, eclectic and tells a story.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁
If you are sophisticated and traditional, but appreciate luxury, you are drawn to contemporary classic style. This involves high-quality finishes, timeless furniture, neutral walls and structured symmetry. Focus on elegant finishes and curated accessories.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁
If you are practical, analytical and prefer raw urban textures, the industrial look suits you. This style celebrates exposed brick, concrete, metal and industrial fixtures. It is edgy, unfussy and highly functional.

Understanding your core style means investing in pieces you will love long-term, ensuring your home is always your sanctuary.

25/05/2026

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy." – Unknown

22/05/2026

Vertical gardens, also known as living walls, are a significant trend in South African exterior design. They offer a stunning way to introduce greenery into small urban spaces, cover unsightly walls or add dramatic impact to a patio or balcony. They are easier to install and maintain than you might think.

𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺
Pocket planters work beautifully for herbs and succulents, while modular systems are ideal for larger feature walls. Just make sure your setup allows proper drainage.

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀
Success starts with the right plants.
Shade lovers: ferns and peace lilies
Sunny areas: succulents, rosemary and thyme

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆
Because vertical gardens use shallow soil, they dry out quickly. A simple drip irrigation system can save time and keep moisture levels consistent.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀
Always install a waterproof membrane between the wall and the planting system to prevent moisture damage.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁
Mix contrasting colours and textures for a striking effect. Use trailing plants along the bottom edge to soften the overall look.

A living wall is more than just a design feature — it’s a beautiful way to bring tranquillity, greenery and sustainability into your home’s exterior space.

Address

Johannesburg

Website

https://2ndstoreyproperty.co.za/

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