Words: Tess Paterson. Images: Christoph Hoffmann. Article from March 2015 issue of Garden and Home Magazine.
Want to redecorate a room but not sure where to start? We asked three top interior designers to tell us how they go about it.
Practical elegance
Interior designer Tiggs Crozet created just the right balance of comfort and luxury in this lounge-cum-TV room in Johannesburg.
Starting point
“When it came to decorating this new home in Helderfontein Estate, I collaborated closely with my clients Michelle and Greg Henderson,” says Tiggs Crozet of Indigo Interior Design. “For their lounge we wanted to create an inviting conversation area, as well as the perfect TV-viewing space. They both love the natural texture and feel of wood, so the room really began with the coffee table which illustrates this beautifully.”
Achieving the look
The layout evolved from this central piece, taking into account the wall- mounted TV placed opposite the main windows. “It was important to maximise the seating space without cluttering up the room,” explains Tiggs. “Michelle found the elegant L-shaped sofa which allows for passing traffic and is extremely comfy. And the carpet, which is neutral yet textured, helps to designate the seating area.” A pair of armchairs adds symmetry and fluid lines, while electronic blinds on three sides of the room control the ambient light.
“Our goal was an elegant and luxurious space, so the fabric choices were important. I intentionally chose light and dark neutral tones to complement the laminate flooring, with a strong emphasis on textures to add interest. The chalky white brushed cotton on the sofa, for instance, contrasts beautifully with the luxe grey velvet on the armchairs.” Bringing a hint of the outside in, Tiggs added scatters with chartreuse accents and stylised floral motifs.
While all the furnishings were bought specifically for the space, Michelle’s existing timber and chrome side table fitted in seamlessly with the other pieces.
Finishing touches
“No matter what room you’re decorating, the layering of accessories and artwork is a crucial part of completing the look,” says Tiggs. “Here we played with textures, combining the smooth shine of the glass paperweights with the matte tribal beads and two metal side tables. The room has good proportions and high ceilings, so we took advantage of that by adding an overscaled standing lamp which fits the space perfectly. The overall result is sophisticated yet welcoming and it suits the room’s different functions.”
“Using a dark colour on the walls is the most inexpensive way to highlight artwork and it looks spectacular at night”
Artful living
Jo’burg designer David Muirhead designed this living room around comfortable seating and a series of favourite artworks, creating a glamorous yet lived-in appeal.
Starting point
“I always start with a good sofa when I’m designing a living room,” says David. “This L-shaped sofa allows for plenty of seating, and sets the foundation for a less formal arrangement. It’s ideal for gatherings with friends, but it’s also long enough to flop down on with a good book.” He adds that a truly comfy sofa is one of the best investments you can make. “When you’re creating a room from scratch you naturally want to choose a piece that’s elegant; but it’s also got to last and suit your lifestyle.”
Achieving the look
To create a strong backdrop for a series of artwork, David painted the main wall in a deep charcoal shade. “People are often wary of dark colours, but I always encourage them to give it a try. It’s the most inexpensive way to highlight artwork and it looks spectacular at night.”
David loves artwork of all genres, and he chose an eclectic mix with simple yet differing frames. “The feature wall is really the backdrop to the whole room,” he says. “The frames add a visual rhythm of their own so they don’t necessarily need to match. It’s important, though, to arrange a series of pictures in a balanced way, and remember to take into account the negative wall space that will show in between.” From a Maggie Laubser artwork to contemporary architectural photography by Patrick de Mervelec, the look is instantly inviting.
The next step was to add some mood lighting, which David says is essential in a living room. “Table lamps and candlelight are a good combination, especially when placed near gilt or glass accents.”
Playing with scale, David chose two compact tub chairs in a smart houndstooth fabric. “These are practical in that they don’t take up much room, but they also add a hit of glamour to what is essentially a monochromatic setting.”
Finishing touches
To tie the look together, David added some personal touches such as the Art Nouveau vases, and a pair of favourite tortoiseshell glass lanterns. “I also chose a large distressed carpet which adds to the feeling of lived-in luxury. It adds a textural quality but it’s subtle enough not to intrude.”
“Accessories such as the Cowrie shell baskets, which are in keeping with the holiday feel, add a touch of sophistication”
Boutique Beauty
Interior designer Bruce Fyfe transformed a small, dark bedroom into a luxurious haven for the owners of this Durban home.
Starting point
The main impetus for the transformation of this bedroom was the owner’s desire for a large spacious bedroom and bathroom suite. “The look they wanted was relaxed, tropical and resort-like,” explains Durban interior designer Bruce Fyfe of Fyfe Boyce Design.
Achieving the look
“The first thing we did was remove the walls between the dressing room, bedroom and bathroom to create a large space which we divided into bedroom and bathroom sections. To give the bathroom a luxe spa feel, a freestanding bath and double vanity were installed. “For privacy we used a sliding shoji screen which doesn’t take up any space. Stacking glass doors, leading onto a large balcony, let in light and we fitted a fretwork mirror above the bed for a resort feel and to reflect the views,” explains Bruce.
“We kept to white and naturals to maintain the restful atmosphere. To set the luxurious tone, we chose a fully upholstered bed with a wingback headboard.” Floating bedside tables were specified to create the illusion of more floor space.
“We used linen curtains as they soften the light in the afternoons but don’t completely obscure the view,” explains Bruce. “They also give the bedroom a casual, coastal feel which is enhanced by the shutters.”
Finishing touches
“As the room felt quite masculine, we brought in a touch of femininity with floral cushions in a Christopher Farr fabric from St Leger & Viney,” he adds. “Accessories such as the cowrie shell baskets, which are in keeping with the holiday feel, add a touch of sophistication.” Wall-mounted reading lights are both contemporary and practical. Another handy feature is the cabinet at the end of the bed – it houses the TV which can be raised at the touch of a button.
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