My client had bought a duplex apartment in an upmarket, highly sought after part of Newlands with magnificent views! Cleverly designed and solidly built back in the 70’s, it was due for a total upgrade! She was ready to make it uniquely her own!
We agreed from the outset that whilst we would contemporise the entire space we would retain some of the geometric lines that were inherent in the original design and worked with opening it up as much as possible. From a structural point of view, her main concerns were …Light in the kitchen, light in the bathrooms and generally more light wherever achievable! A downstairs guest cloakroom needed to be created, where there was none and careful consideration was to be given to entirely new cabinetry throughout with special attention given to her study and additional storage requirements.
THE CHALLENGES
Being part of a tightly run, immaculate and secure complex the body corporate rules had to be strictly adhered to. Parking constraints, long access routes and the time permitted during the day required us to work out a cleverly timed schedule. Not a sound was to be heard beyond 2 pm!! This resulted in short days, but we managed to maintain an orderly site whilst working this all into our deadline!THE RENOVATIONS:
The old pantry was gutted to become a glamorous guest loo, whilst we divided the dead area under the staircase offering beautiful lines, with textured wall coverings, subtle lighting, floating cabinetry on both the lounge and entrance sides resulting in a satisfying combination of form and function.
These exciting colours and textures were repeated in select areas of the kitchen and the cloakroom. Our palette being, warm taupes, charcoal, silver, light grey and chocolate grey.
The height of the bathroom walls were substantially reduced to create a glass opening surrounding these areas, together with the main en suite. Here an introduction of light linear lines allowed for natural light to enter whilst completely changing the feel of this space.
Both bathrooms were completely gutted and remodelled to reveal two gorgeous spaces. Once again dropped ceilings were installed for dramatic effect and to house downlighting.
DÉCOR AND FINISHES:
Tread lights were installed in the stairway wall, with a cylindrical glass hanging lightfitting on the landing adding to that touch of night time sophistication.
Choosing fun chunky floating shelves in dark oak with the remainder sprayed in a soft duck egg. A really stunning combination! Here a subtle grooved line was brought into the main cabinetry.