City sleek

By Jo Borrill, Project Consultant Debbie Grey, Property Coordinator Wadoeda Brenner, Photography Fiona Barclay Smith

A sleek upmarket apartment in the heart of Cape Town is home to this family of four, who have relocated from Johannesburg and a French country-style property. The new apartment couldn’t be more different. Situated in a secure complex on the Atlantic Seaboard, it boasts exquisite views of the harbour and the ocean.

The apartment was completely stripped and rebuilt, except for the retaining wall, resulting in a trendy, upbeat space equipped with all of the mod-cons.

The kitchen has been skilfully planned, and its use of space well thought out – from pop-up plugs to a deep pot sink, pull-out drawers and cupboards, as well as integrated appliances that are out of view. The granite countertops and mirror cladding give the area an added modern edge.

“It is functional and practical, and stays neat,” the home owner says. “We worked together with the designer, who delivered our vision.”

The living area is decorated with textured fabric in neutral tones, and touches of rose, gold and bronze. Textured wallpapers create feature walls, and treated joinery adds to the luxurious feeling of the space. This is offset by an engineered oak floor, which produces a warm, homely appeal.

Circular light fittings exude an elegant aura, a complement to the dining room table, made of oak, with a monocoat finish. The furniture has all been custom-made, creating a perfect blend with the surrounding decor, while floating shelves tastefully display photographs, plants and vases.

Extensive use of concealed LED cove lighting and trimless LED downlights highlights a seamless architectural design. For the decorative lighting, matt and reflective metallic finishes were used to underscore the luxurious finishes and fabrics.

The bedrooms are stylish and contemporary, with glass sliding doors and bespoke headboards. Silver and white bedding in the main bedroom accentuates the calm ambience of the room. A full home automation system covers the heating, lights and aircon, controlled by an iPad or phone. Even the toilet is automated. “I like it from a hygienic point of view,” says the home owner.

A walk onto the balcony will give you panoramic views of the surrounding marina. Wooden furniture and ceramic potplant holders contribute to a serene outdoor area,
perfect for enjoying a drink or having dinner while watching the sunset.

And there’s a hanging chair for relaxation. “We enjoy sitting on it and reading,” says the owner. A highly functional apartment makes living easy for these city-dwellers.