By Marianne McDonald, Project Consultant Lorna Ioakim, Property Coordinator Gina Waldman-Balkind, Photography Irma Bosch
This five-bedroom house, situated in a Johannesburg estate, has gorgeous grounds, and views from almost every area of the home. With low walls, thanks to the exceptional security in the area, there is a welcoming feel to the exterior that is continued throughout.
It was important to the home owners that the available space was used effectively. “We brought in the professional help of an interior designer, who specified all of the finishes in the home, from tiles and carpentry to soft furnishings and the ornamentals. He was also instrumental in making the most of the floorplan.”
This attention to detail paid off, as the open-plan areas are expertly designated, yet live together cohesively to create a calming and beautiful space that is both family-friendly and equipped for entertaining. “The home has a very open-plan feel, with spaces segmented by ceiling details and furniture,” explains the owner.
The beauty and functionality of the home come down to the flow. From the double-volume entrance hall, leading into the open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge, then stepping down into the wine cellar, the bar area and ultimately onto the outdoor boma area, every inch of the space has been used to great effect.
Cosy seating areas, where the home owner’s beautiful art collection is displayed, use rich fabrics and vibrant colours. Despite this boutique-style luxury, the home invites relaxation and family living.
Since this was a new build, the home owners were able to create the space exactly to their specifications and needs. “Many times a home is designed and built with areas of unused space – our focus here was to downplay the extravagant and implement functional luxury,” explains the owner.
Of course, the construction of a property can be challenging, due to variations that crop up during the process. However, the home owner stresses that it’s important not to become disappointed.
“As with any project, there are challenges that affect the finishing and building process; everything from budgeting to the rand/dollar exchange rate can increase the cost of a project by some 10% to 15%. It’s imperative to plan a project like this with not only contingencies, but also a comfortable variation in the budget,” advises the owner.
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