Themed

The African Taj

By Trisha Harinath

In essence, this home is a culmination of various styles which include influences from countries such as Morocco, India and Africa. The architecture of the home is loosely based on Mughal architecture and resembles the style of the Taj Mahal.

“The greatest symbol of love ever built was the Taj Mahal and this was what I wanted my home to more or less look like,” recalls the owner.

A large and impressive dome stands to greet guests and family members alike, impressing absolute magnificence upon the minds of all those fortunate enough to walk through the entrance. Excelsia Construction and Project Management ensured a smooth and hassle-free building process.

A creative person by nature, the owner used her skills and fashionable tastes to decorate the home. Each room has an individual look – the pyjama lounge has a very African feel to it whereas the coffee lounge leaves a lasting impression of all things Indian. Since the owner decorated the home herself, she used various pieces that not only look great but come complete with a history of their own.

Apart from their own private bedrooms and bathrooms, the children have their own arcade room, games room and home cinema. The main living areas of the home, such as the kitchen and dining areas are located on one side of the lower level, and the opposite end comprises the entertaining areas with the enclosed patio that runs the length of the house.

“The elevator or double sweeping staircases take you to the upper level, where in the west wing, the games room, arts and crafts room and kids’ bedrooms can be found. The main bedroom, his-and-hers bathroom and dressing rooms, coffee bar, pyjama lounge and fully-kitted beauty salon are located on the east wing,” explains the owner. Adding to the extravagance of the home are the chandeliers that are found in almost every room, as well as the decorative cornicing, detailed ornamental finishes, luxurious fabrics and the remarkable murals created by The Singing Palette.

Apart from its sheer opulence, it is undoubtedly the love that inspired the design and creation of this home that shines through – a love that is now set in stone and touches everyone who walks through the doors of this imposing abode.

THE SINGING PALETTE ART CO. 082 851 0793. The Singing Palette Art Co. painted these beautiful angels on the bathroom ceiling. The image depicts a Renaissance concept of Cherubini gazing down upon the bathroom and ultimately enhancing the serenity of this space.The Cherubini were painted in acrylic paints directly onto the bathroom ceiling. The Singing Palette also antiqued the intricate cornices, found in the bathroom, in a raw umber and finished them off with a gold dust – creating glamorous golden cornicing throughout the bathroom and the rest of the house.GRIFFITHS AND GRIFFITHS 011 444 5744. Griffiths and Griffiths is a premier supplier of solid Mahogany, English replica furniture in South Africa. The company was commissioned to supply the exclusive furniture featured in two bedrooms of this impressive home. The Simpson sleigh-bed and two Havanna pedestals found in the main bedroom are just some of the exquisite furniture that Griffiths and Griffiths supplies.ORIANA DECOR 011 462 9116. This classic dining room suite was supplied by Oriana Decor and is made from solid Mahogany timber. Oriana Decor specialises in a full home decor service and supplies a wide range of exclusive high-end furniture. The company’s impressive store is packed with an extensive range of accessories that will undoubtedly add that special finishing touch to your home. Oriana Decor has qualified interior decorators that offer full turnkey services including curtaining, hardware, installations, paint selection, garden and landscape treatments.

THE AUTHOR

Trisha Harinath