By Anna-Marie Smith, Project Consultant Athena Poulos, Photography Fiona Barclay-Smith
This home away from home is one of several projects created for his clients by Michael Prinsloo of Michael Prinsloo Designs (MPD).
The owners, who are permanent residents in Gauteng, have come to enjoy visiting their seaside apartment along the Cape coast. As a result, they decided to invest in a freestanding home in Somerset West, where the interior was successfully overhauled to create a comfortable yet elegant environment.
Being familiar with MPD’s expertise in lifestyle design and decor, their wish for the enjoyment of privacy as well as the convenience of an easy lock up and go lifestyle amid secure outdoor surroundings, was fulfilled. A transformation of the existing dimensions of the indoor living spaces was done by introducing a French Provencal ambience, with special attention being paid to replicate the fine quality and detail typical of this classic era of design.
A range of custom-designed furniture and fittings, accompanied by specially manufactured decor items, was installed to create a refined interior. Fitting in with old traditions, are living areas that reflect close family ties, where the production of fine art from a photographic collection has captured special memories.
An innovative design layout of the interior surroundings, from the front entrance through to the lounge, dining room and kitchen facilitates easy flow for convenient entertainment as well as everyday living, both indoors and outdoors. The collection of lounge and dining room furniture was carefully selected to enhance the shape and size of the interior, allowing maximum movement and relaxation. Items such as the wrought iron and timber servers, tables and wall units were custom designed both for aesthetic form and practical function.
The open-plan kitchen, in a classic country design, which was installed by Easylife Kitchens Somerset West, provides a functional space within close quarters to other living areas.
Detailed electrical work to facilitate this contemporary lifestyle and high-tech installations was completed by IEC Electrical, a specialist contractor in lifestyle estates.
A collection of Chobi and Gabbeh Persian rugs feature throughout the house, for ultimate underfoot comfort. Another stylish introduction is the Frette bedroom linen collection from Italy, known for designs inspired by art and craft influences originating in Sicily.
The bedroom suites also feature multi-layered window treatments to provide optimum protection from direct sun and heat during summer, and sufficient warmth during winter. Colourful elements, such as the recessed wall imagery of a bookcase in the study, illustrates the latest techniques in wallcoverings.
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