By Rami Moorosi, Project Consultant Anine Ehlers Photography, Nic Baleta
“Imagine my porcelain dolls, my very classic Russian kitchen, classy bedroom decor, with a husband with an obsession for indigenous wood for his office (including a 6 000 litre fish tank and skins of all sorts of wild animals), and two rather artistically challenged teenage children” she adds.
The challenge was therefore to find some middle ground but the end result was not a tug of war but a harmonious blend that is truly unique and beautifully expresses its residents.
The home owner explains that they were limited to a French Provencal style due to rules and regulations by the estate. This was not a problem for her as she had a traditional European style in mind – being Russian she also wanted something that would display classic Russian architecture. Africa also had to play a part in the design inspiration – this is seen in the rough rustic exterior to reflect a more earthy aspect. This was further enhanced by duck ponds – with classic Russian swans.
The use of interior decorators to arrange existing props as best they could was also a good idea as it diffused some of the tension. “In the end, we used what we could and filled the gaps with stuff that fitted in with the rest. I am quite happy with the outcome and would like to think that the interior is also classic.
The home owner concludes by saying: “What you have in mind gradually evolves as the house progresses and in a funny way things eventually fit in. My advice to anybody is not to be too fixed in your ideas – they will inevitably change!”
