Piccola casa

By Mari Sciarappa, Project Consultant Stacey Cowden, Photography Grant Pitcher

An apartment with a big personality sits in the KwaZulu-Natal region that is as charming as it is chic. From its vibrant use of colour to its magnificent use of glass and lighting, this piccolo casa is a grand success.

According to the home owner, who is also a talented interior designer from Interia Designs, the real estate agent took them to a reasonably old building with a unique 60s-style design where the architect used a lot of slate, slasto and cobblestone for the building. “The entire top of the building was available with an open deck area from where one can just stand in amazement and see the most premier views of Durban including the harbour lights, the casino, the Pavilion Shopping Centre and then further north to the Valley of a Thousand Hills.” Totally overwhelmed by the view, the couple decided to purchase the place at municipal value. While it needed a great deal of attention, they embarked on an exciting journey to match the view and the apartment.

For the owners, it was extremely rewarding to watch a dream become a reality right before their eyes. There is a subtle theme of geometric shapes, particularly square and round shapes over the TV lounge with a square chandelier inside a very shallow round recess in the ceiling, and the square recess over the baby grand piano which contains a spherically shaped crystal chandelier. “In the main bathroom en suite we also used the square arch and round basin and spa bath concept. Earthy colours and resin set rose tiles were cut into the centre of the arch which was created from coffee colour tiles and lattice motif listelli,” explains the owner.

The large open-plan music room and dining area overlooks the open-plan kitchen and is a favourite area for these owners. With three glass panels that have sandblasted motifs, this area is bathed in natural light and makes for a great space in which to relax and unwind while taking in the truly magnificent views.

To say that the view from this home is spectacular is an understatement. The wow-factor of the panoramic and scenic outlook is something that echoes throughout this amazing home.