Design for Living

Architects: XYZ Architecture and Design
Photos: Alan Carville
Styling: Eclecticist
Words: Rachel Loos

When the owners of this home saw the garden they were immediately smitten. ‘As soon as the previous home owners opened the door to the outdoor area, we immediately knew this was it,’ says one half of the couple. ‘We cancelled all other scheduled house viewings.’
A family with two young children and a hectic lifestyle, a fantastic outside space to enjoy together at the end of the day and at weekends was important. However, although the garden and pool was just what they wanted, it was largely hidden from the rest of house, accessed through a back door and with a small window that kept views to a minimum.
As well, while the ground floor of the property that was originally a barn had been renovated, the upper floor was untouched. In fact, it could only be reached by means of a wide sturdy ladder on the outside.
Still, with all the necessary rooms downstairs, the homeowners were content to leave the upstairs as it was, but keen to change the ground floor to something that more suited their lifestyle. ‘At first we just wanted to open up the space and merge the living room to the kitchen so as to get an open space,’ says the homeowner. ‘We also asked the architect to make a hole in the ceiling to accommodate what I always dreamt of having – a spiral staircase.’
However, on seeing the house, architect Janice Fiorentino realised its potential to be a great space and suggested a more substantial renovation. ‘After several meetings and lots of discussions we decided that to have the house we have always dreamt of we needed to embark on a bigger project,’ says the homeowner. ‘Janice sent us the renders of how the house would look if we went for the ‘big’ project and after viewing them we did not look back.’
To create a space that flowed well and was filled with light, walls were brought down, large windows and doors were created and internal spaces rearranged. Today, the kitchen is strategically situated to overlook the main family spaces and in the morning is flooded with natural light through the new, wide openings that overlook the outdoor pool area. Above the dining table that is alongside the fireplace is a large skylight which also fills the home with light.
The beauty of statuario marble, found in the kitchen and the fireplace, is complemented by the warmth of walnut. The homeowner’s dream, a spiral staircase of black steel, walnut and slate sculpture is a showstopper and leads to the new master bedroom which also has extensive views overlooking the back garden, pool and beyond.
For the architect, the effect of the changes comes as no surprise. ‘In general, until they actually experience it, people highly underestimate the way good design and the quality of the space they live in improves their daily life,’ says Janice.
That is certainly the case here – for this family, their redesigned home has been a wonderful revelation. ‘We are truly enjoying the house now, spending weekends at home entertaining friends and family,’ says the home-owner. ‘We love the big kitchen space and the island of statuario marble where my husband spends hours preparing and cooking different meals. We did not do this before the renovation as the space was somehow not conducive to entertaining. Little did we know the impact good design would have on our well-being.’

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Shelving Unit

A semi-solid custom unit made of the same materials as the staircase forms a buffer between the entrance and the family spaces, but still allows a glimpse of what is to come. In front of it is an area for the children with cushions and a round rug in front of the fireplace. The wall unit provide storage for toys and by framing the window, creates a lovely reading nook. The home is carefully zoned using partial walls clad in warm and interesting materials. Above the staircase, top left, a round skylight mimics the form of the stairs as well as effectively bringing in light

Living Room

A walnut and matt grey unit that comprises the television and bar cabinet gives balance to the kitchen and its bank of storage units on the opposite wall. The chunky sofa softens the space and contrasts the harder surfaces and edges, including the reflective white marble coffee table that brightens the area. The blue chair adds a lovely pop of colour. Beyond, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, is the garden

Living Room

A walnut and matt grey unit that comprises the television and bar cabinet gives balance to the kitchen and its bank of storage units on the opposite wall. The chunky sofa softens the space and contrasts the harder surfaces and edges, including the reflective white marble coffee table that brightens the area. The blue chair adds a lovely pop of colour. Beyond, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, is the garden

Living Room

A walnut and matt grey unit that comprises the television and bar cabinet gives balance to the kitchen and its bank of storage units on the opposite wall. The chunky sofa softens the space and contrasts the harder surfaces and edges, including the reflective white marble coffee table that brightens the area. The blue chair adds a lovely pop of colour. Beyond, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, is the garden

Kitchen

Beyond the dining area is the kitchen with its beautiful statuario marble island and inset that is decorative as well as functional

Kitchen

Beyond the dining area is the kitchen with its beautiful statuario marble island and inset that is decorative as well as functional

Dining Area

A simple black granite dining table is situated in front of the statuario marble fireplace on one side, a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling unit for ample storage on the other. Above the table, a large skylight brings in natural light. The wire light fixture creates playful, dynamic and ever-changing sharp shadows over the plain dining surface

Dining Area

A simple black granite dining table is situated in front of the statuario marble fireplace on one side, a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling unit for ample storage on the other. Above the table, a large skylight brings in natural light. The wire light fixture creates playful, dynamic and ever-changing sharp shadows over the plain dining surface

Dining Area

A simple black granite dining table is situated in front of the statuario marble fireplace on one side, a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling unit for ample storage on the other. Above the table, a large skylight brings in natural light. The wire light fixture creates playful, dynamic and ever-changing sharp shadows over the plain dining surface

Swimming Pool

Spiral Staircase

On entering the home, a wide spiral staircase of black steel, walnut and slate that was designed by the architects is a show stopper

Bedroom

In the upper level, the master bedroom in its relaxing neutral palette has extensive views overlooking the back garden, pool and beyond. Flos pendant lights make for elegant bedside lighting.

Bathroom

Dark grey microcement walls and dark floor tiles create a contrasting backdrop to the stark white standalone bath. The vanity and shelves in wood add warmth

Bathroom

Dark grey microcement walls and dark floor tiles create a contrasting backdrop to the stark white standalone bath. The vanity and shelves in wood add warmth