Cool Kitchen Lighting
The Art of Restraint
Photograph: Adriaan Louw
In this gracious Clifton house, freestanding pieces such as a wardrobe by Pierre Cronje have been used in the kitchen and the warmth of wood complements the marble-topped island. Artwork and antiques feature strongly in the kitchen too, juxtaposed by modern hanging stainless steel lights.
Tried and True
With pared-down appeal and rustic elegance, a house in the Constantia Greenbelt possesses all the charm of an African farmhouse. ‘Planetarium’ lights from Pezula Interiors hang over the kitchen table made from reclaimed wood. The chequered terrazzo flooring was chosen to emphasise the farmhouse style of the home.
Ultra-cool
Photograph: Greg Cox
Intersecting steel beams are both structural and aesthetic, rendering an industrial edge to a country-chic kitchen and framing the library wall behind. A clear glass pendant light makes a subtle statement.
Smart Casual
Photograph: Greg Cox
Open shelving and understated finishes lend the small kitchen in this textured farmhouse kitchen in Wellington a relaxed aesthetic. We are big fans of chandeliers used in country kitchens to add elegant contrast.
Old School Elegance
Produce from the vegetable garden in Gary Searle’s (St Leger & Viney founder) Joburg home supplies the cream-palette kitchen.
Contemporary-chic
Photograph: Dook
Coffee-coloured marble blends seamlessly with the wood panelling and floor tiles in in this open-plan Sandton home. The modern transparent pendant lights add effortless sophistication.
A Lighter Touch
Interior designer Tessa Proudfoot’s signature blend of contemporary and traditional is evident in this pared-back Joburg home. A generously scaled island below four black hanging pendant lights commands the big kitchen.
A Show-stopper
Photograph: Elsa Young
The show-stopping kitchen in a modern Clifton home is a masterclass in woodwork. Pendant lights hang above the kitchen island at different heights.
Local Simplicity
Photograph: Elsa Young
Oversized lights hang low over the dining table. Blonde wood in the kitchen is a nod to the owners’ Scandinavian heritage in this down-to-earth Franschhoek home.
Understated Eclectic
Photograph: Jason Schmidt
The unfussy kitchen in artist Cindy Sherman’s country retreat blends the best of rustic and industrial. The light fixture, table, counter and tile backsplash were designed by Bill Cotton.
Heritage Project
Photograph: Elsa Young
In this heritage Stellenbosch home, the kitchen demonstrates the most impressive blend of old and new elements. Traditional pieces such as matching riempe benches, a refectory table with turned legs from Le Brocanteur and vinegar jars are complemented by high-tech and contemporary features such as the floating shelves and island, glossy metro wall tiles by Douglas Jones, chrome pendants from Pezula Interiors and matte-painted benches in Plascon ‘Rocky Ridge’. Don’t you just love the airy, modern light fittings?
Vintage Beach House
Soft blues and subtle graphics create a cool, calm atmosphere in a grand beach house. The kitchen features a generous island, above which hang vintage lanterns.
Striking Style
Photograph: Lar Rattray
Blackboard paint in the kitchen of this Kwazulu-Natal holiday home creates an interactive wall. Above it hangs a striking atom-like light fitting.
French Connection
Photograph: Elsa Young
In this Joburg home, an Antiques & Heritage of Europe kitchen in natural French oak with Mexican tiles as splash-backs add colour and detail. A bold chandelier in the centre of the space creates a striking focal point.
Air and Graces
Photograph: Elsa Young
When renovations on a Highveld verandah house turned into a complete redesign, a classic family home got a modern make-over. Interior designer Julia Twigg created a country-style kitchen with bespoke furniture and heavy-set metallic pendant lights. The kitchen features a stove by Lacanche.
Light and Airy
Photograph: Greg Cox
The kitchen and conservatory with natural light and low-hung brass pendant lights, in a country-inspired Constantia home.