Like most homes, passing time necessitates it to evolve and take on new life and of course, new functions. This was the case with this three-bedroom, open-plan beachfront apartment in Clifton. With the homeowner's children now being a little older, the house needed a revival of sorts. Interior designer Ty Gillott, who had worked with the family before, came in to oversee a complete renovation of the apartment's lower floor, and to revive the entire space as it embarks on its next chapter with the family.
“With the renovation, we wanted to ensure that the family could accommodate more storage,” he says. “We also wanted to create a better flow and a lot more functionality, while elevating a sense of calm, understated luxury.”
This renovation saw several major changes, including a completely new media area, as well as the children's bedrooms receiving a contemporary, and decidedly more sophisticated update to feel - and look - like chic hotel suite living.
While many of the homeowner's favourite pieces, antiques and other collectibles were kept, several new pieces were brought in.
'A show stopping Murano chandelier from Paris immediately adds warmth, brings in character and mixes old world with new contemporary pieces,' he says. "The entire upstairs open plan living area features wall cladding in timeless Parisian style wall panels, and with the uninterrupted views of Clifton beach, it all creates this feeling like you're onboard a luxury super yacht: it's calm, it has character, and an undeniable nautical vibe, without being too cold or stark.' To bring this warmth into the space, Ty incorporated softer elements, like plenty of greenery and textures, and moments of interest, like the wallpapers by Moooi, from Home Fabrics.
The apartment exudes a feeling of being lived in, and being at all times highly practical, throughout. There are design-savvy choices: a sofa by Minotti takes centre stage in the living area, along with a custom-made Pierre Crone coffee table, while a floor rug by Mae Rugs ties it all together.
In the kitchen, magnificent marble by WOMAG was installed to create a focal point, with a custom-made kitchen island by Gregor Jenkin, kitchen stools by Curación Collection, and not far off, a leather-clad Fendi cabinet, and a sensual colour mirror door by Inland Collective. To bring in the human factor, the homeowners also decided to keep several antiques throughout the home, with various collectible, souvenirs and momentos from their travels on full display.
The result? The apartment speaks to modern living, with a keen eye for design, while never straying far from the fact that every day, it's a family (and their two dogs) who call this home.
