Beneath a canopy of mature trees in one of Johannesburg’s most established neighbourhoods, this Bedfordview home exudes an immediate sense of ease. It’s as though nature itself has wrapped it in quietness. ‘The huge established trees give so much shade and a sense of calm,’ says interior designer Sumari Krige of La Grange Interiors, who brought the home to life. ‘It made sense to create interiors that echo that same feeling — a homely, tranquil space where you can truly exhale.’
The clients, busy medical professionals with two young daughters, wanted a home that functioned as a true sanctuary — somewhere to unwind after long, demanding days. With family close by, their weekends often centre around gatherings and celebrations, making practicality as important as beauty. ‘Their home is their sanctuary,’ Sumari says. ‘They wanted every room to have a purpose and for it to feel comfortable and easy to live in.’
The clients first discovered La Grange Interiors through the brand’s Johannesburg showroom, where they were drawn to the distinctive mix of modern, timeless design and one-of-a-kind finds sourced from across the globe. ‘They were attracted to the fact that we create homes, not showcases,’ Sumari recalls. ‘Our style is modern yet timeless, with lots of layering and texture. It’s comfortable but casual, and most importantly it doesn’t date.’
That approach is evident in every room. The palette is earthy and understated, punctuated by subtle infusions of colour: soft chartreuse and green in the girls’ playroom, playful hues in their bedrooms, and soothing natural tones throughout the rest of the house. ‘The client loved the muddy, earthy African colours we often use,’ Sumari says, ‘which is why the overall palette remains grounded and natural.’
For Sumari, scale is everything. Oversized couches and generous proportions set the tone for the rooms they inhabit. ‘Starting with the right couch makes filling the rest of the room so much easier,’ she says. ‘We believe in designing pieces to fit the space rather than filling it with lots of smaller items. Oversized, well-proportioned furniture can give a sense of balance and luxury.’
Texture and materiality also take centre stage, with terrazzo floors, light walls and large aluminium doors forming a calm architectural backdrop. ‘We stuck to a unified palette of earthy rusts and blacks, layering in materials like wood and rattan, metal coffee tables, ceramics and glass to complement the tones. Rugs are essential too, as they anchor a room and bring everything together,’ says Sumari.
Then, the unsung hero of interior design, lighting is integral to the home’s atmosphere. Sculptural pendant lights, floor lamps and wall sconces create mood and depth. ‘Mood lighting adds charm and ambience. It’s the kind of layering that completes a space,’ Sumari says.
In the dining area, contrasts are key. Plush velvet chairs offset the rough texture of exposed brick walls, while raw metal lights designed and manufactured in India provide a touch of industrial authenticity. ‘I love the mix of the rough with the sophisticated,’ she adds. ‘It gives the space warmth and depth.’
The palatial master bedroom, with its double-volume ceiling, initially posed a challenge. ‘We used a patterned curtain to make the space feel more intimate, then we designed a beautiful four- poster bed that tied everything together.’ As a result, the space feels both expansive and cocooning, serene yet dramatic.
Sumari’s favourite part of the home is the entrance. ‘I love the oversized dome light, the metal balustrading and a table full of treasures,’ she says. ‘It’s as if you can’t wait to see the rest of what the house holds.’
Looking back on the project, she sees it as a perfect reflection of La Grange Interiors’ ethos: timeless, layered and deeply personal. ‘The final result feels welcoming, timeless yet sophisticated. It’s the kind of home where you want to kick off your shoes, forget about the outside world and just relax.’
Credits
Text by Lynette Botha
Images: Supplied
This article was originally published in the House & Garden SA December/January 2026 Issue
