Grounded in South African artistry, this home in Cape Town’s lush Constantia suburb seamlessly blends Hamptons ease with European sophistication to create a space that feels both relaxed and refined. Reimagined through a collaboration between interior designer Marie-Louise Koen and architect Jaclyn Cattell, the dwelling balances detail and simplicity with expressive colours and neutrals.
Often felt as opposite to each other, these two sets of elements were collectively necessary to achieve the specific look and feel of the project. ‘Jaclyn did an exceptional job reimagining the home’s layout to maximise natural light and improve flow and function in this stunning location,’ says Marie-Louise.
The modern open-plan concept inspired Koen to bring in a classic eclectic style. Natural materials such as marble and hardwood bring an organic warmth into the home, while an adept mixing of patterns and colours achieves visual balance. ‘Architecturally, the goal was to create a spacious open-plan living area that connects indoor and outdoor spaces for summer living. The European clients were drawn to the modern South African take on open-plan living, so it was important to keep a sense of elegance and sophistication.’
Built-in elements became key design features, allowing furnishings to be kept simple but impactful. For example, the ‘Blue Room’ en-suite bathroom features an expansive tiled shower with marbled accents. Meanwhile, the guest bathroom features a fluted marble sink as a sculptural focal point, paired with vibrant wallpaper on the walls and ceiling to create a rich, layered texture. Both bathrooms showcase a beautiful mix of Italian marble and Moroccan Zellige tiles to add tactile richness.
The home’s architectural palette sets a strong foundation for the development of material and colour palettes throughout. Walnut herringbone and black-and-white marble chequered floors, black steel-glass doors, natural stone and clean-lined built in elements provided a solid, cohesive backdrop to work from. These choices brought warmth and depth into the space and allowed the furnishings and fabrics to add softness without competing. Floor textiles and patterns add intricate texture and visual interest, while large rugs help define spaces within rooms.
Some of the built-in elements, the bar in particular, were designed to feel architectural but also decorative — acting as anchor points that shaped how the rest of the room came together. At the entrance, a marmoreal motif continues onto the patio — a bold choice that anchors the house in its simple colour palette and links the inside and outside living areas flawlessly.
‘From the outset, the home was designed to function easily as a guest house when the owners are away,’ adds Marie-Louise. ‘We wanted each room to feel distinct yet connected, giving each its own personality. Introducing bold colours was a fun way to do this: we built the palettes around signature furniture pieces — often highlighting fixtures as pieces of art themselves, complemented by carefully chosen fabrics.’ The master suite encapsulates this perfectly, featuring accents of orange to bring in a warming, gemütlich atmosphere that is steeped in individuality. The Blue, Yellow and Red rooms all feature bedside lights in the colour palette too.
In the main living areas, Marie-Louise kept most of the furniture neutral in colour but interesting in shape, which allowed the client’s bold seascape paintings in vivid colours and sculptural furniture pieces stand out. The floors already have a lot of visual movement, so keeping some elements quieter gave everything space to breathe.
Painted top to bottom in rich blue — and grounded by a large, vibrant artwork — the study instantly catches the eye. This striking space is complemented by the teal bar, featuring a Calacatta Viola marble counter and an antiqued mirror backdrop, creating continuity across the home.
Supporting local designers was a priority for the client — a value Marie Louise also champions in her work. From Bofred table lamps that bring bursts of colour (seen in the ‘Blue’, ‘Yellow’, ‘Red’ and ‘Orange’ rooms) to large dome chandeliers hanging from the pitched ceilings in the living areas, each piece was chosen to complement the mood of the space. ‘We’ve incorporated pieces from local designers such as Bofred, James Mudge and Curación: makers who create pieces that are classic yet playful — distinctly South African but not overtly traditional — which allowed their work to harmonise effortlessly with the home’s timeless style. Their designs bring a subtle, modern twist that adds personality without overpowering the overall aesthetic,’ says Marie-Louise.
The client brought a substantial personal art collection that was integrated into the home from the beginning. ‘Our collaboration actually began through my own art. After purchasing the large Clifton work, as seen in the study, I was commissioned to create European landscapes of their favourite holiday spots — such as St Tropez and Positano, as seen in the dining room,’ says Koen. ‘These pieces, alongside works by artists such as Lionel Smit and Monique Koning, were instrumental in inspiring the colour palette throughout the home: bold, vibrant, colourful artwork that enlivens every space.’
The key design approach was to establish a palette of neutral black and white, warmed by deep, rich wood tones as a backdrop for the pops of colour in furniture, art and fabrics. Classic finishes and refined details bring European elegance, while the relaxed neutrals speak to Hamptons ease. This balance was central to the brief: the clients’ European heritage and love of colour naturally infused a sophisticated yet playful spirit and blended beautifully with South African materials and craftsmanship.
Text by Shai Rama
