Is that black? Well... almost!

Dark colours add drama to any space – including this eye-catching stoep that provides much-needed respite from the summer sun.

A house without a stoep – in the heart of the Breede River Valley? Not ideal, especially at the height of summer when all and sundry are desperate for a bit of shade from early on in the day.

Which is why interior designer Etienne Hanekom of Etienne Hanekom Interiors decided he simply had to transform this ugly duckling in Robertson and added a spacious back stoep to create a space for “long laid-back visits on balmy summer evenings with glasses of chilled bubbly and Edith Piaf in the background”, as he puts it.

“In 2014, I drove past this house while visiting friends one weekend,” says Etienne. He put in an offer and took transfer in 2015. “Robertson wasn’t exactly part of my plans when I started looking for a house in the countryside. I’m a fan of platteland towns but it was mere coincidence that this home happened to be in Robertson.”

The structure was divided into two units, with two kitchens and two separate living areas. “I’m not sure why, but it was very dilapidated. There was no stoep at the back, only a large carport.”

But a stoep was non-negotiable so when the renovations began, this space was a top priority.

A dramatic palette

When the revamp was done, Etienne wanted to add a touch of drama so he chose an unusual palette.

“I opted for pops of colour and black, as well as tones in the black ‘family’, including greys and browns. The black I decided on wasn’t jet-black; it consists of deep, dark shades of green, grey and brown that look like black.” This palette was carried through to the stoep. “A dark shell is a good anchor for textures and patterns. Since the house has high ceilings and big rooms, I could play around with more muted shades for the interior.” But he decided on a shade of black for the exterior.

“However, the folk in town decided it was definitely black and dubbed my home ‘The Black House’. In the beginning, there was a running commentary about my colour choice – and I was waiting for someone to say it was the devil’s house... But when it was finished, the compliments came flooding in.”

With summer temperatures that regularly soar past 40 degrees in this wine valley, a swimming pool was a must. To finish off this outdoor space, the vibracrete boundary wall was painted dark grey and olive trees were planted, creating the perfect contrast.

Wonderful!

Don’t be afraid of black; it’s glamorous and shows confidence! – Etienne

The stoep’s ‘pergola’ (opposite) is made of treated pine painted with a water-based enamel in the same colour as the walls. Polycarbonate roofing on top makes it waterproof. “This allows us to enjoy the stoep in both summer and winter,” says Etienne. Royal blue epoxy paint was used on the inside of the pool, which gives it a lovely glow in bright light. Rug from Hertex; chairs from Chair Crazy; yellow Magis easy chair from Créma; cactus leaf on wall from Rialheim WHO LIVES HERE? Etienne Hanekom WHERE Robertson

By Wicus Pretorius • Photographs Justin Patrick and Jac de Villiers • Styling Marian van Wyk

The stoep floor consists of regular paving bricks laid in a herringbone pattern. “A dramatic colour on the walls means the bricks are less prominent,” explains Etienne. “The red undertone of the bricks complements the black walls, so it works well. The same applies to the yellow chairs and greenery of the potted plants.”

To create contrast, the worktop next to the built-in braai was made from balau. “Dark walls allow the colour of the wood and plants to stand out – everything looks healthier against a dark background,” says Etienne.

E T I E N N E E X P L A I N S WHY H E L O V E S U S I N G V E R S AT I L E B L A C K : 1 Black is impactful; it’s classic and elegant. 2 Black adds a graphic effect to any palette, but dark brown and green restore the harmony. “I don’t see black as black, but rather as shadows.” 3 Black is sophisticated and full of secrets. “Every space needs black, even if it’s only in one spot...”