Renovator’s notes

If you come across a bargain, grab it – you never know when you’ll be able to use it!

Catalina Baliña is passionate about transforming drab, neglected spaces into something beautiful – and in this project she’s got it spot on, yet again.

Catalina bought this home in Observatory, a southern suburb of Cape Town, about two years ago and set about doing the revamp soon afterwards. “Before the makeover, the living areas – the kitchen, lounge and dining room – were dark and the courtyard was never used,” she says.

With clever planning and Catalina’s magic touch, the courtyard was given a new lease on life and with that the living rooms and kitchen were transformed, thanks to all the natural light streaming into the house.

Doors leading from the kitchen and dining room have improved the flow between the interior of the house and outdoors.

“I think entertaining at home is important, so I wanted to maximise the use of the courtyard,” says Catalina.

A water feature in one corner serves a dual purpose: it adds interest to the space and with a showerhead above it, the homeowners can also use it as an outdoor shower. There’s an outlet that leads water from the pond to the flower boxes in the courtyard so no water is wasted.”