Creative visual solutions are Ferdi Louw’s passion in life.
This Pretoria resident and owner of Pulse Creative Concept Decorators specialises in paint techniques on furniture and walls, as well as interior design. And for years he’s been dying to convert a warehouse into the home of his dreams.
Ferdi and Home first crossed paths in 2009 when he had just moved his workshop and studio to an industrial building in Capitol Park, a suburb of Pretoria. A year ago, the top floor of this old factory – at that stage still a gym – became available and Ferdi was finally able to set his plans into motion.
The open-plan 300m² space featured an elevator shaft in the middle and just two rooms: a dressing room and a bathroom in the corner.
Ferdi got stuck in immediately. Using screens and smart furniture placement, the space was divided into smaller ‘rooms’. A wall stretching along the entire length of the apartment was painted blue, which set the tone for the rest of the décor. For the sake of continuity, the entire concrete floor was painted white, while a brick paint technique on the remaining walls provides contrast.
The latest trends
Ferdi’s aesthetic is eclectic, but the furnishings in his New York-style abode reflect all the current trends in the décor world: velvet, tropical detail, industrial finishes, striking collections everywhere – and the finest furniture, including mid-century vinyl kitchen chairs.
“I always create a well-planned presentation for my clients but in my own home I go with my gut feel,” he explains. “Sometimes, you plan something and it doesn’t work, while other ideas fall easily into place.”
Ferdi is also a fan of using what’s available. “I like to recycle; what I already have must work in the space at my disposal. It’s about rescuing furniture, dusting it off and giving it pride of place. When I go to auctions and pawn shops, I see potential in everything and then my fingers itch to buy a piece and give it a new lease on life.”
There’s not a single dull corner in this large open space, yet everything is neatly in its place, which creates a wonderful sense of peace.
Indoor plants such as potted ferns, echeveria and other succulents, peace-in-the-home (Soleirolia soleirolii) and a wild fig complement the green scene on the kitchen window. Ferdi also likes to fill vases with long-lasting foliage, such as bold strelitzia leaves.