FAMILY DYNAMIC
“My mom and I often collaborate,” says Renée. “We alternate between creator and editor on different projects, depending on whose project it is. We have a similar understanding of colour and style: I’m a bit more minimalist and stripped down, whereas Laureen is more energetic and passionate.”
On this project, she adds: “My mom was the driving force. I acted mostly as a sounding board and gave architectural ideas about light, volume and space. Once she started with the interiors, I designed some of the surfaces, like the f loors and a mural, and some furniture. She furnished the space according to her ideas and desires.”
Laureen adds that “so much interior design is based on formulas about how spaces should work,” adding that such a formulaic approach “had to be transcended” in this house. “Every space had to be considered and designed and then furnished, on its own terms,” she says.
The result is beautiful. Mid-century design pieces including Le Corbusier chairs and a Bruno Mathsson chaise longue share the space with customdesigned f looring and wall panels created by Renée. The colours used throughout are vibrant, yet always tonally arranged to perfectly set off one another within each room. The final layer is formed by Laureen’s collections of classic posters, local artworks and collectible objects.
This room features a custommade bed by Leon at CCXIX and a Basotho blanket from Heartworks; the wall-hung photos of Table Mountain were taken by Laureen’s husband, Koos; this bathroom features floor tiles from Moroccan Warehouse; the mezzanine-level family room is one of Renée’s favourite spaces in the house