A Victorian abode in the Mother City that ticks all the right boxes

“We find inspiration in anything that’s relatively easy to do, budgetfriendly and simple but exciting to look at,” says a Cape Town couple with a keen eye for design.

When she made the decision to take a holiday in Cape Town,

Emma Rasmussen had no idea that she’d end up calling the Mother City home.

In 1999, British-born Emma came to South Africa to welcome in the millennium with friends. The fun-loving advertising operations director fell in love with Cape Town’s cultural diversity, hustle and bustle, and proximity to nature – a perfect fit for this adventurous spirit.

It wasn’t just the city that captured her heart; she soon met and married Warren, a photographer, who shared her zest for life. Years later, while looking for a place they could settle into with their young daughter Lula, the couple found a property that “matched their energy” in Observatory.

The house, an old Victorian abode that ticks all the boxes, suited them to a T. It required no structural changes and had beautiful minimalist features, a perfect blank canvas they could decorate to reflect their personalities and interests.

“As a family, we love being out and about, exploring new things in and around the city or having adventures abroad. We’re always busy with fun, creative projects,” says Emma. “Warren has developed a passion for baking, while I’ve always enjoyed sewing and having a ‘side hustle’ apart from my advertising job.”

The couple has filled their space with an eclectic mix of vintage and Scandi-style furniture pieces, local artworks and bright pops of colour.

“Our home represents us – there’s never a dull moment!” >>

It’s in the detail An alphabet focal wall adds a quirky element to the chic dining room. “I saw something similar on Pinterest and had the wooden letters designed and cut – it’s a great way to create an interesting artwork on a budget!” Emma says.

The study is used by Emma and Warren for ongoing projects and the shelves – used as part storage, part décor – reflect their passions. “I’m always putting together moodboards and sourcing fabrics to create bespoke items for my company Lula by Emma, and Warren works on his photography business here, too,” Emma says. Warren, who also works at The Local Baker, plans to convert a section of the space into a micro-bakery. Pouffe from Lula by Emma; rug from MRP Home

The couple made the dining room table (left) using legs they bought and a Formica top. Rug from Ikea; chairs from Chair Crazy; vintage haberdashery chest of drawers from Vamp; table legs from Metal Windows