A perfect fit
As the aim was to let the house, it needed three bedrooms to be commercially viable; there were only two. To create a third, the opening between the main bedroom and large dressing area was bricked up and a new doorway from the entrance hall was created.
To make the two main bedrooms feel more spacious, Pierre and Francois added double-glazed doors that open onto private courtyards. “Since there’s only one bathroom, we came up with the idea of installing outdoor showers in these courtyards and they’ve proved to be one of the most popular features in the house,” says Pierre.
Bertie, Pierre and Francois made a conscious effort to use old or upcycled items wherever they could. They trawled through second-hand dealers and websites, scavenged in garages and storerooms, and made use of family hand-me-downs. “Bertie is the king of recycling, always finding some unusual item from somewhere,” says Pierre. “Aside from the electricals, plumbing, appliances, beds and linen, almost nothing is new.”
To ensure that everything fitted perfectly, Bertie specified the exact size of each piece of furniture to be sourced. “I became a Facebook Marketplace addict,” admits Pierre.
After 20 years in the interior design industry, Pierre knows the importance of simplicity in a small space. Finishes were restricted to wood, white paint, concrete, black accents and metal which ensures that there’s cohesion throughout the house and no unnecessary clutter. “I also like the unexpected combination of furniture from different eras. Modern tables and stools, most of which are also second-hand, keep the interiors fresh and up to date.” >>