Vintage meets modern

Wanting the garden studio to provide a contrast to the traditional Cape Dutch style of the main house, Deidre decided to give it a vintage industrial look. “I envisioned the pitched façade being metal and glass. This meant consulting an engineer who advised building a metal frame to support the roof on this side. And then we had to get someone to make the metal windows and another company to supply the glass.”

A benefit of the large expanse of glass is that the surrounding trees are reflected in it, creating a stunning decorative effect. “The idea was to make the structure blend into the background, so we painted it a dark charcoal,” says Deidre. “To emphasise the industrial look, the floor was finished with a neutral cement screed. As it’s quite cold here in winter, the bedroom was carpeted for warmth underfoot.”

The kitchen, which was designed by both Vanessa and Deidre, was built by a local cabinetmaker. “It’s visible from the living areas, so we wanted it to have a versatile look,” Deidre explains. In the section closest to the dining area is a glassfronted display cabinet designed by Vanessa. “Originally, it was going to be made in metal, but this proved far too expensive, so our cabinetmaker constructed it in wood.”

This cabinet is balanced by a customised pantry cupboard at the far end of the kitchen. “We collected pictures of cupboards we liked and then designed one that could accommodate all the things I need.” >>

The sofa was placed against this wall to face the view of the greenbelt adjoining the property. Made especially for the room, the mirror has panels the same size as those forming the glazed wall. “I saw the proteas made from mussel shells in a shop in Kalk Bay and had to have them – proteas are my favourite flowers,” says Deidre. The reading lamp came from India.

“I didn’t want a TV unit that would block the view, so I got our metalworker Farai Njobo to make a frame and topped it with a scaffolding plank,” says Deidre. Wood-burning stove from Hydrofire