In the country

Renovating while renting is often not possible. So Dirkie and Nikkie were thrilled when given free rein to update their current kitchen. “Freddie and Thia Kirsten are the best landlords one could hope for,” says Nikkie. “Their only request was that we include terracotta tiles, a reed ceiling and wooden window frames to complement the farm-style look of the cottage as well as the main homestead on the property.”

When the couple started renovating in 2021, the plan was to make a “tiny hole” in the exterior wall to incorporate a small outside room into the kitchen, so they could have a separate scullery. But this soon turned into a full-blown renovation and the kitchen was gutted. Luckily, Dirkie is a builder in partnership with his brother, which meant they could do everything on a tight budget with the help of their own team.

Inside, Dirkie built a fireplace and installed a wooden spiral staircase to the loft above, while

Nikkie was responsible for the finishing touches.

“We painted murals, made photo ledges, stencilled the floor and photographed alpacas and camels to serve as art in our home,” says Nikkie.

“We spent lots of evenings painting late into the night.

Dirkie also kept a close eye on

Facebook Marketplace and online auctions for the right furniture, which came from as far as Knysna.” In the end, it was totally worth it. “Our home is cosy and spacious and guests no longer have to stand around or sit outside in the cold when we have a braai!” >>

Inspired by the Delft crockery in her kitchen, Nikkie painted blue flowers on some of the walls with Duram Snow Protea and navy-blue acrylic paint. Floor tiles from Lanes Ceramic Works; reed ceiling from African Reed; cupboard handles from Handles Inc.

The steel beam that was installed where the wall was removed was clad with old ceiling boards to resemble a solid beam. Nikkie stencilled and painted the slightly raised floor surface where the old cupboards were previously located with Tjhoko Paint in the colours July and Comfort Blue, as well as Duram Black Mussel and Snow Protea. Pendant from The 2nd Hand Warehouse and Antiques; tea towel from Schattig