Nina says the major challenge of their project was the budget. And that was even before the carpets were removed and the sagging living room floor came to light.
“We decided not to take short cuts. For example, we wanted wooden floors, not vinyl. This meant we had to incur debt, but we immediately worked out a repayment plan that we could stick to. We’ve left certain parts of the project for later, so the house still has only three bedrooms. But we will build on one day.”
And the biggest surprise? “We didn’t realise the house faced north. The way the light streams in, it leaves the entire house bathed in pink at dusk. That’s why we didn’t install the blinds we had planned. The house is higher than the road, so people can’t look in from the street.
“There’s also the view of the Tygerberg hills... We can see the sky and have never been so aware of the path of the sun. Stepping in here is like breathing a sigh of relief.”
The family bathroom with its odd layout required some creativity as the budget didn’t allow for a full remodel.
The Steyns decided to retain the original pink palette (although the bath, toilet and basin had to be re-enameled three times to get it “just right”) and complemented it with black-and-white geometric tiles that Nina designed. Vintage mirrors and terrazzo-style towels and finishes complete the picture.
Hand wash and towels from Mr Price Home
Nina’s mom made the quilt in the main bedroom as a wedding gift for the couple.
Bed from Eco Furniture Design; macramé plant hanger from Kroon en Karoo; chair from Incanda; cushion on chair from WOL Online Store
The en-suite bathroom was partially redone by the previous owners but some new fittings rounded it off nicely.
Lighting from Eagle Lighting
Nina (left) in front of her studio (formerly a tandem garage) which opens onto the front stoep (above). This is where she makes leather handbags – each a functional work of art – and linocuts. The exterior of the house was painted white but a section along the bottom, which was exposed brick, was painted dark grey for a modern twist.
Glass-and-steel front door from Go Green Design
Petra Calldi with older sister Jackie in her bedroom. Inspired by Mexico, Nina combined a turquoise hand-knotted Persian rug with a green bed and other colourful elements. The bed and dressing table are heirlooms from Nina’s parents; her mom made the quilt on the bed.