A private haven

With just one bathroom in their 1930s heritage home in

Rondebosch, Bronwyn Pirrie desperately wanted to create an en suite for her and hubby Andrew’s bedroom.

“As a mom of twins, I longed for a space I could call my own – with some privacy from the boys!” says Bronwyn with a smile. Bronwyn was one of our weekly winners in this year’s

Rookie Stylist competition in partnership with Mr Price Home.

The Pirries enlisted the help of architectural designer Jenny Collins of Red Cat Design to assist with their overall renovation (the rest of the house is still very much a work in progress), which included adding on the tiny en-suite bathroom.

“Space was a real problem, as the bathroom had to be squeezed into the existing alleyway behind the house,” says Bronwyn. “All we could fit in was a narrow 4 x 1.5m bathroom.

“To enhance the space, we installed aluminium French doors in the shower – these open up onto a small courtyard.” >>

Organic Belgian waffle towels from Mungo; bathroom products from Fuego Lifestyle; outdoor African cork stool from Wiid Design; planter in shower from Aïlê Handmade To enclose the courtyard, Andrew built a wooden partition with treated timber and decking planks. “The French doors make a massive difference; they’re always open so we never feel boxed in,” says Bronwyn.