HOME GROWN
The owner of this London house used a warm palette, organic materials and an indoor/outdoor feel to remind her of her South African roots
Taryn Driemeyer and her husband Paul were initially drawn to their southwest London home by the proportions of the windows, and the natural light flooding into the property. ‘The light and scale of properties in South Africa where I grew up is very different,’ says Taryn. ‘Over the past 20 years my decorating style has changed to a more English eclectic aesthetic.’
The couple initially lived in their house for two years before making any changes, so they had time to work out how to alter it to better suit their needs and lifestyle.
Fortunately, there weren’t many structural changes required, but
the first floor was reconfigured to improve the proportions of both bathrooms. Heating, electrics and floors were also replaced, while a new kitchen and bathrooms were installed.
‘We thought carefully about the lighting design and installed layers of light on different dimmable circuits,’ says interior designer Taryn. ‘Now the lighting changes throughout the day, creating a cosy environment.’ The walls and woodwork throughout the house are painted in a warm but neutral palette, which helps create a flow throughout the space. ‘I love organic materials such as linen, sisal and rattan,’ she says, adding that she always tries to include a trip to Cape Town when possible, so she can visit galleries and her favourite interior design stores.
By maximising the storage space throughout the house with built-in joinery, Taryn has created a sense of calm and tidiness. ‘Having a place for everything is very important to me,’ she says. When it came to designing the kitchen, she worked with DEVOL to plan and install the cabinetry to best suit their needs. The kitchen-diner, which is on the lower ground floor, opens onto a living area where the couple spend most of their time. New shelving has dedicated storage for paperwork, board games and the dogs’ toys, while a built-in mini workspace keeps the dining table free of clutter. ‘We are lucky to both have studies, so we can keep out of each other’s way!’
From the living area, dark grey painted patio doors open onto the garden. ‘In summer, when the doors are open fully, this is a great indoor/ outdoor space,’ she says. ‘We did a major overhaul redesigning and planting the garden, it’s great for summer entertaining,’ says Taryn. The room’s mix of pattern is subtle, and on Taryn’s wish list is a large colourful kilim to ground the scheme and introduce a mix of colours. Most important of all are the ornamental ceramics that line the shelves, and the artwork around the room which has been collected as memorabilia from trips back to South Africa. ‘I love these,’ she says, ‘as they all remind me of home.’