WORDS Jaco Janse van Rensburg IMAGE Russell Smith
Seven tips from creative consultant Jaco Janse van Rensburg on how to achieve a high-end look and feel when space, time and money are limited.
1. DRESS THE WINDOWS
People think you can save money buying ready-made curtains, but you just don’t get the same effect, ever.
2. LOOK DOWN
Select one floor finish throughout. There are a lot of attractive, durable and reasonably priced wood-grain vinyls to choose from nowadays. Look for end-of-range deals.
3. FINISH WELL
In the bathroom, choose one finish for the walls, shower and floors. Digitally printed marble-look ceramic tiles are practical, offer the same on-trend effect, and come in at a fraction of the price.
4. INDULGE IN SOME LUXURIES
Good towels and linen are essentials for me, and I chose Mungo [for this Cape Town CBD apartment]. You’re supporting a local company, and their real linen and cotton products actually get better the more you use them.
5. PLAY WITH SCALE
Don’t be afraid to be bold with proportions even in a small space. Select one or two elements for an overall result that is more bespoke and considered.
6. TEXTURISE
Touch is connected to comfort, so choose fabrics and rugs that are soft and luxurious.
7. EDIT CAREFULLY
Shop within a colour palette and combine lower-cost items with pricier ones by considering their function. A sofa, for instance, will get a lot of use, so spend more on that and pair it with a cheaper side table.
See Jaco’s inner-city Cape Town apartment, here.
