Before and after: Franschhoek Home

WORDS Amelia Brown IMAGES Danielle King

Interior designer Jane Wilson of Covet Design was tasked with modernising a large home in Franschhoek while staying true to the property’s classical architecture and complementing its lofty proportions. 

“The goal was for the home to feel warm and comfortable,” explains Jane, “but also for it to have a design point of view.” So, in addition to updating the decor, she worked with the clients to scrutinise how spaces were being used to solve some spatial issues and ensure every area was being maximised.

The project involved the 1 500 m² home’s 17 rooms, made up of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces, as well as two large outdoor areas. In the downstairs living and entertaining areas, Jane introduced a rich royal blue – as seen in the bespoke velvet dining room chairs – that is subtly woven throughout to bring continuity and clarity to the large spaces. “It can be a challenge to make really large rooms feel warm and welcoming. We needed to create a feeling of intimacy,” she says.

The project was completed over an 18-month period, which allowed for a conscious approach to the design. Many of the pieces were created specifically for the space. While retaining a sense of lightness and airiness, Jane has created smaller nooks, pause points or places of interest within the larger spaces, and chosen pieces that are simultaneously features in their own right but that are subtle and sophisticated enough to coexist well within the space as a whole.

Additionally, the renovation has enhanced the relationship between the interiors and exteriors. “We used large mirrors in the living room to reflect and incorporate the amazing views from the front patio,” Jane adds, referring to one of her favourite made-over spaces that now features that trace of blue in the sun lounger cushions.

Check out some more inspiring before and afters here.