Before and After: Green Point Renovation

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES Lee-Ann Vigus

Cape Town-based Janine Fourie may run her own events company by day, but it’s her love for renovation that keeps her busy in her free time.

A newbie to the world of renovation, she has just completed her third project, and she has no intention of stopping there. “I grew up in a family of builders and decorators, so I would say renovating is in my blood,” she explains. “It only took me a few years to realise that renovating is my passion.” It all started when she decided to make a few changes to her now-husband’s bachelor pad while he was out of town for a week. “I found myself repainting the walls, moving furniture around, replacing tiles, carpets, kitchen countertops. Within seven days (and nights) I had renovated his apartment. He was super surprised and very happy. And so it started.”

After renovating their first home in Bloubergstrand, Janine took on a project in Cape Town’s Green Point, one she dubs the “Old Lady”.

“I am inspired from the first second I lay eyes on a property,” says Janine. “I see potential in every property; you just need to picture yourself living in the property and then the creative ideas will follow.” She looked to Pinterest and her own travels for inspiration for this project, including a trip to Lisbon, Portugal. “I think Lisbon is the perfect balance between old and new,” she says. “I love the colourful and creative streets, the different patterns and beautiful nature. I fell in love with the views, the clean and simple nude colours the buildings would reflect, the soft city sounds that give you a peaceful feeling.”

Janine restored the original wooden floors found in the house, in combination with Quartz Carpet, her current floor covering favourite. “Quartz is natural and soft on the feet,” she explains. It was important for Janine to highlight nature and greenery throughout the property, both inside and outdoors. ”I am a plant lover and can’t live without green in my life. Plants keep me calm and complete a room.”

Janine stuck to plain nude hues in the space, with additions of colourful walls, furniture pieces and tiles. Areas throughout the house were also opened up to allow the free flow of natural light. “My aim was to create a relaxed indoor/outdoor living feel, and to add a lot of different finishes, textures and patterns, in a subtle way.”

What did Janine love most about this project? “Saving an ‘Old Lady’ and proving to myself that no job is too big for a girl.”