Before and After: Rosebank Home

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Karl Rogers Photography

For the renovation of this home in Cape Town’s leafy suburb of Rosebank, architect and designer Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design was tasked with transforming the underutilised formal living spaces into an inviting modern abode. 

“This revamp was a direct response to the new normal,” explains Hanno. “My clients were working from home and therefore spending more time indoors and outdoors. They wanted to transform their Rosebank home into a more inviting space.”

Hanno converted the underutilised formal dining and living area into a functional WFH ‘nook’ that was neatly separated from a dining space via a ‘colonial’ inspired room divider from Instyle Creations. The two tall Oak cabinets framing the cottage pain window, provide impressive storage and display space.

The room terminates in a stunning feature wallpaper by Cara Saven Wall Design with a tinted mirror by Glassmen West Coast in the hallway that bounces light beautifully, which helps bring natural warmth to the room. “I proposed the feature wallpaper in the dining room as it tied in with the existing bamboo floors and new server unit, but also because it relates to the the beautiful garden and brings a bit of the outside ‘in’,” explains Hanno. 

“The braai patio, feeding off a central courtyard, received a joinery update, a feature wall in a slightly darker tone for contrast and reupholstering existing patio furniture to match the corner bench on the pool veranda, for visual continuity. We also gave the outdoor spaces a new lease on life with sensible seating. This improved the flow between the interior and exterior spaces,” explains Hanno.

The main and guest bedrooms were updated in a contemporary yet classic style. “The bedrooms are a perfect fusion of the clients personal style and taste,” says Hanno. “The client wanted calm neutral colours throughout.” Duckegg, a client favourite, was used in the guest bedroom while the colours in the embroidered accent scatter cushion in the main bedroom were Hanno’s cue for the remainder of the room’s colour palette. 

Looking for more architectural or before and after inspiration? Take a look at the renovation of this ‘lock up and go’ seaside apartment.