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For the renovation of a 1960s home in the suburb of Rondebosch, Cape Town, architect and designer Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design was tasked with creating flow and maximising the outdoor space for living and entertaining, while working within the compact site and existing footprint. -
The yellow theme in the main bedroom of this seaside apartment, renovated by Hanno, captures the essence of African sunshine with a two-tone geometric Dash and Dart wallpaper by Hertex and Swe Swe fabric used for the accent scatter cushions. To add a playful touch, the traditional bedside lamp has been replaced with whimsical glass pendants from Weylandts. -
“We predict that the upcoming film season, which usually begins around mid-October and runs until the end of March in Cape Town, is likely to be influenced by 90s minimalism alongside futuristic details. This translates into modern, minimalist homes or stark industrial settings,” says says Julia Finnis-Bedford, founder of Amazing Spaces, an international film locations company that has paired film crews from all over the globe with the most sublime settings offered by South African properties since 2000. -
This Stellenbosch residence, revamped by interior designer Susanne Brodnik, founder of My Place in Cape Town, epitomises the essence of minimalism while embracing a diverse palette of textures and forms. -
Based on the surrounding contrast of city and nature, Susanne decided to embrace the theme of ‘Urban Jungle’ for the colour palette and the decor in this Camps Bay Penthouse.
COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Mat van Niekerk (Rondebosch Home and Sea Side Apartment); Adam Letch and Micky Hoyle (Kloof Nek Home); vinylraephoto (Camps Bay Penthouse and Stellenbosch Home)
Whether you’re looking to embrace 90s minimalism or experiment with bold patterns, these expert tips will help you approach your next redecorating project with confidence.
In the ever-evolving world of interior design, staying updated with trends while keeping your space timeless can be tricky. We spoke with three experts – interior designer Susanne Brodnik, Hanno de Swardt of Onnah Design, and Julia Finnis-Bedford, founder of Amazing Spaces – to gain insights into current decor trends and how to incorporate them.
Achieving a 90s Minimalism Look While Keeping the Space Warm and Inviting
SUSANNE The key to 90s minimalism is blending function and design. Clean lines, glass, and metal elements were softened by warm textures like wood and cosy fabrics, fostering a balanced aesthetic. This approach ensures that while the design is minimalist, it doesn’t feel cold or sterile.
HANNO Adapting 90s minimalism today is about simplifying and personalising these trends… keep things relaxed and use colour strategically to highlight certain elements. Soft pastels and earthy tones add a modern twist to the trend, creating a serene space.
JULIA Play with pastel surfaces like pale blue walls or light pink cabinetry and soft lighting to keep the space inviting.
Adding a Futuristic Touch to Your Space
SUSANNE If you’re looking for a sleek, modern space, incorporating futuristic elements is the way to go. But futurism doesn’t have to be harsh. Curved furniture, circular lighting fixtures, and soft furnishings help introduce a more inviting, comfortable feel, balancing the stark, industrial look that typically defines futurism.
HANNO Introduce geometric shapes and minimalist decor while combining them with warmth – it’s all about balance.
JULIA Integrate soft hues with modern materials like frosted glass, polished concrete, or brushed steel to help create a futuristic look with a warm twist.
Incorporating Bold Geometric Patterns Without Overwhelming a Space
SUSANNE When mixing bold geometric patterns, ensure that at least one or two elements, like scale or colour, are consistent across the patterns to create balance. There’s a fine line between eye-catching and overwhelming.
HANNO Feature walls are great if you want to make a statement with patterns. Choose a focal point and identify one feature wall to celebrate that wall only in a bold geometric pattern.
JULIA For those seeking a subtler approach, use geometric patterns in entryways or bathrooms for a statement that doesn’t overwhelm.
Using Vibrant Colour Palettes in Smaller Spaces
SUSANNE Vibrant colours can energise a space, but in smaller rooms, it’s important to use them wisely. Use neutrals as a base and add pops of colours with soft furnishings.
HANNO The key here is to follow the 80-20 rule – 80% warm neutrals in combination with 20% cool neutrals for a balanced colour scheme.
JULIA If you are going to add colour to your walls, opt for softer tones like a soft coral or pale turquoise to add vibrancy without making the room feel cramped.
Incorporating Mid-century Modern Elements for a Timeless Appeal
SUSANNE Mid-century modern pieces are timeless because they emphasise quality craftsmanship and functional beauty. When paired with more contemporary pieces, they don’t feel dated but rather create a rich, layered look. Incorporating wooden furniture with organic shapes, as well as metals like brass or copper, will help you maintain the integrity of the style while adding a modern twist.
HANNO These pieces are like the perfect canvas – you can play around with them to introduce new trends. For example, combining mid-century modern furniture with vibrant accents adds a contemporary vibe to the room without overpowering the elegance of the furniture. Start with staple pieces like a low-profile sofa or a sleek sideboard and build the room’s design around them.
JULIA While the original mid-century palette favoured warm neutrals and wood tones, today’s version often incorporates more colour. Use soft tones on accent pieces or textiles to keep the room feeling light and airy while still honouring the mid-century modern aesthetic.
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