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Juané surveys the fruits of her labour. The striking chandelier is a collaboration between Juané and Yellow Thread, who made the one-of-a-kind piece. The floor lamp is from Weylandts, the coffee table with Caesarstone top by Fonk Design and the sofa from Sofacompany.com. The vase on the coffee table is from Ceramic Matters and the rug is from Mae Artisan Rugs. -
The LG television is from Hirsch’s, the platters on the bottom shelf of the storage unit are by Mervyn Gers, the black vases are by Ceramic Matters and the black occasional chair is from ARRCC. -
The headboard in the main bedroom is painted in Plascon In the Mood. The lamps are from Newport Lighting and the bedside tables are from LIM. -
A circular mirror by Peacock Glass is the focal point in the guest bedroom. The headboard was designed by Juané and timber was supplied by Ticktin Timbers. The linen in both bedrooms is from Weylandts, the chair is from @home and the felt storage baskets are from H&M. -
The bathroom is a study in neutrality with touches of copper to add lustre. The Caesarstone-topped vanity was designed by Juané and made by Sangengalo Marble & Granite. The floor was done by Stucco Italiano, and the wooden bath mats are from Weylandts. -
The glass shower door panels and fittings are from West Cape Glass, and all the accessories are from Woolworths and Weylandts. -
In the kitchen, the appliances are from Smeg, the Breville coffee machine is from @home and the horse statue is by Elsje Burger. The kitchen cabinets were made by Woodlab, the worktop is Caesarstone and the kettle is from Woolworths. The dining table is by Il Toro Kraft and the chairs are by Guideline MNF. Mervyn Gers-designed crockery is paired with cutlery from Woolworths and glassware from Weylandts. -
The black-and-white photograph was taken by Juané. The desk and chair are from Weylandts and the coffee set is from Woolworths. -
The magnificent horse statue is from Wunders, the lamp is from Weylandts and the mural was done by Paintique.
WORDS Tracy Greenwood PRODUCTION Sumien Brink PHOTOS Jan Ras
When candidate architect and photographer Juané Venter was selected as a finalist in the SABC 3 Win A Home competition, she set about creating a pad with a specific design signature… and walked away with a R50 000 prize.
This is why, when she was elected as one of the three contestants to battle it out on the decor front in the Win A Home competition, she took cognisance of her surroundings and set about creating a space that reflected the mink-and-manure sense of luxury synonymous with Val de Vie Estate near Paarl and coupled it with special touches that are a clear reflection of her own design aesthetic.
The only woman among the three contestants, Juané saw the competition as an opportunity to grow. “It was the perfect challenge for me,” she says. “It took me out of my comfort zone.”
Win A Home, which was sponsored by Private Property in association with Nedbank, aired on Afternoon Express on SABC 3 every weekday between 4 pm and 5 pm for 10 weeks between May and August this year.
Under the expert mentorship of VISI editor-in-chief Sumien Brink, Juané set about stamping her design signature on the apartment.
The swish Polo Pads in the Polo Village at Val de Vie, designed by renowned architect Stefan Antoni, who was also one of the judges, feature neutral-coloured exterior walls, a grey slate roof, a balcony and a modern, uncluttered interior.
Juané took these factors into account when making interior design choices. “I went for a neutral colour palette, because I wanted the walls to be like a canvas for the designer pieces I brought in. I think a neutral pallet is timeless.” Her favourite paint colour, Plascon In the Mood, is a neutral yet warm shade that works well in any space.
“My style is still developing, but at this stage it is functional and contemporary with an industrial edge. That said, I am proud of the quirky elements I introduced into this apartment to give it life and set it apart.”
The striking chandelier in the living room is one such element. Juané commissioned Yellow Thread to make the piece to add a focal point and an element of drama to the other-wise restrained interior. “It’s my favourite piece!” she says.
The competition was a great confidence builder for Juané, who says she could not have done it without the dedication of her mentor, Sumien. Winning the R50 000 viewers’ choice prize was the cherry on top.
What’s next for this shining light on the South African design and architecture stage?
“Next year I will write my professional practice exam, the culmination of seven years of study to become an architect.
My dream is to have my own studio where I can work on creative ventures that include photography, architecture and interior design. For me, the greatest thing about decor and design is that you get to give a little of yourself on every project. It is an art form in which you get to express yourself.”
