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Made of the base of a eucalyptus tree with a copper finish, this coffee table by Goet Furniture and Design is an interesting as well as practical piece of furniture. The indoor/outdoor rug was imported from India, and the painting is an acrylic-and-charcoal work by Anelle Steyn. -
In the foyer, guests are greeted by an oversized standing lamp by Woltemade Design Studio, a rectangular table that is the work of designers at Room 31, and the striking sculpture by Beth Armstrong. -
The master bedroom features a walk-in closet that was part of the original house. The Atkinsons had the headboard custom-made, and the lamps are from The Gatehouse at Mavromac. -
The Nestor Martin 360-degree rotating fireplace from Enviroheat SA sits at a crossroads of family areas. It is complemented by a gold-leaf-finished Rocket side table with a 5 mm bevelled mirror top by Leonardo Design. -
Craig can often be found in the open-plan kitchen, where a set of Drop Cap pendant lights in a copper finish from Plumen beams light down on the work area. High chairs from Peter JA Stuart with comfortable backs serve as bar stools. -
The Loft vertical bookcase in Tatum’s room is from Weylandts, and on the side table is a Sitting lamp with a black shade by Graeme Bettles Design. The crocheted rug from Mezzanine has a playful doodle feel to it that works well with Tatum’s prized artworks. -
Tatum is an avid painter, and whenever she creates new works they’re slipped into white gallery frames. “She’s so proud when she sees them up there on the wall, and it’s a fun way of bringing something personal into that space,” says Michelle. -
Michelle and the youngest member of the Atkinson household, Tatum. -
After meeting sculptor Beth Armstrong on a plane, Michelle asked the artist to come up with a unique way to symbolise their family. “They’re three individual trees, but they stand together.” -
Jeanne Stravino is an interior designer and the owner of Room 31. She specialises in upmarket residential, retail and corporate interior design and decorating.
PHOTOS Dook PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes WORDS Helen Herimbi
Michelle and Craig Atkinson share an interest in art and they enjoy entertaining friends. Their home in Hurlingham Manor reflects their interests and personalities.
In the foyer of the Atkinsons’ house in Hurlingham Manor, one is greeted by a striking Beth Diane Armstrong sculpture of three trees of varying sizes. Commissioned by Michelle Atkinson as a gift for her husband Craig, the piece is just one of the family-centred details that characterise this home.
“I was lucky enough to find myself seated next to Beth on a flight to Cape Town,” Michelle recalls. “I had her come up with a concept around the family tree, as we weren’t keen on a typical family portrait. We both think this piece is just beautiful.”
Michelle and Craig, who met at university when they both studied law, have a daughter named Tatum and were expecting a baby boy at the time of writing.
The two of them share a keen interest in art, which shows in the well-placed artworks in their home, including an eye-catching lithograph of a boy in profile by Nelson Makamo. The works they’ve collected share wall space with colourful paintings made by Tatum.
The wall paint and fabric shades they chose are mainly blues, greys and earthy hues. “We find neutral colours calming,” says Michelle. What they wanted was a peaceful home, and the colour scheme contributes to a sense of tranquillity.
Interior designer Jeanne Stravino of Room 31 had a hand in the effect. “The house lends itself to a contemporary feel,” she says, “but we’ve managed to create a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere, which is what the Atkinsons wanted.
“I loved being able to showcase talented local designers’ work in this home,” says Jeanne. “There is just so much talent in this country and I am passionate about working with young up-and-coming designers. It is amazing when you have clients who appreciate creative talent.”
A few of the pieces Michelle and Craig have collected are an acrylic and charcoal artwork by Anelle Steyn, an Ndebele chair designed by Ronel Jordaan and a quirky coffee table from Goet Furniture and Design. Made of a eucalyptus tree stump with a copper insert, it’s a practical piece of furniture for a house with a toddler in it. Jeanne says Tatum can clamber all over the table and they don’t have to worry about it.
The house has four bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and dining area, a TV room, a lounge and a patio. It’s the kind of space that lends itself to entertaining guests. “Craig is a great cook and we love to have friends over,” says Michelle. “It’s nice to hop onto one of those high chairs with a glass of wine while he’s cooking.”
In winter, a favourite place to gather for one of Craig’s meals is within the warm glow emitted by the Nestor Martin fireplace that they bought from Enviro-heat SA. “It swivels 360 degrees and creates a vibey atmosphere when it’s cold outside,” says Michelle.
