Co-owners and partners Christopher Norman and Lara Horne took a chance on creating a unique getaway inspired by their family, nature and the endless possibilities of imagination. The result? Streamside Cabin – a creative pet-friendly escape outside the quaint town of Tulbagh.

What was the idea behind Streamside and how did it come into fruition?

Streamside is an expansion of an idea that was originally conceived by my brother Thor and my mother Jenny. They created a unique stay, “Sunset Dome”, that really took off in a way that none of us could’ve expected (you could say viral within the realms of accommodation businesses).

My brother had always maintained a childlike wonder and imagination, which paired perfectly with my mother’s creativity and experience as an architect. So, my partner Lara and I, with the blessing and encouragement of the original creators, gave us the opportunity to put our own spin on a tried and tested concept. Lara took a leap of faith with this idea by investing her life’s savings she’d accumulated towering the ranks of the FinTech industry and with some interior design expertise she picked up from doing marketing for Hertex fabrics. I found myself in an incredibly privileged position to have both my partner’s and my family’s vote of confidence to act as project manager. In terms of the idea, it was inspired by another but with the motivation to up the ante and do the family members who preceded us with the original concept proud. 

Who is behind the design and the build?

This build was very much a collaborative effort. Lara and I had veto rights on any creative decision, but we leaned on so many for opinions. My mother was the one who took a kooky idea of ours and made it into something that could exist within the realm of possibility and also within budget constraints. Without limitations, I think we would’ve ended up with something you’d see in a Lord of the Rings film. But alas… One day we’ll bring the shire to Tulbagh! My mother’s new boyfriend and travel companion also came through with some unique suggestions and contacts for the property with some slick design and functionality inspired by his sailing background. You’ll see aluminium beams, nylon spliced rope, and hand railing posts that you might find on your modern yachts. This is just something that will help prevent our seafaring guests from getting land sick in the heart of the Boland.

My family out in Mpumalanga also deserve an honourable mention as they let us steal with our eyes. They too, have also been influential in the process by letting us find out what makes their beautiful accommodations as successful as they are. I needn’t mention my brother as a constant confidant throughout the project who has the imagination to see the potential before the work is done. In essence, we absorb our favourite elements of what those nearest to us have to share and try to materialise it in a way that most celebrates those findings.  

What was your process for getting started?

We scoured the farm with a few potential sites in mind. We all took a nice leisurely family stroll and happened upon a clearing perched next to a stream and fully enclosed by indigenous trees that, in all honestly, was not on any of our radars. I think we were all kind of shocked that none of us conceived it as a viable spot, but when the first person said it the rest of us were just parroting “this is it, this is it”. Thus the site was confirmed. We looked at the nice level ground, and thought to ourselves, how do we elevate the site to see the sunset from this spot but also the mountain backdrop? Then the ideas started flooding “what if we do multi-tiered decking for elevation?”, “oooh, a custom stone wall hot tub!”, “glass walls”, “exposed scissor trusses” etc. When you’re in my position you don’t need any motivation but rather just a way of taming and compartmentalising floods of ideas in an organised way. Just to be involved in a creative process like this is self-propelling.

How did you conceptualise and prototype the geodome?

Aside from the dome itself – a carbon copy of what my family have already done, the rest of it comes from doodling and Pinterest. Take a glance at something you like, don’t look at it for too long and draw it in a way your memory photographed it and it will invariably be something different. My mother actually sourced the photo of an original concept that was an CGI image and then she drew a sketch of it that actually veered off quite drastically with little tweaks here and there, and we then cut and carved it into something that was applicable to the surrounding area, as well as our preferences. It then just sort of moulded into what you now see in the photos. The prototype is based on a drawing that a child could do with some inspiration from existing infrastructure on the farm and then drawn to scale into something a contractor can interpret to then build. As a general ethos, we endeavour to work backwards from a zany idea instead of going for something safe and making it a little bit more quirky. As I mentioned about my brother’s childlike imagination, we try to build in a way that a child would look at and go “Whoa”. Tap into the Peter Pan syndrome even if it’s just for a 2-night stay. More often our concern would be worrying if we played it too safe rather than did we go eccentric enough. In our eyes, you can always default to creature comforts and practical arrangements in the real world. Walking on a cold deck through the rain to an outdoor shower is an inconvenience but definitely more of an adventure. 

What does the area offer?

On the farm itself, we have the famous Cape Epic cycling track maintained by our passionate mountain biking community that can double up as a hiking trail. This trail meanders up to the base of the mountain we live against that then leads you onto a private hiking trail to a waterfall only our guests have access to. The farm is also active so roaming it would entail encounters with farm doggies, sheep, cows, blue cranes, harrier hawks, owls, duikers, and secretary birds (if you’re lucky and come at the right time) just to name a few. In the greater Tulbagh region, the first point of call would be going to the legendary breakfast/lunch/coffee hub Kole & Deeg. Best food and coffee in town and are completely authentic, and proud to have them in our humble valley. Wine tasting is a big deal around here, Montpellier, Oude Compagnies Post, and Twee Jonge Gezellen to name a few. Tulbagh Boutique Hotel and Duiker’s Drift for your evening dinners. Beyond the above mentioned there is certainly more but coming for a short visit that will definitely fill your cup! 

Tell us about the surrounding landscape and terrain. How did this impact the build?

What I’ve learned is you have to lean into what the site inherently has to offer and accentuate those natural features because we love the idea of the value being shared evenly between the natural environment and the build itself. It’s also a nice lazy way of letting the site do the work for you. Our glass walls for example is essentially a way of getting flora wallpaper for free except it’s not mimicking nature, it just is. Our key natural features would be the Witzenberg mountain backdrop, we wanted to have that in view from the bedroom window and also within the living room kitchen space. During sunset, it turns into this glowing purple slab that really stands so juxtaposed to the colours of the flora around you. It’s a really pleasing contrast. Also, the namesake stream which our guests have told us is the most soothing, ever-present sound that gives an incredible sense of calm throughout their stay. So on all sensory levels, the site has a lot to offer. 

What materials did you use?

It’s a bit of a mixture. Some are repurposed materials and some are new. Wooden decking, Glass walls with aluminium framing, corrugated and painted roof sheets, quartz tops for kitchen tops and vanity counter in the bathroom, laminated beam trusses, stone from the farm for hot tub and bathroom cladding, old Eskom telephone poles stained black, nylon spliced Rope, anodised masts. I’m sure I’ve missed many but those are the standout materials. We also stuck to a colour pallet of predominantly black and beige. Subconsciously, I think that was inspired by Zen-style Japanese interior design. Probably influenced by when Lara visited Japan a couple of years ago. The stained black wood is certainly a nod to Japanese tradition. Mind you we cheated with black varnish as opposed to burning the wood as a method of treatment. Will give it a go on the next project no doubt. 

How did you decide on an interior decor scheme?

Keeping in mind a modern, minimalist aesthetic, opting for shades of black and beige in the colour palette. As mentioned the subtle nods to the Japanese but by no means an attempt to call it Japanese. This is the part of the project where we worked within the constraints of a palette that funnelled us into a limited selection. From there the best option leapt out at us. I’m a big sufferer of option paralysis so working with constraints really helps get you to those right choices. 

Did you use any local makers or designers for the space?

We did everything in-house in terms of design and decor but the finishes were sourced by local suppliers. By in large local but occasionally from an overseas supplier. The first pick is always to support local. In the process, we found what talent and craftsmanship emanate from our wonderful country. 

You can either book directly to stay at Streamside via email or through their Airbnb and Booking.com listings.

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For those wanting to experience a Wes Anderson-inspired holiday, Airbnb and Universal Pictures has revealed 9 listings from around the world that perfectly fit the aesthetic.

Wes Anderson is one of cinema’s greatest auteurs who regularly brings a sense of nostalgia to life with his Iconic symmetry and rosey colour schemes. These Airbnb homes offer the ideal setting for anyone who dreams of recreating their own Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel or Asteroid City-inspired moments.

Off Grid and Forty Feet Up, Tiller, Oregon, US

Built in 2009, the Summit Prairie lookout tower is modelled after Fire Lookout Towers built by the US Forest Service in the early Nineteen Hundreds.

UFO ‘Futuro styled Flying Saucer’, Redberth, UK

A unique ‘space’ to stay – the UFO sleeps four and is located in the heart of South Pembrokeshire.

Camp Grits Solar Yellow Camper, Tennessee, US

Camp Grits’ Solar yellow vintage Camper is nestled in the Tennessee woods among our other little dwellings on the camp grounds.

Kind of Blue 1959 Airstream, Joshua Tree, California

This renovated 1959 Airstream is a minimal, modern space inspired by the surrounding desert.

Pop art apartment, Puglia, Italy

The Pop Art apartment was made by Salento artisans and young artists to offer a truly unique experience, with its colours, playful and unexpected furnishings.

Retro Caravan Nights, Auckland, New Zealand

Claris the retro caravan offers guests a unique overnight experience situated in the pohutukawa coasts stunning Omana clifftop regional park.

Colourful Canalside Flat, Venice, Italy

This colourful apartment overlooks the Rio Marin Canal and filled with vibrant colours, striking paintings and decorative rugs.

Secret Suite, Santorini, Greece

Located minutes away from Oia’s centre, this bright and colourful abode offers mesmerising sea views.

Wes Anderson Film-Themed Century Home, Ontario, Canada

Mr Anderson’s House is technically no longer available to rent out, but we couldn’t resist including it. Each room in this home is themed after a different film in director Wes Anderson’s repertoire.

Looking for more on local design or travel? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.

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WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Supplied/Shelley Cozijn RENOVATION BOMO Renovations INTERIORS BOMO Interiors

“We hadn’t actually decided on what house to buy, it all happened very quickly just weeks after having met for the first time- falling in love with each other and Cape Town,” explains owner Markus Bolinder. They both knew they loved Cape Town, especially the centrality of Gardens and the old cape-dutch houses with a lot of history and charm.

“Once we saw the ad of Villa Rose, it ticked every box for us so it was almost as if the decision made itself,” he elaborates. “To be able to have a house with a garden so central where so many great experiences are close by is rare. The calmness and security of the suburb, with the vibe of the city a stone’s throw away, was a unique and perfect mix for two young Europeans such as ourselves.”

The couple wanted to maintain and cherish the house’s heritage foundation while adding contemporary colours, furniture and artwork. “We don’t really have one style – instead we tend to go for interiors that we love and believe will suit the house,” he continues. Sometimes that can be something antique, other times it can be something highly modern. “We are firm believers in the power of details and didn’t want to leave much to coincidence. We want to think of living space just like one’s mind, it’s a bit too complex to be narrowed down into one simple style.” In their case, it ends up being a mix of new and old – abstract and minimalistic – European and African. Markus thinks it’s exactly this mix that gives the house character and soul, without becoming too abstract. “Going too crazy on colours and art takes away from the stillness which we believe is a key component to any home,” Markus continues.

Being from France and Sweden, the duo wanted to mix in some European influences while maintaining the South African feel. It’s this mix that we believe makes Villa Rose such a special place. With their own custom-made furniture company – BOMO Interiors, the team filled the home with their custom-made contemporary pieces that they produce themselves here in Cape Town.

The house was built more than 100 years ago and what seems to be pretty symbolic about the architecture during that time was the use of a front patio. Not only does the patio blend the inside and the outside, but it also helps create a very pleasant level change where you can sit and look down into the garden. Fifteen years ago, the previous owners extended the house with a third bedroom and a new kitchen and laundry area in the back of the house. The central living room with its high ceilings and fireplace is the perfect gathering spot during winter time which is part of what makes the house a great place to stay all year round.

“To create an authentic, loving living space you need to find items and objects that were created with love, and those take time to find,” says Markus. “Hence, we chose not to rush but to take our time finding the right piece for each space. When you maintain patience and an open mind, the right pieces somehow find you. The challenge is to actually stay patient and not buy average stuff just to fill the space up.”

Among these prized pieces include artworks by local artists such as Walter Battiss, St John Fuller, Cecil Skotnes, Louis Nel, Obie Oberholzer and Hannes Harrs.

Villa Rose is the perfect spot to unwind, explore Cape Town and relax in an unpretentious and curated setting. bomorenovations.co.za | bomointeriors.co.za

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Airbnb has created an opportunity for an applicant to live in a restored Sicilian home in Sambuca absolutely rent-free for a year.

The Italian heritage home, once in a state of decay, has received a beautiful upgrade, and adventurers are encouraged to apply to host the space. The concept behind the project is to boost tourism and bring temporary residents to the village of Sambuca.

With remote working on the rise, people have the opportunity to live abroad, and Airbnb saw this as the perfect opportunity to encourage people to take the chance to explore the world and lesser-known towns, villages and cities. Applicants needn’t go alone, they are welcome to bring a friend, family or partner to experience this once-in-a-lifetime dream with them.

The three-story heritage home in the heart of Samba – which is known for its “1 Euro House Campaign” – launched in 2018 to highlight the cultural heritage and encourage international investment after a hit by the declining population. The beautiful village is slowly being transformed into a vibrant hub and appealing to a younger market. The home was revived with help from the Italian architectural firm Studio Didea. The colours and textures work with the local village and landscape in a juxtaposition of contemporary and classic designs, showcasing handmade and artisan design elements.

The spacious building spans three floors, with plenty of room to work remotely and Host on Airbnb. The ground floor comprises a small living room, master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom. The first floor includes a living room, kitchen, working space, bathroom and mezzanine bedroom with a king-size bed. The upper floor includes an additional living space with a queen-size sofa bed. 

“The beauty of this campaign is that it gives a second chance not just to an abandoned heritage home in the heart of our village – it’s also a second chance to the person who moves into it,” says Leonardo Ciaccio, Mayor of Sambuca di Sicilia. “We see it as a designer makeover for the house and the Host. We’re looking for someone who wants to live with the local population and participate in all the important moments of the community, from the grape harvest to olive picking and we can’t wait to welcome whoever gets selected!”

Candidates should be keen to contribute and host in the village and residency begins on 30th June 2022. the successful candidate will retain all of the earnings from Airbnb hosting.

Looking for more local escapes? Take a look at the Robertson Small Hotel.

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Take a look inside a Tiny Cabin made from local materials and draws inspiration from the Tasmanian landscape in this short video by NEVER TOO SMALL.

This tailored pod also looks to Scandi design in its exterior and interior and is boasts breathtaking views with floor-to-ceiling glass offering vistas of the Frederick Henry Bay and the Southern Ocean and Mount Wellington/Kunanyi.

In the kitchen nook, a designer benchtop and the latest appliances make for an easy and quaint cooking space.

This 40-square metre architecturally designed home is compact, pared-back and allows Tasmania to be the star of the show. Owner Alice Hansen built the home with the intention of living in it but then decided to place the space on Airbnb to share the beautiful space with the public. 

Tasmanian oak wraps around the exterior, using local and sustainable materials for the building, which was done through two parts that were joined together.

The intimate and cosy living room uses a fireplace as a focal point by a local blacksmith. The sleeping space is elevated with two windows to bring the view in, with a skylight for stargazing.

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Check out this New York loft inspired small living space.

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From a dreamy architectural incense holder and virtual tours of some of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings to local artworks made from preserved botanicals and an online Southern Guild exhibition to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, these are the top VISI picks of the week series – week 328.

1. Kin Cloud Keep Incense Burner

Made up of three parts, the Cloud Keep Incense Burner, designed by Kin allows you to place an incense cone in a little gold house at the top of a flight of stairs, after which the smoke plumes gently descend each flight.

Image via designboom.com

2. Southern Guild Closer, Still Exhibition

Thirty percent of the proceeds from each sale made from Southern Guild’s new online exhibition Closer, Still, which features 22 South African artists and designers, will go to NGO Afrika Tikkun’s COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist in the delivery of food parcels and essentials to people in need. You can view the exhibition online here.

Xavier Clarisse

Dokter and Misses

Zizipho Poswa

Andile Dyalvane

Atang Tshikare

Images courtesy of southernguild.co.za

3. Online Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb has released a new series of online experiences for people to partake in virtually from across the globe. Experiences include Sketch & the City experience in New York, a personalised interior design workshop in San Francisco and a creative cartoonist drawing class in Mexico. There is a wide range of online tutorials you can get involved in.

Images via airbnb.co.za

4. Velt Botanical Art

Hand-made in Cape Town, Velt Designs create carefully pressed and preserved botanicals in delicate glass casings that are ready to be mounted and hung in your space.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Z212yJ-oC/

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Image credit: @velt.co.za on Instagram

5. Virtual Architecture Tours: Frank Lloyd Wright

For six weeks you’ll be able to take a tour of 12 historic Frank Lloyd Wright buildings from the comfort of your home. Explore these architectural masterpieces with insider info on the designs of each building.

Video credit: savewright.org

Browse more like VISI picks of the week series – week 328 on picks of the week 46.

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A retired Port Elizabeth couple sold their 1940s home at the top of their property and bravely built a modern, eco-friendly treetop hideaway in the city.

The built-in bed is made of oriented strand board (OSB), a type of engineered wood that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Ardmore wallpaper adds a playful touch.

When Fiona and John Whitfield moved back to the Port Elizabeth suburb of Fiona’s childhood in 2001, they were so smitten with the 1940s house at the top of the property that they scarcely took note of the tantalising treasures below.

They would later explore the tangled River Road garden and discover neglected stone pathways amid the milkwoods and white stinkwoods – evidence of landscaping from when the original property stretched right down to the base of Baakens Valley.

“With thick gloves up to our elbows and gumboots up to our knees, we set about clearing creepers and vines that had snaked their way up the trees and lay knee-deep on the ground,” Fiona remembers.

A decade of clearing later, the Baakens, rich in indigenous plant- and birdlife, now offers the Whitfields an envy-inducing view, with virtually no houses to be seen thanks to their elevated position.

Their steel-and-concrete “tree house” is light years away from its bricks-and-mortar granddad higher up. “Once we realised how much property we had, we got the ball rolling to subdivide it,” Fiona says. But the process took years and interest from buyers proved lukewarm given the gradient and associated costs of building. Fiona and John were also nervous their view from above would be marred and so decided to sell their home and move downhill themselves.

They remembered a promising architectural student named Dal Venables, who’d assisted them with a project a few years before. Dal now had his own successful firm, DMV Architecture, but had never forgotten the Whitfields’ unique if challenging property.

“Dal and Neal [Fisher, who’d joined DMV as a director and senior architect] bravely took on the project,” Fiona says. Briefed to create a one-bedroom home with a guest suite below, they gave the architects carte blanche. “Neal did the design and, because we’d given them a lousy budget [a non-negotiable R1,5 million], also had to project-manage everything.”

The only option, Neal says, was to separate out every trade and get it priced, then manage each service provider and their time on site. A primary structure was made from galvanised steel, and a light-gauge steel-framed “box” – clad inside and out, then filled with concrete containing polystyrene balls for insulation – was slotted into the main frame. Many of the building components were pre-manufactured and assembled on site. One year later, in May 2016, the Whitfields could move in.

“Living here is a privilege,” Fiona says of their low-maintenance home with its lush wild fig canopy. “The birdlife is astonishing, with loeries and a resident African goshawk gliding through the trees along with orioles, paradise flycatchers, guinea-fowl and other birds too numerous to mention. I am chuffed that at this age [Fiona is 63 and John is 64] we are living in such a modern-looking and exciting home.”

The guest suite under the house has become a popular Airbnb rental – with two of the couple’s three sons based out of town, “the boys” have to book if they want to visit. “We have a tent in the garden and they’ve all slept in there at some point!” Fiona says.

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The latest endeavour from Airbnb sees the company expand its offering from Airbnb Plus (see 7 of 2018’s most wish-listed homes here) to Airbnb Luxe, a brand-new tier of homes that have to meet a 300+ list of criteria to qualify.

More than 2 000 homes, including this previously featured Clifton house in Cape Town, have been picked as Airbnb Luxe properties, all of which have to meet a certain standard of design and feature the highest quality finishes and amenities.

“Today’s luxury traveller is craving more than just high-end accommodations; they seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination,” says Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder, CEO and Head of Community. “With Airbnb Luxe we are applying the same approach we’ve used since we launched Airbnb more than 11 years ago — creating local, authentic and magical travel moments now in amazing places to stay — to reimagine the way people think and experience luxury travel.”

Here are five spots from across the globe that form part of the Airbnb Luxe offering.

1. Clifton, Cape Town

2. Wanaka, New Zealand

3. Atoll de Nukutepipi, French Polynesia

4. Punta Mita, Mexico

5. Provence, France

For more information, visit airbnb.com/luxury.

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Booking your next trip and planning on staying in an Airbnb? Here, in no particular order, are seven of the most wish-listed homes on Airbnb Plus, each of which has met a 100-point checklist of requirements to achieve the Plus status. The homes range from a beachfront villa in Cape Town to a 130-year-old home in Barcelona.

*Rates per night are approximate, as rates are date and season specific

Explore Old Barcelona from a Loft-Style Studio

Location: Sant Pere/Santa Caterina, Barcelona

Bedrooms: 1  Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: Unwind on the balcony of a 130-year-old building in the heart of Barcelona’s oldest district. Enjoy open-plan, loft-style living with neutral decor, open shelving and rustic exposed-beam ceilings.

Rate: R2 180 per night

Live the LA Lifestyle in Loft Near Metro

Location: Los Angeles, California

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: Walk to everything! Located next to the metro. Steps from CVS, restaurants, bars and rooftops. Pershing Square Park across the street hosts farmers markets, summer concerts and winter ice-skating. Rooftop pool and spa with 360-degree views of DTLA.

Rate: R1 613 per night

Holiday in Style at This Elegant Roman Space

Location: Rome, Italy

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: Admire the view of St. Peter’s from the sunlit patio of this elegant studio apartment. The home boasts a crisp, contemporary feel while still feeling comfortable and inviting. Enjoy a convenient kitchenette, breakfast nook and soothing soaking tub.

Rate: R1 426 per night

Mission Loft Boutique Luxury Suite

Location: San Francisco, California

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: Unwind on the roof deck of your full floor boutique suite.

Rate: R3 431 per night

Shikumen Loft Suite with Patio, Garden and Private Cinema

Location: Shanghai, China

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: The neat interiors of this small design-centric suite were created with a soft, subtle colour palette in mind.

Rate: R1 544 per night

Luxurious Villa with Beachfront Access

Location: Kommetjie, Cape Town

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3

Host Description: Swim to the edge of the sparkling pool and take in the stunning ocean view. Lofty doors open up this luxurious villa and the rock-lined fireplace adds a rustic feel. A romantic swing with plush cushions overlooks the sea and sunset.

Rate: R4 995 per night

Luxury Guest Suite near Downtown Toronto

Location: Toronto, Canada

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1

Host Description: Sip coffee at the breakfast bar in the modernised kitchen of this elegant suite. Jewel-tone accents and original artwork add a homey feel to the neutral decor. In summer, make s’mores over the fire or relax on the deck, complete with hot tub and BBQ.

Rate: R1 347 per night

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The buy-to-rent market in Cape Town is booming. And when the buyer is one of South Africa’s most accomplished interior design and decor personalities, the tenant is in for a treat.

Kim Smith is a very busy woman. In 2017 this director of Weylandts travelled to China, Germany, Italy, Singapore, India and Indonesia. In June she renovated the Chefs Warehouse restaurant at Maison Estate in Franschhoek, and in November Weylandts launched its first standalone Homestore (“70% home ware, 30% furniture”) in Sandton City.

“So most of this was done via WhatsApp,” she jokes as we enter her newly renovated penthouse apartment in Manhattan Place on the corner of Bree and Dorp streets, overlooking the Cape Town nightlife district. It’s the middle of the day but the apartment is dark.

Exposed black piping and steel girders cut industrial lines across grey walls and ceilings. Black honed-granite countertops complement the glossy black Smeg appliances in the kitchen. A ceiling fan makes the strands of a black shaggy rug on the couch stand on end.

“It used to be all white,” says Kim, “but I wanted something moodier and edgier. It is, after all, a nightlife spot. But it also creates a cocoon high up above the city. I love the fact that you can hear the muezzins from the mosques nearby. And the challenge was to make it look lived in – or at least not unlived in.”

It’s a challenge cleverly met. The books on the shelves – decor, travel, photography – are not all brand-new. The framed blueprint of an engine’s parts was found in a desk drawer at an old factory in Johannesburg. And there are just enough ornaments and flourishes to make you feel like you’re crashing in the pad of a guitarist for some Afro-grunge band that, 10 years from now, will take the world by storm.

Of course, every item is from Weylandts, from the skulls on the wall to the sand papered leather Marconi sofa with exposed seams. But the apartment is a deliberate and diametric opposite to Kim’s family home in Franschhoek, which is an airy, minimal white space that evokes the impression of an art gallery in a farmhouse.

“It’s a creative release,” says Kim. “I’m addicted to putting my spin on places. I treat every project as if I’m going to occupy the space. The knives are sharp, the pans are good quality, the bed is comfortable. I always focus on a monochromatic palette, and celebrate textures and materiality.” Particularly striking are the light fittings, each cluster a variation on the same industrial theme. They extend the lines drawn by the water sprinkler and electrical piping, and the old-fashioned filaments are as fascinating as they are functional.

“Because I travel so much, I know how important it is to have a beautiful place to return to. After all, we are shaped by our environments,” says Kim – in an environment so beautifully shaped by her.

Kim’s apartment is available to rent on airbnb.com.

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