Tucked away in a leafy suburb in Cape Town stands a statement-making home – not only for the modern, glass-fronted architecture but more so for it’s vibrant interiors. For local design studio ARRCC, who executed the project, it was the homeowner’s affinity for colour – and a multitude of materials – that informed the creative journey.
‘By working with the homeowner’s wide and varied art collection we were able to create spaces that allow for a dynamic dialogue between the artworks and furnishings,’ says ARRCC director Mark Rielly.
This is immediately apparent in the expansive, marbled entrance hall of this Jenny Mills Architecture-designed home, where the brightly coloured, geometric Emmemobili Arlequin C cabinet is complemented by a two-tone suede sofa, angular rug and organically shaped side table. The scene sets a welcome sense of repose that carries through to the rest of the home.
‘Materiality is just as much a feature in this area,’ says ARRCC designer Quintin Gilman, pointing to the architect’s vision for the staircase leading down to the basement level. ‘Crema Marfil marble, glass balustrades with brass cladding, and dark-stained timber all create unique textures in this stairwell,’ he says. On the staircase wall, laser-cut, coated-steel cladding was added and then back-lit for dramatic effect.
Colour is the focus in the informal lounge, where a marine-blue rug grounds the layout, while teal cushions and green ceramic side tables by Paola Navone for Baxter continuing the aquamarine theme. Chevron patterned Missoni fabric in sorbet hues covers two ottomans, breaking the blocks of colour and adding a touch of playfulness to this family room and, upping the ante even further, a custom-designed DJ booth in dark and light grey tones means music is always part of the living experience.
Around the fireplace, the Gloob armchair and Lean on Me standing lamp by designer Adam Court of bespoke furniture studio OKHA adds to the juxtaposition of forms, their whiteness tossing an element of cool crispness into the friendly interior. Colourful balloon-like glass vases from OKHA’s curated accessories collection further embrace the elegant play of colourful form.
The covered terrace overlooking the lawn-lined swimming pool becomes a natural extension of the entertainment area. Its fireplace, barbecue and pizza oven make for effortless alfresco sessions, enjoyed under the dappled sunlight that passes through the slatted timber roof. The cool grey of the concrete floor slabs has been heightened using concrete and natural stone panel blocks fitted onto the darker charcoal coloured feature wall.
Evenings are presented in an ambient glow, with some of these sand-blasted travertines and pre-cast concrete features backlit, creating a subtly moody effect. This textured aesthetic manifests in the plaited armchairs too, with their weaving patterns relating to the spiralling forms found on the dyed cerise, turquoise and grey cushions dotted around this space. Creating a transition point between this area and the circular six-seater outdoor dining table, a suspended sofa swings gently in the breeze – a reminder that this is a home to be enjoyed.
