From your very first step onto the black-and-white patterned tiles on the patio, you are instantly transported to an idyllic staycation in this home away from home. The Pineapple House Boutique Hotel has recently undergone a major renovation to increase its nine-bedroom space to 14, adding not only more accommodation, but a beautiful kitchen, dining and lounge area with the perfect penthouse plunge pool for summer.
It didn’t take long for co-owners Lesley and Rupert Sykes to revamp the second part of this boutique hotel space, since they already had a feel for it with the first build. For this renovation, they worked in conjunction with Melissa Kerkhof of Lula Fabrics to design the bright, engaging and vibrant colour palette that amplifies the space, making use of every nook and cranny. While space is always an issue in Cape Town, Rupert perfected the ability to maximise every square metre of this home and still preserve the heritage of the building, adding contemporary elements in between.
When describing the atmosphere of the space, Lesley says ‘Pineapple House Boutique Hotel allows guests to adventure through a multitude of colour, texture and art. The style is one of funky boldness and aims to heighten one's senses. By creating a space that is probably very unlike most people's home spaces, it aims to inspire and all in all, provide a happy and joyful experience. Our tagline says it all, "Designed to surprise and delight!"’
Lesley and Rupert also partnered with SMAC Gallery to adorn the walls with bright and bold art throughout the hotel. These art pieces are also available to purchase, but provide just the right amount of personality to the rooms and common areas, adding layers of colour, art and fun. The couple prides themselves on creating spaces that are stimulating and inspiring from a design perspective. ‘We have taken each room and public space and utilised colours and design additions that complement the specific space.
Every room has been treated as a mini project and has its own unique colour palette. It keeps people interested in coming back as they know they still have spaces to discover somewhere in the hotel!’
When asked about the origins of the hotel’s name, Lesley mentions ‘The name originates from the use of the pineapple decal on window frosting in projects we undertook in London. People used to ring the doorbell and pop notes under the door asking where we got them. When we moved back to SA in 2015, the same thing happened when we used the pineapple frosting on our home here in Sea Point. Unbeknownst to us the pineapple is actually the sign of welcome in the world of hospitality. Due to its seemingly exotic qualities and rareness, the pineapple became a symbol of hospitality in early America, too.
It has also been a fun and engaging symbol to carry through our brand identity.’ With the summer season in full swing and their keen eye for design, Lesley and Rupert certainly have their hands full. However, it's only a matter of time before we see another eclectic, beautiful Pineapple House popping up on the nearby streets of Cape Town.
