Located off a quiet street on the slopes of Table Mountain, this old Victorian row house, characterised by its intricate ‘broekie lace’ (decorative ironwork) and classic façade, underwent a complete renovation that was designed to complement its location – merging the old world with the new.
The home was transformed into a sanctuary-like space with tailored luxury finishes and a casual yet lived-in interior that evokes calm, styled with textured finesse. Avenue Boutique Interiors collaborated with Rennie|Scurr|Adendorff Architects to bring this home to life.
It was inspired by the work of world-renowned antique dealer and designer Axel Verwoord, who is known for his organic approach to designing interiors influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. Incorporating Wabi-Sabi in an interior design sense shares similar values to its original philosophical Weltanschauung: a connection to the land and natural elements, a neutral colour palette, and a lack of clutter.
‘We naturally integrated elements in their truest forms to reflect the Wabi-Sabi philosophy of organic materials,’ says Pamela Williams, owner and interior designer at Avenue Boutique Interiors. ‘We introduced solid, warm wood into the furniture pieces to help ground the scheme. The walls and fabrics are all muted, with tasteful artisanal accents and ornaments – each with a story to tell.’
The home’s colour palette is simple, combining neutral monochromatic colours and earthy tones such as beige and taupe, warm chestnut woods and concrete white – all intentionally chosen for their grounding and calming effect.
The home’s ground floor was intentionally altered to create an open-space floor layout between the dining area, kitchen and courtyard, allowing a more organic flow and better natural light. The lounge area is a delicate mix of quiet luxury and hand- crafted furniture pieces to create a sense of harmony and balance.
Raw clay objects and organic, textural materials soften the space to make it feel more lived in, while the impressive marble mantelpiece above the fireplace is a focal point that affirms this area’s cosy and intimate atmosphere.
‘We worked closely with local artisans to achieve the natural beauty of imperfect shapes,’ says Pamela. ‘We added natural textures to furniture and sourced pieces that all evoke a sense of calm visual interest.’
The centrepiece of the kitchen island was designed to mimic Table Mountain’s iconic silhouette with a monolithic impression of polished rock. With the space alterations, the concept became a more adaptable area, one better suited for hosting live cooking experiences, poetry readings and intimate workshops, promoting an easier space for human connection and play.
‘It may sound clichéd to say that the kitchen is the heart of the home; but in this instance, it’s absolutely on point,’ says Amy Lawrence, Interior Architect for Rennie|Scurr|Adendorff Architects. ‘Once the stacking timber doors are opened the lines are blurred between indoor and outdoor, and there’s wonderful flow throughout.’
The mindful approach towards each design element, from the natural stone and solid timber finishes to the sourcing of furniture and decor from local artisans, makes this Wabi-Sabi-inspired home a perfect place for contemplation, relaxation, and experiencing a deep connection with nature and the surrounding environment.
