Embracing a broad spectrum of tones, textures and shapes, this eclectic yet compact Green Point house is an exquisitely curated space designed to simultaneously complement and contrast the home’s magnificent ocean views.
Interior designer and owner of the home, Ty Gillott (28), set out to create a practical space with a calm and homely feel for him and his partner Nic as well as the latest addition to the family, their Standard Schnauzer puppy named Leo. ‘For us, it was all about the breathtaking view,’ he says.
‘We originally purchased the home with the intention of doing slight aesthetic renovations, perhaps a new coat of paint or new floors — nothing structural. Although, after living in the house for a year, we realised that our needs had changed and we saw the potential to reimagine the home completely.’
One of the first structural changes was opening up the areas of the home for an enhanced flow between the different spaces and adding a balcony that spans the length of the house to optimise the panoramic view. With more compact houses such as this one, smaller details become more obvious, so it was important for Ty to maximise the space by including sophisticated finishes to give the home a distinct identity. ‘We started with the bones of the house by selecting timeless finishes with a luxury touch,’ he adds. This can be seen with the marble kitchen tops and the timber floors, which work wonderfully together to add visual interest and texture without distracting from the view.
Designing and decorating one’s own home does not happen overnight. It is a forever-evolving creative process based on new trends, travels and unexpected bursts of inspiration. Ty is well aware of the transience of interior design and skillfully counteracts it by mixing existing furniture with newer additions, including statement pieces with a timeless appeal and not being afraid to infuse colour.
His design style is encapsulated in the living area of the home. Clean lines and white walls make the room feel more spacious, while the curated gallery wall, featuring artworks by Charles Gassner and Joanna Lee Miller, creates a sense of interest, depth and a creative focal point.
Ty’s youthful exuberance and unapologetically bold design decisions shine in this room: the large statement rug from Herringbone Rugs makes the living space seem larger, the armchair from Dylan Thomaz’s Curación Collection brings with it an interesting sculptural element, while the two vintage ‘LC1’ armchairs by add a touch of nostalgia without coming off as too saccharine. The natural light, pops of colour and the greenery (a signature of all Ty’s design projects) give this room a vibrant atmosphere full of life and personality.
The main bedroom, on the other hand, opts for a moodier colour palette of dark blues and greens to evoke more of a subdued and grounded feeling. This room contrasts the bright and airy elements seen throughout the rest of the home, providing a sense of balance and serving as a relaxing escape after a long day. It would not be a classic ‘Ty room’ without some greenery, and the tall fiddle-leaf fig in the Liebermann Pottery planter brings in that natural element to complete the look and feel.
There is a resounding appreciation for both minimalism and maximalism in this Green Point home. It maintains a modern appeal without being cold, stark or clinical. The collection of furniture Ty has sourced from local furniture brands, South African artists and his travels all play a part in making the most out of a compact space while telling a beautiful story at the same time.
Words by Shai Rama
This article originally appeared in the September 2022 issue of House and Garden SA.
