We love transforming ugly ducklings into beautiful swans!

We were immediately drawn to the solid structure, light-filled rooms, high ceilings, and prime location of this three-bedroom apartment in Vredehoek, nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain. Although it required extensive modernisation, we eagerly embraced the challenge of converting this compact 83m2 area into a serene and functional home.

I personally handled the conceptualisation, design and sourcing. With a skilled project manager and team overseeing construction, we had ample time to meticulously plan and source everything while awaiting the property transfer. Every aspect, from floors and ceilings to lights and windows, underwent replacement. We also reconfigured the layout by removing two walls, formerly dividing a bedroom, and relocating the kitchen to create a spacious open-plan living area.

Since we enjoy cooking, entertaining and dining, we had to be innovative with the kitchen layout, opting for an extended island on wheels that doubles as a dining table for 6-8 people when rotated 90°. To maintain countertop cleanliness, we designed a dedicated coffee station for all our appliances.

We upgraded the lounge sliding doors to stacker doors, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the balcony. The bathroom was redesigned to feature a walk-in shower, complemented by meticulously laid ‘Pinterest-inspired’ floor tiles and brushed gold hardware against clean textured wall tiles.

The former kitchen space now serves as a home office for my partner, who works remotely. Additionally, the spare room’s cupboard was transformed into a convenient desk setup for me, ensuring practicality without compromising space for guests.

The main bedroom’s cupboards were entirely replaced, and all walls were refinished to eliminate outdated ‘popcorn’ textures. We restored the solid Oregon pine door frames and installed aluminum-framed windows, down-lighters and high-quality wood composite floors throughout.

To maintain a serene and spacious feel in the compact space, we opted for a neutral colour palette. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome – a tranquil and secure sanctuary in the heart of the city.