Me and my husband, our cat and dog embarked on a mission to revive a charming house nestled in a quiet spot in Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria. A true gem from the 1970s, this house stood tall, showing its semi-Spanish feel with whitewashed bricks and square motifs adorning the corners of the house. While it possessed an inherent beauty, it longed for our attention and needed a modern revival. We chose to embrace an unconventional path by moving into the staff quarters for three months.

Floors were stripped away, allowing us to lay the groundwork for screeded floors in the living areas and beautiful parquet floors in our study, art studio and main bedroom. Walls, once serving as barriers, were torn down, inviting an open and spacious feel to flow throughout the house.

We sought to breathe new life into every space, starting with the heart of the home – the kitchen. We shed the layers of typical 1960s decor, revealing a blank canvas bursting with potential. The steel basins and laminated wood cupboards were replaced with sleek, contemporary finishes, embracing functionality and style. Sage green was used throughout the kitchen to convey a feeling of harmony and relaxation.

The bathrooms, with their old cream and light blue finishes, underwent a big transformation. We used matte black finishes in the main bathroom with a focus on black, white and teal. Unique textures like terrazzo and wood were combined to create a stylish look. We were truly blessed with a very good builder and a dedicated team.

Our Lynnwood Glen home stands as a testament to the magic that can unfold when passion meets creativity, reminding us that within the walls of a house, dreams have the power to come alive.