Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Interior Designer: Kim Williams

Construction Company: 22 Cape Road Investments Pty Ltd

Photography: Kendall Leigh Nash

Kim Williams Design skillfully brought the concept of the Flower of Life to life in this transformative interior design project. The Flower of Life symbolizes new beginnings, openness, and energy, and the client wanted it to be the focal point of their own “new beginning.” Kim Williams Design combined this powerful symbol with the client’s personal style, breathing fresh energy into their compact townhouse.

The client’s vision was to create a home where every element tells a story, some lighthearted and others profound. Every aspect of the design needed to reflect the owner’s personality while reinventing the overall look and feel of the home. The goal was to seamlessly blend classic old-world charm with a modern and glamorous aesthetic, transforming the compact space into their dream home. The design aimed to create an atmosphere of openness, energy, and vibrancy by harmoniously blending elements of the old and new world glam.

To achieve this vision, Kim Williams Design expertly integrated traditional Cape architecture with old-world energy and new-world charm. The designer skillfully combined pre-used and antique items sourced throughout Cape Town with contemporary pieces, resulting in a harmonious fusion of the past and present.

The expertise of local artisans was enlisted to create custom furniture and cabinetry, including refurbishing and reviving treasured pieces from the client’s previous homes. Given the limited space available, strategic zoning and multifunctionality were crucial considerations. The design effectively utilized zoning principles to create distinct spaces while incorporating vintage and retro elements, further enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Unique custom creations added a touch of modernity and individuality to the design scheme. Notable features include a hidden trellidoor secured by a laser-cut steel gold powder-coated screen, exquisite Flower of Life laser-cut screens, original artworks, hidden gems like a bookcase cleverly disguised as a piece of art, a hand-drawn bird laser-cut into the braai door, and a captivating hydroponic wall garden. These custom elements provided a contemporary twist and added depth to the design.

The classic style seamlessly complements the traditional leafy green suburb of Claremont, which derives its name from the French term meaning “clear mountain.” The infusion of modern elements into the design offers a subtle and refreshing perspective, mirroring the area’s evolution into a cosmopolitan hub characterized by cultural diversity and influence.