I recently featured Madison Boutique which is a stunning boutique in the heart of Constantia. When owner Debbie asked me to photograph her home for her Airbnb listing, I knew it was going to be equally gorgeous. Debbie’s home is full of quirky touches, pops of colour and amazing local artworks. I love the relaxed and welcoming feel she’s created.
Enjoy the tour…
Debbie fell in love with the house when she found it because of the light and airy feeling it has.
Describe your style…
I wouldn’t say I have a specific style, I surround myself with things that I love and somehow it all seems to work together! If anything, I would say I enjoy pieces that are unique or artistic in their design and colour.
Mirror: Quirky Me
Fabric container: Skinny laMinx * These are on sale for the next week! Shop here
Gold skull: Mr Price
Ceramic vases: Present Space
Giant floor cushion: Debbie had it made. The fabric is Hemp fleece melange, from Hemporium.
Artwork above fireplace: A Marlise Keith given to Debbie for her 30th birthday.
Bench: This belonged to her grandparents and then parents. “I always loved the riempie design so I asked for it when my folks moved home. I feel it suits the Victorian style of the house.”
Favourite local artist?
Without a doubt Marlise Keith. I am lucky enough to have three of her incredible pieces in my home. Her art never stops surprising, it is so full of layers and details and brilliant colours. I can happily look at them for the rest of my life!
Coffee table on castors: Made by a friend of Debbie’s many years ago. She bought it from him when he was redecorating and she was moving into a new place.
Sofa: Coricraft
Square blocks of art: Part of an exhibition ‘Labola’ by South African artist Norman O’Flynn
Library style cabinet: “I bought this on one of the first days of The Neighbourgoods Market at the Biscuit Mill. There was a guy in the corner selling plants in old bird cages and he had a few pieces of furniture. It was missing four drawers but I loved it and now fill that space with a pile of old books or a plant.”
Fave place to shop for homeware/furniture?
Some of my favourite Cape Town stores include Lim, Abode, Weylandts and Quirky Me. But to be honest I prefer just finding things as I go along! I don’t go out shopping for my home with a purpose, sometimes I find things when I am on holiday or when I am buying flowers.
Table and benches: “Made by a very good friend who has an incredible business called Kestrel CNC Routing. It is a flat pack piece and fits together like a puzzle. It is one of my most prized possessions and definitely a talking point whenever someone comes to the house!”
Large artwork: “Part of the same exhibition ‘Labola’ by South African artist Norman O’Flynn. The whole exhibition consisted of the set of 24 smaller images and the large red one.”
I’m a huge fan of the outside table area – many hilarious, long lazy Sunday lunches have been spent there. Inside the house, the front bedroom with its double doors that open onto the verandah also makes me very happy. I have a thing for fresh air!
Best decor tip?
Never keep anything you aren’t crazy about, it’s too easy to get used to something that you don’t like if it has been in your space for long enough. I read a book called the Japanese art of decluttering, it works for me – for every item you acquire, one must be given away!
Cane chair: Malawi Chairs
Throw: Karien Belle available from Madison Boutique
Garland light: Tord Boontjie
Star light: Mr Price
Cushion: Artvraat
Fabric container: Skinny laMinx * These are on sale for the next week! Shop here
Retro dresser: Vamp furniture
Rope mirror: made by a friend of Debbie’s
View more of Debbie’s house over on Airbnb
PS If you need your home or guest house photographed, please get in touch.
Please note: All links are correct at the time of posting but may be removed if no longer valid.
Kathryn Rossiter
9 December
These are such gorgeous photos Lana! You’ve really captured this home beautifully (and it’s a stunning space!!)
Anthony
19 December
Very pretty Lana. It looks such an inviting home