Come home to paradise

In this stunning Johannesburg apartment, city living is made easy when we help nature find its way in.

Bringing the outdoors has been a huge interior design trend in 2022 and will continue in 2023, stronger than ever before! Homemakers and designers infusing their living spaces with the beauty and abundance nature has to offer. This is exactly what we did when briefed to decorate a tiny city apartment in Johannesburg: We drew from nature’s bounty and turned every single corner into a little piece of paradise.

Upon entering through the open-plan dining area, you are welcomed by the serene palette of blues and neutrals from our summer 2022/3 collection. A jute rug, artwork in earthy tones and a fresh plant showcased in a handmade Aloe Vase exude warmth whilst the round glass table keeps everything open, spacious, and airy.

Thanks to careful furniture placement and the optimum use of space, nothing about this apartment feels small or cramped. Clever drawers and other storage solutions keep clutter at bay and create a free flow from one area to the next. 

Beyond the dining area lies the open-plan living room where coastal hues are paired with bright red accents for a fresh, contemporary feel. The slim, oval coffee table softens the clean, sharp lines of the Nubuck couch, and the bronze sculpture oozes sophistication. It also grounds the room, adding more natural elements with its marble and bronze.

Mixing up texture, colour, and pattern – a DIYgirls trademark – balances the entire space, hitting that elusive sweet spot between contemporary and warm, practical and beautiful, clean and cosy.

On the other side of the lounge, you’ll find the primary bedroom. A dreamy combination of deep blues and soft golds transports you to breezy days beside warm oceans and balmy beaches. We used this opportunity to showcase our brand-new summer collection and love how the fabrics are both vibrant and serene at the same time. Once again, modern, geometric pattern is mixed with botanical and an animal print print wallpaper from Hertex reminiscent of years gone by. The drawers in the pedestals add extra storage, while the touches of gold elevate the room to ultra-luxe.

Next to the primary bedroom lies the delightful second bedroom, where fun is the name of the game. Bold, bright colours combine with leopard print to create a joyful taste of maximalism. This exuberance is tamed through the use of natural wood in the pedestals, beautiful textured ceramic in the lamps, and an elegant, white sculpture. We really had fun designing this room, and it shows in the end result.

Outside, on the covered patio just off the living area, the highlight of this juncture of outdoor indoor awaits: An oasis of coastal colours and irresistible textures promising hours of rest and rejuvenation.

City? What city?