Neutral hues transform this family home in The Springs
A summer renovation project, the client gave Yusra Ravat and Nazmira Goga of ReFive Design House
(@refivedesignhouse) carte blanche to transform their newly purchased but extremely dated Springs villa. “The brief was simple, they wanted the design to be very natural, light and open and incorporate some bold touches; essentially leaning towards the bohemian but with a contemporary feel,” says Nazmira. “With an open book brief and the client requesting all-new furniture and furnishings, we were able to deliver a turnkey design from spatial planning to furniture sourcing and finishing touches,” adds Yusra.
“They wanted the design to be very natural, light and open and incorporate some bold touches”
Working within existing structural limitations, the duo’s first task was to remove a number of internal walls downstairs in order to open up the existing compact footprint. This created a larger living area that also integrated the kitchen with the living and dining space, which completely eliminated the slightly claustrophobic atmosphere that characterised the original layout. A major design consideration was the fact that this is home to young children and safeguarding spaces, as well as thinking about durability and practicality was critical. “We made a point to avoid placing smaller decorative items or bigger pieces to eliminate hazards that small children may face,” remarks Nazmira.
In terms of colour palette, light and neutral was the aesthetic foundation with black accents as well as textural elements used to break any unintentional uniformity. Custom pieces were commissioned alongside living, dining and entryway pieces from West Elm, Home Kode and Home and Soul, with lighting and accessories from Pottery Barn, The Loom Collection, Zara Home and H&M Home. The sofa and kids’ bunk beds were custom made in-house.
“We love to use natural wood as it immediately speaks to quality, as well as being beautiful and long lasting.“
LIVING & DINING ROOM
Space maximisation was key with a sliding barn door opening into the zoned living-dining space, completed by bifold doors into the garden. The white custom sofa is dressed with textural cushions in neutral shades, which is also carried through in the high-quality SPC flooring and wooden dining table. Bold black accents seen in the dining chairs, mirror, door and lighting create a grounding effect while touches of faux greenery brings the outdoors in to unite the space.
HALLWAY
The original entry hall was quite dark and unwelcoming. A second barn door and light wooden SPC flooring, plus a mirror over the console table were used to brighten the space. A pair of neutral pouffes, jute rug, rustic textural pendant lights, and pops of greenery add warmth and individuality.
STAIRS
A glass panelled staircase was the client’s original wish, but the team suggested a more family-friendly solution and chose to use metal slats for a practical as well as artistic design motif that also echoes statement black accents elsewhere. “This was a gamechanger in terms of creating an illusion of space, and is a design feature not often seen here,” explains Yusra. Much-needed storage was also incorporated, with understairs push-pull cupboards running the length of the staircase.
KIDS’ BATHROOM
Bath time-loving kids was the catalyst for the design with the duo sourcing a bathtub that could squeeze into a purposely designed wet area to create a ‘splash room’. A shower was installed over the bath for flexibility. Slate grey floor and ceiling tiling helped zone the area. The bathroom walls feature a specialised paint treatment with five layers applied for a fully waterproof finish.
BOY’S BEDROOM
A room that a child can grow into was the idea behind the white, grey and blue-toned design where the fun element is evident in the choice of animal inspired artworks and storage baskets. All eyes are, however, on the super cool custom bunk bed.
MASTER BEDROOM
The client’s request was for a peaceful bedroom that exuded calm, without any visual distractions or stimulants. “Subtle and understated, it does exactly what it needs to do as a place for rest,” notes Nazmira. Purely neutral hues are used throughout with the merest hint of black detailing, while blackout blinds ensure a good night’s sleep.
Want to know more? Reach out to Ludmilla at refivedesignhouse@gmail.com