Interiors are intimate and personal. They are a manifestation of our spiritual selves finding expression in the physical. A personal space is beyond aesthetics: it is the sum total of your needs, preferences and even dreams of the space you love being in.
In spite of the individualistic nature of personal spaces, however, I do have a list of items that go beyond the extraordinary. They are a combination of built-in and stand-alone pieces, designed to give your home that unique look you desire.
1. Epicurean Desire
An oversized kitchen has become the standard desire. “Professional chef”-styled kitchens with all the necessary equipment and gadgets along with all the storage space is usually the first space discussed on a design wish list.
The Boffi Kitchen, however, is something to behold. It has become the design jewel centred in luxury homes. Their slogan, “Italian craftsmanship, driven by the vision of iconic designers” is a celebration of the ultimate in clean lines and modern materials. Stylistically the design is sumptuous and executed to perfection. The Boffi Kitchen is the perfect alignment for a modern home, or will create a striking visual contrast in a more traditionally-designed home. No matter how luxurious a house is, the kitchen really is the pulsing heart that makes it a home.
2. Rejuvenated & Re-energized
Homeowners who enjoy travel to the best spas and hotels often seek to recreate their indulgent experiences in the home. Although a regular feature of most homes, luxury bathrooms take on a new lifestyle requirement as individual bathrooms for you and your loved one. Walk-in showers with head-to-toe shower jets that connect to an inside and outside shower area; floors with radiant heat; towel warmers, and of course a huge soaker tub are perfect for your bathroom. Uninterrupted morning routines are the new luxury.
3. A Star Illuminated
Every home requires, at a bare minimum, one fantastic lighting moment. The statement chandelier is this moment. These can be designed and styled to include those made of semi-precious metals including bronze, gold, nickel and brass, hand-blown Murano glass and cut crystal in both classic and architecturally-influenced chandelier styles of the highest design merit. There are magnificent designs to choose from, with some approaching large scale, sculpture-like pieces. Wranovsky creates exquisite Bohemian crystal chandeliers while Taylor Llorente offers unique and rare options, all to client specifications.
4. The Value in Vintage
From furniture to decorative accessories (such as a rare piece of silk framed and hung on the wall), collectibles add a sense of history and character and up the design style quotient of any space. The Original Eames Chair and Ottoman is having a moment again since its debut in 1956; I love using it in my interiors!
Likewise, original Chinese Lacquered Cabinets and Armoires ooze culture and superb design aesthetics with their lines and finishing, from shiny black to red lacquer, inlaid mother of pearl and hand-painted gold images. Vintage pieces like these are fantastic to work around and complement other contemporary pieces.
5. It Begins with One
I love art on walls. Although contained to a specific medium and space within an interior, it is here where things can get wild! They fill a space with personality, can be a source of colour inspiration and pull other design elements together in a space cohesively.
Investment Art has seen the global market deliver some exceptionally rewarding returns. In fact, your new hobby could become rather lucrative down the line, offering both cultural as well as financial appreciation. As art is so personal, it should be something that you love as it will live in the same space as you do. In this regard, working with an interior designer, stylist and art consultant is important.
Mali Langa is the Founder of Task Interior Styling & Award-Winning Head Interior Stylist. She is also the founder of the non-profit Mali Langa Children’s Foundation Trust.
TASK Interior Styling is a Johannesburg-based, boutique interior firm founded by Mali Langa, dedicated to creating tailored spaces through innovative style choices.