A one-man SHOW

Although quite different in style, these Jo’burg bachelors’ homes all feature on-trend interiors

In terms of location and size, this 100m2 two-bedroomed apartment in Sandhurst, Jo’burg met the needs of the businessman owner perfectly. But it had a boxy layout that felt cramped. “The arrangement of spaces didn’t work for the owner who loves to entertain,” explains interior designer David Muirhead (pictured). Construction company Groenbou was called in as the main contractor to do the alterations. The walls between the kitchen, dining room and lounge were removed to create an open-plan L-shaped area that opens onto a covered patio. To achieve the modern, masculine interiors they envisioned, David and his team chose light-coloured finishes such as French grey walls and off-white high-gloss porcelain floor tiles. They established a seamless effect in the kitchen with white lacquered cabinetry fitted with touch-sensitive opening mechanisms, eliminating the need for handles, and integrating the appliances into the cabinetry. “Mirrored splashbacks enhance the sense of depth and make this space appear larger,” says David. He used this technique again in the living room, cladding one wall with mirror which visually doubles the room. The black glass dining table adds another reflective surface. “We specifically chose the table and the upholstered chairs to anchor and define the dining area,” explains David. A beautiful Persian rug serves the same purpose in the living area, its pattern providing an effective focal point.

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The mirror-clad wall in the dining room adds interesting reflections. Porcelain tiles from Tile Space were used throughout the open-plan living areas and in the passage and bathrooms for a sense of continuity. The all-white kitchen, installed by Induco, is open plan but partly screened by ceiling-hung cabinets and a counter.

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Installing curtain rails just below the ceiling gives the bedroom the illusion of height. A floating vanity frees up space in the bathroom. The 28m2 patio overlooking the garden is a popular spot for entertaining.