2018 Archives - Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors, Durban Interior Designer Blog

December 6, 2018 In Blog

GET THE LOOK: AFRICAN INSPIRED DESIGN

Living in Africa, we are so privileged to be able to live in such a diverse landscape. There are so many different African cultures and traditions, each with its’ own unique style and taste. From the sunny, white sand beaches of Mozambique, to the snow capped mountains of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, there is such diversity.

Bedroom

Using textures in your space is such a key factor when drawing inspiration from the diverse African theme. Africa is known for its’ fine craftsmanship when creating woven and carved pieces. Using woven rugs, baskets and even light fittings is an ideal way to incorporate natural elements into your space.

Traditionally, many African buildings were crafted from wood and clay. A stunning and simple way to incorporate more wood into your space, is by having wooden ceiling beams. (The faux version can work just as well too!) You can easily add in more of an African feeling by having beautiful tribal prints. Throws, scatter cushions and upholstered furniture can make such a difference in the space.

Living Room

We most certainly feel super proud when looking at spaces with African inspired features. The following living spaces look so comfortable and inviting. Once again, neutral earthy tones have been used in the colour pallet. Beaded and woven bowls are great items to collect. You can buy beautiful items, whilst supporting local craftsmen and women.

Dining Room

We are loving these African inspired dining room settings. The tables have been crafted from various materials such as wood and cement. Malawian chairs are a great way to add in some more woven and handcrafted elements. Clay pots and crockery will emphasise the African theme, but still look so gorgeous in just about any space.

One of our clients constantly travelled all over Africa, and had many unique pieces she had collected. We used them throughout her living area renovation. Have a look at this beautiful space here.

Support local! Love the beautiful continent you live on.

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

November 23, 2018 In Blog

MODERN MARBLE OBSESSION

Bathroom

Marble has become such a statement design piece in many spaces all over the world. Marble is a natural stone, formed under the earth over millions of years. It is then cut up into chunks, sent to factories who transform it into usable slabs. As the stone is porous, it needs to be sealed. We can then use it throughout various applications. The first place marble can be used in the home is in the bathroom. Bathtubs can be cladded in marble. Tiles can either be used on the floor or walls. Countertops are a great way to make use of this stone. It will most certainly give your space an opulent feel!

Kitchen

There are so many different places where stone can be used in the kitchen. From countertops to splash-backs, it will be sure to make your space ooze with glamour! As we mentioned earlier, marble is porous and will need to be sealed. This will prevent water and dieting getting into the stone, and damaging it. There are various other stones that can be used, such as quarts and onyx.

Living Room

Stone can be used to clad fireplaces and walls. Marble look tiles can easily be purchased and tiles on your walls or floors. This will give the look, without necessary blowing your entire budget. Coffee tables and side tables are a great way to incorporate stone into your space. Many decor and furniture stores sell stone top tables. Remember that marble goes very well with metals such as gold and rose gold. Our previous blog post help you know more about how to use gold in your space.

Are you dreaming of having marble in your space?

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

November 14, 2018 In Blog

ADDING GOLD TO YOUR SPACE

Gold is trending! There are so many different ways and places that gold could be incorporated into your space. This blog post will explore various ways to incorporate gold into your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Get ready to be DAZZLED!

Kitchen

Handles, trims, plumbing fixtures and accessories are all different ways in which one could incorporate gold into a kitchen. Gold goes beautifully with almost any colour. The chances are great that it will compliment your kitchen colour. Many light colours like white and beige work beautifully. So do darker colours like emerald, navy and even black! Did someone say GLAM?

Bathroom

I must add, the gold that we are speaking about is not actual gold. The fittings will be sprayed or powder coated with a gold pigment. This makes it a whole lot affordable than using real gold! It is sometimes easy to get carried away, and have too much of the colour. The following images are of plumbing fixtures, marble tops and tiling which make use of gold.

Bedroom

A bedroom is one of the less likely spaces to think to be suitable for gold. A bedroom does not have to be overdone. A few objects here and there will help make the other colours in the space pop. It will also add a luxurious feel to your space. Here are some great ways to use this glitzy colour in your bedroom.

Are you itching to have gold in your space?

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

November 12, 2018 In Blog

LOFT DESIGN

Master Suite

Adding on a roof room onto your house is a great way to make your space larger. Another great reason to get a roof room is that should increase the value of your home. Plus, a new loft master suite will give you a brand new space to start afresh. Exposed wooden beams are SO trendy. These will make your space look oh-so-pinterest worthy.

Sleeping Area

As attic or loft rooms tend to be quite small, light colours will help the space feel larger. White ceilings and walls will make the room feel less claustrophobic. Lower beds will take up less space in the room. A designated sleeping area will make the space feel cozy. White linen with layered blankets and pillows will contribute to a cozy space.

Bathroom Area

Loft rooms can often lack space. A compact bathroom need not feel small and cluttered. Skylights will help bring heaps of light into the space. Plus, when you bath or shower, you will be able to look up at the beautiful sky! Once again, lighter colours will make the space feel bigger. However, do not be afraid to add a few dark touches. This will add contrast and interest to the space.

Lounging

A master suite needs to ooze with comfort. Make sure to find the most comfortable seating you can. Add on throws, blankets and cushions. This will add character to the space. Low coffee tables and side tables make for extra storage. Rugs are important for comfort too.

Are you dreaming of having an exquisite loft room?

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

October 10, 2018 In Blog

COASTAL LIVING

It’s spring time here in sunny South Africa. Which means… Summer is just around the corner! Some of us are lucky enough to be able to live in a coastal region. This blog post will give you great ideas on how to brighten up your coastal home. If you love the style, but do not live anywhere near the sea, you can still have this beautiful style in your home.

A small forewarning: This post may make you dream about being in these spaces!

Flooring

Flooring in a coastal home is very important. A floor covers such a large space, so it needs to be functional, yet beautiful. Beach homes often have hard flooring such as wood, tiles or even concrete. Fully carpeted floors in a living area is not a great idea, as sandy feet might dirty the carpets. Concrete and tiles are cold to the touch, which will help on those hot days. Wood look tiles are a great option as they are durable.

Remember to have the floor as light as possible, as this will open the space and make it feel larger.

Ceilings

A ceiling can transform the look of your space. Light ceilings will make the space feel brighter and more airy. Beams bring in a coastal feel. Exposed wood beams bring texture into the space. Higher ceilings will help keep the space cooler, as hot air rises. Bamboo rods are a stunning way to bring a bit of the outdoors, in.

Light and Bright

White paint can help the space feel bright and airy. Darker colours absorb heat, whilst the white reflects it, which will help keep it cool. Accessories and decor can also be light, as this helps the space feel less cluttered.

Natural Elements

A big part of coastal living is incorporating natural elements inside. This will help add contrast to the space. Wicker and wood can be brought into accessories and furnishings. Indoor plants will bring colour into the space, and make a seamless break between the indoors and outdoors. Added benefit: You will feel like you are staying in tropical bliss!

There are various other ways of making your space look and feel like a coastal beach house.

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

September 6, 2018 In Blog

WALL ART

Admit it… we have all, at some point or another, been stuck with a pesky blank wall. Yet, have no idea what to do with it! Today in this blog post, we are showcasing some of our favourite wall art pieces. These will give you inspiration to full up those blank spaces on your walls. We will be showing you three forms of wall art, namely: painted, printed, and sculptural wall artwork.

Painted Art

Painted art can be a beautiful way of bringing colour and dimension into your space. These artworks can either be bought, or commissioned through an artist. When an artwork is commissioned, it can be done with your colour scheme and design in mind. The following artworks are great examples of canvas art used in a space.

Printed Art

Printed art can sometimes be more economically viable than painted artworks. With printed art, you can have any design printed onto paper or canvas. These can either be framed, or left as is. When hung on your wall, they will bring vibrance into your space, and add interest. Printed art can be photographs that you have taken yourself, or art bought online. Canvases can be made in just about any size. This will depend on your space, and your budget.

Sculptural Artwork

Sculptural artworks are different from painted or printed artworks, as they are 3-dimensional, and make use of positive and negative spaces. They can cast beautiful shadows, and can be made out of just about any material you desire. Brass and other metals have been used in the following artworks. Pottery has also been used. Once again, these sculptures can either be commissioned by an artist, done yourself, or bought. It is completely up to you. When lit from behind, the artworks cast beautiful light and shadows, making the wall completely different and vibrant.

Blank walls can often be difficult to fill. Let us help you.

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

August 23, 2018 In Blog

SHOWER DESIGN

There are so many different shapes and sizes in which you could build your shower. There are many different textures, colours and plumbing fittings available to choose from. In this week’s blog post, we will tackle both single and double showers. We might even show you a few different tiles and fittings you could use! Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Single Shower Design

A warm, relaxing shower can often be a joy in one’s day, after a long day of work. The following single showers have made great use of their space. We love the different finishes and materials used throughout these inspiration images below.

Double Shower Design

A double shower is definitely on our list for a dream bathroom! They ooze with opulence and will definitely help save time during those rushed mornings! Here are some stunning examples of double showers that we envy.

Shower Fixtures

There are various kinds of fixtures you can buy. There are gold, black, rose gold, brass and your standard aluminium finishes. The fixture you choose will depend on the style of your bathroom. Here are some fabulous fixtures to draw inspiration from.

Tile Styles

There are SO many tiles to choose from. SO many styles! SO many colours. Tiles are the best material to use in a shower as they are waterproof. You may use many different types of tiles on the walls. However, the floor will need to have tiles that have a bit of a grip.

Your dream bathroom could be closer to reality than you might think!

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

August 15, 2018 In Blog

LIGHTING DESIGN, AUTHENTIC GLAMOUR

Authentic Glamour

In this week’s blog post, we will be exploring light fittings that are attractive and exciting! These light fittings, we have decided to name as ‘authentic glamour’ because of their materials and aesthetic. The following light fittings all make use of gold and brass tones. These make them look and feel authentic, expensive and glamorous. The other materials used are marbles, stones and crystals. These are all high quality and give off a fancy feel. The following light fittings can be used in just about any space. Be it modern, contemporary, vintage or even rustic! In the following weeks to come, we will be showcasing various other light fittings with different themes, so stay tuned!

Chic Chandeliers

These chandeliers are sure to make a statement in your space. The bold, eccentric designs of these chandeliers will not go unnoticed. These light fittings will be powder coated, aluminium or brass. Therefore, they might not be suitable for every environment. Coastal areas should try stay clear of materials that will rust, such as brass and metals like steel. We hope you love looking at these beautiful chandeliers as much as we do!

Pretty Pendants

Pendants can be thought of as miniature chandeliers. They are often much smaller and less elaborate. A pendant will have one stem, and will often be hung in clusters with other pendants.

Alluring Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting will help make your space feel more welcoming. This lighting will give depth to your space, and also provide more interest. This ambient lighting can be done through the use of LED strip lighting or rope lighting. IT comes in either warm white, or cool white. Warm white will make the space feel more homely. This will depend on the theme you are looking to achieve.

Stunning Sconces

Finding wall sconces in South Africa can often be a trying task. These beautiful wall sconces are hard to find in a store. They will either have to be imported or custom made. Luckily, we are able to custom design light fittings for your special space. Here are some beautiful images for your inspiration.

Are you struggling to find the perfect lighting for your space?

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Remember to stay tuned for more exciting lighting blog posts!

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

August 1, 2018 In Blog

DOOR DESIGN

Entrance Doors

An entrance door is one of the first things you and your guests will see before you enter your space. An entrance door is basically a sneak peak of the interior of your space. Therefore, it needs to be representative of your style and design. Here are some gorgeous pictures of entrance door designs for your inspiration.

Door Handles

What is the point of having a beautiful door, if you have a plain old door handle to open it? There are so many different types of door handles, depending on the door application. Here in South Africa, safety plays a major role when choosing a door handle. The handle needs to be robust. You can have different kinds of locks depending on what space the door is enclosing.

Door Details

Now that you have found the perfect door and handle… Why not add in some detail? The following images are great designs and ideas that we can custom make for your dream door. Remember, these door handles and details are not just for entrance doors. They can all be custom made into cabinetry and internal doors too!

Searching for the perfect door can be quite a task. Let us help you!

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

July 25, 2018 In Blog

OFF-SHUTTER

What is Off-shutter?

Off-shutter is a raw concrete look that is left after removing the shuttering that was used as a temporary structure to contain setting concrete. The most common shuttering are wooden planks. These planks are then removed, which leaves an imprint of its’ texture in the concrete. Off-shutter has become very popular in the interior design industry as of late. There are various places that this method can be used on the interiors.

Ceilings

Concrete ceilings can be more cost effective compared to other ceilings, as they will not need to be plastered, cladded or hidden. The rawness of the concrete off-shutter is the most sought after property of it. This will allow your ceilings to have more height, as there will not be a need for a dropped ceiling, which decreases the height of the room. Light fittings coming from the ceiling will bring out the texture in the concrete, making it a beautiful feature in your space.

Walls

Having off-shutter walls will most define try make a statement in your space. The rough, solid look is a bold feature, and depending on the look you would like to achieve, bringing in soft finishes such as fabric curtains will help soften the space a bit. If you are looking for an edgy, industrial look, off-shutters are the perfect finish for your walls.

Fireplaces

Using off-shutter in your fireplace can be less expensive than other cladding mediums. There will be no need to plaster, or clad your fireplace. This is also a great way to ensure your fireplace will be study and strong for all the years to come. Have a look at our Fireplace blog post to find some more fireplace inspiration.

Are you dreaming of having off-shutter in your space?

Contact us today for an enquiry and all your interior needs.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )