Blog Archives - Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

February 17, 2023 In PORTFOLIO

An Entertainer’s Dream Home | Living Room Renovation

An Entertainer's Dream Home

Living Room Renovation

An Entertainer's Dream Home | Living Room Renovation Ottomans

It was vital that we managed to tie the living space together, as it felt disconnected from the rest of the home.

An Entertainer's Dream Home | Living Room Renovation Home Office Setup

An Entertainer's Dream Home | Living Room Renovation Closer view of desk area

An Entertainer's Dream Home | Living Room Renovation Desk Area

An Entertainer's Dream Home | Living Room Renovation Close up of rug

About the Space

Upon entering this living room, you were greeted with an echoey clip clop sound… Not an entertainer’s paradise. That is because the entire space was tiled from wall to wall. In order to make the room feel more homely and less sterile, we opted to add in a rug. Not only did this help with sound absorption, but it quickly elevated the space from dull to luxurious. An important aspect of interior design and decorating is to include a variety of textures in the space. In addition to blankets, pillows and furnishings, rugs are another essential home accessory. We have an entire blog post dedicated to rugs. If you would like to know more about the in’s and out’s of using rugs in your space, click here.

If you look at the before images of this living room, you will find that there was not much colour, and the space felt empty. Colour can greatly impact the feel of a space. For example, cool tones such as blues, greens, purples, etc. generally create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. We added in various hues of blue within the rug, ottomans and decor accessories. We included different mixed metals such as matte black accessories, as well as metallic silver finishings. Although different metals, they work well to tie the space together. Overall, a once sterile and clinical space transformed into a relaxing and calming family room: An entertainer’s dream living space.

Before Photos

An Entertainer's Dream Home - Living Room Before Image

We hope you enjoyed reading about this project as much as we enjoyed working on it.

If you would like to know more about us and what we do,

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

OR, if you would like to see more of our work:

Click here to go to our portfolio

We would love to meet you and help you bring your vision to life.

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

November 26, 2021 In PORTFOLIO

Blissful Beach Apartment – Guest Bedroom

Blissful Beach Apartment

Guest Bedroom

Blissful Beach Apartment - Guest Bedroom showing grass mats

Blissful Beach Apartment - Guest Bedroom showing the corner of the room and details on the walls

About the Space

When we first walked into this guest bedroom, we were met with a very outdated and sad space. There was a very large window, however it was covered up with old curtains that made the space feel cramped and dark. The cupboard space was large but unnecessary as this apartment would be a holiday home for the clients. Therefore we removed them to open up the room. The beige walls washed out the room and made it feel dull. We went in and completely transformed the space. We were, however, met with a real challenge of having to fit 4 people into the room to sleep. Our solution was to add in three single beds, and include a very nifty contraption. The ‘ottoman’ you see underneath the dressing table is in fact a fold out bed! This way, our clients and friends could all enjoy the space together.

The walls in the apartment were patched up and painted in a light, bright colour. The curtains were very quickly removed and replaced with gorgeous sheers and blockout. This made the room feel instantly brighter and bigger. The cupboards were redone and a new dressing table designed and fitted. The mirror also helps bounce the light around the space and make it feel larger. We found some beautiful artworks and tied in the custom scatter cushions. Therefore the space has a real beachy feeling to it, thanks to the use of light colours, ocean inspired artworks and white linen. Let’s not forget about that gorgeous ceiling fan!

Before Photos

Click here to see more of our portfolio

If you would like to know more about us and what we do,

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

(All images property of Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors)

Tired to Tranquil - Home Renovation | Bedroom 1

August 4, 2021 In PORTFOLIO

Tired to Tranquil – Home Renovation | Guest Bedroom 1

Tired to Tranquil - Home Renovation

Guest Bedroom 1

About the Space

This guest bedroom received a complete makeover. Along with the rest of the home, this bedroom received an installation of brand new oak flooring. This brought such a light and natural element into the space. The curtains were removed and replaced with gorgeous white sheers and blockout fabric. As sizing was quite a restraint, we managed to fit in a comfy bed with side tables. As well as a dressing table, stool and bench seat. Bench seats are always a great idea in guest bedrooms for a place to put bags on.

We resprayed the louvre cupboard doors a fresh white, and added new handles. This brings in a modern, yet tranquil feel into the space. The space remained fairly neutral in colour. We added in pops of black accents, such as the bedside lamps, bench seat, mirror and picture frames. This brought in a much needed contract into the space. Another element we introduced was a bit of greenery. An occasional plant here and there can make such a big difference to the mood of a room. If you would like to learn more about the use of indoor plants, click here.

Before Photos

Click here to see more of our portfolio

If you would like to know more about us and what we do,

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

(All images property of Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors)

May 19, 2021 In Blog

The Flooring Files: Week 2 | Tiles

Square / Rectangular Floor Tiles

Welcome to week 2 of the flooring files. Click here if you missed out on last week’s post. This week we are diving into floor tiles. First of all, we have rectangular and square format tiles. These are amongst the more common flooring types, but that does not mean that they are boring. Square and rectangular tiles come in different sizes, materials and finishes. They can also be laid in numerous ways.

The following images are of spaces with large format rectangular & square tiles, as well as smaller sizes. As you can see, there are various formats in which to lay the tiles, as well as different grout options. They can come as porcelain, terracotta, natural stone or ceramic. There are so many options out their, waiting for us to find them for you!

Shaped Floor Tiles

If you are still looking for individually laid tiles, but are wanting something different to square or rectangular: then shaped tiles might be for you. They can come in so many different shapes, sizes and colours. You will need an experienced tiler to lay them for you. Luckily we are here to help!

A few of the shapes you will see below are crossed, hexagons, arabesque, and even scallops. Please take note that depending on your space, you will need the right finish of tile. Areas that will get wet will need a glaze, and often better grip. Floor tiles all have different specifications, and it is very important that you find the right tile, that is safe to walk on.

Mosaics

Mosaics can sometimes work out to be quite expensive, as they are smaller, and often more intricate than other tiles. They come in sheets, and once again need someone with experience to tile them.

Mosaics are sometimes hand-crafted, which also adds to their price. Mosaics are laid in their sheets, and then grouted. They are often used in smaller areas, such as a shower space. Click here if you would like to read more about shower feature walls. Mosaics can elevate your design, and make it a feature. We are able to help you find the perfect mosaic for your space.

Would you like your floors to stand out above the rest?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

April 28, 2021 In Blog

Dress Your Bed

Duvets & Sheeting

They say that the right way to start your day is by making your bed. Today we will go over the different parts needed to dress your bed. Sheets are a very important part of dressing your bed. Sheets are part of the key for a good night’s sleep. They help provide comfort, warmth, and can help keep your duvet and mattress cleaner for longer.

There are two types of sheets, namely: fitted sheets and flat sheets. The fitted sheet goes around the mattress, preferably on top of a mattress protector. Additionally, a flat sheet goes on top, and this is what you normally sleep under. The quality and brand depends on your wishes, but we generally prefer to go for what is known as a higher thread count for clients. Your sheeting can be any colour, in order to match your duvet or contrast it.

The duvet cover is placed around your duvet inner, and can be plain or patterned. White duvets go with just about any room style, and provide a look of comfort and elegance. Some prefer to go with darker duvet colours, but this will just depend on your lifestyle, and room style.

Pillows and Scatters

Pillows are incredibly important when it comes time to dress your bed. According to Spine Health, “Having the right bed pillows is not only comforting, they play an important role in supporting the intricate structures of the head, neck, shoulders, hips, and spine. When used well, pillows help in alleviating or preventing many common forms of back and neck pain, as well as shoulder, hip, and other forms of joint pain.”

Scatter cushions are used mainly for decor, not for sleeping on. Therefore, this means that you can go all out in terms of design and style. We often like to layer different patterns and colours, bringing interest to the bed and bedroom. Introducing a scatter with texture, such as knots, bobbles or fur can help liven the space, and make it feel comforting, cozy and inviting.

Throws & Blankets

Throws and blankets do what a scarf would do to your outfit. Therefore they can help bring the bed together, and make it look cozy and comfortable. Throws help increase the life of a duvet, as they can protect it from dirty feet or pet hair.

By adding a throw onto the end of your bed, you can help introduce or tie in a colour, and this can be swapped out easily. Thus meaning that throws can be changed depending on the season. Thicker fabrics like faux fur or large knits can be used in winter. Furthermore, thinner fabrics like cotton or thin knits can be used in summer. It is often nice to have an extra layer, just incase you are in need of some more warmth.

Would you like your bed to stand out above the rest?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

April 20, 2021 In Blog

Ceiling Design

Finding the Perfect Plumbing Fittings

Timber Ceilings

Ceiling design plays a major role in any interior space. They make up a large part of a room, and add to the overall effectiveness of the space. Therefore, in this post, we will show you various types of ceilings, to help you find inspiration for your next project.

First of all we have timber ceilings. Adding timber to your ceilings can bring warmth and natural tones into the space. Sometimes, timber beams form a part of the structure of a home. You are able to use these structural items as design elements. Other times, plain ceilings can be transformed with the use of “faux” (false) beams, which are simply put in as decor elements. The following pictures show ceilings with faux timber beams, structural timber beams, and other designed timber elements.

Concrete Ceilings

Concrete ceilings need to be designed into a new build project. Due to their weight, they would not be able to be added afterwards. However, you would be able to get a faux concrete look with the use of paint techniques or screed.

Concrete can be used to achieve a modern, industrial look, and helps to add contrast and interest to a space. Exposed concrete has become increasingly popular in homes and office spaces. It can pair well with various styles and designs. Therefore it is a good choice. In addition, depending on the look you are aiming to achieve, the concrete can be buffed for a smooth, sleek look. Alternatively, the concrete can be left for a raw and dramatic effect. You can read our post on off-shutter concrete here.

Bulkhead Ceilings

Making up the majority of homes and other interior spaces, drop ceilings, or bulkheads are very popular. Often left white, this is a “go to” look for many homeowners. This ceiling design can match nearly any design style, are fairly easy to install, and can be changed fairly easily too. This does not mean that they need to be boring though.

The following images have different styles of bulkheads. From modern to contemporary, each ceiling has depth to it. Step ups, step downs, curves and straight paths, there is nothing standard about these. Furthermore, adding lights can add interest to the ceilings. You can also choose to paint different parts of the ceilings, which creates depth, contrast and interest. Therefore the possibilities are endless!

Would you like your ceilings to stand out above the rest?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

September 23, 2020 In Blog

Styling Your Space: Table Tops

Tray Styling

More times than often, the surfaces around our homes become a dumping ground for all sorts of clutter. In order for our spaces to feel more relaxing, we should always try to clear our surrounding surfaces, and organise our belongings. This can be done, whilst adding decor pieces and styling them to create a beautiful space.

Trays are always helpful when organising decor pieces, and other necessary items. They are often a staple item in homes, restaurants and even offices. The way we use trays has changed a lot over the years. They are now mostly used to store items, rather than serve off them. This means that they can now be beautiful and functional. Here are a few examples of trays on table tops, and how to style them.

Arranging Vases

Many of us fall victim to storing our vases away in cupboard, never to see the light of day (until a fresh bunch of flowers come along). This should not be the case. Vases are often crucial in a design, as they help fill up voids, and draw attention to the room.

When styling vases, we can often follow the rule of thirds. This is a simple, yet effective trick to help when placing items. Try and gather three vases, of three different shapes and sizes (tall, medium and short). You can now arrange them with the tallest at the back, the medium off to the side, and the small at the front. Place some real or faux plants in, and you have a beautiful display.

Other Styling Tips

There are so many different ways to style your table tops, and we would never be able to go over them all in this blog post. Here are a few helpful tips and ideas to work with when you next style your tables.

Try to combine various textures, but keeping them within a certain colour palette.
Use trinket boxes to store necessary, but not necessarily pretty items, such as keys, alarms and so forth.
When stacking books, place a decor item on top. This could be a sculpture, or wooden item to tie in with the rest of your decor.
Try to combine natural and synthetic objects together, to create an interesting, yet beautiful space.

Keep a look out more more useful tips and tricks to follow.

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

August 3, 2020 In Blog

Storage Solutions

Built in Cabinetry

One struggle that homeowners constantly seem to struggle with is: storage solutions. Depending on the size of your home, there may not be tons of space for storage, but we have some tips on how to help. Let’s get started shall we?

The first, and best way to combat a lack of storage is to create new ones. This can be done by adding built in cabinetry, what we sometimes call: BIC. We taylor make cabinetry to suit your every need, and house the items that you need to be stored. There are so many finishes that can be applied to your cabinetry, and we have a blog post on that here. We also have some other tips on how to organise your home here.

Shelving

If built in cabinetry is way out of your budget, or if you have spacial constraints shelving may be the way to go. Floating shelving is a beautiful way to display and store your items. However, heavier items may not be suitable for these kinds of shelves.

Shelving with brackets is a better way to store heavier items. If you are worried about bulky, ugly brackets, fear not! There are so many different and new bracket styles on the market. Placing baskets on your shelves to hide clutter, is a great way to utilise space, but we will speak more about that in the next section.

Baskets

Incorporating woven baskets in your space will help you hide clutter, as well as bring in more natural materials into your space. Baskets are super easy to bring in and out of a cupboard or shelf, as well as lightweight. This makes them good for children’s rooms too. Purchasing baskets from a decor store can become quite expensive, however, we often have them custom made for your space. This can help lower the price, and make sure that they fit perfectly.

Would you like your bathroom to stand out above the rest?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

June 26, 2020 In Blog

Shower Feature Walls

Tiles & Mosaics

The days are long gone where showers are shoved into a small corner, with no detailing! An inviting shower is a must-have for relaxation after a long day at work, or for those mornings where you are in a rush. There are a few simple, yet effective ways to take your shower to the next level. Carry on reading to find out how!

The first way is to add a feature wall with tiles or mosaics. Pebbles are another great feature to add to your shower wall or floor. There are so many different tile options on the market, and millions of more designs to use. If you would like to see some custom tile cutting, follow this link to our blog post. If you would like your feature wall to pop, using colour can easily achieve this. Hand-made tiles offer great texture, and glazing can add a gorgeous shine.

Windows

Let the light in! Imagine being able to look out at nature when you are in your show. Feels serene right? This can be achieved by adding a simple window to your shower. Depending on the positioning of your room, you might not want the whole world to see you in the shower. However, this can be fixed by adding a high, but a narrow window.

Or if you would prefer a larger window, the glass can easily be frosted to prevent anyone from seeing you. A gap can be left at the top so you are still able to look outside. Depending on how high the window is from the ground, it could also be a great way to store your cleaning products. This leads us to the next important item: storage.

Storage

You may or may not be a culprit of having one too many shampoo or body wash bottles. However, you always need more space for storage. Storage can sometimes become an afterthought, and we end up buying steel, screw-in racks that rusts to pieces.

Storage should not be an afterthought! When building a new shower, one has the opportunity to incorporate beautiful ideas. This can take the form of an inset, that could be tiles the same as the rest of the shower. It could even be tiled a different way. This would make the space pop. Shelves are also a great way to have more space for your bottles, soaps and brushes. Hooks will also help to store loofas and facecloths. Click here to see our blog post on plumbing fittings.

Make your shower a space you want to be in.

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

June 18, 2020 In Blog

Adding Warmth to Your Home

Rugs

Before I started this blog post, I sat and shivered because of the cold spell we are currently having in Durban. Luckily, I live by my own advice, and found some great ways to warm up. By reading this blog post, you too, should have some simple and good ways to bring warmth to your home.

The first way is to introduce rugs into your space. Fluffy and soft, or natural and hard wearing, a rug is a perfect way to help bring warmth to your space. Why stand on cold hard tiles whilst brushing your teeth on crisp mornings, when your toes could be warm instead. This goes the same for a kitchen. Some might think it impractical to have a rug in the kitchen, but can be very helpful to warm you up, whilst providing comfort.

Throws

Feeling cold while watching your favourite Netflix show? No problem! By adding a few throws to your space, whenever you feel a chill, simply throw on, well, a throw!

Throws are a great way to soften a space, as well as adding warmth when needed. There is a wide variety of throws on the market, as well as fabrics to have your own manufactured. There will be dozens to suit your space, and we could easily help you find the right ones. These will help bring pattern, colour and excitement to your space. Or if you prefer, neutral throws. They will always be helpful, and when not in use, there are various ways to store them. Roll them up and pop them in a basket, throw them over your bed or sofa, or just fold them up and put away in a cupboard.

Heating

Other ways to bring warmth to your space, is by adding a fireplace, underfloor heating, portable heaters, or even heated towel rails. These are just a few examples, but there are many on the market. Here is a link to our Outdoor Fire Pit post or our Fireplace Design post which are both bursting with inspiration.

As you can see in the following images, it is possible to have a fireplace in nearly every room in the house. This could be the bathroom, bedroom, living room or even dining room. Remember, there are options as to what type of fireplace you can have, which you can find out more about here.

Let us help you add warmth to your space.

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )