interior design advice 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 30, 2021 In PORTFOLIO

Blissful Beach Apartment – Master Bedroom

Blissful Beach Apartment

Master Bedroom

Blissful Beach Apartment - Bedroom showing a mirror and table with a stool

Blissful Beach Apartment - Master Bedroom showinga mirror and green plants

Blissful Beach Apartment - Bedroom afrter the refurbishment

About the Space

This dated master bedroom needed a complete makeover. The beige walls, dim lighting and old curtains made the space feel dreary. We decided to freshen up the room by giving it a fresh coat of light paint. This instantly brightened the master bedroom and made it feel bigger. We swapped out the old fan and curtains for newer, fresher versions. A tip is to have a double curtain track with a sheer and blockout curtain. Therefore you can control the amount of natural light you let enter the space.

We took out the bed and opted to bring in a new, four poster bed instead. The natural oak ties in with the dressing table and adds new life to the space. Furthermore, we love to incorporate natural textures into a room! The cupboards were removed and new ones installed. Two beautiful Malawian chairs were added in along with light coloured scatter cushions. This little seating space will allow the clients to relax and take in the beautiful view. We used blue tones throughout the space, and tied in a large rug underneath the bed. By using a rug underneath a bed, it feels so much better to step out of bed onto a soft, clean rug instead of cold, hard tiles. As this is a holiday home, the ottoman at the end of the bed is the perfect place to set your bag to unpack, or to lounge on.

Before Photos

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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)

November 17, 2021 In PORTFOLIO

Blissful Beach Apartment – Living Space

Blissful Beach Apartment

Living Space

Blissful Beach Apartment - Living Space focussing on a wicker chair with a grey and white striped cushion and grey blanket

About the Space

When we first walked into this beach apartment, we were met with a small, cramped space lacking life. It felt very dark, cramped and dated. We knew that we were in for a tricky renovation. Having to maximise the space we had, whilst making it brighter, more calming and aesthetically pleasing. The beach facing apartment had a beautiful sea breeze flowing through the space. We started by repainting the entire apartment from walls to ceilings. The new blue-grey colour brightened up the space and instantly made it feel better. We swapped out the old ceiling fans for new modern fixtures. We designed a new TV station that would bring in natural timber into the space.

Additionally, we brought in a new L-shaped sofa and timber coffee table. Underneath the staircase we chose to add in a Moroccan inspired table to add a beach vibe. A new dining table was brought in, and a custom bench seat installed. In terms of accessories, we had a blast! We chose some fun pieces for the dining table, including gold palm candlesticks and printed napkins. Overall, this living space went from drab to fab! It became brighter, more calming and a lot more pleasing to the eye.

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 are 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 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 )

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 )

June 12, 2020 In Blog

Adding Detail to Your Walls – Panelling

Adding Detail to Your Walls - Panelling

Half Walls – Wainscoting

If your walls need a makeover, or if you have been dreaming of detailed walls in your space, this is the post for you. Adding panelling to your walls can liven up the space, whilst adding interest and detailing. There is no need for your walls to stay blank.

Wainscoting is merely a fancy name for adding paneling to a section of your wall, the most popular of which would be the bottom half. This normally consists of a baseboard, which attaches onto the floor and the wall. As well as the panelling, with a chair rail on the top to finish off the design. The panelling can be painted white or any colour you desire. Add in a pop of gold for some extra opulence.

Full Wall – Panel Molding

“Panel molding reaches above the typical chair rail height and can even cover the entire wall. It can also be applied to the ceiling and can consist of either solid panels or separate trim pieces put together to create different designs and patterns.” – Marnie Oursler

This type of panelling can look exquisite and opulent when painted in rich or bold colours. If left white, it can also add beautiful detailing to the wall. There are so many different types of folding, and ways to apply them. Adding wallpaper inside the molding can also add more detail and interest to the space.

Modern Panelling

If you are not sold by the more traditional styles of molding, the following images are examples of how molding can be applied in a modern way.

By applying the panels in geometric shapes, the room instantly looks more modern. The great thing about panelling is that is can be placed in nearly any room. Master bedroom, bathroom, living or dining room, or even the nursery! With so many patterns, layouts and colours to paint them, panelling is a great design tool to help make your space more elegant and magazine worthy.

Are you itching to introduce panelling to your walls?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )

May 22, 2020 In Blog

Outdoor Fire Pits

The Firepit

The days are becoming shorter, whilst the nights are becoming longer, and more crisp. What could be a better way to relax and unwind than snuggling up next to a warm and cozy fire pit? This is a great idea to fill an empty void in your garden, whilst providing you with seating and of course warmth for those chilly evenings.

When choosing a fire pit for your space, there are a few factors to consider. Would you like your pit to be cast in situ, or would you like it to be moveable? There are various type of fires that you could use. There are wood burners, gas or even more modern and eco-friendly types of pits. This will depend on the style of your space, the size you have to work with, as well as your fire preference. Here are some beautiful fire pits to get you inspired for your space.

Seating

Seating will form an important part to your space. There are so many different ways you could have your seating area. From built in deck type seating, with upholstered cushions, to concrete seating. You could have a square or rectangular setup, or even a rounded set up. This will all depend on how many people you wish to cater for, as well as your style.

Safety will form an important part of the design, as fires, when not controlled or built properly could be detrimental. This is why it is best to have a designer who will follow safety standards and precautions to keep you and your family safe.

Other Parts to the Design

There are other aspects to the design, such as lighting, flooring, fabrics and possibly a roofing structure. This will also depend on your style, space allowance and budget. These add ons will take the design up a notch, and will have your guests in awe!

When it comes to fabrics, an outdoor fabric would be the best to use in the space. They are UV resistant and won’t be damaged by sun rays. Outdoor vinyls will be waterproof and won’t need to be taken inside. What a joy! We have so many different options for you, ranging from bold patterns and gorgeous textures.

The perfect fire pit needs a perfect outdoor space to belong in. Click HERE to see out Outdoor Utopia blog post.

Are you wanting help with a ‘lit’ fire pit?

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

Yours in design,

Kirsty Badenhorst Interiors

( images sourced from Pinterest )