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LifeStyle
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  • Q+A with Interior Designer - Surà van Schalkwyk


    1 - HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE ?

    My style is very much Organic Modern. I love to use neutrals, making it inviting and casual. Layering neutral textiles and textures to create interest.


    2 - HOW ARE YOU INCORPORATING YOUR AFRICAN TREASURES INTO YOUR DESIGN ?

    African inspired treasures are very much about textures. By decorating with African elements, we incorporate something dark and cosy, in our otherwise minimalist homes. Mixing it with soft textiles, brings a warm and cosy feel.


    3 - DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE TRYING TO ACHIEVE A NEUTRAL & MINIMAL DESIGN ?

    I think the key is to focus on one room at a time. Make sure you keep it simple and de-cluttered. A neutral palette is very soothing and you can introduce luxurious, natural materials to make the palette more dynamic. Always start with the most visible areas first.


    4 - WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS THROUGHOUT YOUR HOUSE TRANSFORMATION ?

    Even though I changed it into a neutral palette, the warmth and character of the wooden beams were maintained. So what was once a very dark & claustrophobic house, is now a bright, airy and calming home.


    5 - WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO INTERIOR DESIGN ?

    From a very young age I enjoyed being around my mother when she did her sewing, and I would play around with the different fabrics pretending to design my own clothes. However, soon I realised that it wasn’t sewing, but interiors that was my passion. Building our own house allowed me to explore my ideas and develop my style.  


    6 - WHEN DESIGNING A ROOM, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR YOU ?

    We as humans love the freedom to choose and create our own personal style. Our home should reflect who we are, and make us feel safe and comfortable. This is why it is important to understand the purpose of the room. But you cannot only focus on the purpose, you have to think of the style, and lighting. Many people forget about how important it is to get the lighting right in a room. Also, the most important thing to remember is to use our senses, feelings and personality to create a home that makes us feel calm.


    7 - WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN APPROACHING A PROJECT ?

    Understanding the flow of the house, and looking at the project holistically to ensure the same thread gets carried throughout the house. But also giving each room its own unique character. Then creating a mood board by collecting the colour palette, textures and pictures of what it is we want to achieve, whereby i can ensure the client understands the end result prior to and throughout the design process.


    8 - WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE INTERIOR DESIGNER ?

    Sophie Paterson