After a decade in retail I love that my career has done full circle, bringing me back to my original passion, interiors and design. It’s a refreshing change for me, for my suppliers to be around the corner and over the hill, rather than a 12 hour flight, 2 trains and a taxi trip away. What I can’t seem to get my head around though is the break ups. You see, retail is a long term relationship, whereas interior design is more like a short fling. Ok, so it’s not quite a “it’s not you, it’s me” scenario, but the eventual heartache is still there.
For me, creating and working with interiors is one of my true passions, and creating beautiful spaces for incredible people is now a driving force. A huge part of why I enjoy what I do is forming a relationship with my clients along the way. After all, you are creating a home that is a reflection of them, and space they want to be in all day long (hopefully!).
So, finishing a project is filled with mixed emotions for me. I love installing and piece by piece watching weeks of hard work literally transform into reality, but it also means I have to “break up” with my clients. My latest break up were such fun and I absolutely loved creating a new home for them.
The Brief:
Transform their recently bought 3 storey apartment on the Atlantic Seaboard into a space that truly reflected them. Making a great space both for entertaining friends, as well as for lazy days to relax and chill.
BEFORE:
The Transformation:
- Changed carpets and tiles to Oggie oak flooring throughout
- Reworked and renovated kitchen and bar area
- Complete paint overhaul
- New banisters
- Complete renovation of downstairs laundry into an office
- Landscaping the two balcony areas and side alley at ground level
- New furniture and décor throughout
Biggest Challenge: Getting it finished in two weeks.
Best feature: The space has the best energy…it is so relaxing and tranquil, and all the materials used play into this, making it a true sanctuary for the clients.
AFTER
Photography by Alex du Toit
1 comment
Incredible transformation! Well done Lei.