Finest Homes – Season 1
South African home design and architecture has truly come into it’s own over the last decade. Bland imitations have made way for modern masterpieces and character-filled design. Finest Homes explores these creations, talking to the visionaries who are bringing them to life, as well as the people who live in them. Host, Juliet Newel, will take us through the spaces, showcasing both the architecture and interior design. She’ll also offer up tips and ideas for you to recreate some of these looks in your own home
Episode 8
Interior designer Derrick Tabbert is known for his unpredictable interiors. His colour and furniture selections could be seen as unusual but his knack for getting the balance just right ensures each project is a masterpiece. It’s no different in this Parkview home. Each room has an element of surprise like a bright red wall with a collection of different mirrors, a pearl chandelier in the entrance hall, and a bedroom with walls painted in royal blue.
Episode 7
Everyone loves to see the transformation of an old Parkhurst house brought to life through extensive renovations. A few years ago, a young couple bought a seventies-styled house. They stripped it down, knocked out walls, remodeled the spaces and then called in interior designer Joy Liedtke to pull it all together! She may be a newcomer on the interior décor and design scene, but she certainly knows how to create magnificent interiors! Her knack for selecting the right pieces, furniture and fabrics is evident in this home. She’s used salmon pinks with soft lime greens in the lounge – a bold colour choice but certainly a showstopper!
Episode 6:
There are no limits to the creativity of celebrated designer Kim Hutton. His dream of transforming an old firehouse into a modern home became a reality. Well almost! Unable to find an old fire station to buy, Kim used this inspiration to design apartments in the style of a firehouse. The exterior is red brick with massive glass doors that roll up, and the interiors continue with the theme. It’s a blend of industrial and homely finishes. Kim’s love of old collectibles like crystal decanters, leather suitcases, art and silverware is evident in his décor. These classic pieces take pride of place beside modern furniture pieces. His talent for mixing the old with the new in his decor is arguably unmatched.
Episode 5
Once a dull and boring old Bryanston house is now a stunningly beautiful home. The owners called in Johannesburg designer Clint Lewis when they decided to refurbish and remodel their home. It was a good decision. This talented designer has created interiors that are quite breathtaking. The décor is elegant and sophisticated with a palette of creams, metallics and neutrals throughout the home. He’s chosen classic furniture pieces and luxurious fabrics and finishes. The owners are keen art collectors and each painting and sculpture has been lovingly positioned in carefully selected places throughout the home. The main suite is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The padded headboard in gold metallic vinyl takes centre stage between the chandelier bedside lights. The bed is fit for royalty with silk throws, velvet cushions and the best linen money can buy.
Episode 4
This modern Houghton apartment provided a challenge for interior designer Derrick Tabbert. The spaces are compact and needed to incorporate different living areas. Derrick’s design prowess ensured the home is both functional and quite spectacular. This is achieved in his furniture selection, colours and layout. The main bedroom décor achieves serenity with a neutral palette and luxurious finishes. The big surprise is lounge in the main suite. Derrick has brought in a shock of colour with a bright red sofa and chair – both of which are design masterpieces.
Episode 3
Renowned SA interior designer Stephen Rich transformed an old and rather boring family home in Gallo Manor into a showstopper! The shell of the home is neutral with large cream porcelain tiles and light stone coloured walls throughout. This provides the perfect backdrop for an art collection to envy! The living spaces are open plan incorporating the dining room, living room and home theatre. But it’s definitely the covered patio that steals the show – a place to entertain, relax and take in the beautiful view of the garden.
Episode 2
The Lewis family recently moved from their large family home into a compact city apartment. Downscaling can be tricky as one has gathered so much over the years. But they handled the transition well. It was all in the planning and also seeking out a new home that would tick all the boxes of modern living, convenience and luxury. The décor is bright and colorful with feature walls painted in bold colours. Each piece of furniture was carefully selected with comfort and elegance top of mind. The star of this apartment is the large terrace. The space incorporates different areas for different uses – sun loungers, a breakfast table and a large glass dining table for al fresco dining.
Episode 1
Architect Luc Zhegers had his work cut out for him when the owners of this Waterfall Country Estate property appointed him to design their home. The stand is triangular which meant Luc had to be rather inventive in his design process. He designed an ultra modern home with lots of glass windows and sliding doors to optimize the breathtaking views of the estate. This home is an entertainer’s dream with its open plan living spaces and large patio. Every bedroom looks out onto the indigenous landscape allowing the family to enjoy every moment of living in the country.
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