Step inside a bold Cape Town penthouse where colour, scale, and smart design come together to create a truly unique living space. Discover how every detail transforms this apartment into a standout experience.
A Cape Town penthouse where colour, scale, and design redefine modern luxury
Set high above the city in De Waterkant, Cape Town, interior designer Edwin Murphy introduces a penthouse that balances bold expression with refined living. Designed as both a private retreat and a high-traffic Airbnb space, the brief demanded durability without sacrificing visual impact. What emerges is a carefully curated interior that maximises space while delivering a distinct and memorable experience.
Designing for impact and efficiency
From the outset, the approach centred on scale using oversized furniture and custom pieces to enhance the perception of space while ensuring every square inch is utilised. The layout flows effortlessly, drawing the eye toward expansive windows that frame uninterrupted views of Cape Town’s harbour. A muted palette in the communal areas sets a calm foundation, allowing the architecture and views to take centre stage.
Colour as a defining language
Colour plays a transformative role throughout the apartment. In the bedrooms, bold hues create immersive environments, cobalt blue in one, burnt orange in another, each space fully “colour drenched” from walls to textiles. This layering technique creates a cocoon-like effect, offering guests a sensory experience that feels both intimate and expressive.
Statement pieces and local influence
Within the more subdued living spaces, focal points are created through statement furniture and locally sourced elements. A sculptural dining table, elevated on granite plinths, becomes an artwork in its own right, mirrored by a honed granite feature behind the fireplace. These elements work in harmony with curated artwork and varied seating heights, creating visual rhythm and encouraging movement throughout the space.
Layering texture and sophistication
The bedrooms extend the narrative through texture and contrast. A fully upholstered, wall-to-wall headboard in one room required installation via the building’s exterior, an unconventional solution that underscores the project’s ambition. In the main bedroom, blush pink tones are elevated with deep navy accents, transforming a challenging colour palette into a sophisticated, balanced retreat overlooking the bay.
A space that feels lived in
Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritises emotional connection. Every detail, from curved curtain rails to layered materials, works to create a sense of authenticity. While completed within a defined timeframe, the apartment is designed to feel collected over time, allowing its occupants to form a personal relationship with the space. It’s a reminder that great design isn’t just seen, it’s experienced.
