House of Kook – an interior design studio

After amalgamating two decades of collective experience in the interior design realm, Amy McKenzie and Kirsten Dodds decided it was time to venture out on their own. In 2022 the designers established House of Kook – an interior design studio with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

House of Kook specialises in creating cosy, comfortable, one-of-a-kind spaces, each as unique as the individuals who inhabit them.

“You’re not like anyone else, so your space shouldn’t look like just anyone could live there,” says the designers. “That’s why we curate rich, honest, layered interior identities that reflect the beautiful people who interact with them.”

The studio’s service offerings include furniture design, as well as full turnkey interior design, finishes specification, project management and interior consultation.

Known for their custom projects, two of their most recent projects – one in Cape Town and one in Johannesburg – speak not only of their dedication and passion for their craft but also their commitment to service excellence.

“I worked with Amy from Kook. She has an incredible eye for detail and colour. She went out of her way to make sure we were 100% happy with all the fine details, from wall colour to lighting she showed incredible care and patience,” enthuses the owners of Airlie Place.

The House of Kook team worked to transform this residence in Constantia, Cape Town, into a home with a distinct modern farmhouse.

“This project encompassed a complete overhaul of an existing house, a second-storey addition, and a completely new build,” explains the team from House of Kook.

“Working closely with the contractor, we were deeply involved in design consultation, specification, and procurement. Our vision was to infuse the home with a timeless essence while paying homage to its original design. A meticulous selection of colours and finishes achieved this, along with intriguing brickwork, lighting, and design accents.”

For their Johannesburg project, the team also worked closely with the owners, creating a full turnkey design.

“This project in the tree-lined suburb of Bryanston was quick but impactful,” explains House of Kook.

“The client brief was to modernise the apartment while highlighting the original layout and design details. They also wanted to maximise storage. We loved seeing how well a mix of modern and traditional design elements came together to result in a bright and serene apartment.”

The result, of course, was not only a fresh, beautiful new space but happy homeowners, too: “We love it!” they said at first glance. “The space is beautiful, bright and makes us so happy. You nailed it, Kook!”