Imagenius Breathes New Life Into Stellenbosch Family Abode

The team from Imagenius Interiors were approached to creatively redesign Chateau Beau Belle. This beautiful family home is located near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape of South Africa. 

The brief

The owners wanted to bring a contemporary look to the residence with clean lines, colour and warmth. The aim was to achieve a sophisticated farmhouse look – ideal for modern living in 2020. However, they needed to be mindful of the Georgian architecture.

The very grand entrance was key to setting the tone. It was here that the design team wanted to break away from being too traditional. Instead, they chose to stamp the family personality into this space. The goal was to create a sense of place here as a working wine farm.

Contemporary Farmhouse

It was important to incorporate farmhouse interior aspects into this space. Owner and Designer at Imagenius Interiors, Jaqui Hunter, explains the process: “I used an old farm work bench for a collection of plants, family treasures and photographs and customised overscaled mirrors made from pressed metal ceiling panels.” Other carefully selected items include an oversized kilim, heavy baskets filled with Proteas from the farm and a modern cane couch covered in a burberry style fabric.

Contemporary metal rails were customised and made up with heavy natural linen curtains. Bold large reworked Persians are also used throughout the house. The result is a beautiful blend of finishes and textures.

“I commissioned the hero of the lounge- a Casamento embroidered couch,” explains Jacqui. “This epitomises the style of the house – with its contemporary frame and delicate combination of traditional patterned linen, alternating colours of plain linen and exquisite hand embroidery.”

She choose to highlight some of the colours in the couch and customised matching chairs and a couch in mustard, with soft reds and teals.

Dining in Delight

The dining room too is a feast of old and new. It features a beautiful large cabinet in metal and ribbed glass. This partners well with the server commissioned for the dining room. An antique door is also used as a base for the coffee table.

A 3,6m ironwood table is a statement piece in the dining room. Here contemporary meets classic with metal legs that perch grandly on a bold black carpet. To bring a sense of fun, Jacqui chose to use texture and colour with a fun mix of dining chairs in a riot of colour and pattern. Some in striking animal print, embroidered chinoiserie, or textured velvet in tones that pick up plums, golds and teals. The custom cabinet and large mirror complete the eclectic yet classic look.

These two bold rooms needed a quietness or balance between them. Jacqui then decided on softer tones and simple furniture in the room to allow the baby grand piano to shine. The pinks and sandy tones reflect the photograph of the Kalagadi flamingos on the walls.

The kitchen is the heart of the house. Here designers introduced the Jan range of printed textiles. Some jewel tones and linen textures complement the existing daybed and the large chunky breakfast table.

Tranquil Bedrooms

The bedrooms were kept simple. Some feature white linen curtains while others have charcoal variations. There is a blend of textures with reworked carpets and textured linen embroidered cushions. In the master bedroom, a stunning hand-painted carpet wall-hanging takes pride of place.

The clients were thrilled with the outcome. Jacqui adds: “We created a home for them – combined texture, old and new and created a warm welcoming home that reflects their personalities.”

Discover more at Imagenius Interiors.