DIYgirls: Come Home to Paradise

In this stunning Johannesburg apartment, city living is made easy when an interior design team helps nature find its way in.

Bringing the outdoors in is a trend that exponentially grew ever since Covid hit. 2022 has seen it again, stronger than ever before: Homemakers and designers infusing their living spaces with the beauty and abundance nature has to offer. This is exactly what DIYgirls did when briefed to decorate a tiny city apartment in Johannesburg: They drew from nature’s bounty and turned every single corner into a little piece of paradise.

Upon entering through the open-plan kitchen, you are welcomed by the serene palette of blues, greens, and neutrals from DIYgirls’ summer collection. A jute rug, artwork in earthy tones and a fresh plant exude warmth whilst the round glass table keeps everything open, spacious, and airy.

Thanks to careful furniture placement and the optimum use of space, nothing about this apartment feels small or cramped. “Clever drawers and other storage solutions keep clutter at bay and create a free flow from one area to the next,” says Vinette Diab Nicholls, founder of DIYgirls, one of SA’s Top 10 Interior Design companies, selected to participate in the 2022 Home Deco Expo.

Beyond the kitchen lies the open-plan living room where coastal hues are paired with bright red accents for a fresh, contemporary feel. The slim, oval coffee table softens the clean, sharp lines of the couch, and the bronze sculpture oozes sophistication. “It also grounds the room,” explains Vinette, “adding more natural elements with its marble and bronze.”

Mixing up texture, colour, and pattern – a DIYgirls trademark – balances the entire space, hitting that elusive sweet spot between contemporary and warm, practical and beautiful, clean and cosy.

On the other side of the lounge, you’ll find the primary bedroom. A dreamy combination of deep blues and soft golds transports you to breezy days beside warm oceans and balmy beaches. “We used this opportunity to showcase our brand-new summer collection,” adds Vinette. “I love how the fabrics are vibrant and serene at the same time. We also strive to make all our products as eco-friendly as possible, and work closely with our suppliers to make sure our fabrics and materials are responsibly sourced.” Once again, modern, geometric pattern is mixed with botanical and animal print reminiscent of years gone by. The drawers in the pedestals add extra storage, while the touches of gold elevate the room to ultra-luxe.

Next to the primary bedroom lies the delightful second bedroom, where fun is the name of the game. Bold, bright colours combine with leopard print to create a joyful taste of maximalism. This exuberance is tamed through the use of natural wood in the pedestals, beautiful stone in the lamps, and an elegant, white sculpture. “We really had fun designing this room, and it shows in the end result.”

Outside, on the covered patio just off the living area, the highlight of this juncture of outdoor indoor awaits: An oasis of coastal colours, irresistible textures and a bird’s nest patio chair promising hours of rest and rejuvenation. City? What city?

• All the furniture, soft furnishings, ceramics, and lamps were manufactured by DIYgirls’ all-female workshop.
• DIYgirls Interior: Vinette Diab Nicholls: 010 109 8770 | diygirls.co.za | info@diygirls.co.zaDIY Girls