This Constantia home has been given new contemporary life through judicious and thoughtful decorating
![An Urban Barn](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/3895/311671/5bf65f993330e/An-UrbanBarn.jpg)
A successful house makeover requires a few essential ingredients: a measure of imagination, plenty of expertise and a little luck.
When the owners of this property in Constantia, Cape Town, wanted to give their house a refresh, they called on Cape-based interior designer Lesley Arnot to provide guidance and oversee the project. It was a happy choice. Her experience is wide-ranging and her approach attentive.
“My brief,” says Lesley, “was to work with much of what was already there – cherished family pieces – but also to give it all a new edge.” The challenge was to bring focus to the disparate elements and combine them into a cohesive whole. Some of the changes were subtle, others were substantial, but the result is unequivocally dramatic and yet still inviting.
This story is from the December 2018 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2018 edition of South African Garden and Home.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Winter Warmer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Xh1Hj9dZU1721135313681/WINTER-WARMER.jpg)
Winter Warmer
Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate
![Carved in MARBLE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/ZcyTptpM91721135176468/CARVED-IN-MARBLE.jpg)
Carved in MARBLE
Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel
![A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/j6l-iYSaJ1721135055878/A-LESSON-FROM-THE-ANIMAL-KINGDOM.jpg)
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance
![Nature's Hidden Harvest](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/Ty91Jt5mX1721133942787/NATURES-HIDDEN-HARVEST.jpg)
Nature's Hidden Harvest
Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures
![PAPER BRIQUETTES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/GCe4ttrf11721133760823/PAPER-BRIQUETTES.jpg)
PAPER BRIQUETTES
Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours
![WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/iJUs4ZPOV1721133525000/WINTER-DOS-AND-DONTS-HOUSEPLANTS.jpg)
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives
![In The Garden](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/I5mNd6u781721133231548/IN-THE-GARDEN.jpg)
In The Garden
July Garden To-dos
![ELEGANT AGAVES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/1w0rcc4ZI1721132996617/ELEGANT-AGAVES.jpg)
ELEGANT AGAVES
Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers
![MIRROR UPDATE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/IXaC-4tN61721132793014/MIRROR-UPDATE.jpg)
MIRROR UPDATE
Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY
![LOFT LUXE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3895/1740506/n5ip-RskN1721132541139/LOFT-LUXE.jpg)
LOFT LUXE
This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces