PERSONAL SPACE

Wanting to honour her South African roots, Nicola Kotkis ensured her home has pieces that reflect her heritage

- JANE CRITTENDEN

When it came to planning her home, interior designer Nicola Kotkis favoured a neutral palette, but with important touches hinting at her South African heritage.

‘My taste is classic,’ she explains. ‘But earthy natural tones remind me of home and I love the unusual pieces I’ve brought back from local markets.’

Nicola and her husband, Ilan, a solicitor, have lived in London for 17 years and jumped at the chance to buy this extended house, knowing it would be ideal for them and their children, Livia, nine, and five-year-old twins, Gideon and Ezra. ‘I was super-excited,’ says Nicola.

‘It was good to be in a position where we had the space and layout we wanted, and I looked forward to investing our time and money to make our home look pretty and functional for us.’

The six-metre rear extension provided a large kitchen and dining area with a zone for relaxing. Sliding doors separate it from the front sitting room, which has a built-in toy cupboard so it doubles as a playroom.