COOL COLLECTIVE
Living space|March 2023
For lovers of intriguing spaces, a visit to the eclectic home of this Cape Town creative is a bit like discovering a treasure trove. Layer upon layer of colour and character mark every room in a curated collection of African craft and artworks acquired over a lifetime.
MANDY ALLEN
COOL COLLECTIVE

First impressions are peculiar things. They can be spot on or perfectly inaccurate.

Greeted at the front door of the graceful period home that belongs to one of Cape Town’s most respected curators of local arts and crafts the words that immediately come to mind are ‘farmstead’, ‘eccentric’ and ‘bohemian’. As it turns out, these are wholly accurate. Flanked by Lenghi and Lunah, the large dogs that are her constant companions, I recognise her immediately. She tells me she would prefer to remain anonymous, a request that makes total sense considering she’s a bit shy and much more at ease behind the scenes.

The daughter of a German immigrant, she was born and raised in an insulated rural farming community where days played out at a quiet pace. Displaying a notable artistic ability from an early age, this determined character – let’s call her ‘Jane’, purely for the purpose of this story – became an acclaimed ceramicist and went on to establish herself as one of the most respected champions of local craft on the South African design landscape.

Jane’s home is on a large property that dates to 1904, and every inch of it is informed in both atmosphere and aesthetic by her formative years on the farm. I spot several pieces of inherited antique furniture that appear heavy with history, interspersed with interesting lighting fixtures and a collection of paintings she shares are the work of an artist uncle. The house is surrounded by a dense garden that Jane tends to passionately, which appears to drape over the property like a green cloak.

Esta historia es de la edición March 2023 de Living space.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición March 2023 de Living space.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE LIVING SPACEVer todo
'Tis the season to upcycle
Living space

'Tis the season to upcycle

From handmade adornments to uses for everyday items, we've unwrapped a box full of creative ideas to refresh your festive season decorating. Trust us, yule love them all.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2023
Less is MORE
Living space

Less is MORE

So many people are considering life without alcohol that the notion has been given a name: sober-curious. We find out what you can do to help lower your current alcohol consumption.

time-read
3 minutos  |
January 2024
Up in smoke
Living space

Up in smoke

Darrel Bristow-Bovey discovers that letting go isn't always easy (or entirely painless).

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2023
HAPPY AFFORDABLE HOLIDAYS!
Living space

HAPPY AFFORDABLE HOLIDAYS!

Whether it's quality time with family or me-time on a beach, a vacation is good for the soul but it shouldn't break the bank! Use these eight tips to make sure yours doesn't.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December 2023
WISH WE WERE HERE
Living space

WISH WE WERE HERE

You can eat with your eyes, so why not travel that way, too? Captivating, unexpected and inspiring these destinations should be on every decor-lover's bucket list...

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2023
WELCOME, 2024!
Living space

WELCOME, 2024!

Get a head start on styling your space for the new year with our forecast of what's to come. Hint: you're going to be a natural...

time-read
3 minutos  |
December 2023
LIFE THROUGH THE LENS
Living space

LIFE THROUGH THE LENS

Travel photographer, writer and editor Anton Crone has many years of exploring Africa's backroads under his belt. Christi Nortier asks him what makes a place one-of-a-kind.

time-read
4 minutos  |
December 2023
INNER-CITY ISLANDS
Living space

INNER-CITY ISLANDS

The birds and the bees need safe, green spaces to survive and thrive in the urban jungle. Here's how you can help...

time-read
3 minutos  |
January 2024
BEYOND THE BUNCH
Living space

BEYOND THE BUNCH

From wreaths to posies, flowers are a quick and easy way to light up a room and all you need is a store-bought bunch (or two) and a touch of creativity.

time-read
2 minutos  |
December 2023
IT'S ON THE HOUSE
Living space

IT'S ON THE HOUSE

Household insurance: two words that strike fear (and confusion) into the hearts of South African homeowners. But don't panic! Here's everything you need to know...

time-read
4 minutos  |
January 2024