Make The Most Of Your Living Room

Create a space that inspires cosy get-togethers, easy entertaining and quality family time…

- Beatrice Moore-Nothnagel

In style #

WHERE Lynnwood, Pretoria ORIENTATION North When Rouxléne Merbold’s neighbour, someone she considers to have sophisticated style, visited her home a while back, she announced that she couldn’t quite put her finger on Rouxléne’s style. Rouxléne smiles knowingly when she tells this story as she freely admits that she didn’t really plan anything and that it all just came together over the years.

“I found the Art Deco armchairs online for a steal and had them reupholstered,” she says. “I only recently added the leather sofa from Incanda. I would probably describe my style as modern Art Deco, yet my décor consists of a contemporary coffee table, a vintage floral kelim and an Nguni hide ottoman – they’re all very different looks but they ‘talk’ to one another!”

The Merbolds renovated their 1960s home in 2010 and have opened up and extended most of the interior space. The living room is open plan with the dining room and kitchen.

“When we lifted the carpets, we were pleasantly surprised to find real oak parquet flooring – not something you see every day! We had it sanded and repaired,” says Rouxléne.

It works, because…

The living room reflects Rouxléne’s love of old and new styles as well as her playful, sometimes quirky taste. “Just the other day I thought about what I would let go of when I downscale and retire, and I realised that just about all of my ‘stuff’ in the living room would have to go with me!” she says with a chuckle.