Balancing Act

By introducing vibrant colour and pattern, designer Marian Nazar brought this century-old Durban house to life

- Candice Botha

Although Alison and Michael loved their Edwardian home with its high ceilings, bay windows and original stained glass, they felt the interiors looked rather bland and boring. “I used to spend a lot of time travelling for my job, but when I developed a health issue and was at home more often, I realised the interiors didn’t reflect my personality,” says Alison. “There was lots of brown, beige and dark wood, and the effect was dated.”

Fortunately, a friend suggested she contact interior designer Marian Nazar, and they clicked immediately. Alison’s brief simply consisted of a page torn out of a magazine showing an Ardmore wallpaper featuring monkeys in a tropical scene. “I loved it and had to have it. I was prepared to push the boundaries and be brave,” says Alison.

Realising the wallpaper’s bold colours were reflected perfectly in the stained glass in the house, Marian used it to clad the stairwell and it was the starting point for the scheme. “When using colour, balance is important – each has to be weighed up against the next and you can’t be afraid to commit,” she says.