Eclectic Elegance
Home South Africa|August 2021
An abundance of natural light beautifully balances the dramatic décor in this multifaceted home.
Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel
Eclectic Elegance

WHO LIVES HERE?

Steven and Lella Kondylis, with Charlie the Jack Russell and Lulu the Yorkie

WHERE Constantia, Cape Town

SIZE 506m²

The décor on the cosy stoep is elegant yet unpretentious, offset by a palette of white and grey.

Dining chairs from Tafelberg Furniture; sofas from Plaisir du Jardin

The striking wallpaper in the dining room, which extends all the way up to the mezzanine level, is a recent addition; Steven is mad about palm trees and Lella loves the greens and pops of red.

Wallpaper from Cara Saven Wall Design; chandelier from Morgan Associates; table and chairs from Block ’n Chisel

Dahlias picked from Jaftha’s Flower Farm in Constantia add colour to the old workbench, which has been spray-painted red.

By her own admission, Lella Kondylis is the antithesis of Marie Kondo, the famous Japanese tidying expert. Yet, Lelladoes not tolerate clutter. That’s what is so charming about her 30-year-old Constantia home: on the one hand, it’s light and airy and on the other, it’s all dramatic décor with oversized wallpaper and bright colours – all of which works together perfectly.

“Everything has a story and a little history, but I definitely don’t overthink my décor,” says Lella, a ceramic artist trading under Porcelain Petites. “I want a warm home, not a showroom.”

This story is from the August 2021 edition of Home South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2021 edition of Home South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HOME SOUTH AFRICAView All
Pestilence Domestica
Home South Africa

Pestilence Domestica

We usually call them dirty, dangerous and utterly gross. But what if we looked at domestic pests through a different lens, asks Karin Brynard.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2023
Quick as a flash!
Home South Africa

Quick as a flash!

These 15 dinners can be whipped up in a jiffy - before the power goes out!

time-read
10+ mins  |
May/June 2023
The gift that keeps on giving
Home South Africa

The gift that keeps on giving

By taking cuttings and dividing existing plants and those from friends, Anne Turner and her son David have created a stunning garden that takes on a whole new personality as the seasons change.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2023
Upcycle it!
Home South Africa

Upcycle it!

Tuis Home food editor Johané Neilson and her husband Allister revamped a second-hand melamine wall unit to create a bespoke wall-to-wall display cabinet, for less than R3 500!

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2023
Little house in the forest
Home South Africa

Little house in the forest

Thanks to her capable father, Neilke Pretorius and her partner enjoy an idyllic lifestyle in a custom-made home hidden in the trees.

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2023
Living large, inside and out
Home South Africa

Living large, inside and out

South Africans love a space where indoors and outdoors come together.

time-read
8 mins  |
May/June 2023
Modern CLASSIC
Home South Africa

Modern CLASSIC

With authenticity as a guiding design principle, a young family has created their happy space in a 105-year-old house in the heart of vibrant Sea Point.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2023
Peace & quiet...
Home South Africa

Peace & quiet...

A cinematographer and a set designer found the perfect bolt-hole in the Eastern Cape Karoo where they can truly relax and unwind.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2023
ART AND SOUL
Home South Africa

ART AND SOUL

Five years ago, the Krugers transformed a tired city bungalow into a unique and modern family home.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2023
Group therapy
Home South Africa

Group therapy

Add impact and create rhythm using repetition and collections, as these Home readers have done.

time-read
1 min  |
May/June 2023