ART AND SOUL

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

- Mary Jane Harris

Most parents will agree that an easy school run in the mornings is a priority when maintaining a happy family life. And it was for this reason that Hendrien Kruger, an importer and distributor of Inoar hair products, and her husband decided to move from a country estate to the city when their daughters were in primary school.

"This wasn't an easy decision," recalls Hendrien. "We were very happy in our previous home, but it was just too far out of town." One of their requirements was that the new house be in a secure area. "We were open to renovating but the location was important."

The Krugers finally found a bungalow built in 1948 in the heart of Pretoria's embassy district that had been standing empty for a while. "It wasn't immediately appealing but I fell in love with the two magnificent white stinkwoods in the garden and the house was a single storey, which we preferred," says Hendrien.

And so, a nine-month-long renovation began. "My husband planned most of it with inspiration from Pinterest," says Hendrien. With a limited budget to consider, their plans involved bringing the kitchen from the back to its present position in the heart of the home. It now boasts an adjoining scullery. "The house had a typical 1940s layout with the kitchen tucked away at the back and the bedrooms all in a row," explains Hendrien.

"We wanted a large open-plan living area off the kitchen where we could all be together while doing our own thing. I love to cook and the idea was that while I'm busy, my daughters could do their homework at the table or watch TV."

So, the Krugers extended the front of the house to create a spacious, light-filled living room. Large cedar beams were used as supports, adding a striking design element and creating a sense of rustic charm. "The beams are both functional and beautiful," says Hendrien.