Welcome to the first Sanctuary Ekhaya blog for 2025! I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes as I dive into designing our new home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This journey is all about creating a sanctuary that reflects who we are as a family, even with the challenges (and joys!) that come with renting. Let's get into it.
The Design Dilemmas
Let’s talk about the challenges, because what’s a design journey without them? First up: accent walls.
I’ve never been a fan. They feel like a spotlight that clashes with the rest of the room. But this house has an accent wall, and it’s here to stay. Add to that a chandelier smack-dab in the entrance—a piece I can’t justify replacing—and a black-and-white kitchen (another personal no-go).
Another challenge has been the floors, wardrobes, and doors, all of which are a dark wood tone that appears to have been stained. This is quite different from our love of light wood, like soft oaks. The dark wood adds a heaviness to the space that we wouldn’t naturally gravitate towards.
My strategy? Work with them instead of against them. I’m finding ways to brighten the house through light furnishings, airy textiles, and strategically placed mirrors to reflect the abundant natural light.
I’ll be using styling tricks and complementary pieces to blend these features into the overall design. Think layered textures, intentional color choices, and small tweaks that make a big difference.
What I Love About the House
It’s not all challenges! There’s so much to adore about this home.
Natural light: This house is drenched in it, with windows in every room letting the outdoors pour in. It’s bright, airy, and perfect for someone like me who thrives in well-lit spaces.
Greenery galore: The lush surroundings and constant visits from birds have been pure joy for us. It’s like living in a green oasis, even in the city.
The pool: Situated right outside the dining and living rooms, it’s the ultimate kid-watching zone while we unwind.
Making a Rental a Home
Here’s the thing about renting: you may not own it, but it’s still your space. It’s where you live, laugh, and create memories. Whether you’re paying a landlord or a bank, your home should feel like your sanctuary.
Over the next few months, I’ll share how I’m transforming this rental into a reflection of us—on a tight budget! From clever DIYs to budget-friendly finds and a few investment pieces, you’ll see how I prioritize what matters most.
One of the most exciting parts of this project has been treating my own family as “clients.” I walked us through the full Sanctuary Ekhaya process: questionnaires, style discovery, and functional planning. The result? A home that merges all our tastes into a cohesive, welcoming space.
Follow Along!
This is just the beginning of our journey. Keep an eye on the blog for weekly updates as we tackle room-by-room transformations, design challenges, and creative solutions. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for a behind-the-scenes look at the process—you won’t want to miss the DIYs and budget hacks!
Your home, whether owned or rented, should be a place where you feel safe, restored, and seen. I hope you’ll find some inspiration here to transform your space into the sanctuary you deserve.
Let’s do this together!
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