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The Journey of Blending Styles : Designing Our New South African Home

Writer's picture: Dawn FaithDawn Faith

As an interior designer, I’ve had the joy of transforming countless homes into beautiful, personalized sanctuaries. But now, the tables have turned—it’s time to design my own!


Our family’s next chapter is unfolding in South Africa, and with it comes the adventure of crafting a space we’ll call home. What I didn’t expect, however, was the surprising revelation: my husband, Nic, and I have very different tastes.


After years of shared life and love, our visions for our dream home couldn’t be more different! Who knew?


To say we’ve embarked on a design journey would be putting it mildly. Nic, ever the minimalist, dreams of a sleek, modern aesthetic—think crisp lines, monochromatic palettes, and that effortlessly cool black-and-white vibe. If left to his own devices, our house might resemble a chic art gallery (with nary a cozy nook in sight).


Meanwhile, I’m drawn to the warmth of organic materials and the soul of vintage finds. There’s something about the texture of a reclaimed wood table or the charm of a well-loved armchair that makes my heart sing. Naturally, the contrast between our styles has led to a few lively discussions (read: good-natured debates).


We’ve tackled this challenge much like I would with any couple I design for—by talking, exploring, and finding common ground. We’ve strolled through countless showrooms, where Nic gets to play design critic, pointing out his favorite modern pieces. I, of course, swoon over the timeless character of vintage accents.


The real fun has been in the compromise. We’ve discovered a style that’s uniquely us—a modern organic blend that brings together Nic’s love for contemporary design with my passion for natural materials and vintage charm. It’s been a rewarding process, proving that the best spaces are the ones that tell the story of the people who live in them.


In the end, it’s more than just designing a house. We’re building a home that reflects who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. And while Nic’s dream of a black-and-white oasis might not come to full fruition (sorry, babe), I think we’ve found a balance that feels just right.


Curious to see how it all turned out? Stay connected to have a peek at our new family haven—where modern meets cozy, and every corner tells a story.

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