A 62sqm House That Fits Everything In
This former storage room is converted into an amazing, modern-rustic two-bedroom rental
Doreen de Waal has taken the decision to open up her home to an ever-evolving mix of tenants from around the world. A respected South African design consultant and freelance stylist on magazines such as Elle Decoration, Doreen’s latest project is In Awe Stays, a listing of Cape Town cottages and loft apartments owned and designed by her and her husband that are available for short- or long-term rent to tenants.
This particular building, located at the top of Doreen’s property, was used as a storeroom for wood. Now completely transformed from its dark and poky former self, it reflects the hallmarks of the designer’s aesthetic identity: minimal clutter, accents of bright color, an abundance of natural light, a focus on function, and a sense of playfulness and personality.
The first task was to address the structure’s architectural shortcomings. Guided by Doreen, the team of builders raised the low-slung roof as high as possible while still keeping it within the lines of the original building. The tall ceiling is now one of the cottage’s most outstanding features. The next task was how best to configure the 62-sqm floor space in order to create distinctive and well-defined zones within what was essentially, in her words, a “rabbit warren of small, shoddily built rooms that were added over the years.” Here’s how she transformed the former storage area.
