A Cape Town penthouse with killer views gets a moody makeover.
A light kitchen renovation becomes a complete apartment overhaul: the storyline is familiar to those who’ve embarked on a renovation. For the owners of this Atlantic Seaboard apartment, their home boasted the kind of views that most Capetonians would be envious of, surveying the Atlantic Ocean and Greenpoint Stadium; the interior – however – was dated and lacked personality. The latter is something of a matador’s cape for interior designer Hendre Bloem, whose portfolio of residential projects is infused with tell-tale drama, warmth and a discernibly masculine palette.
The lounge area of the penthouse serves as a laid-back living room, yet also has the unique addition of a plunge pool right behind the sofa. The fireplace is accentuated with Portoro silver marble cladding and a Dokter and Misses floor lamp. The sofa was custom made in grey leather.
To celebrate the all-important views, Hendre used smoked charcoal mirror to reflect the outdoors and bring them into the interior, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom and bathroom. The furniture, meanwhile, was sourced from a host of leading local design brands, with some European classics in the mix and channels edgy urban vibes with a moody undercurrent.
The open-plan bedroom and bathroom have magnificent views over Cape Town and the waterfront. A pair of Jielde lamps flanks the solid timber bed.
“We decided early on to strip the finishes back to expose the raw, edgy and unique elements the architecture has to offer, like the off-shutter concrete soffits and raw timber details,” recalls Hendre. In doing so, he has introduced a sense of authenticity that’s lacking in many modern urban apartments. To these raw elements he added a dose of slick sophistication by way of luxe finishes like walnut, black glass and marble in dark tones. The result is slick and sexy and uses contrast to maximum effect.
In the open-plan kitchen and dining room, a custom mirror from Okha in smoked charcoal and raw steel reflects the views and is a magnificent piece in itself. A Rock Floor Lamp by Diesel for Foscarini is joined by a James Mudge dining table and chair set and Tom Dixon Melt pendant lights from Crema Design which hang above the table.
LEFT TO RIGHT: An original Eames Lounge Chair and footstool and polished brass side table from Crema Design create an intimate reading nook next to the floating staircase. The kitchen, custom designed and manufactured by Hendre Bloem, plays with contrasting finishes like raw concrete, gloss stone tops and oak flooring. The marble cladding introduces texture to the space and highlights the barstools by James Mudge. A small home study has been created with views overlooking Signal Hill and Lion’s Head. Here, a quirky adjustable floor lamp from Diesel for Foscarini peers over the American walnut desk.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Arguably the best spot in the house, the freestanding bathtub overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and harbour. A Hay side table – indicative of Hendre Bloem’s projects – is used alongside it, while full length curtains provide privacy and a touch of softness to the space. Nearby, a grey Hay rug, from Crema Design lends warmth and texture to the bedroom. Merging interior and exterior through generous sliding doors, the balcony combines various seating options (including a lounger from Weylandts) for ultimate comfort.
