Yvonne O'Brien, interior designer's space-snatching renovation

11 January 2021 In Exclusive, Spaces

Yvonne O’Brien’s space-snatching renovation

Join us as we tour this interior designer’s pared back, renovated Joburg abode and discover how she has gained space, but not square meterage.

Having taken notes from our recent Decorating story, you’ll know that interior designer and owner of The Private House Company Yvonne O’Brien is a past master when it comes to layering neutrals and naturals. If done right (and trust us, she does it right), the result of said combo is utterly calming thanks to the mix of lighter shades and raw texture. Her own recently renovated 4-bedroom home in Dainfern is ground zero for this ostensibly laid-back yet skilfully measured look.

“We bought the house for its fantastic position and with the aim of being our family home. It looks onto three huge weeping willow trees and a little stream with no other houses in sight,” Yvonne recalls, the mere fact that this home – in one of Joburg’s largest estates – has a view that excludes any neighbours is reason enough to buy. She adds though, that “the house needed a lot of work”. Having chipped away at it over the years, tweaking this and redecorating that, Yvonne and her family were at the point of selling up and had been looking for another house on the estate that could offer more space. But with all the right factors. In the end, they decided nothing quite matched up to what they already had, and a major renovation ensued.

Ironically, they didn’t expand on square meterage at all, but instead achieved the illusion of space by way of two main factors: increasing light to the interior and removing wall divisions. More specifically, Yvonne added new skylights to flood the space with natural light and removed the internal walls separating the kitchen, dining and living room, thus creating a much larger open space with a communal feel. She also installed more windows and new sliding doors which, when hidden in the wall cavity, maximise on flow between the inside and the veranda. The latter was also extended further into the garden and now serves as an all-seasons hangout for the family.

“I use loose white linen covers on the sofas, which get washed very often since our dogs have the run of the house. They’re simply washed in cold water and put back on damp.” Here in the living room, seagrass matting is paired with a crisp Riviera sofa and Café Antique Dining Sofa both from The Private House Company.

Yvonne O'Brien study interior, Dainfern — The study was supposed to be a kids’ playroom, but the kids never used it and so it was commandeered when Yvonne needed a home office. The walls feature an Elitis wallpaper which looks like linen. “The black and white photographs are by Horst Klemm, I’ve had them for 15 years and they’re still a favourite of mine.”

Dainfern bar, Yvonne O'Brien — A combination that’s perennial, Yvonne is adept at layering white, neutrals and natural textures. Two of her must-use inclusions in these combinations are greenery and mirrors.
RIGHT: The guest loo features custom made wallpaper by Robin Sprong with a subtly tribal feel to it.

Bar room detail, Dainfern, Yvonne O'Brien — A combination that’s perennial, Yvonne is adept at layering white, neutrals and natural textures. Two of her must-use inclusions in these combinations are greenery and mirrors.
RIGHT: The guest loo features custom made wallpaper by Robin Sprong with a subtly tribal feel to it.

Last in the list of space-making tricks was the removal of her richly coloured terracotta floor tiles in exchange for large format bone coloured porcelain tiles that span indoors and out, again coaxing the eye into the illusion of expansiveness by way of continuity.

Yvonne’s legendary penchant for fusing white, neutrals and raw texture also plays its part in lending this abode its pared back and restful mood. Here, sofas slipcovered in white linen pair harmoniously with woven furniture sourced almost entirely from her collection at The Private House Company. “My furniture changes as my preference does. Because I’ve got a shop, if I bring in something new, naturally I love it and I’ll want to try it out in my own home,” she admits, but is quick to add that some pieces never change. Her dining room table has been a mainstay for 10 years and her dining chairs have also lasted for their timelessness, both of which are still sold in her shop.

Patio, Dainfern — The new cavity doors between the house, veranda and garden remain open for much of the year. At 15 meters long and 6 meters wide, the veranda is an extension of the house; come wintertime, the blinds are dropped down and the fire lit. “you have the feeling that the outside and inside rooms are one.”

Dainfern Guest bedroom — LEFT: Since the guest bedroom has never received much light, Yvonne has opted for a dark Thibaut grasscloth in rich chocolate brown. RIGHT: In the main bedroom, “My bedroom is very pared back, I bring in colour with cushions and accessories, while my base cloths remain neutral.” The wallpaper is a Thibaut grasscloth the scatter cushions are from Lisa Fine.

Dainfern Main Bedroom — LEFT: Since the guest bedroom has never received much light, Yvonne has opted for a dark Thibaut grasscloth in rich chocolate brown. RIGHT: In the main bedroom, “My bedroom is very pared back, I bring in colour with cushions and accessories, while my base cloths remain neutral.” The wallpaper is a Thibaut grasscloth the scatter cushions are from Lisa Fine.

kitchen, Dainfern, Yvonne O'Brien — The kitchen is as simple and practical as can be in Yvonne O’Brien’s trademark use of white with a pair of Bergman Stools from The Private House Company for texture. Here, a well-placed window offers leafy views.

Most days, no matter the season, the family find themselves on the deep veranda. Here, plush armchairs, generous coffee tables, seagrass matting and a liberal dining set up await bare-foot relaxation while a built-in fireplace and blinds are at the ready for anything the elements bring.

privatehouseco.co.za | @privatehouse.yvonneobrien