This creative home interior, located in Clifton, Cape Town, was imagined by the talent at ARRCC interior design & decor studio in collaboration with Karen Stanek from KS Designs. Waterside is an extraordinary concept of curves and color, which unfolds inside a nine-story apartment building on the coast. Three existing units were merged to create a two-level beachside home, an unusual configuration for apartments in the area. The large, luxurious dwelling consists of 5 bedrooms with ensuites, a private home gym, steam room, cinema room, and spa. You’ll also find a glazed, double-volume central living space, bold artwork, colorful accent furniture, and a unique modern staircase design.
The building was designed by SAOTA in 2009. ARRCC reimagined the floorplan of the 3 merged apartments and placed focus on developing a grand home entryway on the top floor and a core living space on the lower level.
The impressive dual-height living space is glazed to open up the skyscape as well as the beach vista. Sculptural metal wall art, by Louw Roets, and waves of perimeter lighting draw the eye up to linger on the lofty ceiling height.
A curvaceous staircase connects the entrance and impressive living space. The unique staircase design was inspired by mountain contours and so infuses the interior with a natural spirit. The organic lines of its pale, opaque balustrades carve out a liquid-like flow.
The solid white bannister is a tactile experience, ending in a tightly sculpted scroll.
The solid balustrade pushes the eye toward the double-story view as one descends the staircase. LED stair lights burn a warm glow along the treads and risers, creating a cozy aura. Perimeter lighting is a key design element of this home design, meandering in recesses underneath baseboards and snaking around ceilings. On the top floor, the master bedroom suite is accessed off the right of the staircase in a self-contained wing. A series of louvers allow the suite to be adjoined to the larger layout if and when required.
An LED ribbon illuminates the underside of the banister, throwing an inviting glow on the smooth wooden steps of the staircase. The wooden treads protrude beyond their risers, giving each one a lightweight, floating effect. Large format tiles clad the flanking wall of the hallway, accentuating the scale of the entryway.
There are many custom-designed furniture pieces in this home. The space underneath the modern staircase design is furnished with a unique indoor bench design that echoes the staircase construction, climbing taller at one end.
Bulky, structural columns were disguised behind smoked mirrors. Because of this reflective material choice, the ocean view is brought rippling through the interior, and the lighting scheme glows twice as bright. A comfy white sofa fits snugly between the columns, bidding friends to stay a while. Three accent tables march in front.
Behind the main living space, there is an intimate library nook, which nestles under a much lower and dramatically bronzed ceiling. Concealed lighting contributes to the treasure trove-like ambiance and guides the explorer through a hall of precious art.
A custom-designed bookshelf is inspired by seashore discoveries, thematically linking the decor with the apartments premium location. Small ornaments and a collection of decorative vases line the intriguing, backlit display shelves
The curved silhouette of the hand-chiseled bar ties in with the undulating perimeter of the home. Black and white marble countertops and a matching backsplash amplify a feeling of luxury. Three colorful bar stools give the space a playful character, setting the scene for fun. Above the home bar, the ceiling adds a sculptural essence with its curves, and harbors concealed LED light strips.
A modern sofa and two elegant armchairs form a conversational seating area, accompanied by a round coffee table and a set of small side tables to receive drinks. A black floor reading lamp provides soft lighting.
Four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms are located on the lower level, accessed by an atmospherically lit corridor. The bedrooms are configured around the periphery of the lower level to gain access to natural light.
The guest bathroom features a unique, black stone vanity unit and copper bathroom faucet. Dainty soap and lotion dispensers adorn the countertop. The homeowner’s extensive contemporary art collection can be enjoyed in the confines of the bathroom too.
Just off the grand entrance on the top floor, the master bedroom boasts a wraparound view of a private beach. The bed is directed toward the panorama. A bedroom accent chair and ottoman set make up a bedroom reading area under a mesmerizing globe pendant light.
The master bathroom has a side perspective of the ocean. An open, biofuel fireplace burns with a magical flicker when the lights are lowered for a relaxing soak in the modern freestanding bathtub. A white marble platform elevates the look.
A black marble countertop, black inset bathroom basins, and a black double vanity unit build a color-blocked focal point. Wall-mounted bathroom faucets and a pair of modern wall sconces create bright punctuations.
This secondary bathroom comes to life with texture. Travertine walls accentuate the tub and vanity area. The wall-hung wooden bathroom vanity unit features a trendy reeded front. A large bathroom mirror increases the sense of space and light in the room.
An enclosed TV room is quietened with large area rugs and plentiful scatter cushions.
A red sofa turns up the heat in the decor palette and reflects the elaborate curved outline of the ceiling. A glass coffee table holds movie night snacks in neat glass storage containers.
Throughout the home, oxidized copper and green marble hint at the hues of the seashore.
