Restoring a rented home We are all guilty of looking at our home and wishing we could do a much-needed make-over but often stop short because of the lack of knowledge, skills, training and experience, or perhaps we are only renting. 12 14 ATLANTICSEABOARD SEABOARDVIEWS VIEWS AUTUMN AUTUMN 2018 2018 ATLANTIC ATLANTIC SEABOARD VIEWS AUTUMN AUTUMN2018 2018 ATLANTIC SEABOARD VIEWS 13 15
ONE ON ONE B ritish expat and local resident Michael Fryatt has shown that you don t need to be an expert interior decorator to restore an old Victorian house to its former glory, transforming it into a modern gem without losing its charm and character. Over a five year period, Michael, a hairdresser by trade, not only project managed, but also got his hands dirty while giving his rented house in Sea Point, a much-needed make-over literally from floor to ceiling. Cape Town 82 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 8001 021 461 9078 Johannesburg Kramerville Place, Ground Floor, 14A Kramer Road, Kramerville 2090 011 262 0202 www.corefurniture.co.za 17
Project-managed with a hands-on-approach Being a creative perfectionist, Michael did extensive research about every aspect of the renovations and carefully planned each step of the process and every part of the project. He worked closely with all of his contractors and managed the whole project with a hands-on-approach. Most of the work he did himself and where needed, Michael made sure that he only used local businesses, and where possible, small start-up companies. When starting this project, Michael really meant business! BEFORE BEFORE 18 19
All three bedrooms have a unique feel created mainly by cleverly placed accessories like scatter cushions, candles, subtle object e da and lighting. The guest bedroom looks warm and inviting. This is achieved by plenty of cushions in a variety sizes and clever lighting. The owner s bedroom (he lives mainly abroad), has a minimalistic look and feel to suit the owner lifestyle and personal taste. For his own bedroom, Michael s creativity literally aimed for the sky. He has created a cozy relaxing area in his bedroom. He has raised his bed on a platform above this area (which otherwise would have been a wasted space). His bed is reached by a staircase underneath which he has created additional storage space. Even his old wardrobe has been customized to maximize the practicality thereof by adding more storage space. 20 21
Dining room reminds of an old Victorian home library with dark wood bookshelves almost reaching the ceiling, complete with a matching moveable ladder. The table, chairs and chest of drawers are a perfect match to enhance the feeling of stately elegance of this area. Another vocal point of the dining room is the two-sided fireplace. On the side of the dining room, Michael dyed the grout between the tiles in front of the fireplace with food coloring because he refused to settle for `boring white grout. 22 23
Dark and dreary space transformed into a seemingly endless tunnel of light The passage way, once a dark and dreary space has been transformed into a seemingly endless tunnel of light. Being an old Victorian house, the passage way had several doors leading to the different rooms, including the kitchen. The door (with glass panels) leading from the kitchen into the passage way, Michael has creatively given a `new look simply by removing the glass panels. This subtle alteration creates an open feeling between the kitchen and the passage way, even if the door is closed. BEFORE The spacious lounge is an eclectic fusion of the old and new combined. The French doors lead out onto the area that once was a swimming pool before the water crisis in the Province. Being a great cook who loves entertaining his close friends around his table, it comes as no surprise that the new kitchen is an absolute masterpiece not even closely comparable to the old farmhouse kitchen that once was. 24 25
``Striking example of innovation, tenacity and planning produce a show house Though Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, he also values his privacy. To insure he can always enjoy this privacy, all windows are double-glazed to block out noise. Even the burglar bars are incorporated in an unobtrusive manner to enhance the aesthetics of the windows. The end result of Michael s 5-year renovation project is not only admirable but above all, a striking example of how innovation, tenacity and planning can produce a show house that can hold its own with any designer house at any time! What really stands out in this development, is how the majority of old elements were retained and simply adding a few personal touches, created completely new focus points throughout the house. The first thing that strikes one upon entering the front gate, is the water efficient garden, the unobtrusive water-saving paraphernalia and the inviting veranda with its comfortable outside furniture. 26