Beach babe gets a makeover

A Sea Point apartment that sat on the market because potential buyers thought it was “too small and poky” has been transformed into a contemporary, spacious beach-front bombshell.

Owner Vernon Williams and main design force behind the flat, Cornell Karsten, bought the Sea Point flat together in April, and by September had moved in. Located in a block of flats that was very trendy in the 1980s, the three-month renovation turned the dim, claustrophobic flat into a slick and sunny space with an extensive wooden deck and plunge pool.

With the help of builder Deon Karsten, architect Anton de Kok, In Style’s Ella Warich and Cornell, clever decisions were made to ensure space was optimised and a modern aesthetic was achieved.

With the use of 92 light fittings, the space is illuminated to create height and depth, while built-in cupboards provide loads of storage space. Mirrors were also strategically located to make the apartment look bigger while bulkheads, which drop the ceiling in certain areas, add horizontal lines which further maximise the space.

By knocking down two walls (between the living room and the kitchen, and the living room and one of the bedrooms) the flat was opened up even more. The contrast of natural light, and dark monochromatic walls and surfaces complements these architectural modifications, while creating a stark canvas that makes decor items pop.

The star of the living room is a Wim Botha bust which, upon closer inspection, is made of bibles. Other artworks in the house show off Vernon’s painterly skills, while a wooden screen in the entrance by Jacques Rossouw is an ode to Vernon’s iPhone cover.

A beautiful dining-room table by Okha and a carpet by Zoya also add a designer edge to the lounge while books and ceramics bring a touch of warmth to the space. Vernon says he is still busy adding the finishing touches to the decor with soft furnishing and more artworks.

The 90 square metre outdoor area is clad with decking by Jacques Rossouw, and a screen behind the plunge pool ensures privacy while concealing unsightly security spikes.

With these relatively minor changes the value of the flat has jumped up by R3 million, plus it’s now a dream to live in. Considering Sea Point is the most densely populated urban area in the Cape Peninsula it makes you think how many other pre-millennium apartments could make a designer comeback with a few simple renovations. Time to ask yourself if you’re sitting on a gold mine!

More information: www.vernonjohn.co.za

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