eclectic space with art and artefacts

Stefan (left) and Albie wanted the space to feel comfy and inviting.

Stefan Blom and Albie du Toit are not afraid of colour. On the contrary, their house in Green Point, Cape Town represents all the colours of the rainbow: the guest room is powder-blue (see the cover of

Home, May 2020) and here on their stoep it’s lush green, ceiling and all. “Painting the ceiling was suggested by our friend Jan Botha, an interior designer,” says with creative friends because they often have ideas that you would never think of yourself! “We wanted to play with colour here to form a contrast with the veranda on the upper level where we only used white and other neutral shades. We love using colour to give different like meeting a new person when you choose a don’t shy away from colour!” In the summer months, the pair spend almost all day on this stoep next to the pool. simply relax after a big lunch.”

It works because…

COLOUR The lush green walls and ceiling colours such as pink and orange add interest.

TEXTURE The wooden deck, succulents, loose rug and small lawn next to the pool provide lovely texture.

INDOORS TO OUTDOORS Stacking doors connect the living room and stoep with each other and contribute to the feeling of being outdoors.

FURNITURE An old sofa covered in new fabric, invite friends to kick back and relax.

Cement steps next to the stoep lead up to

Rug from Haus; pink bench from Kartell

Stefan. “It’s always good to discuss your plans

rooms their own character. Then it’s almost room depending on your mood on a particular day, and of course the weather. We definitely

“It’s the ideal place to have a sundowner or to

enhance a cool atmosphere, while contrasting as well as daybeds, create a relaxed mood and

the balcony and the rest of the house.

Light blue tiles in the swimming pool contrast with dark red tiles in the shape of a cross, while the steel steps are reminiscent of the Sea Point pool, a stone’s throw away.

#2 D ecked out for g ue st s

WHO LIVES HERE? Ilza Roggeband and her son Zac Steyn (18) WHERE Melkbosstrand SIZE 31.2m² ORIENTATION East

It’s in the detail A slatted wooden screen and door hide the washing line and water tank.

Woven bag and kikoi from Baraka Gifts & Décor; printed cushions from African Design Collective

The entire deck and pergola were constructed with South African treated pine which the contractor, Richard Farmer, sealed with his own mixture. Ilza replaced the lawn with artificial grass and chose plants that require little maintenance.

It works because… MULTIPURPOSE The slatted screen at the back of the stoep offers additional privacy and blocks out the worst of the sun; in addition, it supports a granadilla that will eventually cover the entire screen. colour in the furniture and cushions brighten up the space. PRACTICAL The stoep requires little maintenance and the potted plants practically take care of themselves. >> Thanks to a smart idea, this unused part of Ilza and Zac’s garden in Melkbosstrand is now a sociable spot that they enjoy daily. “I’m a very bad gardener,” says Ilza. “When I bought the house, there was a large piece of lawn and a few plants that I battled to keep alive. I probably replaced the grass three times!

“Zac’s dad, Skalk Steyn, was an architect and he suggested that we build a stoep and pergola. Sadly, he passed away in December 2016 and never got to see the end result. This ‘outdoor room’ makes my small house look much bigger – it was definitely worth every cent!”

In summer, Ilza and Zac use this space regularly for everything from breakfast to lunch and evening visits. “But in winter it’s just as pleasant because it’s sheltered from the wind; I simply put out a few cushions and

Before

COLOUR A grey vibracrete wall was given a coat of deep blue roof paint. Pops of some blankets.”

Like this colour? Try Duram By the Sea for something similar.

# 3 Unpretent ious and romantic

WHO LIVES HERE? Trix and Koos Grové WHERE Napier SIZE 24m² ORIENTATION North-east

When Trix and Koos, who own the Napier Antiques store in town, built this house 12 years ago, a covered stoep with a braai area was non-negotiable – because these former Namibians love having a braai, come rain or shine!

There is also a small veranda at the front of the house, but they specifically built their outdoor entertainment area at the back where it is much more sheltered from the wind. A terrace with vegetable beds in the back garden is flourishing. Trix loves gardening, so they didn’t want to enclose the stoep. Just a narrow strip of latte to the left of the braai, on which a climbing rose is creeping, provides shelter from the morning sun.

“Because the house itself is not very big, we wanted the stoep to be an extension of our home,” says Trix.

The Grovés were keen to extend the almost minimalist style of the interior onto the stoep. It has the same ordinary cement floor treated with a sealant to protect it from the worst stains, and a neat reed ceiling under a corrugated iron roof.

“It’s an unpretentious spot that we can use from dawn to dusk – exactly what we were after!”

It works because… MINIMALIST With the braai area as the only focal point on one side of the stoep, a table on the other side and a few potted plants, the space has been stripped of anything that isn’t practical or pretty. NEUTRAL The earthy colours of the ceiling, cement floor and painted brick wall around the braai blend seamlessly with the garden. RUSTIC The weathered table with its iron legs and the vintage lamps contribute to the laid-back aesthetic of the stoep. >>

The stoep is an integral part of our lives. We spend most of our days here! – Trix

Trix loves the green pendant lights, which previously illuminated the Namibian town Otjiwarongo’s streets and quite possibly date from the 1930s. The green table is actually an old door that the Grovés bought years ago; Koos made the iron legs for it himself.

WHO LIVES HERE? Guy and Andrea Osler WHERE Struisbaai, Western Cape SIZE 20m² ORIENTATION South-west #4 Cool Med iter ra nea n The lintel above the braai area is painted in the same shade as the lintels above the windows

bench, a common

When you build a stoep in a town that is notorious for strong winds in summer, you make sure to take precautions so your outdoor get-togethers will not be affected. This is why Guy and Andrea Osler enclosed one side of their covered stoep at their house in Struisbaai.

“Previously, the stoep was exposed to the elements but with the new wall and built-in bench, we can hang out here almost all year round,” says Andrea.

The Oslers moved to this beach town almost two years ago and while construction work on the main house was underway, they made alterations to the stoep. “Three French doors open onto the garden from the house, creating a lovely atmosphere when we entertain outdoors.”

Once all the interior work was finished, the stoep’s grey cement floor looked a little sad and neglected, Andrea says. “Patterned tiles were just what was needed to give the stoep the ‘wow factor’.” They used three different patterns: a simple grey ‘frame’ around the intricate design in the middle under the table and a more modest floral pattern for the outer border.

“We love the Mediterranean look but we’ve also used baskets and Malawi chairs for a touch of Africa – after all, we live at the tip of this wonderful continent!”

Just beyond the stoep is an outdoor shower on a small

platform (below)

where the Oslers can rinse off their sandy feet after a day at the beach.

Tiles from Moroccan Warehouse laid by Fred Retief of Disa

It’s in the detail! and doors behind.

Paint colour Plascon Regina Night

A built-in cement feature of traditional fisherman cottages in the area, provides extra seating.

Renovations

Paint colour

Plascon Tuscan Blue Lanterns from MRP Home

It works because… COOL COLOURS The blue-and-white palette on the stoep repeats the theme inside the house and gives the space a Mediterranean feel. Pops of yellow brighten up the space; recently, the Oslers planted a bright pink bougainvillea in the garden for more colour. TEXTURE The latte ceiling is painted white to blend in with the whitewashed walls and braai area; this also helps to keep the stoep cool. Andrea wove fairy lights between the latte and these create a lovely ambience at night. A weathered wooden table and built-in cement bench create interest. PATTERN The patterned tiles on the floor are definitely the highlight of this peaceful stoep. >>

Theoptiontobraaiandsocialiseoutdoorsallyearroundiswhatmadethis stoepsoattractivetoAdriaanandJCwhentheymovedintotheirhomein MenloPark,Pretoriatwoyearsago.“Wewantedanoutdoorspacethatfeltlike anextensionofthehouse,”explainsAdriaan.

Hecarefullyplannedthedifferentzonesandlayoutofthefurnitureonthe diningroomtables –oneforintimatemealsandanotherforlargeparties. Adriaanbeganbymovingtheexistingfurniturearounduntilhewassatisfied withthelayout.Thenheenlistedthehelpofstylistandinteriordecorator Dina VenterofMy.Decorlistto“colour-in”thepicturewithlighting,scatter cushionsandrugs.Dinaalsoadvisedhimontheartworks. AfterAdriaanhadchosenthecornersofaanddiningroom Dinachosefireproof tableandchairs,hepaintedthewallbehindthebraaiand Mexicanpatterned laidthetiles. tilesforthe

ThestoeprunsinanL-shapearoundthefrontandside fireplacesurround, ofthehouseandconnectstotheopen-planlivingroom afterwhichAdriaan andkitchen.Inadditiontothecoveredveranda,thereisa andJCplannedthe 15m2 deckthatconnectstothebackofthehouse.Here,a layout.ThebluelongtableisperfectforwhenAdriaanandJCentertain greypaintaround largegroups.“Thedeckis abonusifyouwanttoentertain thefireplacewas without aroofoveryourhead,”saysAdriaan.“Evenwhen custommixedby itrains,wehave alovelyplacetohangoutatbythebraai.” UniversalPaints. WHOLIVESHERE? AdriaanduPlessis andJCdeJager WHERE Pretoria SIZE 25m²

DiningtableandbenchfromGoozberry;whiteplastic chairsfromAddis;lightsfromSuperbalist

#6 Astoep for allseasons

stoepandthensetitupinphases.Therehadtobespacefor asofaandtwo

ORIENTATION North-west

W I T H F entryL A I R # 7 The pict ure

of

WHO LIVES HERE? Izak and Riëtte van der Wat with their sons, Izak (5) and Leopold (2) WHERE Johannesburg SIZE 30m² ORIENTATION West p er fect ion

The original stoep at the Van der Wats’ house in Parkview, Johannesburg was a thorn in their side: tiles that belonged inside were used outside and became slippery when it rained; there was no wall around the stoep, even though it was dangerously high in places; the steps to the stoep were impractically large and wide; and because no precaution had been taken to drain water, there were dirty water streaks down the walls. But the worst was probably the knotty roof with its skew pillars, says Riëtte.

“It was as if a previous owner started the project but either his desire to complete it or his money ran out. Because it was such an awkward space (there wasn’t enough shade, there was no braai area and it was actually just plain ugly) we used it very little. We also preferred to welcome people at the kitchen door, rather than at the front door which opens onto the stoep.”

After about three years, Izak, a civil engineer, channelled his inner architect, project manager, carpenter and builder to realise their dream of creating an inviting stoep. With the help of a team of builders led by Lovemore Sibanda of LM Construction, who were responsible for demolishing and construction, Izak got stuck in with a jack hammer to get rid of the old tiles. Little Izak and Leopold also “lent a hand”.

Izak designed a new roof that rests on wooden beams and attaches to pillars by means of steel brackets which he designed himself. The roof itself is made of 3mm galvanised corrugated iron, except in front of the front door, where one strip of polycarbonate lets in more light. “Izak stayed up late at night to design the stoep until every element fell into place,” Riëtte recalls.

The end result is a cosy, happy space where the family enjoys spending time together. It allows Izak and Riëtte to keep an eye on their kids in the garden and sandpit while they admire the birds in the jacaranda trees. And guests can now enter through the front door!

It works because…

FLOW The inviting stoep is now the main entrance to the house. The pedestrian gate opens from the street in line with the front door and entrance hall. A new set of steps connects all these entrances with the stoep and creates a symmetrical picture on either side of the pathway. Another set of steps leads from the stoep to the garden. EARTHY All the natural finishes such as wood, bricks and the terracotta tiles on the floor create a warm, rustic feel that gives the stoep character. SIMPLICITY The uncomplicated symmetrical design of the stoep makes a strong impression.

Cilla Bloom Photography Photograph

A braai fireplace with a cosy seating area is located on one side of the stoep. Izak’s parents, who have been collecting beautiful old furniture all their lives, gifted the white iron chairs to the couple. Izak built the coffee table from old oil crates – it was one of their first pieces of furniture.

Rug from Elsa Barnard Mohair Carpets

A stone base in front of the stoep wall and on the stairs repeats the stone finish under two bay windows on either side of the stoep. Family friends living in nearby Westcliff donated the stone, which they had hewn for a project that never happened. The wooden tabletop and benches were made from recycled floorboards. Riëtte had the cushions made from leftover fabric from Skinny laMinx, which she kept for almost five years. “I’m glad I was finally able to use the fabric; there was just enough!”

Table and benches from Scroll Studio; cushions made by March Interiors; lights from The Lighting Warehouse

Izak did all the woodwork himself. The pillars on which the roof structure rests are meranti sealed with Woodoc 30 Clear. To reduce costs, only the main roof beams are laminated pine; the other beams are structural pine that Izak sanded down and treated with Woodoc 35 Meranti. Izak and Leopold help out.

The coping on top of the red brick wall is actually windowsills from Old World Concretes. It is the perfect finish for the wall and also

offers comfortable seating. Izak designed the steel braces on which the pillars rest and had them made at the lasercutting company Microcode. He explains that the braces were attached to the bricks using a chemical anchoring agent. “I drilled 12mm holes 250mm deep in the brick wall and then put threaded rods in the holes together with the chemicals. It sets very quickly and you can start erecting your structure the next day.”

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Addis 021 917 2000, addis.co.za African Design Collective africandesigncollective.org Baraka Gifts & Decor 021 425 8883, barakashop.co.za Disa Renovations 066 537 7892 Eagle Lighting 021 424 4071, eaglelighting.co.za Elsa Barnard Mohair Carpets 046 648 2687, mohaircarpets.co.za Goozberry 084 258 2863, goozberry.com Hadeda 011 788 9859, hadedashop.com Happy Sak 083 456 4767, happysak.co.za Haus 0860 437 839, hertexhaus.co.za Jan Botha Design 082 499 7449, janbothadesign.co.za Kartell 021 418 5382, truedesign.co.za Knus knus.co LM Construction 073 852 2294 March Interiors 083 468 1473, marchinteriors3@gmail.com Microcode 011 873 6125, microcode.biz Moroccan Warehouse 021 461 8318 MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com My.Decorlist mydecorlist.com Napier Antiek 028 423 3314, facebook.com/napier.antiek Old World Concretes 011 626 2510, oldworld.co.za Richard Farmer 071 703 5498 Scroll Studio 082 904 9744, scrollstudio@gmail.com Skinny la Minx 021 424 6290, skinnylaminx.com Superbalist 087 362 7300, superbalist.com The Lighting Warehouse 0861 5444 8464, lightingwarehouse.co.za Universal Paints universalpaints.co.za Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za