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Big dreams also fit into smaller spaces
Moving out of the family home is a major milestone in anyone's life, especially when it is the first solo move. This was the case for Charene at the start of January 2023. She decided to cut her holiday a little short for the big move into her first flat. She had finally found the perfect place after months of searching for the ideally located and priced property to make the leap from the nest. She says that as soon as she walked in, she knew this was the place for her. It has a unique character and ample space for her to decorate it in her own eccentric style.
Before moving, Charene lived with her mum. While this cut her costs (such as wifi, electricity and groceries), she feels that having a whole space to herself is worth every penny. She misses her dog, but luckily there are neighbourhood cats who make their rounds and give her a dose of furr love. Having her own place to call home and the independence that comes with it does not compare to living with a family member.
Finding the perfect flat at the perfect price is quite a challenge. Charene had been scouting for quite some time, and everything on the market seemed either too modern, bland, or overpriced. She had just given up on her search when her pozzie popped up on Facebook. This 70s-style spot with ample character immediately wowed her. Signed and sealed within 24 hours!
Lights flicker in the living room as a popular series is projected onto an adjacent wall. Charene has opted for a projector instead of a TV. “There’s something so nostalgic about watching films and series this way. I have grown up with a similar TV setup,” she explains. And she finds herself being much more mindful of what and how much of it she watches.
Her favourite part of the flat is this very living room. It is spacious and inviting, with all her cherished pieces of furniture in one place. This is where she decompresses and gets creative around the coffee table. She often finds herself just observing her living room and feeling absolutely chuffed with how cosy and cool it looks. t.
Her best-loved piece of furniture is without a doubt the headboard and side-table unit in her bedroom. It is an heirloom from her grandmother, jazzed up with a fresh coat of the most gorgeous shade of green paint, and reupholstered with a custom velvet botanical print. “They don’t make them like this anymore!”, Charene beams.
The Elke Le Roux painting in the foyer/dining area is her art pièce de résistance. It is monotone with a pop of red. A beautiful large lady standing sentinel over the whole entryway. This print was a gift from her dad while she was still in high school, after she dropped many hints and pretty much insisted that she must have it. A timeless piece of art. Most of the furniture in Charene's flat are heirlooms. She is very lucky to have a mum who has always had a keen eye for interiors, and a grandmother with great taste. The blue velvet sectional couch and retro white bucket chairs used to belong to her gran, and the large vanity in her bedroom was once her mother’s. Charene has fond memories of these pieces and is always reminded of their origin and stories whenever she uses them.
There is this dainty hand-held fan hanging above Charene's bed with little blue birds hand-painted on textile. She bought it for N$20 at a charity shop in Walvis Bay, and it always reminds her of the hidden gems she can uncover while travelling off the beaten path.
For Charene, one of the most important elements that makes a house a home is lighting. She is a firm believer in never using the big light but instead warming up spaces with lamps and other ambient lighting. Soft, warm light, including the soft pink glow of her lava lamp, really makes a home feel cosy.
Each item in Charene's flat tells a unique story and holds sentimental value. They bring a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Living alone has allowed Charene to truly embrace her own unique eclectic style and personality, something that may have been harder to do living with others. She takes great pride in her home and enjoys entertaining guests.
“I also believe a home is made by the knick-knacks and trinkets that tell stories of the people who live there. The family photos, the books and organised chaos – that makes a house a home!” Charene's flat has quickly become her sanctuary, a place where she can relax, recharge, and be herself. She feels grateful every day for this new chapter in her life and looks forward to all the memories that will be made in her special place. Home is, after all, what we make of it.
