After living in their Cape Town home for more than five years, design blogger Steve and his wife Debbie decided to remodel their kitchen. Instead of turning to their interior decorator, the couple took matters into their own hands—or rather, they turned to one of the most traditional building materials around: timber! The result? A stunning kitchen that’s both beautiful and functional, and which looks like it could have been plucked right out of an American barnyard. Here’s how they made it happen!
The Importance of Cohesion
When Steve and Debbie decided to build their dream home in South Africa, they knew that they wanted it to be a reflection of their unique style. They also wanted it to be a place where their family and friends could gather and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. To achieve this, they worked with a local architect who helped them create a cohesive design that blended the best of both worlds. The result is a stunning home that feels like an extension of the natural landscape.
Embrace White Space
White space doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, when used correctly, it can be quite beautiful. Just take a look at Steve & Debbie’s home in South Africa. The large open spaces are reminiscent of a barn, but with a modern twist. The all-white color palette makes the space feel bright and airy, while the minimalist furnishings add a touch of sophistication.
Rustic wood furniture mixed with sleek marble flooring and glass walls creates a juxtaposition that feels both cozy and dramatic. A house this gorgeous has to have an equally impressive garden!
There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than from your very own pool deck. The wooden decking serves as the perfect spot for outdoor dining or simply relaxing in one of their two chaise lounges with views of Johannesburg’s skyline!
It’s hard not to fall in love with this loft-like dwelling nestled on a hillside.
A Good Focal Point
Whether you’re looking for a new home or just some design inspiration, Steve & Debbie’s home in South Africa is sure to please. The house is barn-inspired with plenty of natural light and high ceilings. The living room features a cozy fireplace and the kitchen has a large island perfect for entertaining.
There are also three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it the perfect size for a family. Plus, the outdoor space is simply beautiful with a garden and pool area. If you’re looking for a rustic yet stylish home, this is it!
Get Inspired by Nature
Sometimes the best ideas come from nature. That’s certainly the case for Steve and Debbie, whose home in South Africa was inspired by a barn. The home has a rustic feel with its thatched roof and wooden beams, but it’s also comfortable and inviting. The couple took inspiration from their surroundings to create a unique home that feels like a second home. Outside, you can enjoy the view of rolling hills through huge windows or relax on your own patio.
Inside, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to get lost in. One of our favorite features is the one-of-a-kind sofa made out of an old truck tire! We wanted something different from other sofas and had a lot of fun finding this unusual find at the local market. We got this big, comfy chair about two years ago and it still looks great even after being outdoors for most of that time.
We love how it contrasts with all the white furniture we found at a flea market in Johannesburg. It’s always been important to us to reuse things before throwing them away because we want to live more responsibly than most people today. We hope our little corner inspires others who want more simplicity and freedom than what they’re used to have!
Mix it Up
Debbie and Steve both grew up on farms in South Africa. They always wanted to have a farm of their own, but when they got married, they decided to build their dream home instead. They wanted a place that would feel like home, but also be a little bit different. And that’s how they came up with the idea to build a barn-inspired home.
They started by finding the perfect piece of land. Then they designed and built the house themselves, using mostly recycled materials. The result is a beautiful and unique home that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Find your Shade Style
If you’re like Steve and Debbie, you probably love the country feel of a barn. But what if you don’t live on a farm? You can still get the same vibe in your home by incorporating some key barn-inspired design elements. Exposed beams, rustic lighting, and natural materials will all help create the look.
Plus, adding a few personal touches like family photos or heirloom quilts will make your space truly unique. Take this rustic living room with white walls, exposed wood beams, and a fireplace. The beautiful light fixtures are also reminiscent of classic barn lights found at farmers markets or online.