This issue's winner: Dinette Venter

In two of our previous issues, we saw how Dinette transformed a sideboard, reupholstered chairs, and even helped someone else breathe new life into a few rooms.

She and her family recently relocated in Windhoek and, in doing so, gave their entire home a fresh new look. In this issue, we shine more light on her guest toilet makeover project.

Dinette Venter

This toilet is located outside your home, near the outdoor BBQ area. How important is it for a homeowner to pay attention to an outbuilding during a makeover project?

I think it’s important to give attention to such an outside room, especially if it’s used by guests. After all, an outdoor guest toilet forms part of your entertainment area. The décor of an exterior room doesn’t necessarily have to match the rest of your home. I was actually so excited to give my guest toilet its own identity and to be a little extravagant!

Did you have a specific theme in mind for this project and what influenced your choice of wallpaper?

I really wanted to do something dramatic, and wallpaper instantly provides that “wow” factor. I was eager to combine something with green leaves and old gold in the wallpaper’s design. In my case, everything started with the choice of wallpaper, which I bought from Eloff Home in Grove Mall, Windhoek: it immediately stole my heart.

Exactly which parts of the original bathroom were retained during the renovation?

The outside toilet was added by the previous owners after they had demolished the old lapa and outdoor room. I was fortunate to receive a blank canvas, which I could decorate to my heart’s content.

Give our readers a few tips on repainting a shelf or cabinet, and what type of paint should be used?

Shelves or cabinets can be given new life by adding a coat or two of fresh paint. I was looking around in the shops for something narrow enough to fit near the entrance of the room, to hold extra towels and hand cream. However, most of the cabinets I found were too wide, and I eventually realised that an old bookshelf might work.

I really love chalk paint because it is applied effortlessly over any surface or paint. In most cases, small sample pots are available to test on the area you want to paint. In my case, I tested a green and a black chalk paint to see which would work best with the wallpaper.

How does one decide on a window covering when there are so many options – from blinds to curtains and various fabric types?

Window coverings definitely complete a room. In our case, the window was already tinted, and one could argue a blind wasn’t necessary, but with such beautiful wallpaper, I also chose a Roman blind with extra detailing. I received excellent advice from Anri at Interior Elements, who went to great lengths to find matching fabric and a dark green cord.

What can guide our readers in making the right colour choices for their revamped WCs?

A toilet area is usually small and the perfect space to be a little daring, for example, with wallpaper, interesting tiles, a coloured basin, or beautiful accessories. It once again depends greatly on each person’s unique taste. After that, it’s easier to decide whether to use an accent colour on the walls or, as in my case, on a piece of furniture. Then follow the colour of the towels, mat and other accessories. A beautiful light or mirror and plants naturally also contribute to the overall finished look.

Before

After