This issue's winner: Gloudie Knipe

I'm passionate about life and seize every moment with enthusiasm. A dreamer through and through, with a head full of ideas and a tendency to take on a thousand things at once. Fortunately, Henk keeps my feet on the ground!

I believe furniture is an investment – it’s the foundation of the space and must offer quality and comfort. But it’s the curtains, textures and décor items that give a space its soul, so don’t skimp on those!

Henk and Gloudie Knipe transformed their very small two-bedroom flat (together with a bachelor flat) to form a spacious one-bedroom apartment.

Gloudie, many of our readers know you from your business Events Unlimited, which coordinates functions, but here you surprise us with your wonderful interior design talents too! What was your motivation to redo your garden flat?

We bought the house 25 years ago with the dream of one day transforming it and the flat has always been part of that bigger plan. Henk and I wanted to turn it into a stylish self-catering apartment.

Was this a complete transformation, in other words new floors, cupboards, tiles and décor? Or did you reuse any “old” items?

It was indeed a full transformation! We removed the walls between the original bachelor and two-bedroom flats, removed the ceilings, dug out the floors and literally started with an empty shell. None of the original items were reused.

What was your inspiration for the colour palette used throughout the apartment?

My inspiration comes from everywhere – from our travels, beautiful places we’ve stayed, and of course, hours of browsing on Pinterest. I love gathering and saving ideas when something resonates with me, and I can immediately feel whether a space calms or unsettles me. The colour palette was purposefully chosen to create a sense of calm and homeliness – like a soft hug when you walk in. It had to feel warm and welcoming; a place where you want to sit back and rest your feet on the coffee table.

Did you have any help during this project?

My husband, Henk, is the practical mind behind my dreams – we planned the layout and design of the apartment together. Other contractors included: Smit Joineries, Willem from Plumbing Technic, Nico from Burbridge Glass, Ronel from Elegant Interiors and Thamia from Humble Beginnings, as well as Adriaan Engelbrecht from HV Electrical.

Tell us more about your choice of a sofa bed in the bedroom?

The one-bedroom apartment is primarily designed with the businessperson in mind, but we also wanted to accommodate families travelling together. The fold-out sofa bed provides a simple, stylish and comfortable solution for children without sacrificing the ambience of the living area. We also added a separate guest toilet and washbasin for extra convenience – ideal for visiting guests or those using the sofa bed.

Where did you buy the striking bust and the beautiful paintings?

Earlier this year, I organised an event for Capricorn Asset Management and Capricorn Private Wealth, with the theme “Sculpting your legacy”, where the Pottery Association of Namibia exhibited their members’ artworks. At the event, I fell in love with this beautiful bust – crafted by Betsie van Rensburg of Swakopmund – and it simply had to come home with me. The paintings are from a special friend and carry a story.

What guided your furniture layout choice, and how can readers rearrange their lounge for a fresh look?

We positioned the seating area so that people can comfortably watch TV but also enjoy chatting with someone busy in the kitchen. Play around and see what works. I often rearrange my living room – much to my family’s frustration – but that’s how you get to know your space and keep it fresh.

Where did you buy the beautiful rug?

I bought the rug, as well as the TV cabinet, from Ciello. I nearly lost my mind when I stepped into that gorgeous store!

Before - Two Seperate Flats

After the Reno