Inside Harare’s Homes
Have you ever wanted to peek inside other people’s houses? Check out their decor and style? This issue, Homes Magazine begins a new feature, Inside Harare’s Homes, where we profile some of Harare’s most interesting houses and allow you to go behind their gates and through their closed doors
Homes in Zimbabwe have a unique style, and often effortlessly combine elements of both our African and colonial heritage. This issue’s feature home demonstrates that style, and is also proof that size is not everything. Packed with carefully chosen pieces, a true collector’s heaven, this quaint cottage definitely has the designer touch. Its owner, Amanda Du Preez, is a well-known, successful interior decorator with a real flair for creating a warm, comfortable living space, with more than a touch of opulence.
No minimalist look here, I note as my eyes dart from one corner of a room to the next. Every available surface and wall space has been covered with collections of all kinds. A beautiful Indian side-table, adorned with an eclectic collection of items including Tibetan bells, a ceramic dragon lamp and ginger jars, colourful, oversized oil paintings, a stunning carved cupboard topped with Buddhas in all shapes and sizes.
“The key to a successful room”, says Amanda, “begins with curtaining. Opulent fabrics in neutral colours are always a good idea. Don’t skimp on fabric. Bring colours and patterns into a room using carpets and cushions. Texture is an important element in any room. Buy cushions in plush velvet, smooth leather, patterned animal hide, linen stripes and bold floral paisley and chintz, the choices are endless.”
The base of her design is a neutral palette which is carried throughout the cottage. Golds and bronzes, chocolate browns, rich creams, silver and brass make up the background to her design theme. Oriental design is a recurring theme in Amanda’s home. Chubby Buddhas, cloisonné enamel bowls and vases, chinoiserie and Persian carpets are scattered skilfully around the home. A lover of antiques and collectibles, Amanda scours the auction halls and antique shops for interesting, unusual objects. Collections of wooden and carved crosses, lanterns of all shapes and sizes, trinket boxes, mirrors and ginger jars are tactfully displayed throughout the home. “A vignette, a decor trick of grouping similar items such as small trinkets boxes, or lanterns with candles, or ginger jars, adds character and interest to a room,” Amanda tells me. “There’s always something to look at and admire, and sometimes covet!”
One extremely clever and innovative use of space is Amanda’s verandah, which greets you as you pass through the pretty leafy garden. Split on two levels, she has created a comfortable living space that is both sitting room and dining area. This adds an extra dimension to the small cottage space and is essentially where Amanda spends her days. “My cottage is not large, and I wanted more living space, so I decided to turn the verandah into an extension of my home, a welcoming space that would provide an alternative to the formal living area.” Lighting is also fundamental in design. Amanda’s large collection of chandeliers and Moroccan lanterns with oversize candles bring light to the verandah and create the desired mood of romance or sunlight, depending on the occasion.
It’s hard to leave Amanda’s wonderful home. Everywhere you look, careful thought has been put into creating beautiful spaces to tantalize the eye and add a quirkiness that is both imaginative and welcoming.
Amanda can be contacted for decorating advice on +263 77 508 2641 or +263 77 225 5512.
By Karen Pitt
