This is the first in a new series we’re calling ‘The Best People and Their Spaces’. We believe that we all reveal so much about ourselves not only through the way we dress and adorn our bodies, but also how we decorate our homes. Plus, we just like beautiful things too.
Think of these pieces like those special afternoons spent with your favourite magazine, paging through all the beautiful homes you may never be able to afford - except with a hearty dose of reality. Real home style inspiration, for real people!
In terms of the best place to start, you can’t get much better than Sanri Pienaar - she’s an art director and stylist with an eye for what looks good (which you’ll see from the images below) but more than that we just love the way she thinks. The meaningful things she has surrounded herself with show the care she puts into details, but also the things she really values. She shows us how you can collect really special emotional things while not being bogged down by all your stuff. And have you seen how gorgeous her dog is? If you know anything about us by now, you’ll know we have just a slight dog obsession.
What do you do for a living?
I’m an Art Director & Stylist and co-owner of a sourcing and manufacturing company SOOK. Most recently I joined the House and Leisure team as an Contributing Decor Editor.
Where do you live?
I live in a small Victorian house in Woodstock, Cape Town.
How long have you lived here?
A little bit more than 2 years now.
Who do you live with?
With Koba the most charming and highly strung Kerry Blue Terrier.
Where is your favourite place in your home and why?
Design-wise my bathroom, I like the richness of the colours. In terms of day to day living; my courtyard is my favourite. I prefer to be outside, I work, host, do everything out there.
What do you think about when styling your home?
Because of the nature of my work, I have way too much stuff so I’m mostly thinking: How can I make my house feel less cluttered? On a design front - harmony in colour is very important to me, I really like colour but it needs to be considered for the space to make sense.
If you could give one bit of home styling advice, what would it be?
Always choose quality and try to be in love with every piece you purchase for your home, rather wait and save up. Nothing is as permanent as temporary.
What is your favourite ornament/item of furniture in your home?
The screen in my living area that was painted and gifted by my very talented friend Jeanne Gaigher.
What is your prized possession?
I have a piece of fabric from my grandmother's wedding dress that is very special to me. We look alike and are both sewers.
Where do you look for decor inspiration?
All the cliche places - travel; design books; films; good magazines, but also love a small town in the middle of nowhere; they always have the best antiques, especially in the Karoo.
What is the dream piece you want for your home but haven’t got yet?
So where do I start! My biggest dream is to own a Zig Zag chair by Gerrit Rietveld. Terribly uncomfortable but the best looking chair out there if you ask me. I often use it in my images if I can, thanks to True Design.
What do you want guests to feel when they visit your space?
At home.
What do you think your space says about you as a person?
Bietjie deurmekaar.
What is something you feel is unique about your home?
All the pieces, trinkets and art from my friends and family. I’m very sentimental and keep everything.
Describe your dream home to us.
It’s too difficult, I like too many things, but would love to have a big stoep; massive garden and lots of natural light.
(Photography by Manesha Caldi)