You may know Rebecca as the driving force behind Best, but she’s also no slouch when it comes to decorating her home either. In this second edition of The Best People and Their Spaces, Rebecca took us into the apartment she shares with her boyfriend (and Basil the french bulldog of course) to show us where she finds inspiration in her immediate surroundings. From living to cooking to dreaming up the latest designs for Best - this is where it all happens!
What do you do for a living?
I am the Founder and CEO of Best.
Where do you live?
I am originally from JHB but I have been living in Sea Point, Cape Town for the past 3 years.
Who do you live with?
With my partner Daniel and our sweet french bulldog named Basil.
Where is your favourite place in your home and why?
We recently renovated our apartment and opened up our living room and kitchen to be one space. My mom is a chef and as I get older I become more and more passionate about cooking. In my childhood home, the kitchen has always been the heart of the home where everyone gathers while my mom cooks. I’ve tried to emulate that. Within the open living space is our coffee table, which arguably could be my favourite furniture item in the house. I’ve decorated it with coffee table books, my best candles and every week a fresh bunch of flowers.
What do you think about when styling your home?
I always try to be intentional with every item in my home. Whether it’s a vase; a piece of art or a throw; they all need to be things I love to look at and things that make me feel good. I also love to collect things from all the places I go, reminding me of where we’ve been and the memories we’ve made.
If you could give one bit of home styling advice, what would it be?
Don’t buy things just to fill a space. Rather take your time to find the perfect piece that you’re totally in love with, even if it means having an empty space while you save up to buy what you’re looking for. I would rather have a minimal/empty space than a cluttered space of things that I’d ultimately give away one day.
What is your favourite ornament in your home?
I feel like a mom having to choose her favourite child. A flower artwork by Mia Chaplin called 'Flat On Your Back'. My gran was a florist and her favourite flowers were Anemone's which are my favourite too and this artwork reminds me of those and of my roots (excuse the pun!) I love collecting art from local female artists.
What is your most prized possession?
I have some really special clothing pieces that I’d probably say are my prized possessions. My mom passed down a Celine linen suit and I cherish it with all my heart. Whenever I wear it, especially with a white tee and these Row Ginza Sandals, I feel like I can tackle anything. Daniel recently bought an original Time-Life Lounge Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. It is definitely his prized possession that has also become one of the most special pieces in our home.
Where do you look for decor inspiration?
I have curated my Instagram to be full of inspiring things. I am constantly saving home decor inspo and finding things that I want. I also love coffee table books; they make for great inspiration and also double up as decor for your coffee table. Here are some accounts that I am loving at the moment @filesfrom45; @sanripiennar; @festenarchitecture; @pheobenicol.interiors; @matildagoad; @lucywilliams02; @wanderinginteriors; @lemon__official; @mouse_interiors; @tamsinjohnson.
What is the dream piece you want for your home but haven’t got yet?
I am in awe of all the Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi. I have always wanted one of their standing floor lamps. I have a list of dream furniture and lighting that feels endless but this light is something that I think would work so well in our living room.
What do you want guests to feel when they visit your space?
It would make me happy to know that people feel totally comfortable and relaxed to do what they’d like and hopefully feel inspired too.
What do you think your space says about you as a person?
I always try to be very intentional about what I do on a daily basis; I try my best to make sure that everything I do has a positive effect on my mental health. I guess that translates to my home too. Every item exists to make me feel good and ultimately inspired.
What is something you feel is unique about your home?
The natural light. When we decided to renovate our space we opened it up a lot. It was an old apartment with many walls separating all the different spaces. By opening it up we were able to maximise the natural light from all the windows. It really feels so bright inside and I almost never have to turn on a light in the day.
Describe your dream home to us.
I am really in love with where we are currently and it feels like a dream home to me. I think any iteration of our home currently plus a garden to grow flowers and vegetables would be a dream!
(Photography by Manesha Caldi)