A30-year-old apartment on The Peak presented as many challenges as opportunities for interior designer Deborah von Eldik. Although the 2,200 sq ft flat enjoyed generously proportioned rooms, relatively high ceilings and attractive parquet floors, its dated bathrooms, aluminium-framed windows and flimsy doors meant it was in dire need of renovation.
Her clients, expatriates working in the financial sector, were renting the property, so it did not undergo a complete renovation. Rather, von Eldik concentrated on 'overcoming the industrial look' by brightening the walls and ceilings, adding classic touches and generally trying to ensure the traditional apartment upheld a colonial feel.
Cleverly employing inexpensive polyurethane moulding throughout the flat, von Eldik upgraded many elements - doors, wardrobes and kitchen cabinets - to give them a more substantial look while adding to the home's classic ambience. Rather than ripping out unattractive bathroom and kitchen tiles, she had them spray painted, and unsightly floor tiles were disguised with faux-wood linoleum that looks and feels like the real thing.
'This flooring is a favourite of mine for its high quality and low price,' says von Eldik.
Even the aluminium window frames were sprayed white in keeping with the decor of the rest of the house.
The kitchen presented the biggest challenge, says von Eldik. 'We ripped out the galley kitchen and installed white base cabinets and glass-fronted wall cabinets on one side to widen the room and give it depth.' Lighting was particularly important since there was little or no natural light, she says.