Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa

Industrial concrete walls, sharp linear edges and shots of bright colour give this property its distinct edge. The foldaway doors let fresh air and sunlight into the open-plan living space. Shots of pattern and colour stand out beautifully against the industrial concrete.

Industrial concrete walls, sharp linear edges and shots of bright colour give this property its distinct edge. The foldaway doors let fresh air and sunlight into the open-plan living space. Shots of pattern and colour stand out beautifully against the industrial concrete.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

dining space with dining table and garden area

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

kitchen area with concrete wall and yellow kitchen cabinet

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The cupboards in the kitchen are painted citrus-yellow - the perfect contrast the concrete walls and worktops. The owners felt a hi-tech kitchen would have been too predictable and a little too serious in the context of the rest of the house. The concrete worktops have been finished with the same sealant as the floor for a smooth, waterproof surface.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

living area with white wall and sofa with cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The living room features colourful accessories and bold wall art, which warms up the stark white walls. Inherited pieces are layered with kitsch, hand-made items, colourful artwork and the owners' own designs.

For a CD shelf like this visit Argos.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

living area with white wall and sofa with cushions

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The house does feature a few design classics, but most of their furnishings are home-made, inherited or upcycled. This red bench was bought in a second-hand shop and then repainted.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

stair case with hallway and tiles floor

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

Like the majority of the house, the staircase is formed from concrete, but the addition of black pigment to the mix creates a dark, speckled finish that won’t show up wear and tear. A wooden balustrade adds a warmer element to the cool materials. Blackboard paint is both versatile and stylish - perfect for scribbling notes on.

Buy Ronseal's One Coat Blackboard Paint at Amazon

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

home office with chair and concrete flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

Built-in concrete desks and clever storage units are teamed with lush plants and eclectic furniture. As both owners work from home, it was crucial for their shared office space to accommodate their individual needs - while still making it feel a part of the home.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

home office with book shelves and concrete flooring

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The owners upcycled old benches to create unique storage.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

bedroom with white wall and bespoke blinds

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The master bedroom basks in sunlight and is given a hotel-suite feel. The hard angles of the concrete are softened by a mix of antique, retro and classic furnishings. Blue bedlinen and fresh white pillows give the room a classic, fresh feel.

Heal’s sells Philippe Starck’s Eros chair. Find similar bedding at House of Fraser.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

bathroom with shower and bathtub

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

Simple concrete slabs, inexpensive tiles laid floor to ceiling, and a rimless glass partition is all that was needed to create this tranquil wet room. A collection of moisture-loving plants add colour.

Go to B&Q for Metro wall tiles like these.

Step inside an uber modernist house in South Africa 

garden area with bicycle and concrete wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/Elsa Young/Frank Features)

The concrete on the main floors and the terrace was ground down to expose black flecks of granite so it resembles terrazzo.

IKEA's Kritter table is like this. John Lewis stocks wooden garden benches.

Looking for more modern decorating inspiration? Check out our House Tours section for everything from a celebrity designer's Victorian terrace house to an eclectic mansion flat.

Heather Young
Editor

Heather Young has been Ideal Home’s Editor since late 2020, and Editor-In-Chief since 2023. She is an interiors journalist and editor who’s been working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines for over 20 years, both in-house and as a freelancer.