Garden and Home South Africa - October 2015

Entertainer’s delight
“Our previous kitchen was completely isolated
from the living and dining room, which is
typical of the older apartment blocks,” says
Sakkie Jooste. “We love to entertain but we
didn’t enjoy it because whoever was cooking
was always separated from the guests.”
The opportunity to design a new kitchen
within an open-plan entertaining area came
about when Sakkie and his partner bought
the neighbouring apartment in their block in
Hyde Park, Jo’burg. “By removing five walls we
created a large space bordering the living area,”
explains Sakkie.
At the centre of the new area is a custom-designed dining
table adjoining an island fitted with a hob. “This arrangement
means that the cook never feels excluded,” says Sakkie. “It also
encourages an informal approach to entertaining where guests are
free to sit back and relax or roll up their sleeves and help prepare
the meal.”
While Sakkie wanted the kitchen and dining area to have a
contemporary look, it was important for the new space to work with
the classical living area. “Instead of a modern design, which we felt
would’ve been too sterile, we opted for the warmth of wood,” explains
Sakkie, “and we kept the lines clean.” A bulkhead and a raw brick
THIS PAGE, FROM TOP LEFT TO RIGHT:
Interior decorator Mary Sifrin assisted with the
decor. The Chinese cabinet is from Trade Roots.
Design and installation of the kitchen was
done by Graham Chelin of Blues Woodworks.
INSET: Sakkie Jooste.
OPPOSITE PAGE: With its mix of fitted and
freestanding furniture, the kitchen blends
seamlessly with the living area. The Ngwenya
Glass lights are from Project Partnership.
feature wall introduce a contemporary element,
as do the Philippe Starck Dr. Yes chairs from
Kartell. “Our beautiful Chinese lacquered
cabinet works perfectly here, adding just the
right amount of formality,” says Sakkie.
To establish unity, the original parquet floors were retained and
gaps where walls had been, were filled in with matching blocks.
“We’re so pleased with the result,” says Sakkie. “It’s especially
lovely in summer when we fold back the sliding doors so that the
garden becomes part of the living room.”
SOURCES Blues Woodworks 082 453 1557 Kartell
kartell.com or 011 447 7062 Mary Sifrin 071 632 8282
Ngwenya Glass ngwenyaglass.co.sz Project Partnership
projectpartnership.co.za Trade Roots 011 728 0672 or 021 421 0401
gardenandhome.co.za | OCTOBER 2015 81