Nov 2019 - Jhb North

Lynne’s upbringing also gave her a
boldness and maturity beyond her
years – which may be why her lack of
a formal qualification in interior design
didn’t deter her for an instant. ‘I simply
printed out 200 business cards and
went on my way,’ she laughs. If she
needed proof of the soundness of her
decision, she received it in a queue at
Pick n Pay. ‘A fellow shopper told me
she loved my sense of style and asked
what I did for a living. I handed over
one of my new business cards and
she immediately hired me to do her
home’s interiors.’
A little daunted by the scope of her
first job, Lynne called on a designer
friend to help – but he refused,
telling Lynne she had to seize the
opportunity. Which she did so well
that her name was soon spread
around Johannesburg’s home-loving
circles. ‘Although my friend taught me
how to read plans, I still couldn’t draw.
I used to see clients in my dining
room and discuss the plans at the
table – but the one thing I seemed
to do really well was hook into what
made them tick. That’s important,
because sometimes clients don’t
actually know what they want’
After her beloved husband was killed,
Lynne’s life changed dramatically –
along with her view of her business.
No longer simply a fulfilling source
of satisfaction, it became her entire
livelihood as she did all she could to
support her two children.
Her abilities and insight helped her
grow the company to the point
where she was able to employ a
team, and now offers a turnkey
service. Her design style mirrors
the eclectic look she personally
favours; in fact, she takes pride in the
fact that Lynne Blumberg Interior
Design has no signature look. That
said, her trademark is boldness and
sophistication. ‘Everything we do
is totally bespoke – we meet with
you, you tell us what you like and we
create the magic, according to your
wishlist and working around your
lifestyle, whether it’s contemporary,
relaxed or glam.’
Apart from designing envy-inducing
homes, Lynne also adds the x-factor
to corporate and retail spaces, and
loves the challenge of larger projects
like boutique hotels, lodges and other
hospitality establishments.
Lynne’s approach was recently
recognised at the International
Hotel & Property Awards, where
she scooped top spot for Luxury
Residence under five million pounds.
‘It had started out as the worst day
– I’d lost my earrings and watch in
Naples and we were late catching
the ferry to Capri, where the awards
were being held. I had no idea I’d win
the category – all I knew was that I’d
been shortlisted, and if you’re not
there to collect the award, it goes to
someone else.’ The only South African
participating in the awards, Lynne
knew no one – although she was
more daunted by the prospect of
navigating Capri’s notorious cobbles
in her high heels! ‘I chatted to a few
industry members I’d just met and
was thrilled when many told me
they’d voted for me to win the prize.
Then the award was announced and
everything became a blur. All I knew
was that the room exploded – I got a
standing ovation from 500 of the best
designers from around the world!’
Joining these august ranks was,
obviously, a career highlight – but
Lynne says her greatest joy derives
from her everyday interactions with
clients. ‘My work is so diverse. I’ve
been part of projects around the
world, from Israel to Angola and
Sydney. You can’t say that what we do
isn’t important, because we change
people’s lives. Making a home for
someone is holding a mirror to their
soul.’
Lynne changes people’s lives in other
ways too. She’s a keen supporter
of charity and this year undertook
a massive renovation for Hospice,
transforming a shabby building into a
warm home from home; a comforting
sanctuary for patients.
Going forward, Lynne’s excited to
help more people realise their design
dreams, with plans to perhaps host
her own television show. ‘I adore
engaging with people, so I want to
spread my wings and experience
more,’ she says.
The most important lesson she’s learnt
on her journey? ’Enjoy every single
day as if it were your last, because one
day it will be.’
Lynne’s design tips
• You don’t have to spend a lot
on your home, but you should
invest in the bones – like tiles and
lighting – as these will stand the
test of time.
• Take things slowly. You don’t have
to do your entire house all at once.
Creating a new look for just two
rooms a year will help you reach
perfection.
• Never match your art to your
furnishings. Your home is not a
hotel. A Kentridge in an antique
home? Fabulous. An antique
painting in a modern home? Even
better!
• Your bathrooms, especially the
master, must be amazing. Install
the biggest shower possible, along
with a fireplace.
• Buy the best sheets you can
afford, but remember that ‘best’
doesn’t necessarily mean the
highest thread count. This relates
to the thickness of the linen and
in hot South Africa, a high thread
count isn’t practical.
• Your home must be a reflection
of you, and you should feel
comfortable in it.
November 2019 Get It Joburg Northern Suburbs 41