Designed for Stillness

Set within the lush surrounds of Simbithi Eco-Estate, this home was envisioned as a sanctuary, a place of calm, stillness and retreat for a busy family seeking respite from the pace of everyday life. Interiors by Redesign Interior Design Studio, the large family home balances architectural presence with a gentle softness, resulting in a space that feels both refined and deeply personal. 

From the outset, the clients were drawn to a neutral base palette and an atmosphere that felt bright, open and airy (without sacrificing any character). Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation or trend-driven detailing, the design focuses on flow, texture and carefully considered moments of contrast. Pops of colour were introduced intentionally through select furniture and lighting pieces – most notably a statement curved purple couch and sculptural fixtures in red and burnt orange tones – bringing warmth and individuality into the otherwise understated palette. 

At the heart of the project lies a strong connection to natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship. Every element within the home was custom-designed, allowing the Redesign team to create a highly cohesive environment tailored to the clients’ desires, where no detail feels incidental. Organic forms appear repeatedly throughout the interiors, from the shape of the kitchen island to the curvature of furniture, and wall and ceiling textures. The result is a home that feels fluid rather than rigid, soft in movement but highly resolved in execution.

One of the defining principles behind the design was the incorporation of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Sanskrit system of spatial planning (often compared to Feng Shui). This philosophy played a significant role in shaping the home’s layout and atmosphere. Central to the concept is the idea that the core of the home should remain open and unobstructed, encouraging freedom of movement and the uninterrupted flow of life-force energy throughout the space. This intentional openness is most powerfully experienced downstairs, where the entrance, kitchen, dining, and lounge areas unfold as a connected environment. Rather than compartmentalising these spaces, the design encourages a natural progression from one area to the next, creating a sense of ease and continuity. The home reveals itself gradually with each space flowing effortlessly into another while maintaining its own identity and function. 

The entrance sets the tone immediately. A striking custom copper front door introduces the home with warmth and texture, whilst reflecting the artisanal approach carried throughout the interiors. Beyond the entrance, the open-plan living spaces become the emotional centre of the home, generous but inviting. 

A favourite feature lies beneath your feet. Embedded within the hardwood flooring at the centre of the home are natural gemstones; a subtle but deeply meaningful detail inspired by the Vastu principles guiding the project. It is a quiet moment within the design, but one that captures the spirit of the interiors perfectly: intentional, serene, grounded and connected to something beyond aesthetics alone.

Throughout the interiors, beauty was approached not as an afterthought but as a primary function in itself. Every finish, fixture and furnishing was selected to contribute to the emotional experience of the home. Lighting was treated as both illumination and artwork, with statement fittings carefully positioned to create rhythm and warmth throughout the expansive open-plan spaces. Custom-designed internal wooden doors featuring a flowing riverbed-inspired pattern further reinforce the home’s connection to movement and nature. These organic gestures contrast beautifully against the architectural scale of the property, preventing the interiors from ever feeling overly formal or cold. 

What ultimately makes this Simbithi home so compelling is its sense of balance. While undeniably luxurious, it never feels excessive. Instead, it prioritises comfort, calm and meaningful design, creating spaces that support both everyday family life and moments of respite. 

For Redesign, the project reflects a deeper understanding of how people want to live today: connected to nature, surrounded by thoughtful craftsmanship, and able to move through their homes with ease and a sense of tranquillity. This home is not simply a showcase of beautiful interiors, but a carefully considered environment designed to restore, ground and inspire the people who live there.

Words by: Emilie du Trevou

Contact Details: www.redesign-interiors.co.za