Most of the contemporary furniture was designed by Tarryn, as seen
in their young daughter Mia’s gently-hued bedroom, with its custom
lighting, low chairs and wall units. Practicality and ease of living
were at the forefront of the renovation, and much of how Tarryn and
Thomas use the space is determined by Mia. Bright, colourful pictures
hang in the bathroom to liven up bath time, and a sunny corner of
the living room features a play area that extends into the courtyard.
Before starting Damascus Design Studio – her own interior,
furniture and lighting design company – Tarryn worked as a project
architect for Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, who specialise in
luxury resort design. The white Carrara marble occasional table in
the crisp master bedroom was designed and gifted by Carstens, and
the Chapmans are quick to point out the benefits of having friends in
the interior and design industries. The illustrated fabric of the blinds
in the bedroom is by Lorenzo Nassimbeni, a friend of Tarryn’s, while
the Colour Field paintings are by Thomas’ uncle, Anton Chapman.
With their expansive and effortless feel, the main living areas of
the apartment are testament to Thomas and Tarryn’s expert
planning and spatial considerations. The result is a home in perfect
harmony with the historical character of the building, which
simultaneously suits the family’s modern-day lifestyle and needs. O
localstudio.co.za, damascus.africa
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Tarryn used warm colours and plush textures in their daughter Mia’s
bedroom, which includes a built-in bunk bed surrounded by storage;
the master bedroom is minimally furnished, with a white Carrara marble
occasional table by Lesley Carstens (silviorechlesleycarstens.co.za)
anchoring the room; a bright poster celebrating five years of Thomas’
company Local Studio adds a dash of colour to the bathroom; the outdoor
area has been redesigned as a seamless extension of the Chapmans’
home. All outdoor furniture is from Plaisir du Jardin (plaisirdujardin.co.za).