ECLECTIC STYLE
Richard and Axel both have an eye for detail. They describe
their style as eclectic, and they love to browse second-hand
stores, car boot sales and markets.
Colour plays an important role throughout their home,
something that is best illustrated by the ‘touch-ups’ on the
outside of the container where weak spots were welded and
covered withcheerfulneon-greenpaint. Thiswas left asisto
emphasisethefact that containerswithhistory hadbeen
usedinthispassionproject.“We think out of the box;
pardon the pun,” says Richard with a grin.
Another indication of their playful approach is an old
spade that now serves as part of a water feature next to the
front door.
Richard and Axel have artistic sensibilities, as can be seen
in the exquisite décor chosen for each room. Every piece of
furniture and accessory has its own story and combined
they tell a tale of good taste and patient planning. Almost
everything has been recycled from a previous building
project and refurbished with sandpaper and varnish. >>The formal lounge has double-glazed aluminium stacking doors that lead
out to the garden. The original container wall can be seen behind the
Art Deco cabinet. Axel made the coffee table from plywood 16 years ago
and over the years it has been painted in various colours. Richard bought
the silver trunk in Singapore in 1991 during one of his many voyages on
the Queen Elizabeth II where he worked as a hairdresser.
Black-and-grey ceramic tiles from Shaw Tec; scatters from MRP Home;
sofa upholstery by RU Designs
The old sewing machine (below) belonged to Richard’s
late mother and is still in working order. The print
above it is a photo of Axel and Richard taken by a
local photographer, AD Goedhart. The bricks were
sealed with a clear waterproof sealant.eco home