ARRCC Empties An Old House Transforming It Into A Perfect Family Home

Recently ARRCC, a studio with a passion for unique interior design, has completed a remodel in South Africa. Like all their projects, this one was a close collaboration between the architects and their clients and the result is a new family home that leaves a long-lasting impression on everyone who comes in contact with it.

The residence has been completely remodeled, inside and out and its new look is a very attractive one
The residence has been completely remodeled, inside and out and its new look is a very attractive one
The new interior features an open plan living area which links the lounge space, dining area and the kitchen
The new interior features an open plan living area which links the lounge space, dining area and the kitchen

The brief was to transform an existing house into a modern and updated version of its itself, able to serve as a comfortable family home for many years to come. In order to achieve that, the architects had first to completely empty the house and to restructure it. They even added a new top floor.

The color palette used in the living area is based on grays and softened by the floral motif of the artwork
The color palette used in the living area is based on grays and softened by the floral motif of the artwork
The dining area is placed on the side of the floor plan in order to feel more intimate yet still connected to the rest of the space
The dining area is placed on the side of the floor plan in order to feel more intimate yet still connected to the rest of the space

The new layout is a simplified and more open one than the previous previous of the house. The living room, dining area and the kitchen form an open floor plan which has direct access to a terrace. Each of the three sections has its own distinct character. The living area, for instance, is a cozy space despite the gray-based color palette. The patchwork rug adds a nice and subtle tone of blue to the mix while the side tables and the accent chair warm up the ambiance with their soft yet still neutral colors.

The dark-stained ceiling contrasts with the light flooring but at the same time establishes a harmonious look throughout
The dark-stained ceiling contrasts with the light flooring but at the same time establishes a harmonious look throughout
Clerestory windows bring light inside without overwhelming the spaces with its brightness
Clerestory windows bring light inside without overwhelming the spaces with its brightness

The dining area is positioned next to a wall at one end of the floor plan. The table is robust and has a certain roughness to it but at the same time the live-edge top gives it the stylish look that allows it to integrate into the decor perfectly. In addition, the white Eames chairs are as elegant and as timeless as ever, being the perfect choice for this casual decor.

An oversized pendant lamp hangs above the dining table, complementing the otherwise simple setup
An oversized pendant lamp hangs above the dining table, complementing the otherwise simple setup
The strong architectural nature of the house was preserved and showcased on this wall
The strong architectural nature of the house was preserved and showcased on this wall

The artwork is the element that gives personality to the spaces. In the living room, a floral motif softens the neutral color palette and the simple nature of the materials and forms used throughout. In one corner, framed black and white images of buildings keep alive the architectural nature of the house and framed drawings done by the kids add color and charm to the playroom.

Colorful and cheerful artwork done by the kids covers this wall, giving it a personalized and unique look
Colorful and cheerful artwork done by the kids covers this wall, giving it a personalized and unique look
The kitchen is connected to the living area but has its own nook which allows it to feel extra welcoming
The kitchen is connected to the living area but has its own nook which allows it to feel extra welcoming

The kitchen has its nook with access to the courtyard. It’s mostly decorated with tones of gray and stainless steel accents but the marble island doesn’t let the design become monotonous and boring.

The master bedroom and its en-suite are situated on the new top floor which has wonderful city views
The master bedroom and its en-suite are situated on the new top floor which has wonderful city views
As most other rooms, the bedroom has access to a terrace which captures the view without obstructing it
As most other rooms, the bedroom has access to a terrace which captures the view without obstructing it

The master bedroom and its en-suite occupy the new top floor of the house. They both enjoy panoramic views of the city and the horizon and, like the rest of the house, are decorated with neutral colors and simple materials. An upholstered bed and a linen and mohair rug make the bedroom feel cozy without interfering with its minimalist nature.

The en-suite bathroom is a natural extension of the bedroom, featuring similar materials and colors
The en-suite bathroom is a natural extension of the bedroom, featuring similar materials and colors
It too has access to the terrace and large windows that let in the light and the view
It too has access to the terrace and large windows that let in the light and the view

In the bathroom you can better see the contrast between the dark-stained ceiling and the light wooden floor, a contrast that defines the entire residence and serves as a link between the exterior which is dark and the interior which is warm and welcoming.

Sliding glass doors open and connect the bedroom to the terrace and the garden
Sliding glass doors open and connect the bedroom to the terrace and the garden

The children’s rooms are placed on the lower level. They have access to the terrace and the garden and they’re as chic and beautiful as the rest of the rooms, with a bit more color in their decor. The flamingo-themed wallpaper is a very quirky detail, making the room look playful without taking away its elegance.

In the children's bedrooms the decor is more colorful and full of playful decor elements
In the children’s bedrooms the decor is more colorful and full of playful decor elements