Romantic reader home decorated with flowers and art

Kim Black’s house is her castle. “I’ve always been interested in décor!” she says. “Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember rearranging my room a million times and when I visit people, I rearrange their rooms in my head!”

The second living room is a dark and dramatic deep blue: Dulux Cashmere Matt in Urban Rock.

The green chair in the second living room was inherited from Brendan’s grandfather, Les Gardner; it really pops against the blue wall, as does the Persian carpet and oversized red floor lamp.

Kim, an artist, has a soft spot for colour and loves layering with various designs and quirky finds. “My number one desire is to make my home welcoming.”

And what could be more enticing than a home filled with an abundance of blooms? Throughout her house, Kim has made manifest her love of flowers, from paintings elegantly positioned in various rooms and floral upholstery to sumptuous wall hangings and pretty kitchen accessories.

When Kim and her daughter Olivia first went to look at what was to become their home in Fish Hoek at the beginning of 2015, they were surprised by the amount of space.

“The various living areas really suited our family of five. It’s also a lovely private property with its own secret garden nestled below the mountain,” adds Kim.

I’m always drawn to flowers. For me, they’re an expression of the beauty of life; they can provide a burst of energy in a room and at the same time create a sense of tranquillity. – Kim

“My very first oil painting was of roses; although I’ve painted different subject matter, particularly interiors, I’m always drawn to flowers,” says Kim.

Having spent seven years in Nottingham in the UK, the Blacks chose Fish Hoek for its proximity to the coast, schools and train station. 

An attractive mirror works well as a splashback in the kitchen and creates the illusion of more space. Floating shelves display cute collectables that Kim has picked up at car boot sales and serve as storage space in the kitchen.

Upon moving in, Kim says they needed to do very little work on the house: “The previous owner had an amazing vision for this ordinary Fish Hoek home.” 

The floral wall hanging was previously used as a tablecloth, but now makes a striking statement in the main living area. The walls are painted in Dulux Cashmere Matt in the colour Paris Paving. A set of soft pink velvet cushions beautifully complement the grey sofa and wall hanging. Wall hanging from Babylonstoren; bird cushion from Biggie Best

The Blacks lived in the UK for many years; when they bought their previous home in Nottingham, two wingback chairs “came with the property”. Too good a find to leave behind, Kim had them shipped back when they returned to South Africa. The glass shelves in the dining room are perfect for displaying glassware and other treasures. Green vase from Plan B Vintage

With floor-to-ceiling stackable glass doors in the lounge, there’s a seamless flow from the indoors out and skylights in the bathrooms and passage create a beautiful light-filled space. 

Kim and her husband Brendan decided to ‘steal’ space from one of the bathrooms to create a passage leading to the second living area and with the addition of some dry-walling and an old shutter door, they also created an extra bedroom.

The main bedroom has its own private garden with a table and chairs where Brendan and Kim can enjoy an early morning cuppa. Rectangular cushions from MRP Home; large cushions from Plan B Vintage

sabella’s bedroom is painted in a “French grey-blue” that Kim mixed from leftovers.

Olivia’s room is painted a crisp white; the colourful blanket was crocheted by Kim’s mother-in-law, Diana.

One of Kim’s artworks adorns the bathroom wall.

Although DIY isn’t Brendan’s first love, he helped me paint most of the interior walls and kindly drilled in screws for artworks. I can paint new pieces for my home, like my beloved blooms, and move them around at will!” says Kim.

The chaise longue was a gift from Brendan. “It’s quite worn now as it’s positioned in a sunny spot where I love to relax and read; I throw a sheepskin over to protect it,” says Kim. Cushions from Biggie Best

A love of décor 

While living in England, Kim attended an interior design workshop with designer Abigail Ahern at her home in London. “It was so inspiring! All her walls were painted in deep colours which made for an exciting adventure of textures and unusual objects,” she explains.

Kim is full of her own exciting ideas. “As long as I remain interested in life and the people around me, I never know where I might get my inspiration from next. I often change my cushions and move artworks around; I have many favourite colours, depending on the season, but I like my main items of furniture and walls to provide a neutral backdrop. It’s really a constant work in progress. “

My house is definitely an extension of my personality; if people feel at home here, then I’ve done my job.”