Cape Town
Celebrating distinctive South African design inspiration
Built in the 1940s, oenologist Kungawo's stunning Cape Town residence reflects the melting pot of culture, art, and history that makes the port city such a distinctive design capital. Perched beneath the famous Table Mountain, the villa draws inspiration from the ancient Dutch colonial and Victorian buildings that can be found nestled next to skyscrapers and lush botanical gardens below. Proving that the “Mother City” is about substance as much as it's about style, a context in which Franke is very much at home.
Kungawo's dream home
In such an exceptional setting, Kungawo knew he had to pay homage to not only the natural beauty of the surroundings, but also to the rich and colourful influences of the city. Drawing on the villa's original exposed concrete as a starting point, Kungawo added pops of colour throughout the space. Bright yellow chairs that are reminiscent of the city's colourful Bokaap neighbourhood sit comfortably next to leather couches of a more colonially-inspired style. Hard modern concrete is softened by traditional grass-woven chandeliers, tribal head masks and polished wooden furniture. An infusion of inspiration, much like that of the city below.
Combining modern architecture and rich, diverse cultures is no easy feat, which is why Kungawo chose appliances that blended seamlessly into the surroundings of his home. The sleek black ovens allow the eye to travel smoothly to the spectacular views outside. Meanwhile, the gas hob stands unobtrusively below the rich wood-panelled backsplash. However, true to Kungawo's style, he added a pop of interest with the centrally-placed sink and tap on the kitchen island.
Franke products used
Find the products that inspired Kungawo to create his dream kitchen.
A global design icon
Cape Town may be relatively new to the design scene, but it has exploded onto the map thanks to its multifaceted and multicultural approach to creativity. Its blend of cutting-edge design and historical influence has led to Cape Town being named a UNESCO City of Design, dedicated to driving social and urban change. This has inspired a new wave of local designers and design-enthusiasts like Kungawo to create their own beautiful spaces, expanding the design scene in Africa.