Discover the harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living in this Johannesburg home, where homeowner and architect Luke Chandler’s vision was inspired by a majestic oak tree on the property. Designer, Yvonne O’Brien of The Private House Company, curated a space that intertwines raw materials with earthy tones, creating a warm, contemporary, inviting ambiance that seamlessly connects with the surrounding environment.

From the designer… A seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is something that makes this Hyde Park home so unique. Yvonne O’Brien, owner and head interior designer of The Private House Company, and Luke Chandler, architect and owner of this Hyde Park home, worked together to create an organic space with uninterrupted views of nature. Luke was captivated by a colossal oak tree found on site and it was this that inspired him to integrate the natural environment into his home. He aspired to create a home that is multi-functional, free-flowing, and authentic.

Raw materials such as timber, exposed stone cladding, and concrete were used throughout the home to blend the home into its natural surroundings, and large glass doors and skylights were incorporated into all areas of the home to provide features of natural light and to allow for all-surrounding views of the outdoors.

Yvonne chose a neutral and earthy palette to soften the rigidity of the raw materials used throughout the home. Wood, rattan, and leather were used to prevent spaces from feeling clinical or cold. The combination of earthy tones, bespoke furniture, and raw materials displays the intersection of contemporary design and nature. This house is a showcase of the beauty that can be created when architectural techniques and interior design work hand-in-hand as a turn-key project.

The repetition of wood and soft upholstery creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This restrained and repeated material palette gives the home continuity and familiarity.

Yvonne O’Brien, The Private House Company

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: The Private House Company · Photography: Elsa Young · Architect: Aevitas Architecture Studio