Sleeping Beauties

Forget the rules and create your ultimate bedroom sanctuary.

- Beatrice Moore-Nothnagel

#1 Out of the blue

Blue is the most popular colour in the world. It’s also one of Stefan Blom and Albie du Toit’s favourite shades, so it was an obvious choice for a guest room in their Green Point home.

“Blue is everywhere in nature; just think about gazing up at the sky while lying on your back on the grass or swimming in cool blue water… Blue is familiar and comforting,” says Stefan, a psychologist. “This room feels like one big hug and our guests love it.”

Stefan and Albie used blue throughout the room – from the walls and floors to the cupboards, bedding and curtains. They repeated three different shades to enhance a tranquil feel, but just to show that they’re not stuck on the monotone concept, the back of the bedroom door is painted in bright pink. “We always paint the doors of our guest rooms in a contrasting colour to add an element of surprise,” Stefan adds.

It works, because…

WARM AND COSY While blue is often considered a cool colour, the room doesn’t feel ‘cold’ thanks to the addition of pretty flowers, decorative pieces and luxurious bedding. Touches of bright colours such as red and orange also add warmth.

ARTFUL Artworks collected over the years add interest to the room; these include large framed photographs, a bearded fisherman painted on a wooden boat by Jurgens Walt (see opposite), and a variety of side plates from Mervyn Gers and Liesel Trautman as well as others found at local markets.

LIGHTING The unusual chandelier was purchased in Paris many years ago – it remains a timeless piece.