You have seen the beautiful food posts that my sister, Anélle, has been creating. Now it’s time for me to show you the Maker & Baker’s home! Anélle lives with her husband, Nelius, and two kids in a 1970’s home that will soon be brought into the new century. And of course, I will show you the update once it’s done! But for now, have a look at this self-proclaimed colour lover’s family home.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED HERE?
We bought the house from family friends when we returned from the UK 3 years ago. It had tremendous potential, so when we heard that it was on the market, we immediately put it an offer.
HAVE YOU DONE ANY RENOVATION SINCE YOU BOUGHT THE HOUSE?
We replaced the floors in the living areas and revamped the kitchen. My brother-in-law is a builder, so when he was commisioned to build someone a new kitchen, he removed the nearly new kitchen, and we repurposed it here!
ARE YOU PLANNING TO MAKE ANY OTHER CHANGES?
We’re planning a major overhaul in the front of the house. We’re going to change rooms around – I look forward to sharing that with you once it’s done!
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH RED.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS IN YOUR HOME?
My Smeg oven – no doubt!
WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
COLOUR BRINGS HAPPINESS!
That’s always the first thing that draws my attention. If I see something I like, I try to work it into our home. Most of our furniture is from the UK where we lived for 14 years. My husband also makes a lot of stuff – he’s very handy! I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful and colourful.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ROOM?
I love our living room. It’s the most colourful, and I enjoy it most during the day when the light falls through the windows. I also love my office and the kitchen because of the natural light.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MUST-HAVES IN A HOME?
Bubbly in the fridge. Because you never know when you might want to celebrate!
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT YOU FACED?
The house has many old-fashioned and sometimes ugly features, and I still struggle to make them functional and look beautiful. Luckily, all of those remnants from another era will go when we renovate.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR HOME TO SAY ABOUT YOU?
Our home is a friendly and joyous space. Or that’s what we’re aiming for, at least!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO CREATE A SIMILAR LOOK?
Be bold! Don’t be afraid to play with colour. Even if you’re not sure whether something will work, try it anyway. Our home has a strong Mexican influence because we go there at least once a year for business, but as long as it’s colourful, it can work – no matter where it’s from.
For more of Anélle’s gorgeous cakes and delicacies, have a look at our FOOD section!