Renee de Waal at Xperiencemakers Turns Spaces into Rich Experiences

When I was a little girl I was fascinated with the idea of being an architect. I grew up with parents who were owner builders and we moved around a lot. My mother and grandmother were forever tinkering on pieces of paper, planning the layout of their houses, and I remember being dragged into many antique stores in search of bargains. I suppose it’s in my blood and I never considered another career.

I love old as it can never get old, and spaces where the walls are able tell stories. My personal preference is an eclectic style, relaxed and unpretentious. I collect items that inspire me on my travels.

First and foremost establish a project budget, then a blueprint to work from. This affords you a clear direction for planning, gives you a shopping list and saves you from making costly mistakes.

My mother gave me a beautiful oak antique cupboard with the most superb carved detail on the doors. As a DIY project, I silver leafed the carvings and muted it with an umber wash. The inside of the cupboard is converted into a liquor cabinet with glass shelves making it an unexpected, practical statement piece.

I engage in diverse project styles at the same time but somehow the historic spaces find their way to me. We're just about to embark on such a space for a tasting room. The authentic canvas is all I need to spark the creative juices.

The Toulouse kitchen island in black.

Decor is lost if your space is cluttered and messy.