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High Glamour

Design in Black and White

LUXURY RESIDENCE - CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

This luxurious residence, designed by John Jacob Zwiegelaar of John Jacobs Interiors in Cape Town, is a symphony in elegance. Zwiegelaar’s style of work is characterized by his extraordinary range of references, which swing from French neo-classical to contemporary Belgian haute-decoration and even to a Roberto Cavalliesque rockstar style. His signature look, however, is one defined by monochromatic tones. Zwiegelaar is the master of monochrome and many of his projects are strong on contrasts, leading to a look that’s big on glamour and even bigger on eye-popping drama.

In less-skilled hands, the black-and-white look can sometimes appear overworked; for example, if there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the effect can seem unbalanced. Not here. In Zwiegelaar’s adept palms, everything has been superbly aligned and beautifully coordinated so that only calm reigns.

The black-and-white walls and floors provide a theatrical backdrop for the cinematic scene that follows, while the black furniture acts as a magnetic focal point and the white accessories provide the visual exclamation mark. Even in the bathroom and kitchen, where corners are crammed with glamorous bits, there is a sense of wellordered style. It’s a salute to sybaritic style. But more than that it’s a salute to the spectacular effect of classic black and white; it’s sharp, linear, confident, and heart-stoppingly chic.