CURATORS FOR PERSONALISED & LIVING SPACES

DECEMBER. 2019. ISSUE 3

Designed Interiors:
Connecting heart, mind & body to the experience of your space

I like to take the last month of each year to reflect on what has passed; and what I have to be grateful for; presently it is clarity, in every shape and form. Foremost I have realised, how much I love working on heritage sites because it is the history seeped into a space that takes my imagination for a walk. I often wish the walls of such spaces would tell me all their stories. And so, I choose to pause for moments inside these spaces to feel their vibrations before embarking on the creative process. Seeped in heritage, MAASTRICHT was one of those effortless spaces to co-create from.

A Brief History: The farm was established in 1702 by the first Dutch settlers. The clay earth was so similar to that of the farmers hometown, that he named the farm after it – MAASTRICHT. The line of old oak trees planted in the shape of a cross by a Dutch monk in the 1700’s, was used for ceremonies and prayers and some of the original trees can still be seen today. The muse of this history is what brought our ideas to life.

The importance of planning the flow of a space with intention cannot be highlighted enough.

It is the flow of a space that gives it the “life” it deserves. Yes, we can go on about the operational flow (which goes without saying) if you are a seasoned designer. But deeper than that I can testify there is an unsaid experienced flow within a space; which is where the practical flow and the personality of a space meets. Often, the simplest considerations to planning a space, creates pockets of experience that will yield the biggest end results. In this instance for MAASTRICHT; the barn-like interior called us to position the custom-built-counter centrally. Encouraging connection in a shared communal wine-tasting experience; as it speaks to the heart of the space. Not only does this placement lead you in; but also, out to the landscaped courtyard; forming a cross-like footprint when moving through each exit point.

Offset against a heavily textured stone wall behind the ornate counter; an illuminated cross which is a symbol of the brand-history; echoes the sacredness of the space while affording the perfect contemporary divergence. Custom-handmade tiles; which carry the delft heritage (unearthed during renovations), together with the striking cobalt-blue top inlay, affords the counter to pop with its own authenticity. The oak wood pays homage to the history of the trees on the farm; while splashes of copper; symbolises a healing atmosphere.

The boutique wine farm is family run affair with multiple generations at the helm over the last four decades. It is the perfect venue for any occasion; and I pray you go and experience it for yourself!

Yours in connectedness!

Adding value is our passion. Contact our team at: enquiries@xperiencemakers.co.za to help turn those interior dreams into your reality.