French Flair

This project completed Elize's transition from cultural historian to interior designer. The challenge of refurbishing the French Ambassador's residence was compounded by the fact that the job had to be executed in conjunction with the official Paris-based decorator of the French Embassies, Christian Duval.

Having strong Art Deco lines, the building demanded furniture of that period, to complement the Art Deco feel. While a lot of period furniture was sourced for the residence, the general interpretation of the interior spaces placed less emphasis on the historical and more on colour, overall design and comfort. Walls were treated with a paint technique and an Art Deco painting was created in the small dining-room.

This is only one of many ambassadorial residences which Elize has had the privilege of decorating. Others include: residence of the Tanzanian High Commissioner residences of the British High Commissioners in Pretoria, Lilongwe and Mbabane residence of the Japanese Ambassador