Caxton magazines staffWe chat to interior decorator Heather Welham whose classic contemporary Cape Town home is featured in our latest issue
Why did you choose decorating?
I have always had a passion for interiors, fine food, beautiful gardens and wine. I started off my career in food. When the scales started groaning, I thought it best to change to interiors.
Where did you study?
I started studying Interior Design at the Johannesburg Technikon. My lecturer left to start a private design school and I followed him. I was one of the first students at the Design Centre in Greenside, back in the late 80’s.
If you weren’t an interior decorator what would you be?
I would love to study landscaping.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Furnishing fabrics inspire me, they make my mouth water. I love South African-born Bernie de La Cuona’s fabric range represented by Mavromac. This collection is a serious meal for me.
Your decor style in three words
Simple, stylish and functional
Instagram, Twitter or Facebook?
I am a Facebook stalker! I am still getting to grips with Instagram but I love Pinterest and Houzz.
Top tip for anyone wanting to be a decorator?
Develop your own style but be flexible and embrace all styles. There is no real right or wrong style as a well put together interior, in any style, can look amazing.
Favourite item in your home right now?
My cocktail table bar. It’s used for anything from school projects to drinks or dining.
If you could do one thing to lift a room, what would it be?
Wallpaper the walls in a large scale design to give the room a new personality.
What is your favourite room in your home and why?
I love my open plan kitchen and TV room as it allows for a shared buzz of cooking, interacting with my family and the views out onto my garden and the mountain are beautiful.
