Recognised for her impeccable taste, attention to detail and natural flair, Olivia Daleman’s interior designs are as elegant and warm as the woman herself.
Olivia Daleman is comfortable working with British aristocracy, high profile and corporate clients, but she lives by the rule that “your home is your haven”.
“I believe that my slogan speaks volumes and expresses my passion for what I do,” explained this elegant lady as we wandered through the cigar lounge, dining-room and formal lounge of one of her current projects.
“My forte is to incorporate a variety of designs into the home, tastefully reflecting the owner’s personality. I hand pick eclectic signature pieces to deliver elegance and ambience, and go one step further by introducing fragrances and scents to enhance peaceful and tranquil surroundings, bringing an element of natural healing within the home.” In this instance the cigar lounge has a subtle “ginger” aroma to match the lair for this man’s haven.
“Balconies are often ignored, and underutilised,” explained Olivia. “This particular area has panoramic sea views, but can get a little dusty. We installed outdoor storm blinds, turning it into another room and thus extending the house, and gave it a ‘vintage golf’ theme.”
Olivia’s attention to detail is incredible. She replaced the cushions on the rattan suite with rich, luxurious damask fabrics in chartreuse and aubergine. In order to pull the room together she spent ages sourcing items that would blend in offering continuity to the design. A chartreuse ashtray picks up the colours, as does a blown up vintage golfing picture boldly positioned on a hand-carved easel.
“As my client didn’t want a bar counter I had the liquor/television cabinet custom designed by Royal Crest in New Germany. This elegant service unit houses a flat screen TV, two wine fridges, and pigeon holes on the sides cleverly utilise the space for glasses.”
The wrought iron chandelier finishes off the area impeccably with its colonial style mini lampshades.
The exquisite dining-room reflects class, beauty and romance. Champagne and aqua wallpaper blend beautifully with the ornate silverware and enhance the crystal chandelier. Luscious velvet fabrics exude warmth and create a sense of accomplishment. Olivia has used spider orchids to add a touch of nature and to soften the room.
The lounge has a more contemporary design with natural hues and tones. A twist of violet in the soft furnishings delivers contrast and originality. The “kaleidoscope” wallpaper shimmers slightly accenting the raw polished floating oak TV wall unit, once again custom made and created by Olivia. She also designed the mottled natural brown leather L-shaped settee, and to finish off the theme of raw textures and organic feel they bought a three-tiered chandelier constructed by community workers, made from polished beads.
This home has clearly answered her client’s brief to create practical, child-friendly spaces for family functions and also to allow for more intimate entertaining.
Contact Olivia on 084 603 9363 or emal OliviaD@iburst.co.za or visit www.oliviadinteriors.co.za
Story by Lois Kuhle