Home tour: A doctor’s art-filled Morningside sanctuary

All images from House and Leisure

You don’t have to be a professional interior designer to harness the potential of a space. If you have a passion for design, a home provides one of the most expensive canvasses upon which to unleash your creative vision.

Dr Relebogile (Lebo) Shakoane-Nkuna, a medical professional for whom art is simply a hobby, demonstrates how to convert a home into a vibrant and immersive space. The house in Morningside, Johannesburg, which she shares with her husband Chris and two sons Vukosi and Ntsako, has been transformed into an embodiment of modern elegance.

Just what the doctor ordered…

Lebo currently runs a private practice in Highlands North, and is in the process of completing a two-year specialisation in aesthetic medicine (the practice of improving cosmetic appearance through the treatment of conditions brought about by aging or injury).

Judging by the work she’s done on her own home, enhancing aesthetic appearance is something she has a talent for. The vibrant colour and energy of her home decor is sure to raise one’s mood; a natural form of medicine to go with the ones she prescribes to her patients.

The entertainment room

Her passion for museums and art galleries is reflected in her interesting collection of artworks, which include pieces from leading South African artists such as Sam Nhlengethwa, Willem Boshoff and Zander Blom. Some of these works can be seen decorating her TV room (pictured above).

The living room

The homeliness and warmth of the TV room is extended to the living area, enhanced by the work of interior design studio Tonic Design, who Lebo credits with helping bring her vision to life. The extensive range of her art collection is also in evidence here, with artworks by the likes of William Kentridge, Nelson Makamo, and Lucky Sibiya on display.

The dining room

A large round table that even King Arthur would have been proud of is the central fixture in the dining room. Made of vintage glassware, the table was acquired from Bakos Brothers 17 years ago, and is surrounded by dining chairs provided by Tonic Design.

That said, the kitchen is where Lebo and her family usually eats, as her busy schedule does not allow for much cooking or entertaining. The kitchen is considered the heart of modern homes, with many families choosing to use it for dining and socialising as well as meal preparation.

The main bedroom

The bedroom is designed so as to allow plentiful natural light to spill in, keeping the spirits high and making for a contemplative space, where Lebo spends much of her time reading and relaxing on the balcony.

The bathroom is equipped with skylights, a new trend in home design that promotes spacious and illuminated interiors. When Lebo and her husband purchased the home, they conducted renovations with a particular emphasis on installing a lot of glass throughout home. According to Lebo, this serves to “modernise the house and let in more light”.

Design a home of your own…

Home ownership means being able to create a space that reflects your own interests and experiences, just as Dr Lebo Shakoane-Nkuna has done. It’s one of the most powerful expressions of creativity and individuality.

If you’re inspired by the prospect of owning and designing your own home, South Africa’s leading home loan comparison service, ooba home loans, can help you secure the best deal on your home loan by applying to multiple banks on your behalf. First, use ooba home loans’ free, online prequalification tool – the ooba Bond Indicator – to determine what you can afford. Then, once you’ve found a home that meets your requirements, you can apply for a home loan.