Tim Culley, founder of Pixalot, has spent over 20 years shaping the design and décor landscape in South Africa.
In just three years, he grew his business to generate R15 million in revenue, establishing himself as a key figure in modern home aesthetics.
Certain celebrity homes set the bar for creativity and style. Culley highlights a few that have left a lasting impression. "If only we could glimpse inside them all," remarks Culley.
Jennifer Aniston’s California Retreat: An eclectic mix of furniture and artwork from different eras, curated together beautifully. Although modern and sleek from the outside, inside she uses deeper, warmer colours and dark woods, which contrasts to many minimalist, light and neutral colour-palette celebrity homes.
Naomi Campbell’s Kenyan Villa: Surprisingly authentic for someone who has worked and lived her whole life in the States. It has large open spaces, with flowing fabrics and traditional Kenyan art decor. The inside merges seamlessly with the outside, including the dreamy pool surrounded by palm trees. A beautiful but relaxing African home.
Alicia Keys’ Razor House: Floor to ceiling glass has a 180º ocean view, and every piece of furniture was custom-made. Huge open spaces have beautiful settings and her artwork collection is spectacular. Despite the enormous size and modernity, and a very neutral colour palette, it still has a warm feeling, and her taste level is exquisite.
David Gandy’s London Residence: He's done a brilliant job of creating a contemporary canvas layered with personal memorabilia, books, lots of artwork and gorgeous furniture made from high-quality materials.
He balances this with plenty of white wall space and neutral floors. A super modern kitchen paired with a vintage drawing room. It's a really beautifully designed and decorated home...just a pity that homes like this in London, rarely have space for a sprawling garden.
Culley has shared his thoughts on what makes a space truly stand out, which trends to avoid, and the design challenges homeowners often overlook.
Not every trend stands the test of time, Culley points out a few that linger but could be left behind:
Beige Overload: Once popular in living rooms, beige walls and dark furniture now often feel outdated and uninspired.
"Pop of Color" Approach: Adding a single bright element can disrupt the flow of a room. Tim suggests integrating color more thoughtfully throughout the space.
Laminate Flooring: Its drawbacks—noise, water damage, and a synthetic appearance—make it less appealing compared to more durable and stylish alternatives like vinyl planks or screed floors.
DIY Photo Collages: Instead of cluttered walls with mismatched frames, Tim advocates for large, professionally framed pieces to create a more cohesive and impactful look.
When redesigning his Hout Bay home, Culley focused on a minimalist yet warm aesthetic: Neutral Foundations. Natural Touches such as oak paneling, furniture, and indoor plants for warmth.
Cully says, that the outdoor area is one of the most challenging yet rewarding spaces to design. While often left as an afterthought, it plays a crucial role in the South African lifestyle.
Affordable Greenery: Start small with plants that can grow and thrive over time.
Creative Flooring: Moroccan-style tiles or rugs can create inviting outdoor spaces without the high cost of hardwood decking.
Adding Water Elements: A simple fountain or pond can elevate the atmosphere and bring a sense of tranquility.
Culley highlight the importance of balance in design—between modernity and warmth, practicality and personality. Whether it’s rethinking outdated trends or tackling neglected spaces.
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