High-profile people live so much in the spotlight that the need for a space of their own – somewhere private and personal – is even more of a priority than it is for most. as a man whose professional side is so well documented – philanthropist, actor, entrepreneur, spokesperson – Maps Maponyane’s home needed to be totally the opposite of his public life, a low-key, low-traffic, high-comfort space designed with decompression in mind. As a result, when he decided to renovate his Craighall apartment in Johannesburg he needed a designer who would grasp this key element of the project and turn his apartment into a refuge, somewhere to escape to that would house all his passions and reflect his personality. Known for an incredibly sophisticated and contemporary, but layered aesthetic, studio 19 was the ideal design firm to fulfil this wish list.
In addition to it being a safe space to retreat to, it also needed to be somewhere that would re-energise Maps in between trips. a frequent traveller with a fast-paced schedule, often home for no more than a few days at a time, his routine is punishing and needed to be countered by a soft place to land that serves as an easy transition from his travels – a globally informed resting spot inspired by the cities he visits but rooted deeply in south Africa. ‘Because I’m away so much, I needed somewhere that I look forward to coming back to, somewhere tranquil that would inspire me,’ he explains. Mia Widlake of studio 19’s response saw her dig down into what makes Maps tick. The result is a highly personalised and comfortable cocoon that could be in any cosmopolitan city in the world, but that simultaneously feels like home. a muted but masculine palette of charcoal, green and gold lends the space an understated sense of luxe – layered textures offering depth, but nothing overtly attention-seeking. ‘I wanted to use materials that would encourage you to come closer and touch them,’ he explains. The finishings have been carefully considered, from terrazzo-effect metro tiles rather than clinical white to matte-effect countertops reminiscent of leather, and clever patinated brass shelves that reflect the light. These are consistently used throughout, so as to create a beautiful cohesion.
The way the space is arranged has this same sense of coherence – the design allows you to move freely through it. What was once a stilted, multi-roomed floorplan has been transformed by Mia into an open living space with various dedicated but adaptable zones that encourage flow with multifunctional, well-proportioned furniture. Smart design details enhance the sense of space – slimline cabinetry that’s high rather than deep expands the living room, while cupboards at consistent heights, versatile occasional tables and a succinct palette make the scheme feel pulled together. Stackable doors to the balcony (previously accessed by a narrow, single opening) span the length of the room so it opens completely to the trees outside. ‘I don’t feel like I’m in the city here.
And the light is different throughout the day – at sunset there’s an amazing glow that changes the whole personality of the apartment,’ says Maps. This clever detailing and level of thought extend to other rooms – like the chaise in the dressing room that can double as a guest bed and taps in the bathroom that swing around for easy access. It’s user-friendly but seamless enough that you don’t notice why. It’s been tailored specifically to Map’s own profile, too. From taller cabinets to match his height in the kitchen to blackout blinds, a hotel-standard bed in the main suite that ensures restful sleep for the time he is at home, and a custom hat wall in the dressing room to display his beloved collection, it’s a space that’s easy for him to use (as something of a perfectionist) and the end result is polished. It really is a refuge in the true sense of the word – a serene oasis in the city where cool shades of green prevail (his favourite colour), tones are soothing on the eye, the textures feel good, light is soft and diffused and the art resonates.
As an avid collector and appreciator of mainly South African and African work, the art collection was always going to form an integral part of his home. ‘I only buy work I feel a personal connection to. And it’s finally grown to a size where I can call it a collection,’ he adds. A special biblio shelf, rather than picture hooks, allows him to swap and move pieces around if he feels he needs a change. ‘It allows me to give them all a turn, and it keeps the look of the rooms dynamic and fresh,’ he explains. Dynamic is a word that speaks to the space as a whole, and who he is as a person – both are self-contained but full of energy, layered but not in your face, stylish and sophisticated but unpretentious. Masculine but never a cliché. Cool, calm and collected.
Photographs Elsa Young
WATCH: Maps Maponyane takes us on a tour of his beautiful Joburg apartment, designed by STUDIO 19.
undefinedVideography Sibonelo Ngubane
