Before and After: Stunning Renovation Transformations in Langebaan and Cape Town

Renovations have the power to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary — and for homeowners in Cape Town and Langebaan, Living Design has become synonymous with transformative before‑and‑after home makeovers that blend beauty, functionality, and respect for character.

Under the direction of Wendy Holmes, the firm tests and stretches the potential of every property, whether it’s a modest coastal cottage or a grand Cape estate.

The Essence of Transformation

What sets the best renovation projects apart is not simply replacing old fixtures or repainting walls — it’s seeing the hidden possibility a home holds and reshaping its design to align with both the client’s lifestyle and the environment. In Cape Town, Living Design’s “before” homes often carry charming but tired features: small, closed‑off rooms; poor flow between living spaces; outdated finishes; underused outdoor areas. The “after” reveals open plan living, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, improved indoor‑outdoor flow, terraces or gardens that pull the sunlight in, and materials and finishes that elevate both luxury and durability.

In Langebaan, the transformations also respond to coastal living. Homes here benefit from designs that respect light, breeze, lagoon views, and natural textures. Living Design upgrade properties to feel more relaxed yet refined, often opening up spaces, using materials suited to salty air, and fostering that indoor‑outdoor connection that makes coastal heritage so appealing.

Case Study: Tierboskloof Estate, Hout Bay

One example stands out in Cape Town: the renovation in Tierboskloof Estate, Hout Bay. Before the makeover, the house was pleasant but lacked spatial coherence and modern flair. After working with Living Design, clients saw a house that had been “stripped” and reimagined — with additional living space, a much larger terrace, a pool, a landscaped garden — all articulated into a cohesive, elegant home. Even when clients were overseas (due to COVID‑19), Wendy managed the process virtually, coordinating architects, contractors, and suppliers to ensure the vision was realised.

Why These Transformations Work

Several principles stand out in Living Design’s renovations:

Listening deeply to the client. Many transformations start with a conversation: what the homeowner loves, what frustrates them, what they imagine the final outcome to be. These inputs shape everything from layout to finishes.

Maintaining or restoring character. Even when modernising, Living Design strives not to erase what makes a home unique — its architectural style, its original elements, its setting. That balance results in homes that feel both timeless and fresh.

Attention to detail and coordination. Large‑scale renovations involve council approvals, contractors, engineers, timelines, and suppliers. Living Design handles all this, making the process smoother for homeowners.

Design tuned to locale. In coastal Langebaan, materials and layouts are chosen to cope with salt, wind, and light; in Cape Town, designs often emphasise indoor‑outdoor flow, terraces, gardens, and use of light.

Advice for Your Own Before‑After Renovation

If you’re considering a dramatic transformation:

Start with a good consultation. Explore what works and what doesn’t in your existing home. Think about how you live now — not just what looks good. Living Design offers hourly consultation services and pre‑purchase review, which can be invaluable.

Budget wisely. Align your renovation scope with what you can afford, including contingency for unexpected issues. Be realistic in estimating both design & planning costs.

Obtain necessary approvals. Building regulations, council plans, legal compliance — all these matter to avoid delays or penalties. Living Design handles plan submissions in many projects.

Conclusion

The before‑and‑after renovations by Living Design in Langebaan and Cape Town show what is possible when thoughtful design, skilled execution, and local sensitivity come together. Whether you’re revitalising a coastal retreat in Langebaan or breathing new life into a Cape Town home, the transformation can be profound — in charm, comfort, functionality, and value. Contact Living Design today!