– Inspiration from Cape Town & Stellenbosch –
As a luxury interior designer and co-founder of Maison Sucre, I’m constantly seeking inspiration outside the world of interior design. It’s precisely in places where hospitality, culture, nature, and aesthetics come together that I often discover the nuances that later find their way into our projects.
For me, inspiration always begins outside the confines of a project. That’s why I regularly travel to unique places around the world to gain new insights and continue to develop myself within the worlds of interior design, hospitality, fashion, and experience design.
Every now and then, I'll take you on a tour of some special places that have shaped my vision of luxury living.
After reading this, you might start seeing the spaces around you in a new light and discover how inspiration from travel can help create an interior that exudes more tranquility, warmth, and personality.
Cities like Paris and New York remain a major source of inspiration for me. I recently traveled with my family to Cape Town and Stellenbosch. In this article, I’ll take you on a tour of some of the places that have inspired me—places where architecture, interior design, nature, and hospitality come together seamlessly.
It is precisely during these kinds of trips that I discover, time and again, which elements contribute to a sense of tranquility, sophistication, and luxury—insights that I then incorporate into the interiors we create for our clients.
“I don’t travel just to discover new places.
"I travel to keep seeing."
Cape Town: energy, contrast, and sophistication
Cape Town has a unique vibe. The city feels international and lively, yet relaxed at the same time. It’s precisely that combination that appeals to me so much.
One of the evenings that has stayed with me was at The Bungalow.
With a view of the “Twelve Apostles,” a classic cocktail in my hand, and the sun slowly sinking into the ocean. As the last light reflected off the mountain range, one of the most spectacular displays of color I’ve ever seen unfolded. Warm sandy tones, soft terracotta hues, grayish greens, and deep earth tones—shades that would fit seamlessly into our own Maison Sucre paint collection.
Everything at The Bungalow just felt right. Not overly luxurious or contrived, but perfectly balanced—the materials, the amazing food, and the atmosphere at the table. It was a moment where comfort and elegance came together effortlessly. What struck me once again was how powerful an environment can be when all the details are carefully coordinated—not by adding more, but by making the right choices.
The delicious breakfast at The Strangers Club also left a lasting impression on me. A hidden gem right in the heart of the city, a wonderful restaurant with a beautiful courtyard garden and a shop where you’ll want to wander around endlessly. Warm, personal, and full of character. Not over-the-top, but a place with soul. The kind of place where hospitality and a love for beautiful things feel completely natural.
Perhaps that is the most beautiful form of luxury: quiet luxury. No flashy gestures or outward perfection, but tranquility, attentiveness, and authenticity. An environment where you instantly relax and everything feels just right without demanding attention. It is precisely that contrast that fascinates me about Cape Town: the energy and hustle of the city combined with moments of tranquility and intimacy.
And that’s exactly the balance we strive for in our interiors at Maison Sucre: spaces that feel refined and luxurious, yet remain warm, comfortable, and personal.
Stellenbosch: Space, Art, and Attention
While Cape Town is a source of energy, Stellenbosch and its surroundings offer tranquility. More space, more silence, and more attention to detail.
In Stellenbosch, everything felt gentler and slower. It was as if people there truly take the time to bring together quality, beauty, and hospitality. Perhaps that’s the influence of a region where winemaking has taught people, generation after generation, that the most beautiful things simply take time.
I found the La Motte Estate particularly inspiring. Not only because of the combination of art, architecture, and nature, but also because of the atmosphere of the estate itself. Ending a stroll through the gallery with some amazing pastries on the terrace—it was precisely that combination that made it so special. Nothing felt forced, and everything just clicked… that’s what I love!
Spier Estate also made a big impression. Of course, because of the wonderful wines and the estate itself, but above all because of the overall experience—the way the family behind Spier has woven nature, history, art, and hospitality together. We took a tour of the estate and through the vineyards on e-choppers, which lets you experience the surroundings in a whole new way. I highly recommend it, though personally, I’d plan that tour before the wine tasting 😉
As I drove around among the vineyards, I often thought about how special it would be to one day create a place where everything Maison Sucre stands for comes together naturally: living, staying, recharging, and finding inspiration.
What inspired me most there was that you’re not just visiting a beautiful place, but truly having an experience. Perhaps Spier inspired me not only because of what it is today, but especially because of what can be created when beauty, hospitality, nature, and experience are brought together under a single vision. Perhaps this place also planted the seed for a new chapter that we’re working on behind the scenes with a lot of love.
I incorporate all this inspiration and these ideas into my designs. Because, ultimately, interior design is never just about furniture or colors. It’s about how a space comes to life. How someone moves through it. How it feels to come home, welcome guests, or simply take a moment of quiet at the end of the day.
How Travel Inspires My Designs
Every trip sharpens my perspective. In Cape Town, I saw once again just how stark contrasts can be: the classic combined with the modern, tranquility alongside vibrancy, and sophistication with warmth.
In Stellenbosch, I was reminded of the importance of space, rhythm, and experience—and of how important it is for an interior to not only be beautiful but also to bring a sense of calm.
I incorporate this approach into every project we design at Maison Sucre. No interior design project starts with trends or square meters. It starts with the people who live there—their rhythm, their way of life, and their sense of home.
I don’t design for a photo or a moment on social media. I design for those evenings when everything comes together—the soft light and the tranquility of home when it’s time to unwind. That feeling that a space is just right…that, to me, is the essence of luxurious living.
An interior that truly suits you
Maybe you recognize the feeling. That a house has everything, but doesn’t quite feel like home yet. That there’s a need for more peace, more warmth, more balance. That’s exactly where our design process begins.
Not by following trends, but by listening. By understanding how someone lives, what matters to them, and how a home can become not just beautiful, but personal.
Because, ultimately, that’s what good interior design is all about: creating an environment where you feel seen, welcome, and at home.
“I travel to keep seeing new things.
"So that special places ultimately find their way into an interior that suits you."
From Inspiration to Your Home Decor
Every journey offers new insights. Not to be copied literally, but to be translated into an interior that brings a sense of calm, radiates warmth, and perfectly suits your lifestyle.
Are you curious to see what that vision would look like in your home?
You don't have to travel the world to find inspiration. Sometimes the journey toward a unique interior design simply begins in our showroom.
Are you curious about how your home can exude more tranquility, warmth, and sophistication? Schedule a no-obligation introductory consultation through our website. Make an appointment.
