Nestled in the secure, leafy suburb of Bedfordview, Johannesburg, Sohan House is a celebration of calm, comfort and curated sophistication. Surrounded by towering established trees that cast generous shade across the property, the home is set within a quiet, established neighbourhood that immediately evokes a sense of retreat.
From the outset, the natural setting inspired a design direction rooted in tranquillity and warmth – interiors that feel homely, grounded and deeply inviting.
a home designed as a sanctuary
The clients, both professionals in the demanding medical field, envisioned their home as a sanctuary — a place to escape the pressures of long hours and stressful schedules. With two young daughters and extended family living nearby, the house also needed to accommodate weekend gatherings, and serve as a welcoming space for extended family. So practicality was paramount and every space had to serve a purpose, balancing everyday functionality with effortless elegance.
La Grange Interiors’ co-founder, Sumari Krige is especially passionate about livable, yet elevated design, rather than showpieces and so this project was a natural fit for her – the creation of a home – a philosophy this project perfectly embodies. The brief called for interiors that felt modern yet timeless, layered yet relaxed — a home that would never date (another La Grange calling card).
creating flow and cohesion
Our signature textured finishes, curated antiques and bespoke furnishings was seamlessly combined with the client’s desire for comfort in a an effortless balance of function and aesthetics. As far as space was concerned, one of the defining qualities of Sohan House is its seamless flow. The consistent architectural finishes and unified earthy colour palette help here to create visual continuity as you move from room to room.
The entrance sets the tone. An oversized dome light, striking metal balustrading and a console table adorned with collected treasures create a sense of anticipation — as though the home is inviting you to discover what lies beyond. Accents of black punctuate the scheme, while layered textures prevent monotony. The result is a first impression that feels distinct yet connected.
earthy african tones and layered texture
Architecturally, the home continues in this vein with a serene and cohesive canvas. Terrazzo floors, light walls and integrated natural finishes establish a uniform and calming backdrop. Expansive aluminium doors enhance the sense of openness while inviting natural light to flow throughout the spaces. Against this understated foundation, Sumari layered materials such as wood, rattan, metal, ceramic and glass to create depth and tactile richness.
The palette throughout reflects our love for earthy African tones. Rusts, warm neutrals and soft natural hues form the backbone of the interiors, creating a cohesive and calming atmosphere. While the overall scheme leans toward an earthy palette, playful injections of colour appear in the girls’ bedrooms and playroom, where chartreuse yellow and soft green add vibrancy and joy.
Rugs play an essential role in anchoring each room. Carefully selected in generous proportions, they ensure all furniture pieces sit comfortably within their borders — reinforcing our belief in scale and proportion.
the power of scale and ambience
Scale is central to La Grange’s design philosophy – favouring fewer, larger statement elements that command attention and create cohesion over clutter. In Sohan House, oversized, comfortable sofas anchor the living spaces.
Custom-designed furniture was created specifically for this home, ensuring each piece responded to the architectural volume and proportions. This approach is particularly evident in the dining room, where oversized elements create intimacy within a generous space. Velvet dining chairs introduce softness and refinement, juxtaposed against rough textured exposed brick walls. Metal light fittings, designed and manufactured in India, complete the composition — a sophisticated interplay between the raw and the refined.
Lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the ambience of Sohan House. Beyond its functional purpose, lighting was carefully curated as a decorative and atmospheric element. Floor lamps, sculptural pendants and subtle wall sconces introduce layers of accent lighting throughout the home.
Mood lighting is integral to creating warmth and charm. By incorporating multiple light sources in each room, we achieved a sense of intimacy and depth that transforms the home from day to evening. Each fixture was selected not only for illumination but for its sculptural presence, adding another layer of visual interest.
a philosophy of timeless living
Sohan House encapsulates the evolving philosophy of La Grange Interiors — welcoming, timeless and quietly sophisticated. It is a home that encourages you to kick off your shoes and settle in with your senses satisfied. Layered yet relaxed, curated yet deeply personal, it reflects a lifestyle centred around comfort, family and enduring design.