MacKenzie creates a space that reflects her personality

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FORMER head of interior design at the Port Elizabeth College Therina MacKenzie shares her favourite room of her Mount Croix home with La Femme this week.

Although she is no longer directly involved in design – she is now the registrar for planning and research at the college – MacKenzie's love for art still shows all around her home.

She bought a dilapidated Edwardian house and, with the help of her husband, Brian, has given it "a new lease on life", opening up spaces and bringing in light.

The living area of her Mount Croix home is her favourite. MacKenzie say she loves the room as: "Most of the work has been done by ourselves using recycled, upcycled and found materials for the picture and mirror frames and furniture."

For example, the yellowwood coffee table was bought as a kitchen table and then later its legs were shortened to make it a coffee table.

"It is a very calm and restful space and can entertain large groups of people," she said.

"It is also nice to be surrounded by objects we have searched for, found and made ourselves."

These include the driftwood, sea shells, an antique wash board and more.

My style: Quirky, whimsical, beach farmhouse with a classical slant.

On my decor wish list: Turning my spare bedroom into a craft workroom.

Best colour : Taupe – it's classical and works fantastically with any other colour, which makes seasonal changes easy.

Pet decor peeve: Swag and tails curtains.

My decor indulgence: I have so many! But probably throw cushions – I can't resist beautiful fabrics. I change my throw cushions seasonally – it immediately perks up a room and gives it a new look at minimal cost.

Favourite character: I love reading – so I have a new favourite character every week. I am inspired by intelligent, strong-willed and individualistic women. - Balisa Ntloko