Meet Xavier Saer - a talented Peruvian photographer that is very well known for his portfolio of South African celebrities and hotel interiors. Xavier recently renovated his bachelor penthouse in Northcliff into a modern and functional space complementing the incredible views; when you live in Johannesburg where thunderstorms are shows from another world, you are definitely fortunate to have a view like this. We take you on a tour of Xavier's lock up and go penthouse where he chose Cemcrete finishes as the blank canvas for creating this stylish space.
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We chatted to Xavier about his Cemcrete finished home:
How would you describe the style of your home? "I designed my home to fit my lifestyle. If I had to describe it, I would use words like minimalist, uncluttered, modern, and functional. I travel a lot, so I need a home that is easy to maintain, expresses my signature style and breathes the colours, furniture and details that inspire me." Why did you choose Cemcrete floor and wall finishes for your home? "A home must be a canvas before you start decorating it. It ought to look beautiful just as a “shell.” Once you have the basics, and the basics work, then you can slowly start adding items and features that compliment that. So my first choice for flooring was naturally Cemcrete. I love texture in flooring and I wanted all the floors to be the same, so that the apartment felt like a canvas with a sense of unity. The concrete wall was the perfect accent the room needed as one walks through the door; a dark wall balancing the bright floor gave a sense of balance, of ying and yang, while also providing the room with a touch of modernity among the ancient Chinese antiques, some dating hundreds of years back." What Cemcrete products and colours did you choose and why? "For the floor, I chose CreteCote White. I wanted a bright space in summer and winter. The sun reflecting on the floor keeps my home very warm in winter and it is the perfect colour to highlight my dark antique furniture." "For the off-shutter concrete wall in the lounge I chose CemPlaster in a natural cement colour, Pavilion Grey. The lounge flows into the Colour Hardener Grey patio outside, creating a sense of oneness to both spaces. What is your favourite characteristic of a cement finish? Texture, texture, texture! Your home is your canvas; might as well start with the right look and product. Any tips for prospective homeowners when choosing finishes for their homes? "Know your style. Express your style in everything you use in your home. Let a home be an extension of your lifestyle. Choose finishes that are durable, won’t age with trends and raise the value of your property. " I love the natural texture of Cemcrete, how easy it is to maintain and that it raises the value of my property." View the full Home Tour gallery here.
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