Silent Night
Written by: Mandy Allen
Algria Ferreira-Watling Christmas scheme
Matt textures, layered tablescapes, and whispers of earthy colour provided by nature make for a serene Christmas setting in Algria Ferreira-Watling’s Cape Town home
A bleached-out palette, raw finishes, and an aesthetic that borders on the monastic are the hallmarks of this captivating home in Cape Town’s central and historic Tamboerksloof neighbourhood. What makes this sanctuary-like habitat even more remarkable—given the complete absence of bright colours or lustrous textures—is that its owner, Algria Ferreira-Watling, is one of South Africa’s most in-demand make-up artists whose portfolio of clients includes Solange Knowles and Charlize Theron.
It would be fair to assume that someone in the business of “painting faces,” as Algria refers to her artistry, would have a predilection for colour as well as materials and objects underpinned by a glamorous artifice. But Algria has always had a rebellious spirit, manifesting not only in her professional signature typified by a look that is pared-down, fresh, and innately edgy, but also her instinctive rejection of trends, mass consumerism, and aspirational yearnings.
Bare walls in bone and grey hues, original wooden features that have been sanded down and left unvarnished, a limited but meaningful selection of personal effects and decorative objects displayed in thoughtful vignettes, as well as low-key luxuries in the form of candles that perfume the air with notes of amber and gently worn pure linen throws, all culminate in a whole that is effortlessly layered and emotionally affecting.
Algria’s aesthetic bathroom
Algria’s minimalist nature of the bedroom and the gentle filtered light.
Algria’s aesthetic bathroom
Algria’s minimalist nature of the bedroom and the gentle filtered light.
freestanding staircase leads to son Dax’s bedroom
The source of Algria’s inspiration can be traced to her childhood, “I come from a poor background. We didn’t have material possessions, but there was always so much love,” she explains. “I work in an industry founded largely on traditional notions of beauty and consumption, but I’ve never desired ‘things’. My dream was only ever to live with my family in a modest house that had a feeling of tranquillity. Why would I desire a palace when what I have is perfect?”
While Algria purposely keeps the house in a state of visual consistency throughout the year, Christmas brings with it the occasion to create a seasonal atmosphere for her husband, Derek, son, Dax, and close friends and family—a mood that is festive while staying true to her serene aesthetic. No flashy store-bought trinkets or tinsel here; no pine or fir in the corner of the living room; no table centrepieces composed of roses, poinsettias, or hydrangeas.
Instead, the customary tones and accouterment are substituted by the muted greens and otherworldly forms of fynbos (indigenous shrub and heath) and woody herbs displayed as free-form wreaths, floating in repurposed clear glass bottles holding elegant taper candles, and as aromatic flourishes on gifts that have been wrapped simply in white or brown Kraft paper and finished with twine.
Algria Ferreira-Watling
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