15 questions for Misi Overturf

1. What makes you jump out of bed every morning?

The idea that I can create something new and meaningful every day.

2. What is your morning routine?

I like to meditate in my garden and feed my chickens and animals before I grind fresh coffee and have a cup. If I can incorporate a walk or a stretching exercise, that's a bonus. I try not to slavishly reach for my phone in the morning. I organise my thoughts for the day then tackle what is on the agenda.

3. What got you into interior design?

Ever since I was very young I have loved beautiful spaces and the effect they had on me, whether it was inside or outside or in a house or elsewhere.

4. Your favourite project so far?

On In die Sop we really had fun at the Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert — it is one of a kind. Furthermore, I am involved in Newinbosch, a new development outside Stellenbosch that I have been working on for three years and the developer for seven years. I am styling the show homes and the development has just become the first in South Africa and Africa to achieve a 6-star green award.

I am also working with its owner on pepping up the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl.

5. How do you approach a new project?

I always start with a thorough understanding of the client's needs for the space. After that, I follow a creative and strategic process, including research, planning and collaboration with the client to achieve the best results.

6. Which overseas publications do you read regularly?

Architectural Digest, Elle Decor and House Beautiful. I love the British magazines — the old English style appeals to me.

7. What is your superpower?

My superpower is my ability to intuitively understand what a space needs and how to transform it in a functional way.

8. Who would you swap lives with?

I would love to spend a day with (now deceased) Zaha Hadid. Her visionary approach to architecture and design is extremely inspiring.

9. If you could choose any painting, which one would it be?

“Flowers", an 18th century painting, The artist is unknown and it is in the Rijksmuseum.

10. If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be and what would you cook for them?

Antoni Gaudi, Frida Kahlo and Elvis Presley. There will be cold sparkling wine, definitely Genevieve MCC, and tapas that will make the table groan.

11. Can you share five interior design tips with us that you believe in?

1. Use natural light: Let natural light flood into your space to create a warm atmosphere.
2. Mix textures to add dimension and interest to your design.
3. Be functional.
4. Personal touches: items that are valuable to the client, such as heirlooms.
5. Balance and harmony: Ensure that the furniture and especially colours are in harmony to ensure tranquillity and homeliness.

12. How important is your own taste when it comes to designing a space?

My own taste serves as a guide, but I always put the client's preferences and needs first. The goal is to create a space that reflects their personality and style.

13. What excites you when you walk into someone's home?

I get excited when I see someone's personality in their space. It's magic.

14. Do you have training, or is it instinct, intuition, talent and personality?

It is a combination of training and natural instinct. I have formal training in interior design as well as a degree in consumer science majoring in food, clothing and housing. All the lifestyle sciences are important to me, but my intuition and creative sensibility play a big role in my work.

15. If you got R15 million now, what would you do with it?

I would set up a palliative care unit, as I see it.

♦ VWB ♦

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