Along the way, a gallery-like display of cherished artworks – from a stunning portrayal of the Maasai way of life by African wildlife artist Daniel Njoroge to a black-and-white oil painting purchased at a garage sale – showcases the couple’s love of art.
“The only piece I would question is this one of myself. It was my husband’s choice,” says Ms Savage, gesturing to a photograph of herself as a model. The couple have been together for 24 years.
A skylight on the second storey lets in abundant sunlight and moonshine, bringing to focus the Sur Le Nil wallpaper from French interior design company Pierre Frey that wraps the staircase landing.
“I’m really into ancient Egyptian motifs. I call it a past life. With all that history behind them and how they have been reinterpreted, they are still symbolic and relevant.”
On the left is a well-stocked bar and dining area that doubles as a casual family space and to the right, a luxuriously large kitchen. “We entertain a lot and love the open-door policy where anyone can just pop in,” says Ms Savage.
Vistas are maximised in all areas and both spaces house common elements, like gold finishes on cabinet doors and crisp black-and-white diamond patterns on the cowhide carpet that mirror the criss-cross detail in the ceiling. The same ceiling treatment can be found in the living room downstairs.
“It acts as a decorative surface and brings drama to a room,” she adds. Bespoke bar cabinets bookended with a whimsical Christian Lacroix-designed Maison De Jeu fabric quite literally depicts the house of cards, while a bespoke sculptural sofa covered in washable velvet from Pierre Frey and adorned with Podevache x Christian Lacroix cushions lend luxe and artistic touches.
Outside, the balcony – complete with an edible garden, fountains, outdoor seating and furniture – serves as an open-air invitation to catch the sunrise or sunset. Formal topiaries and hedges give weight to the Art Deco architecture’s bold, dominant forms.
“We wanted to bring the house to life with a garden in the sky – a haven for bees, birds and butterflies,” says Ms Savage.
Her obsession with animal prints and eye-catching patterns stem from an innate connection with her birthplace in Nairobi, Kenya, which extends to monochromatic applications dominant in her home and wardrobe.
“I’ve always been drawn to zebra prints. As for my outfits, it’s always black and white with pops of colour. I just love that contrast and juxtaposition. I often find myself buying and acquiring things with zebra prints,” she says.
When it comes to her aesthetic pursuits, the founder of A Life by Design, a branding, storytelling, design and content creation agency, has long been influenced by her mother.
“My mum always wanted to be an interior designer, but it wasn’t the ‘done’ thing in those days. She was always so creative – she hand-painted pineapples on the kitchen tiles in one of our homes,” says Ms Savage.
Having honed her architectural and interior design skills after more than a decade in modelling and entertainment, Ms Savage has witnessed the transformative and emotive power of design. She has made it her mission to tailor spaces to her clients’ personalities without compromising on style.
“To me, interior design is about embracing a growth-centred life that aligns to your values and aspirations – a life by design – and expressing it in a physical form.”