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Property of the month Simply Superb - Jayne Wunder's home

This is my home,' says Jayne, 'and I strive to create an atmosphere of timelessness and serenity. I regard decorating as an opportunity to create an emotional experience.'

Judging by what she's achieved in the evolving transformation of her home, Jayne's certainly onto a winning formula.

Somewhat sheltered from the infamous Camps Bay wind while sufficiently elevated to allow the magnificent views that make the area so sought-after, the house is also elegant, practical and comfortable. And this is visible from the entrance.

The pivotal front door is an unusual feature, not only because it was designed by celebrated artist Cecil Skotnes and his son John, but made even more dramatic by the curved wall which leads to it. 'The interior is very obviously an extension of the interior,' says Jayne, and this is evident in the striking note of continuity carried through in the structure of the house and the design features it enhances, like the curved wall which is immediately reintroduced in the entrance hallway.

'I've chosen the luxury of simplicity rather than the luxury of opulence. I work with colours and designs and patterns every day so when I'm at home I relax in the peace and order of the minimalistic surrounds,' explains Jayne.

Tranquility is further enhanced as the entrance hallway bypasses a lavender and citrus-rich courtyard with a water feature which almost sings a welcoming note as its focal point. Jayne designed the water feature herself, and got Murray-Rabie and Associates in to do the landscaping. The abundance of lavender that clearly thrives here adds another dimension to the senses of sight and smell, and is testimony to what can be achieved in a small space.

The lounge area, flanked by the courtyard on one side and the outside entertaining patio with plunge pool on the other, is comfortable and inviting. The sofa and occasional chairs are upholstered in various appealing fabrics. 'All the fabrics are various textures of linens, which are particularly suited to our local climate,' says Jayne.

From any position in any room or area of the house, any of the Camps Bay views are a feature: from the Twelve Apostles and Slangkop above Llandudno in the distance, to Lion's Head and a side view of Table Mountain and the upper cableway station – and of course, the beachfront and sprawling coastline.

'My pet hate is when clients can't see the need for dimmer switches on their lights. I definitely recommend that all light switches should be installed with dimmers. It's imperative to create mood lighting. Lighting can also make a focal point of a painting, a wall, an ornament or something special you want highlighted,' Jayne explains, pointing to her evolved collection of objets d'art collected on her regular travels. 'These pieces all have their own dignity and add an individual touch that is accentuated with subtle lighting. It makes such a difference.'

Jayne first got a taste for interior design while travelling extensively in her early 20s. 'I was exposed to incredible interiors,' she says, adding that she draws her inspiration from 'the mood and soul of the place and its potential'.

Not surprisingly, Jayne worked with the existing architecture to decide on a direction for the interior style. 'The basic shell of the structure was very good, making it easier for me to bring my individual taste and personality into it.' The bulk of her renovations focused on changing all the finishes, opening up the kitchen area, redesigning the bathrooms and changing the entire exterior. She opted for solid limewashed oak floors without ripping up the existing tiles. 'It's not necessary to remove tiles – you can install floors on top of existing floors,' claims Jayne.

More alterations are in the pipeline, but for now Jayne is serene in the space she has created for herself, her partner, family and friends.

Jayne Wunder's Design Philosophy

• Do it correctly the first time: realise your long-term vision or goal and work towards that. Interior designers could save clients an enormous amount of money by knowing and recommending how to achieve the long-term goal or vision from the start. • Don't compromise on quality as this will cost more in the long term. • Don't be afraid to mix pieces or styles as this will often create a different look or another focal point. • Don't follow trends as they date easily; rather use trends to create fun changes or use a trend to accessorise a seasonal look. • Original pieces should be collected and treated as assets. • Worst design features: lighting without dimmer switches.