Step inside Rolanda Marais’ Cape Town home

Actress Rolanda Marais and her husband, director Jozua Malherbe, found their Cape Town home almost by accident. They were renting nearby when the house went on the market. “We went to have a look at it and fell in love,” Marais said. That was all it took.

The home, nestled in the leafy Northern Suburbs, had spent eight years as a rental before the couple took ownership. Its bones were solid—clean lines, timber accents, and expansive glass—but it needed work. Instead of gutting it, they chose restoration over renovation, preserving its charm while updating what didn’t serve them.

The house that almost wasn’t

The entrance hall set the tone: wooden paneling gave way to glass, letting in more light, and a pink front door replaced the original. Outside, new decking extended the living space. But the kitchen became their biggest project. Outdated cupboards were ripped out and replaced with upcycled, painted boards. Oak countertops and new knobs finished the look.

“I would pin our success to working with the aesthetic and personality of a house,” Marais said. “It had a beautiful flow, so we didn’t have to break through any walls. We just gave it a lick of paint, screeded the floors, and swapped out the obstructive bits.”

The result is a home that feels both timeless and lived-in. The central double-volume space—combining kitchen, dining, and living areas—is her favorite. “As the sun moves through it, the light falls on different areas. It’s pure magic,” she said.

Color, comfort, and a little chaos

Marais’ style leans into bold hues and local craftsmanship. Walls feature works by Michael Taylor, Laurinda Belcher, and Francis Goodman. Cushions from Renée Rossouw add splashes of color. “As much as I love monochrome, minimalist spaces, I just can’t help myself,” she said. “Color makes me happy.”

Practicality rules where their four-year-old daughter, Charlotte, is concerned. Darker tones hide messes, and rounded furniture edges prevent bumps. “I want her to enjoy it as much as we do,” Marais said. “She jumps on sofas, builds forts, and we make Christmas beds for movie night. The house should feel like hers, too.”

The couple’s approach was less about perfection and more about warmth. Timber textures and vintage-inspired furnishings create continuity, while the open layout invites movement.

For Marais, the home’s appeal is instinctive. “Maybe it’s because I grew up in that era, or maybe it’s something from a previous life,” she said. “I don’t know. I’m just drawn to it.”