Cape Town: A Journey in Global Inspiration, Layered Luxury & Life-Changing Views

Flashback Friday: There are trips that shift your perspective—and then there’s Cape Town.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to explore this breathtaking coastal city, and let me tell you, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just make an impression… it leaves a lasting imprint. As a luxury interior designer based in Kennett Square, PA (with projects spanning Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA), I draw constant inspiration from global travel. Cape Town? She delivered—in spades.

Let’s start with the Westin. Our home base was a spacious suite with floor-to-ceiling views of the iconic Table Mountain. It was the kind of view that makes you take your morning coffee a little slower. The interiors felt like a masterclass in modern minimalism meets warm hospitality—an elegant lesson in balance, and a perfect example of how design can both ground and elevate an experience.

Art, Culture, and Color That Speaks

As lovers of layered design and meaningful storytelling, visiting MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary African Art) was a must. Housed in a converted grain silo on the V&A Waterfront, it was like walking into a beautifully composed material palette—bold, textural, rooted in history, but thoroughly contemporary. The way color, form, and cultural narrative came together here? Let’s just say I left with a few ideas tucked in my back pocket (and maybe a few in my sketchbook too).

Speaking of color—Bo-Kaap. The neighborhood is a visual exhale. Brightly painted facades, winding cobblestone streets, and architecture that whispers stories of Cape Malay culture with every step. It reminded me that color isn’t just a design decision—it’s a declaration. If you’ve ever struggled with committing to a bold hue in your home, Bo-Kaap will make you a believer.

Savoring the Slow Moments (and a 14-Course Dinner)

Now you know we don’t play when it comes to food—and Cape Town made sure we stayed well-fed and fully inspired. At GOLD Restaurant, we indulged in a 14-course traditional African dinner, each dish more flavorful than the last. From drumbeats to dance performances, it was a feast in every sense of the word. Much like luxury interiors, it was about more than “things”—it was about feeling.

At Cape Point Vineyards, we experienced another kind of richness. The rolling hills, the scent of the ocean on the breeze, and a wine tasting that turned into a soul-stirring afternoon. The vineyards gave “elevated outdoor living” a new meaning—one I can’t wait to translate into upcoming design work. Picture sculptural seating, layered textiles, and the golden light of late afternoon cascading across a dinner table set for twelve.

The Layers of a Life Well-Lived

We walked the historic paths of Robben Island, browsed African Trading Port for artisan-made treasures, visited the penguins of Simon’s Town, and breathed in the dramatic coastlines at Hout Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Every destination was a masterclass in contrast: vibrant yet serene, luxurious yet grounded—exactly the way we aim to design our clients’ homes.

What I love most about these trips is how they remind me of our clients—people who are doing the most, raising families, building empires, making time for memories, and ready to create a sanctuary at home that reflects it all.

Our clients crave that feeling—the one you get when you step into a world-class hotel suite and immediately exhale. The calm. The intention. The quiet sense of “this was made for me.” That’s what we deliver at Nile Johnson Interior Design. Whether we’re working on a historic home in Philadelphia, a new build on the Main Line, or a waterfront escape near Wilmington, we infuse every space with approachable luxury and a global point of view.

Ready to Curate Your Own Cape Town Feeling?

Let this be your reminder: you deserve beauty. Not just when you travel—but every single day. A well-designed home is more than a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing part of your story. If Cape Town taught me anything, it’s that the world is full of inspiration—but the most meaningful transformation always begins at home.

So if you're a design-savvy professional who’s ready to turn your home into a sanctuary (and sip your morning coffee with your own version of a Table Mountain view), we’re here. Let’s create something beautiful together.

Let’s Talk Design

From chic, layered interiors in Kennett Square and Wilmington to globally inspired luxury homes in Philadelphia, our team at Nile Johnson Interior Design specializes in crafting spaces that feel as good as they look. Our signature “approachable luxury” aesthetic blends comfort with sophistication—perfect for families, creatives, and CEOs alike.

Contact us today to explore how we can bring your dream space to life—beautifully, intentionally, and without you having to stress over a single detail.