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Flipping Johannesburg’s Home Transformation in collaboration with Innovus.

Oct 23, 2024 | News

Sonae Arauco South Africa recently partnered with Steve Baron from Flipping Johannesburg for an exclusive renovation project in collaboration with Moremi Kitchens in Johannesburg. As a rising YouTube sensation in the renovation space, Steve has been able to showcase his impressive expertise in property transformations to a broader and growing audience of design enthusiasts and house flippers. 

Steve was also gracious enough to sit with our team and provide an insightful look into the renovation process, and how Sonae Arauco’s flagship brand, the Innovus decorative products collection, was able to offer the perfect decorative solutions and the journey from concept to completion.

From concept to completion – Steve Baron’s renovation journey

Steve has undoubtedly made a name for himself by turning rundown properties into stunning homes. Not only does he set aside time to film, edit, and release videos, but he also has a full-time job renovating and flipping homes to juggle on top of it.

Yet despite the hectic deadline and even less downtime, Steve still manages to finish his renovations on schedule while documenting each aspect of his project for his growing audience of over 100,000 subscribers. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the renovation unfolded

1. Initial planning and design

Steve shares our belief in the mantra that “The kitchen is the heart of a home.” 

“I always say kitchens and bathrooms sell a house, which couldn’t be more true. For this project, we started by meeting with the Sonae and Moremi Kitchens teams to brainstorm ideas once the structural changes were complete. The vision was to create an open-plan space that maximised functionality while embracing modern design trends.”

During the design phase, Steve follows a structured approach to ensure the renovation meets both aesthetic and functional goals.

Since Steve purchases, renovates and sells the properties himself, he takes full ownership of the vision and decision-making process. This includes conducting site assessments to evaluate structural changes, such as those seen with Moremi Kitchens after the initial demolition.

Steve works independently to brainstorm and refine design ideas, determining the style, colour schemes, and layout options that will enhance the property’s appeal to future buyers. Once the design is finalised, he coordinates with suppliers to order materials, ensuring that all components meet his specifications. He then plans and oversees the installation, ensuring a smooth execution of the project.

The initial design discussions were crucial. Steve and the Sonae and Moremi Kitchens teams reviewed ideas for layout, style, and colour schemes. Collaboration is key for all parties involved. 

“We brainstormed about the style and the look and feel we wanted. The team provided valuable input, suggesting features like an island or peninsula to enhance the kitchen’s functionality.”

2. Creative solutions for Small Spaces

One of the challenges was working with a smaller kitchen space. Steve noted, 

“We had to get really inventive with the space. It was about optimising every inch to fit all the amenities while keeping the kitchen modern and flowing seamlessly,” notes Steve.

Innovative use of space was a key element of the project. Steve emphasised creative solutions to integrate storage and multipurpose functionality, ensuring the kitchen was both stylish and practical.

3. Selecting finishes and materials

When choosing the décor, Steve highlighted the collaborative effort: “We had a few options from the Innovus collection, and it was a discussion of what would work best with the existing theme of the house. We initially thought of a white finish with wooden accents, but eventually, we went for a three-tone approach with Castle Grey, Pure White, and Medieval Oak.”

Castle Grey – Finish: STU / SIL / TT

A sophisticated, muted hue that combines subtle tones of grey with a touch of warmth. This finish enhances textures while providing a modern, elegant look. Ideal for a variety of applications, it balances contemporary style with timeless charm, making it versatile for both residential and commercial spaces.

Pure White – Finish: SIL / TT

A clean, bright hue that exudes freshness and simplicity. This finish offers a crisp, modern aesthetic, perfect for enhancing light and creating a sense of openness. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of design styles, from minimalist to classic, ensuring a timeless appeal in any setting.

Medieval Oak – Finish: SIL / TT

A rich, warm brown that evokes the rustic charm of aged wood. This finish showcases deep grain patterns and a textured appearance, adding character and depth to any space. Ideal for traditional and transitional designs, Medieval Oak brings a sense of history and timeless elegance, perfect for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

Together, these finishes offer a harmonious blend of contemporary and classic elements, suitable for a range of spaces.

4. Managing the renovation process

Steve shared his approach to handling renovation delays and unexpected issues.

“In the renovation industry, delays are inevitable. I’ve learned to manage expectations by planning for them. It’s about staying calm and problem-solving as issues arise. Over time, you develop strategies to handle these challenges effectively.”

He also emphasised the importance of thorough planning and coordination: “A well-organised timeline and clear communication with carpenters and other renovators are crucial. It’s about managing all the moving parts and adapting as needed.”

5. The final reveal

The completed renovation of Project C is a testament to Steve’s perfectionism and attention to detail. His excitement over the completed project was palpable. From an abandoned home to a “cottage style beaut,” Steve once again handed over the home to the estate agents and once again set off for his next project.

Watch the transformation

Watch the latest episode showing the before and after of the house flip: link to episode 4: https://youtu.be/8bfQ8J_kNmk?si=aYT_rBjJKLLhywBb 

For more updates and inspiration, be sure to follow Flipping Joburg’s YouTube channel and witness how modern trends are transforming home design.

For more information on the Innovus decorative products collection and where to find it, visit us at https://sonaearauco.co.za/.

Visit our various partners and affiliates:

The Building Centre, The Kitchen Specialist Association, The Green Building Council, and The African Institute of Interior Design Professions