Monday Musings - Less is More

I find, as I am approaching my half century, I have more of a desire to declutter, pare down, simplify. I want to own less stuff, I want a more steamlined wardrobe and I am drawn to more simple, clean lined and under-furnished interiors. Don't get me wrong - I will never be happy living in a contemporary minimalist, all hard edges and bare surfaces type of environment. I love antiques, I love old oil paintings and mirrors, I love furniture, objects and surfaces with patina and I love imperfection. 

I just think that a beautiful piece of furniture or object looks so much better when it has room to breathe. I found these images from the website of American designer Katrin Cargill to illustrate what I mean.

I like the idea of keeping the colours subtle and rather using texture to create interest.

While these spaces are quite sparsely furnished, they are defnitely not cold. Warmth is introduced through the wall treatments, softly draped curtains and subtle colours in the soft furnishings and rugs.

I love the contemporary table and server combined with the opulent chandelier and sconces.

There are no curtains and very little wall adornment, yet this space looks so cozy!

When those shutter doors are closed, this space will instantly look decluttered!

No paintings or mirrors, just beautifully textured walls.

This bedroom must have been quite difficult to furnish with all those windows. Placing the beds in front of the windows, with the window almost creating a headboard for each bed - genius. I love this room.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Till next time

Sharon x

Source : here

Monday Musings - Perfect Portals

There's something about a garden gate. It gives us a taste of what we can expect to find beyond it. It is full of hope and promise. I hope the week ahead is full of hope and promise for you too!

Till next time

Sharon x

Images : 1. The Vintiquarian, 2. Via Simply pix 3. This Ivy House 4. Via Pretty Stuff 5, 11. Via Gypsy Purple Home 6, 19, 22. Via Dying of Cute 7. Via Crimson Dunes 8. Via Chez Loulou 9, 12, 14, 18,20,21. Via Tumblr  10. Via Particular Poetry 13. Via Eva in the Garden 15. Via Ivy Clad 16. Via French By Design 17. Via Casa Decorada

Bishopscourt Beauty

I haven't shown you a South African home for  quite a while, but I'm sure you will forgive me when you see the lovely home I'm going to show you today!

It is situated in the upmarket suburb of Bishopscourt in Cape Town. I have a friend who lives opposite this home and I have admired it's front facade for a few years. I often wondered what the interior was like and finally managed to track down some photos of it. It doesn't disappoint!

Twin console tables flank the front door.

The front entrance leads straight through to the veranda and garden. An antique table, and French sofa and Persian carpet are used to furnish this space.

The doorway to the left of the pretty mirrored armoire on the right leads through to the kitchen and family room.

The kitchen is so attractive with it's blond wood and pretty cabinetry.

Did you notice the ceiling with its rough beams and the beautiful chandelier?

The living room and dining room have doors leading onto the veranda and garden.

The upstairs lading is furnished with a dark wood bookcase and occasional chairs. Notice the pretty ironwork on the balustrade.

The upstairs sitting room is comfortable and inviting in shades of white and cream.

So many beautiful details in the master bedroom. 

The cupboard with its frosted glass panels, hides the TV.

The luxurious master bathroom, also with French doors leading outside.

A very lucky little girl sleeps in this gorgeous bedroom!

This bathroom has a freestanding bath with a narrow shelf along the wall to hold bathroom essentials.

A similar bathroom, this time with the bath placed in the corner.

A departure from the neutral colours in the rest of the house, this guest bedroom is dramatic in black and white.

The veranda is comfortably furnished and boasts beautiful views of Table Mountain.

I love this garden with it's checkerboard paving and pretty water feature.

This home has such fantastic indoor/outdoor flow with almost all the rooms having access to outside through lovely French doors.

A sunny spot next to the pool. Doesn't that look like a good place to spend an afternoon?

The garden features mostly green and white and looks gorgeous against the mountain backdrop.

The driveway is so attractive with verdant beds and splashes of white.

And finally, the pretty front gates with lavender on either side that first caught my eye.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Till next time

Sharon x

source : here