The Aesthete's Alphabet - X is for X-Factor

Well I finally settled on a topic for X, thanks to a reader who suggested it .... this was her input... 

"The "X" factor..the "je ne sais quoi" that distinguishes so many of your design choices from mere decor...you do it so very well. It could be your piece de resistance...those rooms or design elements that just "speak to your soul" for some inexplicable reason......"

I have to also thank Margaret from Australia for these fantastic ideas...

               xenodocheionology....... love of hotels
               xylophilous.......fond of or growing or living on or in wood

               xanthous.......yellow coloured

               xerophytic.........adapted for a hot dry environment 

 Who knew??

Onto the X-Factor - not the TV show - not a big fan of that,  but I do love "The Voice". Do you watch it? What a great show! The contestants are so talented, the banter between Adam Levine and Blake Shelton is really amusing and Pharrell Williams is just so nice, I think I would like him to be the godfather of my children. No disrespect to the current godfathers though some of them are a bit slack. (You know who you are:)) 

I seem to have gotten a little sidetracked there.... sorry! 

Looking through my mountain of photographs to determine which rooms qualified for the X-Factor seemed insurmountable, so I decided to limit it to living rooms. 

There are rooms that just have that really special something that put them into the category of extraordinary. It's not always easy to say why. The dimensions and proportions definitely have something to do with it, the finishes and architectural details are also important. My taste definitely tends towards the muted and subtle as you will see by my choices. An antique or two often helps, a beautiful fireplace or another focal point is necessary, art or accessories create interest but it is the way that the room is put together that sets it apart.

These are the rooms that "speak to my soul" as my reader so eloquently put it......

So those are my nominees for the X-Factor - what do you think? 

I'd love to know what creates the X-Factor for you.

Till next time 

Sharon x

Images via : 1. Passion Decor, 2. Fable and Flame on Tumblr, 3. Blue Room Lady on Tumblr, 4. Velvet and Linen Blog, 5 Vicky Dar blog, 6. Casa Decorada Blog, 7. mmmarly on Tumble, 8. Casa Decorada Blog, 9. Particular Poetry on Tumble, 10. Unknown, 11. Casa Decorada Blog, 12 & 13. Dying of Cute on Tumblr, 14. Charming Spaces on tumblr, 15. Unknown, 16. Ty Larkins, 17. Evelyn Moreels

Shopping at Vintage - Etc

Hello to the faithful readers of my blog and welcome to any newcomers! I am still thinking about my next alphabet post....but I'm pleased to report that I'm a few steps closer to an idea for "X" thanks to some of my very creative readers, so don't give up on me!

In the meanwhile, I thought I thought I would address the topic of shopping. I get numerous emails from readers about where they can find the various items of furniture they see in the beautiful homes I feature on my blog. As these homes are from all over the world and I often have no idea where the owners have done their shopping, I can't always provide the info you want, but I can help by letting you in on some of my shopping hotspots!

One of my favourite places for finding those items that fit into the Roses and Rust style is a Cape-Town based shop called Vintage-Etc. 

They have a great selection of furniture and accessories for almost any room in your home.

 Let's start with the heart of the home, the kitchen.

I had this picture on my blog sometime back and a number of readers commented on the island. If you are looking for an island along these lines....this is what you could find at Vintage -Etc.

Mmmm...very nice.............and well-priced!

How about some kitchen storage something like this...



...or this....



....look no further.... This is what Vintage - Etc can offer.

Perhaps you would prefer a French inspired kitchen like the Garnier one below....

Vintage - Etc have this beauty available....

Perhaps you are thinking about updating your bathroom.... these are some of the bathrooms I have featured previously...

.....you would need to look no further than Vintage - Etc for these gorgeous vanity units

....and this cupboard would be great for storage in your bathroom....the prettier things in the top half and the less attractive items in the bottom half....perfect!

For these and other fantastic buys, both furniture and accessories, visit Vintage - Etc in their new premises at  The Building Centre, Platinum Drive, Northgate Estate, Ysterplaat, Cape Town or visit  their website. The link is also on my sidebar.

Have a happy week further and some good shopping. My next post will definitely be "X" is for .......... after which some more shopping tips might be in order while I think about "Y". 

Till next time

x Sharon

A Colourful, Cheerful Home

In my last post, I told you to expect some stalling..... the X part of my alphabet has me somewhat stumped! If I wait long enough, I could do X for Xmas as one reader suggested! In the meanwhile, while I patiently wait for inspiration to strike, I have a lovely house to show you.

Based in Marbella, the house is owned by a Swedish couple, and is an interesting combination of serene Nordic whites mixed with the more colourful hues of Spain, with a French influence thrown into the mix.

I am usually a fan of neutrals, but as we are entering spring here in South Africa, and our gardens are coming to life again, a colourful palette seems appropriate at this time of year. The colour is cleverly added through the scatter cushions and other accessories and could easily be changed. I particularly love the pair of mirrors behind the sofa.

The solid table with its carved pedestal is a nice contrast to the elegant Gustavian chairs. The beautiful beams in limewashed grey give the room a light and airy feel.

The all white kitchen adds a Scandinavian touch to the home and is softened with touches of wood and wicker.

The bedrooms are more subdued. This one has dark grey walls providing a welcome respite from the bright Mediterranean light. I really love these curtains!

This would be a lovely spot for a cup of tea and a good book.

Wishing you a happy week and feel free to send your suggestions for X. (Thanks for those I've already received!). 

Till next time

Sharon x

Images via El Meuble