A Passion For Proteas

Until quite recently, I wasn't a big fan of proteas. I felt that they were a bit fuddy duddy, not as cool as lillies or as pretty as roses. (Probably a bit unpatriotic since they are South Africa's national flower!) But all that has changed....I'm not sure if proteas have become more trendy or if I have become more fuddy duddy, but I can't get enough of them now.

When I decided that I need a light and bright painting to liven up this dark corner of my south facing dining room - an extra large king protea seemed the way to go. It then seemed appropriate to put some gorgeous king proteas in vases to seal the deal. What do you think?

I decided to do some searching on the web to see what others ways I could introduce proteas into my home if I was so inclined. This is what I found.

      

Protea fabric from Hertex....

Handpainted proteas on curtains by African Sketchbook...

Beautiful protea bowl by Mud Ceramics....

Embroidered napkins via My Pretty Things.... 

Exquisite bronze sculpture by Nic Bladen...

Table linen featuring pincushion proteas by Fynbos Finesse....

Ceramic protea candle holders via O.live....

Decorative metal protea via Mooi Goete....

Wooden Proteas via Millk...

Ceramic proteas by Michael Haigh....

Protea fabric via Constantia Fabric....

Brown paper hanging light via Hello Pretty...

Beautiful protea painting by Alma Horn

By way of atoning for my previous dislike of our national flower, I'm pleased to say that all these items featured above are proudly South African made!

Staying on the subject of proteas, one of the reasons they great make such a great cut flower to have in your home, is the versatility in arranging them. Have a look at these ideas...

A rustic arrangement in a wooden box...

Casually placed in a bowl....

A sculptural arrangement with echeveria and orchids....

Single blooms placed in urns....

Or in a simple glass jar...

In an antique wooden bucket...

A contemporary arrangement in an oblong vase...

A beautiful arrangement featuring a few different types of proteas... love this!

My favourite - a simple basket full of proteas.....

And finally, they can even be used in a christmas wreath.

So much to love about proteas.

Till next time

Sharon x

The Aesthete's Alphabet - Z is for Zinc

I started my Alphabet series in January this year. I can't believe that's it taken me almost a whole year to get through it. It has mostly been fun, but there were days when I wondered why I started it! As all bloggers know, sometimes it is easy to come up with new material and other times, it feels like pulling teeth! One of the things that always puts me back on track is when I get comments from readers like these: 

Hi Sharon,
I just love your blog...all the beautiful images. Sometimes when I need inspiration I scroll back through your lovely posts and my spirit lifts.
Thank you for all the gorgeousness you dish up to us!


OH MY GOSH!!!!! You have made me LOVE yellow again......I think the "sunflower era" of several years ago, which I initially loved, and then grew very tired of when is was so overused..... made me steer clear.....but...with your examples...you have breathed new life and sophistication into this golden shade....I'm going for a "walk" through my home to see where I might use it!!.......Thank You......

Sharon,
This "yellow" post made me happy. I loved the rooms you've selected (as always) and the subtle use of the color still had a huge effect on each room where you only see a few accents of the color. What a fun year it has been with your alphabet series. Z? That will be interesting, but I trust you have some great ideas.

And the comment that gave me the idea for today's post...

What about ZINC, as in the beautiful ZINC pitchers and pots I love so much for your last alphabet post? Thank you for your wonderful blog! I have so enjoyed the alphabet. I really enjoyed the yellow decor. I recently painted my living room a beautiful grey and I put a yellow hutch in the room. Beautiful contrast of colors. Thank you for so much inspiration!

I am so appreciative of all your comments and emails! Without these it would feel like each post I publish is just going into a big black hole!

On to today's post....zinc. It isn't really a material that springs to mind when thinking about interiors. It's origins date back as far back as the 13th century, and it is still used extensively in industry. When used in homes, it has tended to be very much for utilitarian purposes, until more recently when its popularity has emerged in decorating trends such as vintage, shabby chic, Belgian and industrial inspired decor. It has a down to earth, honest appeal, devoid of bling and ostentation, which is why it appeals to me. 

It can be used for a multitude of purposes....table tops for example....

.... cupboard, shelves and desks....

....storage....

...mirrors...

....bathrooms....

....kitchens...

....on your patio...

....in the garden...

...and finally, zinc for Christmas. Yes please!

And that, my dear friends, concludes The Aesthete's Alphabet. I hope you have enjoyed it. I will be back soon with something new.

Till next time

Sharon x

Images: 1. Atelier de Campagne, 2 & 3 Decorpad, 4. Voolis.com, 5. Elle Decor, 6.Decor Steals, 7-9, Restoration Hardware, 10. Eclectic Pause, 11. Factory20.com, 12. Restoration Hardware, 13. Kate's Creative Space, 14. Pinterest 15. Susan Cohan gardens, 16. Farmhouse Musings, 17. Deborah Silver, 18. Tone on Tone, 19. Hydrangea Hill Cottage, 20. Tumblr, 21. Decorpad, 22. A Happy Habitat, 23. Plum Sienna, 24. Pinterest, 25. Cote De Texas, 26. Decorpad 27. Zabello Design, 28. Decorpad, 29. Eloquence, 30. Atelier de Campagne, 31 Pinterest, 32. Restoration Hardware, 33. Trove Trading, 34, Sophie Conran, 35 - 40. Pinterest.