Vivez Bien * Live Well
Showing posts with label eclectic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eclectic. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

French Eclectic in Johannesburg



This home belongs to a very creative South African couple who live here with their 10 year old daughter and a number of dogs . This conservatory with its gorgeous shutters opens off the kitchen.





The house is over 100 years old and the current owners spent a year restoring it. The rose garden is a riot of colour.

5016

The conservatory, with 100 year old French shutters, opens onto the vegetable garden.



The chandelier in the conservatory houses a real bird's nest!



The impressive staircase leads off the entrance hall. What a beautiful light fitting!



The beautiful silk curtains ate from the UK, the chandelier from the Czech Republic and the chairs below from Buenos Aires.





Daughter and dogs on the exuberantly coloured French sofa.


The main bedroom with beautiful French bed and chaise longue.


This beautiful glass door in the main bedroom was imported from Brazil.

I hope your enjoyed this tour of another South African home.


Till next time

 Sharon x




Source: here

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Decadent Grandeur



Whenever I see pictures of interiors like these, I can't help but imagine the lives of the people who live there.




I imagine them to be beautiful and sophisticated, witty and eloquent, but easily bored, especially by the humdrum of everyday life.



They might have titles, or at least friends with titles...



... and their lifestyles will be non-conformist, somewhat bohemian and slightly decadent....



They don't have regular jobs





...rather trust funds or wealthy benefactors....





They might dabble in the arts or the theatre.




Some of them have probably gambled away the family fortune which would account for the cracks and peeling plaster on the walls.


Their lives are filled with drama and they live on the edge.





There are tales of seduction and unrequited love.



They are hedonists....


...who indulge themselves lavishly.




They imbibe frequently and plentifully....



...to escape the boredom or the darkness that sometimes occupies their minds.




They generally eat out so their kitchens aren't for cooking...


...just slicing lemons for their G & T's...




...or nibbling on gourmet cheeses and imported fruit.



They always have a number of house guests, who they choose for their witty conversation and entertainment value.



They sleep till noon....


after a long night of parties.



They might start their day with a long soak in the bath....



....sipping French champagne.



Their homes are grand, with elements of decay...



...the fabrics are opulent velvets and silks, but often faded and worn.



There is beautiful art on the walls...



....and valuable antique furniture.


Their decor is eclectic...



...often including pieces obtained on travels to exotic places.




There are no decorating rules here.




Do you think there are people who live like this...







...or do I just have an overactive imagination?

Till next time

 
Sharon x

The amazing wall treatments in this image were done by
Leslie Sinclair's company Segreto. You can see my
blog post about Leslie's beautiful book here.

Other image sources: Eclectic Revisisted, Simple Everyday Glamour, Casa Decorada, House and Leisure Magazine, Indulge Decor Blog, Tumblr and Pinterest


Finally, it was not my intention to offend anyone who actually lives in these homes or to suggest that they live less than impecable lives. This post was just intended as a fun-filled fantasy. I should add that I am extremely envious of anyone who gets to live in such beautiful surroundings.