The Aesthete's Alphabet - N is for Neutral

 

 

As much as I love and appreciate colour, my default position always tends towards neutrals. I find them tranquil and soothing and easy to live with. They are also easy to decorate with because they all blend so beautifully. They don't shout at you, they don't compete for attention, they all just get along in harmony. Now, if only my kids could behave like that!

 

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy....

 



Wishing you all a happy week ahead. I will be spending some contemplating O is for.....

 

Till next time

 

 

Sharon x

Image source: 6. L'Ambience, France 9. Veranda 13 Pam Pierce, 16 Via LL Interiors 17. Via Stinemos Blog 18. Via Trouvais 22 Via Linen and Lavender, 23 Velvet and Linen  All other images via Tumblr and Pinterest

Lovely on Leisure Isle

 

 

 

My siblings and I recently went up to Knysna to celebrate my dad's 85th birthday. We left spouses and kids behind .... it's amazing how much free time you have without them.... and one afternoon drove around Leisure Isle picking out our holiday/retirement/future homes. My sister found this one for me and it couldn't be more perfect! She clearly knows me well. 

 

The low stone wall, the pale blue/grey shutters, the wide verandah, the French doors, the corrugated iron roof... I love it all.

The garden is kept simple with lawn and lavender and the view across the lagoon is just perfect.

It's probably just as well that it was all closed up with nobody home or I might have embarrassed everyone by knocking on the door and asking to be shown around the inside.

I will just have to create my own interiors. The colours used inside would have to reflect the exterior hues, subtle shades of grey, blue, lavender, mustard and stone.

The kitchen would be rustic and homely with space for family and friends to gather.

The dining area would be causal and inviting with a large table and lots of seating. 

Rustic details, natural elements and lots of texture would be evident..







The living area would feature a mixture of wood, wicker and linen and a large fireplace would be a necessity. 



The colour scheme will continue into the bedrooms where comfort will be the top priority.

There would need to be quite a few bedrooms so family and friends could be easily accommodated.



 

A big dormitory for the boys and their friends will be the most practical solution.

 

Bathrooms will be kept simple and low maintenance, perfect for a holiday home.

 

And finally, because I'm a blogger, a little corner with a desk would be a must.

 

 

So there you have my dream holiday house on Leisure Isle.

 

Have a great week.

 

Till next time.

 

Sharon x

 

Image sources:house - own photos,  kitchen - via Casa Decorada, dining area via Décor de Provence, Rustic table via Tumblr, Wicker Chairs via Tumblr, Living Room via Charming Spaces on Tumblr, bedroom1 via Tumblr, bedroom 2 via Décor de Provence, kids bedroom via Josephine Ryan, bathroom 1 via Charming Spaces, bathroom 2 via tumblr, study via Charming Spaces

 



From Dreary to Dreamy

This weekend retreat in Colorado is a perfect example of how changing the wall colours can completely transform a space. This pretty cabinet flanked by two chairs is in the entry way of the home.

This living room with its yellow walls and very imposing stone chimney breast was badly in need of an update.

The interior designer, Jessica McIntyre, has been so clever with her choice of colours in this home - mostly neutrals with a touch of blue every now and then.

Somehow the yellow walls made these beams in the dining room seem oppressive. With the lightening of the wall colour below the whole room gets a lift.  

The kitchen with its blue range and red and yellow walls and brown/beige tiles was just a "mish mash" of colour with no cohesiveness.

The only changes are the wall colour and the tiles behind the blue range, yet what a transformation!

 

The breakfast room area here looks small and poky.

Now totally transformed by paint - what a pretty room. The art is a faded tobacco label on a wooden panel.

Here is the master bedroom before which looks rather dreary with its flat brown walls.

 

Transformed to light and airy.

Furnishings are kept simple.

The TV room with its sloping ceiling, yellow walls and brown carpet looks very unwelcoming.

 

The small window was replaced by this gorgeous reclaimed barn door. The ceiling is painted a few shades darker than the walls making it disappear. This combined with the light coloured flooring make this room seem spacious and airy - a far cry from what it was.

So here's to the POWER OF PAINT!

Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: here