Vivez Bien * Live Well

Sunday, August 14, 2011

A Beautiful Beach House

This house, overlooking the beach on the west coast of South Africa, has long been a favourite of mine. It was decorated by well known South African decorator, John Jacob Zwiegelaar.



I love the giant clock casually leaning against the wall. Although in my house, it would have been knocked  over long ago!

According to Zwiegelaar, this is not a ‘decorated’ house. It was really all about procurement and he spent two years hunting for items that were reminiscent of the happy childhood summers the client had spent on the once deserted beach. The holiday home had to suit its setting as well as a client who appreciated the provenance of the objects around him.


 

A lovely double volume space.



The cream, stone, blue and grey echo the colours of the seascape.

 

A casual arrangement of Proteas.



I love the open fireplace.


Dried "fynbos" in wicker baskets - so simple. I  think I might copy this idea.


 
 

The main bedroom and open plan bathroom occupy the upstairs space.



A fireplace in the bathroom is such a luxury.


I love the exposed trusses and light fittings.


This looks like a lovely spot to relax with a cup of tea and a good book.






A glass of South African red wine enjoyed while looking at the wonderful beach view - heaven.



Because you patiently scrolled through all these pictures, I'm going to reward you with another West Coast beach house. This one is more modest, but absolutely charming.


House and Leisure magazine describes the house as follows "Situated in an idyllic setting on the West Coast, Morning Tide is a perfect weekend hideaway for exhausted urbanites seeking pared-down luxury. The open plan living space and kitchen invite constant interaction among guests. Soft comfy sofas, cushioned loungers, and two ample dining areas create an atmosphere where lounging and socializing happen naturally. The bedrooms are beautifully appointed in weathered woods, shell chandeliers, and Josephine’s signature duck-egg walls. An occasional burst of soft red enlivens the space, breaking the easy feel of the predominantly neutral color palette and lending a sense of warmth. As the home is in a conservation community where electricity is scarce, “come sundown, candles and paraffin lanterns provide flickering holiday light” Come experience the magic."






I am completely in love with that red light fitting!














Till next time


Sharon x

Images source 1st house : www.johnjacobinteriors.com/
2nd house: http://www.josiehemingway.com/interiors/view/3

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Opulent Minimalism

I like things! There, I've said it! I love browsing in shops and markets. I am a collector and a gatherer and I am the first to admit it. However, I find that I am more and more drawn to pared down interiors; rooms that are sparsely furnished and accessorised.





I love rooms with bare wood or stone floors and roughly plastered walls, furnished with just a few, beautiful antiques and carefully edited accessories. I call it "opulent minimalism".







This is definitely not to be confused with the contemporary minimalist look that is all about chrome and glass and sharp edges and boxy furniture! That look is the complete antithesis of what I love.




Rooms that have beautiful proportions and interesting architectural details don't need a lot of adornment.




A few French antiques are all that is needed, upholstery must be in vintage linen or plush velvet.




Windows are left unadorned.




An air of romance presides and aged patina is a must.






Walls are left mostly bare.



 
The few pieces in the room must make a statement.



Old books and interesting artifacts are all the accessories that are needed.




Beautiful and elaborate sconces and chandeliers create the required opulence.



A beautiful canopy bed needs only a small and simple side table.

Gilt fits perfectly with this look.




An exotic and elaborate piece of furniture creates interest.


No clutter is allowed



I think this type of interior requires quite a lot of discipline? Discipline that I'm not sure that I have! Do you?


 
 
 
Till next time
 
Sharon x

Images via: Pinterest, Cote de Texas, EuroAntiqueMarket, Eclectic Revisited, Veranda, Simple Everyday Glamour, UKTV, Pure Provenance.



Friday, July 29, 2011

Strangely beautiful or just strange?

Lately I have come across some images that I find somewhat odd. The kind that you look at and say "seriously?"  I thought, for fun, I would share a few with you.



The first is this living room. I love this room. It has lovely features and beautiful proportions. I love the ottoman, the floors, the mirror and the fireplace. But, I have to ask.... is that the best way to hang the beautiful chandelier?




And then we have this study. I love the rustic trestle table used as a desk, I love the upholstered chair, the lantern and the lamp, but that imposing bison head?!?




Then this kitchen - a beautiful light, spacious and airy room. I love the red Smeg fridge. But .... ( I'll bet you are thinking I'm going to ask about the wisdom of the car on the wall..) I'll admit, it would not be my choice of art, but I can see it's appeal. No, the thing that I find disturbing is the table. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine table, but it seems to be missing a front right leg?!? Isn't that weird? How on earth does it balance?




A lovely pendant lamp or lantern would have been my choice for this pretty room. That upside down boat just gives me that sinking feeling!




I have no words....
(I wouldn't choose this even if I was backed into a corner!)




I have seen this picture a few times and I really do find those chair legs disturbing. Is it just me? I think I would feel like I was sitting down to dinner on my dog!



I would love to hear what you think.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Till next time


Sharon x

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Linen Love

My dear blog friend, Colette, from the beautiful blog La Brocanteuse, had a bad fall recently and broke her leg and her foot. She has to recuperate with her leg elevated for 8 weeks, which must be so frustrating for her! If you follow her blog, you will know that she is the queen of beautiful old French linen. It is not only her business, it is her passion and she is hugely knowledgeable about the subject. In fact the very magazine I referred to in my previous post, the August issue of House and Leisure, includes an interview with Colette on vintage linen! I thought, to cheer her up, I would find some pictures of beautiful linen, some old, some new, but all lovely. Get well soon, Colette!


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Wishing you all a wonderful week.

Till next time

Sharon x