Vivez Bien * Live Well

Sunday, March 10, 2013

The New Pam Pierce - Yes or No?



You have probably all seen the issue of Veranda featuring Pam Pierce's redesign of her home. I have been corresponding via email with a reader on the subject who though it might be a good idea for a post. The reader in question was somewhat disappointed with Pam's new direction and  I am going to stick my neck out here, and have to say, I agree with her. While Pam's design skills and talent are certainly not in question,  and I can understand that she wants to progress in a different direction, her new style is not entirely to my taste! Up until now I have been completely smitten with most of her interiors, but the contemporary elements included in her new design are just not my cup of tea! 




While I can appreciate the Eames chair and ottoman as a design classic, it is not a piece of furniture that I would want in my home. Some of you are probably horrified?



I personally find this dining room table and chairs too stark and contemporary - better suited to a boardroom than a dining room, imho.


I loved this previous incarnation of her dining room.


While I don't mind this new version on her living room  too much ... I so much prefer the previous versions below! (Not a big fan of the Wiggle chair.) 










The tulip table - also not for me, I'm afraid. I do like the addition of the interiors shutters, which don't seem to be in the previous interior below and that fireplace still remains one of my favourites ever!


I love everything in this previous version of this room, except the tulip table. 



Her new kitchen! The island leaves me cold, I have to say. It might be more at home in a restaurant kitchen. I'm pleased to see that she has kept the worn wooden beam and some of the warmer accessories like the old bread boards and cow head (or is it a bull?)



I was completely enamored with her kitchen when it looked like this!




Here, the lovely folding shutters have been removed and those beautiful wooden cupboard doors painted and given new handles, but this island is much prettier than her latest one.


I like her new bedroom, although I think curtains would make it a but warmer. I like the bed, love the chair and the chest of drawers next to the bed. I couldn't find a picture of her bedroom in it's past life so don't know what changes were made.



I also couldn't find a picture of her guest bathroom so I don't know what changed here either. I don't mind this one, although it is a little too "all - white" for my taste. 


Finally, her guest room - this is gorgeous - I wouldn't change a thing!  I wonder if she would have me to stay ............ probably not after reading this post :)

I think I would still happily have Pam travel across to South Africa to redecorate my home, but I would insist she reverts to more of her old style and the Wiggle chair, Eames Chair and tulip table can all stay behind.

I would love to hear your views.

Till next time

Sharon x


Image source: Veranda Magazine, Pam Pierce, Cote de Texas.


Sunday, March 3, 2013

In Blue and White



 Whenever  I see pictures of blue and white china, I am reminded of two blog friends who both share this passion - Tina of The Enchanted Home and Jennifer of Belclaire House. So this post is for you two lovely ladies!


Blue and white china is so versatile. It goes beautifully with earthy tones and rustic finishes...



... combines perfectly with antique furniture...




...is wonderful for alfresco dining...



...can be used in bedrooms and bathrooms...



...can be practical or decorative, depending on your needs...





....can be formal or casual....








...is so elegant in a dining room...



...and is perfect for mixing and matching.






I thought it would be fun to include these more casual versions which are so pretty!









Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1. tumblr 2. Casa decorada 3. Zsa Zsa Bellagio 4. Tumblr 5. Tumblr 6. Tumblr 7. pinterest 8. Tumblr 9. Zsa Zsa Bellagio 10. Tumblr 11. Simply Pix 12. Veranda 13. House Beautiful 14. The Collection. fr 15. Tumblr 16. Skona Hem 17. The Blue Room Lady  18. Crush Cul de Sac 19. The Fuller View 20. The Little Corner 21. The Vintiquarian 22. Trisha Troutz 23. Francesco Lagnese photographer 24. Tumblr 26. Simply Pix 27. Tumblr 28. Bees Like Honey


Sunday, February 24, 2013

Some Rust Required



Give me something old and rusty any day above something shiny and new. When we were renovating our home a few years ago, I was a constant source of amusement to our builders. They installed a shiny metal balustrade of which they were very proud, and were horrified when the artisan arrived to apply his special technique to make it look rusted, weathered and worn.

 Nearer the end of the project, after looking around for a long time for a suitably aged and weathered surround for our letterbox, I resorted to buying  a new one. My builders, now used to my quirks, suggested I leave it in the swimming pool for a couple of weeks to get the desired look!



The patina of a rusty surface, has so much more character, i.m.h.o., than a shiny new one. 




I am particularly fond of rusted bits and pieces in the garden. They look perfect against a green backdrop.
















Touches of rust inside the home also add interest and warmth.







































So are you shiny and new, or old and rusty like me?


Till next time

Sharon x


Image source: 1. Casa Decorada, 2. Roses and Rust, 3. Veranda, 4. Pinterest, 5. Moonlight Rainbow Tumblr, 6. Pinterest, 7. gardenworldimages. com, 8 & 9. Tumblr 10. Dying of Cute, 11. This Ivy House 12 & 13 Pinterest, 14. Rustic Crafts Chic Decor, 15. Pinterest, 16. The Bella Cottage, 17. Rustic Meets Vintage 18. shopdfo.com 19. Etsy, 20. Source Unknown 21 & 22. Tumblr, 23 & 24. Casa Decorada 25 & 26. Tumblr, 27. Pinterest, 28. Simple Everyday Glamour