Vivez Bien * Live Well

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Calm and Collected


 

  Hearing the stories from people who had to evacuate their homes because of the devastating wildfires in Cape Town recently, it was interesting to hear what items people took with them. In general, photo albums, laptops (because of the photos), personal documents, a few sentimental items and of course, pets and animals were the things that people loaded into their cars. It makes us realise that everything else we own is just material and immaterial in the bigger scheme of things.

 However, we were lucky enough not to be affected by the fire and my heart goes out to those families who have lost everything and have to start again. It must be so traumatic!

I had a good look around my house and tried to imagine, if I lost everything and had to start again, what would the things be that I would want to replace and it struck me that I would probably be happy with less than half of my possessions. When I came across this home on the web, I was struck by the calm and collected atmosphere that prevails. While it isn't minimalist, as such, it has a clean, uncluttered look that really appeals. If I was in the position that I had to start again - this is the look and feel I would go for. Walls left predominantly bare, the absence of knick knacks, just a few carefully edited pieces to give it a warmer feel. 

 

 I love the steel and glass front door with the inviting view inside,


While the living room is spacious and elegant, it still feels warm and inviting.

 

 It leads into the kitchen on one side and the entry hall on the adjacent side.

 

I love the simple lines of the staircase.


 The living room overlooks the patio, pool and pool room.


 A close up of the pool room. Love that fireplace!


 A beautiful setting.

 

 Back inside, the view from the entry hall into the dining room. I love that they have used the same flooring throughout most of the downstairs area.


This cosy room serves as music room and TV room and I imagine would be well used in the winter months.


A close up of the beautiful fireplace.


 Another TV watching area. Big screen and comfy sofa with slipcovers - perfect if you have children.


 The kitchen is simple and uncluttered. The slip covered bar stools are a good idea in a kitchen.

 

A close up of the range. The extractor is neatly hidden in the chimney hood. The combination of cupboards and open shelving is a practical solution.


 Here you can see the breakfast area with a view onto the patio. Such pretty light fittings used throughout.


 Adorable sink in the cloak room.


And finally, the gorgeous bedroom! 

I could live so happily in this house. How about you?

Till next time

Sharon x






Sunday, February 22, 2015

Baskets and Beyond



  It's no secret amongst those that know me that I have an unreasonable, possibly unnatural, obsession with baskets. I am inexplicably and irresistibly drawn to them in all forms, shapes and sizes. Imagine my excitement when I came across this picture below - a basket casket!  OMG   R.I.P.


When I showed it to my friend, Niki, her response was that something like that would probably need to be custom made which could take quite long, so perhaps I should consider getting measured up before I actually kick the bucket! Such a considerate friend! :)

 But.... back to the here and now and the many, many uses for baskets that I could come up with. (I have to justify owning as many as I do!)

 From baguettes to babies....



 From blankets to books...

 

 

 From picnics to puppies...



 From logs to laundry....



From crafts to cutlery....



From toys to toiletries....



From racquets to recycling



From music to memories....



From wine to wool....



 Yarn Storage.

From plants to paper....



From utensils to umbrellas...




From linen to loo paper.....



From phones to firelighters...




From hats to hair products...



From stationary to shoes ...



From towels to twigs....


http://funkyjunk.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/twig-pinecone-garland-0995.jpg

From nothing to everything....



So why not make baskets your best friends too?


Till next time

Sharon x

Image source: 1. Pottery Barn, 2. Unknown, 3. Google, 4, Barcroft via Daily Mail UK 5&6 Pinterest, 7. Google, 8. Pinterest 9. My Paradissi, 10. vtwonen.nl, 11.Decor 8 Blog, 12. Pinterest, 13. A Place for Everything, 14. Holding Company UK, 15. decandyou.blogspot, 16. Unknown 17. CD Storage Solutions, 18. lestissuscolbert blog, 19&20 Unknown, 21. Atelier Campagne via Gypsy Purple Home, 22. RR Antiques 23. Pottery Barn, 24 Polyvore, 25. A Bowl full of Lemons 26. How to get organised. 27&28 Unknown 29. ayseozler.wordpress, 30. Heart Haven Home blog, 31. The holding Company, 32. My Keep Calm and Carry on blog, 33. Wood Grain Cottage, 34. Funky Junk 35. Cote De Texas, 35. An Ordinary Woman.net 36. Pamela Pierce