DRESSING TABLES - Indulgent or Indispendable

A dressing table adds a touch of romance and glamor to any woman’s bedroom. These pieces of furniture are coming back into fashion as women seek more elegance in their lives. Akiko Busch, in her book "Geography of Home" refers to a dressing table as "a place to indulge one's fancies and compose one's soul." 

Dressing tables originated in 18th century France. They were called ‘toilette’ or ‘toilet tables’ because women used to wrap their cosmetic items in a small, square linen cloth (the toilette) before they put them in a chest.

Although very popular in Victorian times and in the early nineteenth century, vanities went out of fashion somewhat in the somewhat tasteless nineteen-seventies because of the emphasis on minimalism and practicality.

There are many different types of dressing tables to choose from when decorating a bedroom. Large, draped, kidney-shaped tables are very luxurious and can look wonderful in the right setting. Antique Victorian or French tables are very popular at present. Some have elaborate mirrors and beautiful carvings. A simple table with a standing mirror can do the job equally well. 

The mirror is probably the most important part of their dressing-table and good lighting is useful to prevent make-up faux pas! 

A dressing table is often a highly personal place where special cards, photographs and other treasured momentoes are kept.

I love this image mostly for the beautiful reflection in the mirror - is it Paris, do you think?

 

This kidney shaped, skirted dressing table was very popular when I was a young girl. I think it was called a "Dolly Varden" My mother had one and I remember a drama when she had just had it recovered and my sister spilled a whole bottle of nail polish over it! My mom walked in and found my sister on her knees praying at the side of the bed! :) I can't remember if the prayers helped or not.

If your bathroom is large enough, you can always place your dressing table there.

 

A mirrored tray holds perfume bottles and flowers.

A tray filled with pretty containers is used to organise make up brushes and other beauty paraphenalia.



Vintage silverware is beautiful on a  dressing table.

 

I love a dressing table and have had one in my bedroom since I was a child. I like the ritual of  sitting there in the mornings before I face the world or getting ready for a night out. Are you in favour of a dressing table, or do you just do your titivating in the bathroom mirror like many of my friends?

Till next time

Sharon x

Images: 1. Eclectic Revisited 2. Google  3. Design Chic   4. Belclaire House  5. Style Handler  6. Coastal Living 7. Laura Casey Interiors  8. Let your Creativity Flow   9. Country Living   10.  Google  11. Martha Stewart  12. Pinterest  13. Shades of Grey  14. The Ardent Sparrow  15.  Google   16. Google   17. Tumblr   18. Tumblr  19. Tumblr  20. Honeycomb Creative co 21. Tumblr  22.  Google  23. Tumblr



Hout Bay Home

I have recently shown you a couple of lovely homes in South Africa. Here is another which is situated in Hout Bay, which is a seaside suburb of Cape Town. The house has a very open-plan, casual feel, perfect for holiday living.

The exterior of the home has a definite Mediterranean feel while the interior has a more eclectic style.

I love the putty colour of the walls mixed with the blue of the shutters and the green of the climbers. Notice the scale of the front doors.

The inside view of the beautiful reclaimed front doors. A Victorian hall stand stands on the left while ....

.....a bowl filled with ostrich eggs on top of an antique kist is on the right - a very South African touch.

Beautifully shaped mantle over the wood burning stove. The red on the cushions and the table in the background really stands out amongst all the pale colours.

The mass of cushions on the sofa invites one to sink into it and put one's feet up on the weathered and over-sized coffee table.

My favourite part of the house is this conservatory like extension that houses a stone topped table and French park chairs.

Here is the room seen from the outside.

And the view back into the living room with the open plan kitchen on the right.

The kitchen island on the left and range cooker on the right.

Marble topped surfaces and confit jar filled with utensils.

 

The bedroom is comfortable and inviting in subtle neutrals.

Comfortable wicker in front of the fireplace on the veranda.

Another exterior view to illustrate the pretty colours.

I hope you are enjoying seeing some of the homes from my country.

Till next time.

x Sharon

Image source: Here

The Abbey

The Abbey is a "home from home" guest house in Johannesburg, South Africa. The owner, Simone Mungle, has been in the decor industry for many years and is probably most well-known for her shop House and Homewear, which she has since sold. This guest house is her new venture and she has decorated it in an interesting mix of Colonial, French and English country home style. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

The Union Jack rug was specially made for her using old oriental carpets.

Masses of books add colour and interest to the shelves.

I love the collection of tureens on the mantel and the beautiful Persian underfoot.

There are beautiful rugs in every room.

I love the trophies, vintage wire basket and the African touch with the buck towel hooks.

The Verandah has a very Colonial feel with the Kudu hunting trophies flanking the fireplace and the reed ceiling.

So do you think you might like to stay here? I know I would!

Till next time

Sharon x

Source: Abbey Guesthouse

French and Simple

This home remains one of my favourites. It is situated in the Somerset West area, close to Cape Town. South Africa.  It is so simply and tastefully decorated by the owner, a single mother, who lives here with her 2 children. She has a beautiful shop in Somerset West where she sells antique silver, glass, china and other lovely bits and pieces. I believe she is also an artist - clearly a multi-talented individual. Take a look at her lovely home.

I love the exposed brick in the open plan kitchen.

 

Open shelving display oil paintings along side vintage crockery.

I love the juxtaposition of this weathered and rustic table and the beautiful French chairs.

Comfort and elegance combined.

Again, luxury combined with rusticity (is that a word?)

I love the white painted floorboards and the bed with it's beautiful feminine curves.

Open plan bathroom with free-standing bath

Cute daughter and puppy on the "stoep"

Thatched roof, pergola, cement pots, french doors, large table  for outdoor dining - so much to love

The owner picking fresh herbs from her garden

So do you also love this home or is it just me?

Till next time

Sharon x

Images via House and Leisure magazine, South Africa