Homes to Inspire | Natural Beauty

I stumbled across this unique home late last night and was intrigued by the architecture and interior style. This morning I couldn't wait to look at it again with fresh eyes (after my coffee fix) and I have to say I'm pretty smitten. Located in Cape Town, South Africa, it was designed by Chilean architect Antonio Zaninovic. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape and forest reserve of Table Mountain nearby, natural materials such as concrete, bricks and bamboo have been used in such a way as to mimic the structure of a tree. The resulting family home which is deceptively spacious and easy to live in, resembles that of a contemporary glass-box tree house. 

Turkish designer Yelda Bayraktar took on the interior project, in collaboration with the owner Jo Springthorpe, a fashion editor. Predominantly white with lashings of green and an abundance of wood give the home a fresh yet earthy feel, further connecting with nature and the beautiful outdoors. Vintage textiles, African design pieces and a mix of original mid-century modern furnishings make for some wonderfully vibrant spaces. Gorgeous plants and colourful artworks add the finishing touches. 

Clearly a surfing family, the indoor/outdoor spaces provide an idyllic lifestyle. 

The white Tulip Chairs designed by Eero Saarinen in the kitchen look great against the concrete and wood.

Such superb styling! I love the rug, greenery, vintage touches and photographic art. 

More green in the bedroom, expansive glass, and a lovely outdoor spot.

There's definitely a relaxed, holiday feel to this home which is so appealing. If you'd like to see more, there are some additional images on the architect's site. While you're there check out some more of Antonio Zaninovic's work. It's pretty spectacular! 

Images via casavogue.globo.com

Homes to Inspire | Modern Findings

Here we are, Friday again, and what better way to end the week then with a fabulously inspiring home. This was one of those random finds that caused my eyes to pop when I took in all the incredible images. Belonging to the blogger behind Modern Findings, a site dedicated to showcase personal collections and all things mid-century modern, this home is a shining example of how amazing mid-century design can look, when executed well. 

Adding to the impeccable styling, you'll notice that in every room are plants and rugs, providing splashes of greenery and bright colour. 

White walls and concrete floors provide the perfect canvas for an amazing collection of furniture, artworks and homewares. On Modern Findings, you'll find a full House Tour, room by room, including photos showing the house when it was empty. A few minor changes have been made, such as with the staircase. Wooden floorboards have been added to the top of each stair and the handrail painted black. Very clever - I'm certainly taking note!

I love the mix of Scandi and Japanese style homewares, like the black and white cups and teapot. 

Spot the design classics! Eames, Acapulco, Louis Poulsen.. the list goes on. That cactus pop plant is insanely cool and the Tivoli radio is on my wishlist for our new house. 

Simple white shelves in the kitchen showcase an assortment of lovely mid-century homewares, while subway tiles add a bit of texture. 

These images are all taken in the bedroom, one of my favourite rooms. There is a lovely sense of balance and proportion and I really like the ethnic touches. How gorgeous are those hanging plants?  

A bright blue framed poster makes a big impact here.

If you're a fan of mid-century modern, then you can also check out Modern Findings on Tumblir, where you'll find a constant stream of gorgeous images. Fantastic for Pinterest addicts, I'll be joining you for some pinning very soon! 

All images via http://cargocollective.com/modernfindings  

Before I go, I just wanted to say have a lovely long weekend, if you're in Auckland or Northland. Monday is our Anniversary Day and we're very lucky to be heading up to Omaha tomorrow - my favourite beach, north of Auckland - to stay with friends at their beach house. I do however have a post prepared for Monday, so I'll see you then! 

Homes to Inspire | Passion for Pastels

If you've been following this week you'll have seen my post on Colour Tools. I mentioned I'm crazy about pastels right now, so I thought this pastel themed home which I spotted in Urbis would be a great one to share today. 

Located in Melbourne, this mid-century modern home is the project of interior designers Hecker Guthrie. Although it was architecturally sound and had plenty of character, the owners wanted to make changes to the interior layout and finishes. By simply knocking out a few walls, they achieved the open-plan-style living they desired whilst maintaining the integrity of the original house. Oak flooring and a fresh white palette has provided an ideal canvas to add colour, in this case soft pastel shades. Wishbone chairs in mint and lavender, pink and blue Eames elephants and dusky coloured stools are some of the key pieces of furniture that feature throughout.

The white and pastel theme is further enhanced by earthy tones in the living area and pops of neon on the kitchen shelf.



The Wishbone chairs work equally well in the office. I love the choice of mint here.

The beautiful artwork in the dining area adds contrast to the gentle colour scheme, and depth to the space, while metallics add texture. I love these pendant lights!

Touches of marble, wood and greenery add texture and definition to the all white kitchen. 

The white-washed exterior provides a striking entrance to the home. 

To tie in once again with the Colour Tools feature, I've used photoshop to extract the pastel shades used in the home. Which is your favourite colour? 

I absolutely adore the combination of white, wood and pastels. With the addition of designer furniture, beautiful artwork and homewares in neutrals and shimmering metallics this is definitely a home I'd love to live in! 

Homes to Inspire | Sydney Stunner

When I first spotted this cool Sydney pad in Living Etc magazine I was instantly smitten. It was featured quite some time ago so I was really happy I was able to track it down on housetohome, the magazine's website. Built in the seventies, it's wonderful to see the original woodwork has been retained. The pink and white theme works beautifully against the warm brown of the wood.



The house has a great layout with an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. Modernised with limestone worktops and splashbacks, the kitchen is one of my favourite rooms. The blackboard wall is also a handy feature for shopping lists or creative fun!

The living room is a light-filled space with beautiful mid-century furniture like the Danish armchairs and George Nelson lamp. I love the use of black and white, especially the framed photographs, ceramics and rug.

A set of classic Eames chairs are paired with a beautiful blackwood dining table from Australian store Spence & Lyda.

I want this graphic artwork. I mean seriously, isn't it stunning?

Loving the hot pink cowhide and bus blind. More gorgeous retro furniture. Swoon....

The bedroom is given a fresh update with white shutters and eye-catching bedlinen. Another lovely touch of pink with a bedside flower completes the look. 

The wood and concrete theme continues in the bathroom with the vanity and marble floor. The Moroccan style mirror adds ethnic flair. 

I just love how everything has come together in this home. Seventies retro mixed with design classics, modern elements and personal touches. What do you think?

Seen in Livingetc. All images: source

Homes to Inspire | Mid-century modern in Malibu

There is so much to love when it comes to mid-century design and this iconic beach home in Malibu ticks all the boxes. Created in 1956 by Craig Ellwood, a master of mid-century modernism, in association with Jerrold E. Lomax, the home was recently restored after many years of neglect. 

I love seeing the preservation of mid-century architecture. Proving that good design doesn't date, this house is just as contemporary and relevant today as it was when it was designed and built over 50 years ago.  

The gorgeous mix of black, white and timber in the living room is so striking. Carpet has been replaced with cork flooring, creating a clean and simple surface for the designer furniture which includes rosewood Eames chairs, a Paolo Piva ‘Alanda’ coffee table and Laverne International 1950s footstools and curving armless sofa. 

It's great to see that the original brick and timber of the house has been retained. I love the contrast of the sideboard against the darker wood panelled wall.... 

....and the gorgeous patterned rug in the media room which was inspired by the exposed brick wall.

Sweeping ocean views and a stunning outdoor area with pool and cabana complete this mid-century masterpiece. 


Seen in Inside Out | Photo credit: Richard Powers