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

Interior Styling | Vintage Benchseats

When it comes to dining areas both indoors and out, I like the idea of mixing a benchseat in with the chairs. I know they can be impractical, if say you're in the middle of a dinner party and someone sitting smack bang in the middle needs to get up to use the restroom! But hey, they do look great, and for that reason alone they are worth considering. 

I started out with the intention of sharing all kinds of benchseats but when I began to pick out the ones I'm coveting right now from my Pinterest boards they all ended up being of the vintage variety. I just love the look of rustic wood, especially in contrast to clean, white interiors. Often seen in Scandi-style spaces this versatile piece of furniture works well in different areas of the home. I'll show you how...

At the dining table a benchseat fits in nicely with an eclectic mix of chairs and stools and also adds warmth to an all-white canvas. 

Placed in the entryway a benchseat comes in handy as a place to pop your things and somewhere to sit when putting on your shoes! In hallways and living areas in general, benchseats make a nice alternative to the occasional chair. Add a simple cushion or luxurious sheepskin for texture. 

The one below with trestle legs works well as a low level table in a corner of the living room. An easy DIY option perhaps?

This next example is one of my favourites. Strictly more of a console table than a benchseat due the height of the legs, I love how it fits behind the sofa on the edge of the gorgeous rug. Simple styling with a plant and a few objects placed on top completes the look.

Easily transferable from dining table to lounge, benchseats provide extra seating when necessary. 

The bedroom lends itself perfectly to a benchseat, especially when placed at the foot of the bed. 

Lastly, why not place a benchseat in the bathroom? Shown here next to a fabulous freestanding bath, it provides the perfect home for soaps, candles and a towel. 

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I've tracked down a couple of vintage benchseats from local online retailers:

www.vintageonline.co.nz
www.cintesi.co.nz

I would also recommend checking out two of the best vintage stores around, Mr Bigglesworthy and Flotsam & Jetsam. If they don't have a benchseat you are after, they may be able to source one for you. 

You'll also find plenty of options on the online auction sites ebay and trademe. 

The best thing about sourcing vintage and second-hand finds is that you can often pick yourself up a bargain!

Interior Styling | Oversized Mirrors

The last time I wrote about mirrors they were of the round variety for my Circles in the Home post. Lately I've noticed that oversized mirrors have been grabbing my attention, for all the right reasons. Perfect for adding scale, I love the drama and illusion of space that they create. If you have room for one, then I say go for it. Living rooms, hallways or bedrooms provide the ideal place, and the bigger the better! Leaned up against the wall in a casual style, that mirror will shine! 

For classic Scandinavian styling, you can't go wrong with simple frames in black or white. Pretty detailing like on the one above stands out against the white-washed background and minimalist surroundings. 

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For a vintage look or shabby chic style, rustic gold, metallic silver or distressed frames are perfect. 

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Natural wood frames are also lovely, and the one above is my favourite. Photographed for the February 2013 issue of Elle Decoration UK, the London home belongs to Karine Kong who runs the online store and blog Bodie and Fou. I'm a big fan of Karine's gorgeous styling and this is why. I love what she has done where with her oversized mirror, layering a couple of empty frames in front, adding the 'Sweet Dream' on top and hanging the chunky rosary beads and cross from the corner. 

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A great way to add a pop of bright colour to your interior, and an easy DIY project, paint the frame or the edge of the mirror. Notice how in the one above they've also painted the top of the skirting board in orange neon. What a cool idea! 

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Homes to Inspire | Sea, Sun & Style

Happy 2013 my friends! I hope you all had a fantastic New Years. We had a fun night with friends and family and then two gloriously sunny days spent chilling out at home and at the beach. I just love this time of year. My list of post ideas is growing, so I really hope I can get back into regular blogging soon. There's still several more weeks left of school holidays but I will do my best to keep up. 

The discovery of this gorgeous home couldn't have come at a better time as it screams summer, which is exactly what I was looking for. As you know, I love nothing more than the simple, clean style of Scandinavian interiors, but every now and then I find it refreshing to look outside of this aesthetic, at something completely different but equally inspiring. So that's what I was doing when I came across the incredible home of Heidi Middleton who is the co-founder of one of my favourite fashion labels Sass & Bide. 

Located in Palm Beach, North of Sydney, this 1940s house resembles an Italian terraced villa with white stucco walls and original floor to ceiling windows. As a fashion icon who describes her style as “intuitive, nomadic, contradicted, spirited, modern and free” Heidi injects all of this and more into the home she shares with her husband and two daughters. With stunning views across the bay, not only is it basking in sunlight, it displays breathtaking sunsets at dusk. While they have carried out some small to medium sized renovations, there are plans for bigger changes, including the addition of another floor.

The kitchen and dining area features a stunning mix of stone, stainless steel and rustic wood. I am seriously considering a mirrored splashback for our new house after seeing this. I also love the large dining table and bench seat. 

An eye-catching collection of brightly coloured objects and textiles are on display throughout the home. 

Outdoor entertaining never looked so inviting. 

Heidi's daughters are lucky to have such a stylish Mum, don't you think? That is one impressive jewellery tree! 

The bed is covered in a mix of Sass & Bide and vintage accessories which Heidi pulled out for this shoot. Plans for a new bedroom and walk in closet "cannot come fast enough!" says Heidi. 

The reflection in the mirror says it all! An over-the-top chandelier hangs above a minimalist bathtub, demonstrating Heidi's talent for mixing different styles.  

I spy... a Rachel Castle print... looking fabulous alongside an amazing door and beautiful animal-hide rug. 

These photos were taken by US-based fashion consultant and casting agent Natalie Joos, who spent an afternoon at Heidi's home last year. Pop over to Natalie's blog Tales of Endearment to see the full house tour and more images of Heidi showcasing her incredible sense of style. In Natalie's words "I am amazed at the ease and confidence with which she dresses. She has the natural ability to make any garment look cool – it’s a gift". A gift that clearly extends to interiors, it's little wonder Heidi's home has so much flair.     

All images via http://talesofendearment.com