A magical 160 year old home in Cape Town

As soon as I spotted this 1854 Cape Dutch home (located in Montagu, Cape Town) featured in Visi, I knew there was something magical about it. And when I read the story, I realized I was right. As the homeowners tell it: "For a year before we started renovating, I spent every weekend sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the empty entrance hall. It was important to do this, because only then did I hear the house. I could hear her breathe. I could hear the creaking of the wood, the sounds the pipes make, how the wind whispers through the rooms and where she ached. And in doing so I realised that ours would have to be a historical renovation; it wasn’t so much what we wanted the house to be but rather what it should be." You can read the rest of the story here. (Photos: Micky Hoyle)

Click to read more ...

Lavishly French

Essentially the opposite of my last post which was modern and minimalist, this home is about as grand, lavish and French as it gets! The French Rooms is available as a location space through lordshippark.com and is two rooms occupying the reception floor of an imposing Victorian villa. Furnished with the finest French antiques, opulent fabrics and exquisite treasures, it's not exactly decor I would want to live with 24/7 but I sure would love a weekend visit - without the herd of cats!

Click to read more ...

Ode to an English kitchen

How do I love an English kitchen? Let me count the ways. I'm not talking shiny two pack with glittery stone tops and multicoloured mood lighting. I'm smitten by solid wood cabinets, fitted or preferably not, rich colours, scrubbed pine table tops and larders. It's traditional with a twist and I'm in love. Here are some of my favourites from Plain English.

Click to read more ...

Flinders House

A fresh take on a traditional look by Melbourne-based interior designer Adelaide Bragg. This weekender has been given new life with a kitchen and bathroom remodel while a master suite on the first floor provides an adults' retreat within the retreat. A colour palette of blues, whites and neutrals are an extension of the ocean and golf course views.

Click to read more ...

A Victorian period home in London

It isn't often that a home is so beautiful it practically has me in tears. This is one of those homes. This very large, 4 story Victorian home in London has been furnished with junk shop, auction and eBay finds. The kind of finds you can't find anywhere around the Ottawa area, and the kind I imagine salivating over if I ever have the opportunity to visit London, or Paris, or any other city with unimaginably fantastic flea markets. Welcome to my dream home, courtesy of the one and only, Shoot Factory. 

Click to read more ...