Out of Africa

So here we are again back at one of my favorite topics, and in a location that I would love to visit. This home, in South Africa, is a perfect example of how historic/old and contemporary/modern can coexist, in a recipe that creates something very magical. The base of the house, and its six over six windows provide a fantastic foundation for the second story’s casement windows and swerving balcony. The chairs in the foreground also add a nice touch … 
Along the backside of the house, you can also see the owner’s love of both rustic and modern interiors. The sliding glass doors, while being far from single pane, echo his modern aesthetic and love of light – but the chairs on the interior are more overtly contemporary. 
The dining room could honestly be in a million older homes anywhere, but again the farm table and vintage cabinetry, set against the pink backdrop with lucite chairs continues the overall theme of this African abode. 
The pool’s curvy shape repeats that of the deck above, and provides a secret tropical paradise. 
This kitchen says old farmhouse in the country … 
And one would probably never think that it was in this light-box of a house in South Africa. This house is yet another example of the perfect marriage between opposites. See, opposites do attract … especially in architecture and interiors! 


Photos courtesy of Marie Claire Maison

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HC&G R&R

What a week! Sorry I left you all for a few days last week, but WWB and I moved out of our apartment  on the 4th of July. And when I say “we moved out” I mean that WE moved out. U-Haul, WWB and me lifting boxes, lots of sweating and yelling. We drove the U-Haul to Long Island to drop some stuff out here, and then we are driving down to Charleston tomorrow. I will give you all the photo montage of the last week tomorrow, but for today some pictures I enjoyed looking at from Hamptons Cottages & Gardens in the few moments of relaxation that I had this weekend. Enjoy! 

Photos courtesy of Hamptons Cottages & Gardens

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Sailing Away

Remember last year, when I moved back from Philadelphia into WWB’s apartment and had to gender neutralize the bedroom? I posted about my concept in a post from last May called Going Green here. Well I realized my concept and added green accents to the otherwise masculine bedroom, and now we’re moving. I love what I did with this room, and I wish that there was a way to take it with me. 
Here is a quick little shot I took of my side of the bed this morning. Sheets are Pottery Barn, Headboard is Ballard Designs, Bed Skirt is Pine Cone Hill, and Euro is Serena and Lily. So how do I bring this feeling with me when I go? – My friend Jen has supplied me with the answer …
How chic is this little tunic dress? Jen has just started a new lifestyle brand called Sail to Sable, and I’m in love. Her brand includes table linens, pillows, and these amazing tunics. I mean would you ever take this tunic off? Perfect for summer! You know those blog posts where people turn outfits into rooms, well in this case Jen has made it possible for me to turn my room into an outfit! The tunic is a perfect combination of navy and lime, that tried and true combination that we all love, and that worked so well for WWB and me. 
Perhaps I can find a place in Charleston for this adorable little pillow, to really feel as though I have brought a piece of our NYC bedroom with me. Please go check out www.sailtosable.com for more of these wonderful pieces of Jen’s collection. Oh and guess what? My bedroom-in-an-outfit tunic dress is 25% when you put in the code JULY4 at checkout! Enjoy! 

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